Deep Plane Facelift Surgery: Assessment, Planning and Recovery Considerations

Deep plane facelift surgery is a surgical approach that may be discussed when assessing facial tissue position, skin quality, lower facial anatomy, neck anatomy, previous surgery, medical history, and suitability for surgery.

The suitability of a deep plane facelift varies between individuals. A consultation and examination are required to assess anatomy, medications, smoking or vaping history, healing factors, anaesthetic considerations, recovery needs, and the reasons a person is seeking information about surgery.

This article provides general information about deep plane facelift surgery. It is not a substitute for personalised medical advice.

What is a deep plane facelift?

A deep plane facelift is a surgical approach that involves dissection beneath the superficial musculoaponeurotic system, often referred to as the SMAS layer. The procedure may involve release of selected retaining ligaments so that deeper facial tissues can be repositioned.

This does not mean the procedure is suitable for every patient. It also does not mean that the outcome, recovery, scar visibility, or complication risk can be predicted from the technique alone. The appropriate surgical approach depends on individual assessment.

No specific outcome can be predicted from the procedure name alone.

Why an assessment is required

Facial tissue position, skin quality, bone structure, fat distribution, previous surgery, scarring, and healing characteristics vary between patients. These factors can affect whether surgery is appropriate and which surgical approach may be discussed.

A consultation may include assessment of the midface, lower face, neck, hairline, skin quality, facial nerve function, medical history, medications, and previous procedures.

Some patients may be assessed as unsuitable for surgery, or may be advised that no procedure is recommended. Non-surgical options or the option of not proceeding should also be discussed where relevant.

How deep plane facelift surgery differs from other facelift approaches

Different facelift techniques involve different anatomical planes and surgical steps. In some facelift approaches, the surgical plan may focus on the skin, the SMAS layer, or both. In a deep plane facelift, the dissection is performed beneath the SMAS layer and may involve deeper retaining structures.

No facelift technique should be described as generally superior for all patients. The appropriate approach depends on individual anatomy, health status, previous surgery, tissue position, recovery considerations, and clinical suitability.

Patients should discuss the risks, limitations, alternatives, and likely recovery process for any technique being considered.

Surgical planning factors

Surgical planning may include assessment of:

• facial anatomy and tissue position
• skin quality and elasticity
• lower face and neck anatomy
• hairline position and incision planning
• previous facial surgery or scarring
• medical history and medications
• smoking or vaping history
• healing factors
• anaesthetic considerations
• recovery needs and available support after surgery
• the patient’s reasons for seeking information about surgery

The surgical plan should be based on individual assessment and should not imply a standard or guaranteed outcome.

Recovery after deep plane facelift surgery

Recovery after facelift surgery varies between individuals. Swelling, bruising, tightness, discomfort, altered sensation, temporary changes around incision sites, and activity restrictions may occur.

The time required to return to work, exercise, driving, and usual activities depends on the extent of surgery, whether other procedures are combined, individual healing, and the treating practitioner’s post-operative advice.

Some patients may require longer recovery than expected. Follow-up appointments are important so that healing, incision sites, facial nerve function, sensation, and any concerns can be assessed.

Patients should not rely on general recovery timelines alone. Personalised recovery advice should be provided during consultation and after surgery.

Scarring and incision planning

Deep plane facelift surgery involves incisions, and scars are an expected part of surgery. Incision placement depends on the surgical plan and the patient’s anatomy. Incisions may be placed around the ear, within or near the hairline, or in other locations depending on the procedure.

Scar appearance varies between individuals and may be affected by skin type, genetics, wound healing, smoking or vaping, infection, tension on the wound, and post-operative care.

No practitioner can guarantee how a scar will heal or how visible it will be over time.

Risks of deep plane facelift surgery

All surgery has risks. Risks of facelift surgery may include, but are not limited to:

• bleeding or haematoma
• infection
• scarring
• delayed wound healing
• pain or discomfort
• bruising and swelling
• altered sensation or numbness
• facial nerve injury
• asymmetry
• hairline or skin changes near incision sites
• skin loss or wound breakdown
• changes in ear or hairline position
• contour irregularity
• anaesthetic complications
• dissatisfaction with the outcome
• need for revision surgery

Rare but serious complications can occur. Personal risk factors should be discussed with the treating practitioner before deciding whether to proceed.

Suitability and decision-making

A consultation is required to assess whether deep plane facelift surgery is appropriate. The consultation should include discussion of the patient’s reasons for seeking information about surgery, medical history, risks, recovery, alternatives, costs, and the option of not proceeding with surgery.

Surgery should not be presented as a way to achieve a particular social, emotional, or psychological outcome. Individual experiences vary, and surgery may not address broader concerns about appearance, self-image, confidence, relationships, work, or wellbeing.

Patients should have adequate time to consider the information provided before deciding whether to proceed.

Consultation and further information

A consultation with Dr Adam Honeybrook can be used to discuss deep plane facelift surgery, available surgical options, risks, recovery, alternatives, and whether surgery is suitable for your circumstances.

Dr Adam Honeybrook is a registered medical practitioner with specialist registration in Surgery – Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery. Registration number: MED0001602935.

To contact the practice, call:

New patients: 07 3485 0596
Existing patients: 07 3488 8118

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