Deep Plane Facelift

A deep plane facelift is an advanced form of facial rejuvenation surgery that lifts the deeper tissues of the face, including the SMAS layer, skin and facial fat, as a single composite unit. A traditional SMAS facelift, by comparison, separates the skin from the deeper layer and lifts each independently. The defining difference lies in the release of the retaining ligaments that anchor the midface. By freeing these ligaments, the deep plane technique repositions the cheek, jawline and neck in one natural movement, without placing the skin under tension. The outcome is a more natural appearance, meaningful correction of the midface and nasolabial area, and a result that typically endures for ten to fifteen years. At Avoca Clinic, deep plane facelifts are performed by fellowship trained consultant plastic surgeons in Dublin and Belfast.

The cost of a deep plane facelift at Avoca Clinic begins from €18,000, with the final fee determined by the complexity of your procedure, the surgeon’s time and whether it is combined with a neck lift, eyelid surgery or fat transfer. Every quotation is prepared individually following consultation and includes surgical, anaesthetic, facility and aftercare costs, along with all scheduled review appointments within the first year. A full written quotation is provided before any commitment is made, and tailored finance options are available through our patient liaison team.

The deep plane facelift is the longest enduring form of facial rejuvenation surgery available today. Most patients retain meaningful correction for ten to fifteen years, and often longer. Because the technique repositions the deeper structural layer of the face rather than tightening the skin, the foundation of the result remains stable over time. The skin itself will continue to age naturally beyond surgery, yet the underlying refinement endures well beyond what a traditional SMAS facelift or non surgical treatment can achieve.

No. The signature of an operated appearance is skin held under tension. Because the deep plane technique works beneath the skin and repositions the deeper connective tissue layer, the skin is redraped softly and entirely without strain. The cheek, jawline and neck are returned to a more youthful position in one natural movement, rather than pulled towards the ear. At Avoca Clinic, every patient is assessed specifically for how a deep plane facelift will preserve their individual facial character, ensuring the result is a natural realignment of the features they already have.

The deep plane facelift is best suited to patients experiencing visible descent of the midface, softening of the jawline, early neck laxity or deepening nasolabial folds. Most are between forty five and seventy, although suitability is guided by facial anatomy and tissue quality rather than age alone. The procedure is generally considered once changes have progressed beyond what fillers, radiofrequency or thread lifts can meaningfully address. At Avoca Clinic, candidacy is determined at consultation through detailed facial analysis, medical history review and an honest discussion of expectations.

Recovery from a deep plane facelift is typically described as tightness, pressure and numbness rather than sharp pain. Any discomfort is well managed with prescribed medication. Bruising and swelling peak around day three and settle across the first two weeks. Most patients return to light daily activity within seven to ten days, and by the end of the third week feel comfortable in social and professional settings. Subtle refinement continues across the following nine to twelve months as the deeper tissues settle fully into their new position.

The incisions for a deep plane facelift are placed discreetly within the hairline at the temple, follow the natural contour inside the tragus of the ear, and finish behind the ear within the hairline. Because the closure carries no tension on the skin, the scars settle into a fine, pale line that is rarely noticeable at conversational distance. Careful scar management in the months following surgery, along with the tailored aftercare programme at Avoca Clinic, ensures the incisions heal as inconspicuously as possible.

Yes. A deep plane facelift is frequently performed alongside a neck lift, which is almost always carried out in the same operative setting. Upper or lower blepharoplasty, a brow lift, fat transfer or skin resurfacing may also be considered concurrently where appropriate, allowing facial rejuvenation to be addressed in a single surgical episode. Your consultant surgeon at Avoca Clinic will advise on what can safely be combined, based on your anatomy, general health and desired outcome.

As with any major surgery, a deep plane facelift carries risk. These include bleeding, haematoma, infection, unfavourable scarring, asymmetry and, in rare cases, temporary or permanent nerve weakness. The deep plane technique is technically more demanding than conventional facelift surgery, and outcomes depend considerably on the experience of the operating surgeon. At Avoca Clinic, all deep plane procedures are performed exclusively by fellowship trained consultant plastic surgeons, and every risk is discussed in full at consultation in the context of your individual health and circumstances.

All deep plane facelifts at Avoca Clinic are performed by fellowship trained consultant plastic surgeons with dedicated expertise in facial aesthetic surgery. Our lead consultant in this area is Dr. Yassir Eltahir, a senior plastic surgeon whose practice has focused on facial rejuvenation and reconstructive surgery for over two decades. Every patient is seen personally from consultation through to final follow up, with procedures carried out at our accredited surgical facility in Dublin and Belfast. Our clinical team is trained specifically in the deep plane technique and supports each patient throughout their recovery.