By Dr Scott J Turner, Specialist Plastic Surgeon | Sydney & Brisbane
“How long will my results last?” It’s one of the first questions patients ask when considering a deep plane facelift—and it’s an important one. Understanding what to expect helps you weigh the investment against your goals and make a decision that feels right for you.
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What You Can Realistically Expect
A well-performed deep plane facelift typically provides visible improvement for 10 to 15 years, with some patients maintaining excellent results even longer. This significantly outlasts other facelift approaches, which is why I recommend this technique for patients seeking substantial, lasting change.
The reason for this longevity comes down to what the surgery actually does. Rather than simply tightening skin—which inevitably stretches again over time—the deep plane technique repositions the underlying muscle and fascial structures that form the foundation of your facial appearance.
That said, I always tell patients that no surgery stops the clock entirely. You will continue to age after your procedure, but you’ll be ageing from a more favourable starting point. Think of it as resetting the timeline rather than freezing it.
Why Deep Plane Results Last Longer
The durability of deep plane facelift results comes down to what we’re actually doing during surgery—and that requires understanding a bit about facial anatomy.
How It Differs From Traditional Techniques
Traditional facelifts rely on wide skin undermining and tightening the SMAS layer, but also depend on skin tension to maintain the lift. The problem? Skin stretches. Over time, gravity and natural tissue relaxation can cause results to fade.
For patients with moderate ageing changes in the lower face and neck, a SMAS facelift may provide appropriate correction lasting 7–10 years. However, for more significant facial descent, the deep plane approach offers distinct advantages.
The deep plane technique works beneath the SMAS, releasing the ligaments that tether facial tissues to bone. This allows me to reposition the entire facial structure as one cohesive unit—skin, fat, and muscle moving together—rather than pulling separate layers in different directions.
The Technical Advantages
Minimal skin tension – Because the deeper structures carry the lift, the skin drapes naturally without being pulled tight. This promotes better scar healing and means the skin isn’t fighting against the repair over time.
Natural tissue movement – Repositioning everything as one unit preserves the natural relationships between facial layers. The result looks and moves naturally, avoiding the “operated” appearance that can develop when layers are separated.
Better blood supply – The deep plane dissection preserves blood flow to the skin, supporting healthy healing and maintaining skin quality long-term.
Comparing Your Options
Patients often ask me how the deep plane facelift compares to other approaches. Here’s an honest overview:
| Procedure | Typical Duration | What It Does |
| Deep Plane Facelift | 10–15+ years | Releases ligaments and repositions deep structures |
| SMAS Facelift | 7–10 years | Tightens SMAS layer with skin lifting |
| Short Scar Facelift | 5–7 years | Limited lifting through smaller incisions |
| Thread Lift | 1–3 years | Temporary suture suspension |
| Injectable Fillers | 6–24 months | Volume replacement requiring ongoing treatment |
Non-surgical options appeal to many patients because of reduced downtime and lower upfront costs. However, their temporary nature means repeated treatments to maintain results. Over a decade, the cumulative cost often approaches or exceeds surgical intervention while providing less substantial correction.
What Affects How Long Your Results Last
The 10–15 year timeframe represents a general expectation, but individual outcomes vary. During your consultation, I assess several factors that influence how long you can expect your results to remain visible.
Timing and Age
Patients in their late 40s to early 50s often experience optimal longevity because their skin retains enough elasticity to complement the structural lifting. Most deep plane facelift patients are between 45 and 65, though I’ve operated on younger patients with premature ageing and older patients in excellent health.
The right timing depends more on the extent of your facial changes than your chronological age.
Your Skin and Genetics
Thicker, more resilient skin tends to maintain results longer. Patients with thinner skin or significant sun damage may notice changes returning somewhat sooner.
Genetics also play a role—some people naturally maintain collagen better than others. While you cannot change your genetic makeup, understanding your family’s ageing patterns helps set realistic expectations.
Lifestyle Factors
Your daily habits play a bigger role than many patients realise.
Sun exposure is perhaps the most important factor you can control. UV radiation breaks down collagen and elastin, progressively undermining surgical results. Consistent SPF 50+ sunscreen, protective clothing, and avoiding peak sun hours can substantially extend the life of your facelift.
Smoking profoundly accelerates skin ageing by constricting blood vessels and impairing collagen production. Patients who smoke see their results fade considerably faster—it’s one of the clearest predictors I see. For optimal outcomes, I require smoking cessation well before surgery.
Diet and hydration support skin health. Antioxidant-rich foods, adequate protein, and proper hydration provide the building blocks for ongoing collagen maintenance.
Weight stability matters for facial contours. Significant fluctuations affect facial fat distribution and can compromise results. For patients who have lost facial volume, facial fat grafting may complement facelift surgery.
Sleep and stress management influence cellular repair. Chronic stress elevates cortisol, which accelerates collagen breakdown.
Looking After Your Results
While the deep plane facelift provides substantial structural improvement, ongoing care helps preserve and extend what we’ve achieved together.
Skincare Essentials
A consistent skincare routine supports long-term skin quality. The fundamentals include gentle cleansing, appropriate moisturisation, and—most importantly—daily sun protection. As healing progresses, I may recommend adding retinoids, vitamin C, or other active ingredients to support collagen production.
Complementary Treatments
Non-surgical treatments can extend surgical results as you continue to age naturally. Cosmetic injections address forehead and crow’s feet lines that facelift surgery doesn’t correct and replenish volume that diminishes over time. Laser treatments and skin resurfacing improve texture and stimulate collagen.
Many patients also consider upper blepharoplasty or lower blepharoplasty to address eyelid concerns, which facelift surgery doesn’t treat.
Healthy Habits
The lifestyle factors I mentioned earlier—sun protection, not smoking, good nutrition, stable weight, quality sleep—represent ongoing investments in preserving your results. Patients who embrace these practices consistently maintain their outcomes longer.
Is a Deep Plane Facelift Right for You?
Choosing facial surgery is a significant decision. Understanding longevity is one piece of the puzzle, alongside recovery requirements, potential risks, costs, and whether the procedure aligns with your goals.
A deep plane facelift offers substantial, long-lasting improvement for patients with moderate to significant facial ageing. The 10–15 year durability, combined with natural-appearing results, makes it particularly suited to those seeking meaningful, enduring change.
However, results vary based on individual factors. The consultation process exists to assess your specific anatomy, establish realistic expectations, and determine whether this approach is right for your circumstances.
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.
