What Is a Deep Plane Facelift?

By Dr Scott J Turner, Specialist Plastic Surgeon | Sydney & Brisbane

A deep plane facelift represents an advanced surgical approach to facial ageing that addresses the underlying structural causes of facial descent rather than simply tightening surface skin. This technique has gained recognition among specialist plastic surgeons for its ability to produce natural-appearing, enduring outcomes by working with the deeper anatomical layers of the face.

Dr Scott J Turner, Specialist Plastic Surgeon (FRACS) in Sydney and Brisbane, performs deep plane facelift surgery for patients experiencing moderate to significant facial ageing who seek comprehensive structural correction.

Understanding How a Deep Plane Facelift Works

The deep plane facelift differs fundamentally from earlier facelift methods in its surgical approach. Rather than separating the skin from underlying tissues and pulling it tighter—which characterised older techniques—this procedure elevates the skin, fat layer, and SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) together as a unified composite structure.

The SMAS is a fibrous muscular layer that forms the structural foundation of the face. During the ageing process, this layer descends due to gravity and weakening of the fibrous connections that anchor facial tissues to the underlying bone. Strong bands called retaining ligaments—located at the cheekbone, along the jaw, and throughout the midface—hold certain areas in place while surrounding tissues fall. This creates the characteristic signs of facial ageing: deepening folds from nose to mouth, jowl formation along the jawline, and loss of cheek projection.

In deep plane surgery, the surgeon enters a natural tissue plane beneath the SMAS and carefully releases these retaining ligaments. Once freed from their fixed anchoring points, the descended facial structures can be repositioned vertically—counteracting the downward pull of gravity. Because the skin remains attached to the underlying muscle layer throughout this process, blood supply is maintained, which supports healthy healing.

The repositioned tissues are secured to stable anatomical structures using permanent sutures. The skin then redrapes naturally over the new facial contour without bearing the tension of the lift itself. This absence of skin tension distinguishes deep plane results from older methods that relied on pulling the skin tight, and is specifically designed to avoid the “done” or unnatural appearance sometimes associated with facelift surgery. Patients typically appear refreshed and rested rather than surgically altered.

Deep Plane Facelift vs SMAS Facelift – Which Is Better for Me?

Understanding the distinction between deep plane and traditional SMAS facelift techniques helps patients make informed decisions about their surgical options.

Surgical Approach

A traditional SMAS facelift works on or just above the muscular layer. The surgeon may fold, plicate, or partially remove a section of SMAS to create tightening, but the procedure does not release the deep ligaments that tether facial tissues. The skin is then separated and redraped independently.

In contrast, deep plane surgery dissects beneath the SMAS layer, formally releasing the zygomatic, masseteric, and mandibular ligaments. This allows the entire facial structure—skin, fat, and muscle together—to move as one unit.

Areas Addressed

Traditional SMAS methods effectively improve the lower face and neck, addressing jowls, jawline definition, and neck laxity. However, they provide limited correction of midface descent because the zygomatic ligaments remain intact, preventing significant upward movement of the cheek tissues.

Deep plane facelift achieves substantial improvement throughout the midface and cheek region in addition to the lower face and neck. By releasing the ligaments that hold the midface in place, the descended cheek fat pad can be elevated back onto the cheekbone, softening nasolabial folds and restoring facial volume where it belongs anatomically.

Appearance of Results

Both techniques can produce natural results when performed by experienced surgeons. However, because deep plane surgery does not rely on skin tension to maintain the lift, there is reduced risk of the tight, pulled appearance sometimes associated with older facelift methods. The vertical repositioning vector also avoids the lateral displacement that can create an unnatural “windswept” look. Because the lift is maintained by deeper tissues without skin tension, patients typically appear as a younger version of themselves rather than having a surgically altered appearance.

Deep plane technique also involves less tension on the skin compared to SMAS facelift, as the dissection is more limited in the superficial layers. This reduced skin tension produces scars that heal more favourably and become difficult to detect once fully matured.

Expected Duration of Results

Published surgical literature generally indicates that SMAS facelift results may last approximately 7 to 10 years, while deep plane results are commonly quoted at 10 to 15 years. This difference reflects the more substantial structural repositioning achieved with the deep plane technique—the relocated tissues maintain their position longer because they are secured as a complete unit rather than relying on superficial fixation.

How Is the Deep Plane Facelift Procedure Performed?

Deep plane facelift surgery is performed under general anaesthesia in a fully accredited hospital facility. The procedure typically requires 6 to 6 hours, depending on complexity, with an overnight hospital stay for optimal post-operative monitoring.

Incisions are strategically positioned within natural contours—beginning in the temporal hairline, continuing around the ear, and extending into the posterior hairline—to minimise visible scarring. Through these incisions, the surgeon elevates the skin and SMAS together as a composite unit, releases the retaining ligaments, and repositions the descended facial structures vertically. The SMAS is secured to stable deep structures using permanent sutures, while the skin redrapes naturally without tension.

Deep plane facelift is frequently combined with complementary procedures, including neck lift, facial fat transfer, blepharoplasty, brow lift, and lip lift to achieve comprehensive facial improvement. Dr Turner discusses appropriate combinations during consultation based on your individual assessment.

Learn more about how Dr Turner performs a deep plane facelift.

Is a Deep Plane Facelift Safe? Risks and Complications

All surgical procedures carry inherent risks and complications. Understanding how these risks compare between deep plane and traditional SMAS facelift techniques helps patients make informed decisions.

Overall Complication Rates

Deep plane facelift has a higher overall complication rate compared with SMAS techniques. A 2025 meta-analysis reported approximately 17% for deep plane versus 10% for SMAS facelifts. This difference reflects the greater surgical complexity rather than indicating deep plane is unsafe—when performed by experienced surgeons, both techniques have excellent safety profiles.

Haematoma Risk

Haematoma—accumulation of blood beneath the skin—represents the most common significant facelift complication across all techniques. The risk is comparable between deep plane and SMAS facelifts, typically occurring in 2-5% of cases with modern surgical protocols. Careful blood pressure management and meticulous surgical technique minimise this risk regardless of the approach used.

Nerve Considerations

Temporary facial nerve weakness occurs more frequently with the deep plane technique due to dissection in closer proximity to nerve branches. Studies report temporary nerve issues in approximately 7% of deep plane cases compared with lower rates in SMAS procedures. However, these temporary effects typically resolve within weeks to months. Permanent nerve injury remains rare with both techniques when performed by appropriately trained surgeons.

Skin and Wound Healing

Deep plane facelift actually carries a lower risk of certain skin complications compared with traditional techniques. Because the skin remains attached to the underlying SMAS throughout dissection, blood supply is better preserved. This results in reduced risk of skin necrosis and improved wound healing. The tension-free skin closure also produces more favourable scarring compared with techniques that rely on skin tension.

Factors Affecting Risk

Certain factors increase complication risk regardless of technique: active smoking or recent tobacco use, uncontrolled high blood pressure, bleeding disorders or anticoagulant medication use, and poor general health status.

Dr Turner discusses individual risk factors during consultation, ensuring patients understand both the potential benefits and limitations of surgery before proceeding.

Deep Plane Facelift in Sydney and Brisbane

Dr Turner performs deep plane facelift surgery from clinic locations in Sydney and Brisbane, providing accessible specialist plastic surgery care for patients throughout New South Wales and Queensland. All surgical procedures are performed in fully accredited hospital facilities with qualified specialist anaesthetists, meeting the highest Australian safety standards.

Sydney Clinic

Dr Turner’s Sydney practice serves patients from across the greater Sydney metropolitan area and surrounding regions. The clinic offers comprehensive facelift consultations where patients receive individualised assessment and detailed surgical planning.

Brisbane Clinic

The Brisbane clinic at Herstellen Clinic in Spring Hill provides the same high standard of specialist plastic surgery care for Queensland patients. Dr Turner performs both consultations and surgery at this purpose-built facility.

Interstate and Regional Patients

Patients travelling from interstate or regional areas can arrange initial consultations to discuss their concerns and goals. Dr Turner’s practice coordinates surgical scheduling and accommodation recommendations for patients who need to travel to Sydney or Brisbane for their procedure.

How Much Does a Deep Plane Facelift Cost in Sydney and Brisbane?

The cost of deep plane facelift surgery varies based on individual factors, including surgical complexity, concurrent procedures, hospital facility fees, and anaesthetist fees. In Sydney and Brisbane, a deep plane facelift typically ranges from $35,000 to $60,000 AUD.

Several elements influence the final cost: whether a neck lift or deep neck lift is required, fat transfer for volume restoration, combination with eyelid surgery or brow lift, and the specific hospital facility selected.

Dr Turner provides detailed fee information during consultation once your individual surgical plan has been determined. This ensures transparent pricing based on your specific requirements rather than generic estimates.

For a comprehensive breakdown of pricing factors, read our Deep Plane Facelift Cost in Sydney & Brisbane: Australian Pricing Guide 2025.

Why Choose Dr Scott J Turner for Deep Plane Facelift?

Deep plane facelift is among the most technically demanding facial procedures, requiring a detailed understanding of facial anatomy, precise dissection around the facial nerve, and refined aesthetic judgement. Outcomes vary significantly with operator expertise.

In Australia, a Specialist Plastic Surgeon holding FRACS (Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons) credentials has completed a minimum of 12 years of medical and surgical training. Be aware that the term “cosmetic surgeon” does not require equivalent training—only surgeons registered as specialists with AHPRA have completed the training necessary to perform complex facial surgery safely.

Dr Scott J Turner is a Specialist Plastic Surgeon (FRACS) whose practice focuses exclusively on facial aesthetic surgery. This dedicated specialisation provides more expertise than surgeons performing procedures across the entire body—greater familiarity with facial anatomy variations, more refined technique, and better judgement regarding which approach suits each patient. Dr Turner is experienced in multiple facelift techniques, including SMAS, deep plane, and short scar, allowing him to tailor recommendations to individual anatomy.

Dr Turner personally conducts all consultations rather than delegating to patient coordinators, ensuring individualised assessment and direct communication about your surgical plan. His philosophy emphasises personalised care throughout the surgical journey, from initial consultation through post-operative recovery.

Book a Consultation in Sydney or Brisbane

If you are considering deep plane facelift surgery, Dr Scott J Turner offers comprehensive assessments at his Sydney and Brisbane clinics. As a Specialist Plastic Surgeon specialising in facial aesthetic surgery, Dr Turner can evaluate your individual concerns and recommend the most appropriate surgical approach. Consultations are available at convenient clinic locations in Sydney and Brisbane.

To arrange your consultation, please contact us or telephone 1300 437 758. Learn more about Dr Turner’s deep plane facelift procedures.