At a glance
- What is a deep plane facelift? A face and neck lift performed beneath the SMAS, the supporting layer of the face. The surgeon releases the ligaments of the cheeks and jawline, then repositions skin and SMAS together.
- How is it different from a classic facelift? A classic lift mainly tightens the skin and the surface of the SMAS. A deep plane facelift places tension on the deep tissues, which lifts the cheeks and jawline better, without a pulled look.
- Is the neck treated? Yes. The neck is lifted with the jawline, and a platysmaplasty or treatment of fat under the chin can be added.
- What is the recovery like? Swelling and bruising for 2 to 3 weeks, back to social life afterwards, final result between 6 and 12 months. Plan about 7 to 10 days in Turkey.
- How much does it cost in Turkey? Priced on quote. Our all-inclusive full facelift packages start at €3,700, including a 5-star hotel and transfers, against roughly £15,000 to £30,000 for a deep plane facelift in London.
Over the years, the cheeks descend, jowls blur the jawline and the neck loosens. A deep plane facelift repositions these structures in depth rather than simply pulling the skin, for a natural rejuvenation that lasts.
This page explains the technique, the difference with other facelifts, the role of the neck, recovery, risks and the price of a deep plane facelift in Istanbul or Izmir.
What is a deep plane facelift?
A deep plane facelift is a face and neck lift that works beneath the SMAS (superficial musculo-aponeurotic system), the layer that supports the tissues of the face. The surgeon releases the retaining ligaments that hold the cheeks and jawline, then moves the skin and the SMAS together, as a single unit.
For an overview of all techniques, see our face lift page. The face is built in layers: skin, fat, SMAS and the deep plane covering the muscles. With age, these structures descend, especially at the cheeks, jawline and neck. A classic facelift mainly tightens the skin and the surface of the SMAS. The deep plane facelift acts under this layer, where the sagging actually happens.
Tension is placed on the deep tissues, not on the skin. That is what lifts the cheeks, redefines the jawline and tightens the neck without the pulled look sometimes associated with older facelifts.
Deep plane facelift, SMAS lift or mini lift: what are the differences?
"Facelift" covers several techniques that do not work at the same depth. The right choice depends on the degree of sagging and the areas to treat.
| Technique | Plane treated | Areas treated | Degree of sagging |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mini lift | Skin and surface of the SMAS | Lower face, early jowls | Mild, often before 50 |
| Classic SMAS lift | SMAS folded or partly removed, skin lifted separately | Jawline, jowls, upper neck | Moderate |
| Deep plane facelift | Beneath the SMAS, ligaments released, skin and SMAS moved together | Cheeks, nasolabial folds, jawline, jowls and neck | Moderate to significant, with a loose neck |
The neck, an integral part of the deep plane facelift
The face and neck age together: when the cheeks descend, the jawline loses its definition and the sagging continues under the jaw. This is why the deep plane facelift usually treats the face and neck in the same operation, often called a deep plane face and neck lift.
- Platysmaplasty: the neck muscle (platysma) is tightened under the chin through a short incision. It corrects vertical neck bands.
- Fat under the chin: liposuction or direct removal refines a double chin.
- Neck angle: the angle between neck and jaw becomes sharper, which visibly rejuvenates the profile.
Who is it for?
Women and men with moderate to significant sagging of the lower and mid face, usually between 45 and 70 years old and in good health:
- jowls that blur the jawline;
- descended cheeks and deep nasolabial folds;
- a face shape that has lost its definition;
- a loose neck, with or without platysmal bands.
Smoking must be stopped several weeks before and after surgery, as it increases healing complications. A deep plane facelift does not treat fine lines or skin quality, which call for a peel or skin treatments.
How does the operation go?
- Anaesthesia: usually general.
- Duration: several hours, longer than a classic facelift because the dissection is deeper and more precise.
- Incisions: around the ear and into the hairline, plus a short incision under the chin if the neck needs a platysmaplasty.
- Afterwards: a dressing or chin strap supports the face, sometimes with small drains removed after one or two days.
It is often combined with eyelid surgery, facial fat grafting to the cheeks or temples, or a lip lift for a global rejuvenation.
Recovery and results
- First days: swelling and bruising, mainly on the cheeks and neck; tightness and reduced sensation are normal.
- After 2 to 3 weeks: most bruising has gone and social life resumes.
- Between 6 and 12 months: residual swelling disappears and the final result settles.
In Turkey, plan to stay about 7 to 10 days for post-operative check-ups. Because it repositions deep structures, the result is natural and generally long-lasting, although the face keeps ageing over time.
What are the risks?
As with any surgery, risks are explained in consultation: haematoma, more visible scars than expected, asymmetry or, more rarely, injury to a branch of the facial nerve, usually temporary. The deep plane dissection is close to these nerves, so the surgeon's experience is decisive.
How much does a deep plane facelift cost in Turkey?
The price is set on quote, depending on the areas treated, the neck work and any combined procedures. As a guide, our full facelift packages start at €3,700, and a facelift combined with eyelid surgery costs under €4,000.
| Where | Indicative price | What is included |
|---|---|---|
| Istanbul or Izmir, Aram Clinic | From €3,700 (full facelift package) | Surgery, hospital stay, 5-star hotel, transfers with driver |
| London, private clinic | Around £15,000 to £30,000 | Surgery and hospital stay, travel and hotel not included |
| Elsewhere in the UK | Around £10,000 to £20,000 | Surgery and hospital stay |
Indicative figures gathered in 2026. The Aram Clinic price is confirmed by a personalised quote.
Our surgeons for the deep plane facelift
This technique requires precise knowledge of facial anatomy. At Aram Clinic, it is performed by experienced plastic surgeons specialised in facial surgery.
Dr Mehmet Karaaltin (Istanbul)
A graduate of the Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Medicine in Istanbul, certified by the Turkish Board of Plastic Surgery and a member of EBOPRAS and ISAPS, he has more than 25 years of experience. As an ISAPS member surgeon, he provides ISAPS insurance for the cosmetic procedures he performs. Facelift and advanced facial rejuvenation are among his core areas, and he was part of the team that performed the world’s third full face transplant.
Dr Tolgahan Alpaydin (Izmir)
A graduate of Ege University (Izmir), he completed his plastic surgery residency there (1995–2001), then a microsurgery fellowship and aesthetic surgery training at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation (USA). He has directed the Izmir Aesthetic and Plastic Surgery Clinic since 2003. He performs endoscopic and deep plane facelifts with a natural anti-ageing approach, as well as eyelid surgery.
Dr Orhan Fahri Demir (Istanbul)
Trained at Gazi University (Ankara) and in plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgery at Ege University, he has practised as a plastic surgery specialist at Memorial Bahçelevler Hospital in Istanbul since 2025, with more than eight years of clinical and academic experience. Endoscopic and deep plane facelifts are part of his expertise; in 2024 he took part in a facelift congress in Azerbaijan.
Frequently asked questions
Does a deep plane facelift leave a pulled look?
No, that is one of its main benefits: the tension is on the deep tissues, not the skin.
Can it be done after a first facelift?
In many cases, yes. The surgeon assesses the tissues and scars of the first lift before proposing a technique.
Is it suitable for men?
Yes. The incisions are adapted to the male face and beard line.