A deep plane facelift, also known as a deep plane rhytidectomy, is a facial surgery procedure that may be considered for selected patients with changes in the midface, lower face, jawline and neck. It may be discussed as part of broader facial surgery, including facelift surgery or neck lift surgery where clinically appropriate. Suitability depends on anatomy, health, skin quality, recovery needs and individual risk factors.
Dr Michael Kernohan is a FRACS-qualified Specialist Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon with specialist registration in plastic surgery. He consults in Sydney, including Gregory Hills and Surry Hills, and performs surgery in accredited hospital settings where appropriate surgical, anaesthetic and post-operative care can be provided.
Deep Plane Face Lift at a Glance
A deep plane facelift is a facial surgery technique that works beneath the superficial musculoaponeurotic system, often called the SMAS. The aim is to reposition selected deeper facial tissues rather than relying only on tightening the skin. The specific surgical plan depends on the patient’s facial structure, tissue quality, neck anatomy and health factors.
Deep plane facelift surgery is usually considered when changes in the midface, lower face, jawline or neck are not suited to skin-only procedures. It may be combined with neck lift surgery in some patients, but this is not required for everyone. Dr Michael Kernohan will discuss the available options after assessing your face, neck, medical history and goals.
At a glance:
- Procedure: Deep plane facelift surgery.
- Areas assessed: Midface, lower face, jawline and neck.
- Surgeon: Dr Michael Kernohan, Specialist Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon.
- Location: Sydney, with consultations in Gregory Hills and Surry Hills.
- Anaesthesia: Often performed under general anaesthesia.
- Recovery: Varies between patients.
- Scarring: Incisions are commonly placed around the ear and hairline, depending on the surgical plan.
- Results: Individual outcomes vary and cannot be guaranteed.
- Risks: Bleeding, haematoma, infection, scarring, nerve changes, asymmetry, wound healing issues and anaesthetic risks may occur.
- Consultation: Required before suitability can be assessed.
Is Deep Plane Facelift Surgery Right For Me?
Deep plane facelift surgery may be suitable for some patients who have changes in facial soft tissue position, particularly around the midface, lower face, jawline and neck. It is not suitable for everyone, and a careful consultation is needed to assess whether this type of surgery is appropriate for your anatomy, health and expectations.
Dr Michael Kernohan will consider your medical history, previous facial surgery, previous injectables, skin quality, smoking status, medications and recovery needs. He will also discuss whether another surgical or non-surgical approach may be more appropriate. The purpose of consultation is not only to plan surgery, but also to decide whether surgery should be considered at all.
Suitability may depend on:
- Your facial and neck anatomy.
- Your general health and smoking status.
- Your skin quality and healing factors.
- Your previous facial procedures or injectables.
- Your understanding of the risks and recovery process.
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What Is A Deep Plane Facelift?
A deep plane facelift is a type of facelift surgery that works beneath the SMAS layer. The SMAS is a layer of tissue beneath the skin that is connected to deeper facial soft tissues. In a deep plane facelift, selected deeper tissues are released and repositioned as part of the surgical plan.
This differs from procedures that focus mainly on tightening the skin. The deep plane approach may be discussed for patients with changes in the midface, lower face, jawline and upper neck. It is not one standard operation performed the same way for every patient, and the technique needs to be planned around the individual.
Important points:
- A deep plane facelift works below the SMAS layer.
- It is different from skin-only tightening.
- It may involve release of selected retaining ligaments.
- It may be considered for midface and lower face changes.
- The surgical approach varies between patients.
How Is A Deep Plane Facelift Different From A SMAS Facelift?
A SMAS facelift and a deep plane facelift both involve deeper facial support structures, but they are not the same operation. In many SMAS facelift techniques, the SMAS layer is tightened, folded or repositioned. In a deep plane facelift, the surgical plane is beneath the SMAS, allowing selected deeper facial tissues to be repositioned as a connected layer.
No single facelift technique is appropriate for every patient. Some patients may be better suited to a SMAS technique, while others may be considered for a deep plane approach. Dr Michael Kernohan will assess your facial anatomy, neck changes, skin quality and medical history before discussing which options may be relevant.
Main differences include:
- SMAS facelift: usually works on or with the SMAS layer.
- Deep plane facelift: works beneath the SMAS layer.
- Both procedures require careful surgical planning.
- Both procedures carry risks.
- The appropriate technique depends on the individual patient.
Click to Download Dr Michael Kernohan’s Facelift Surgery Guide
What Changes Can A Deep Plane Facelift Help Address?
A deep plane facelift may be considered for patients with changes in facial soft tissue position. These changes may affect the midface, lower face, jawline and upper neck. The degree of change varies between patients, and the surgical plan should be based on individual anatomy rather than a standard template.
Some patients ask about deep plane facelift surgery because they notice changes around the cheeks, jawline or neck. Others may be comparing facelift techniques after reading about SMAS facelift, deep plane facelift or neck lift surgery. During consultation, Dr Michael Kernohan will assess which areas are contributing to the concern and whether surgery may be appropriate.
Deep plane facelift surgery may be discussed for:
- Midface soft tissue descent.
- Lower face laxity.
- Jawline changes.
- Deeper folds around the nose and mouth.
- Upper neck changes when assessed with the lower face.
What Can’t A Deep Plane Facelift Change?
A deep plane facelift does not treat every facial concern. It is mainly designed to address selected deeper soft tissue changes in the face and sometimes the neck. It does not replace skin treatments, eyelid surgery, brow surgery or procedures that address skin quality.
This section is important because patients should understand the limits of surgery before making a decision. Dr Michael Kernohan will explain what surgery may and may not address in your case during a consultation. In some patients, another procedure, staged treatment plan or no surgery may be more appropriate.
A deep plane facelift does not directly treat:
- Skin pigmentation or sun damage.
- Fine surface lines or general skin texture.
- Upper eyelid skin or lower eyelid bags.
- Brow position.
- All facial volume changes.
Do I Need A Neck Lift With My Deep Plane Facelift?
Some patients having deep plane facelift surgery may also be assessed for neck lift surgery. The lower face and neck are closely related, so changes in one area may affect the other. A neck lift may be discussed when there are changes under the chin, along the upper neck or in the platysma muscle.
Not every patient needs a neck lift. Some patients may need a facelift alone, while others may require a surgical plan that addresses the lower face and neck together. Dr Michael Kernohan will assess your neck anatomy, skin quality, soft tissue position and surgical goals before discussing whether neck lift surgery is relevant.
A neck lift may be discussed when there is:
- Neck soft tissue laxity.
- Platysma banding.
- Fullness beneath the chin.
- Changes between the lower face and neck.
- Neck changes that a facelift alone may not address.
What Happens During My Consultation With Dr Michael Kernohan?
Your consultation with Dr Michael Kernohan is an important step in deciding whether deep plane facelift surgery may be appropriate. Dr Kernohan will ask about your medical history, medications, allergies, previous surgery, previous injectables, smoking history and general health. He will also assess your facial structure, skin quality, soft tissue position and neck anatomy.
The consultation is also a time to discuss risks, recovery, alternatives and expected limitations. Medical photography may be taken as part of your clinical record. Dr Michael Kernohan will explain whether deep plane facelift surgery, another facelift technique, neck lift surgery or a different approach may be more suitable for your circumstances.
Your consultation may include:
- Review of your medical history and medications.
- Assessment of your face, neck and skin quality.
- Discussion of previous surgery or injectables.
- Explanation of risks, recovery and alternatives.
- Time to ask questions before deciding whether to proceed.
What Happens During Deep Plane Facelift Surgery?
Deep plane facelift surgery is usually performed in an accredited hospital or surgical facility. The operation is commonly performed under general anaesthesia, although the final anaesthetic plan depends on the patient and the procedure. Incisions are often placed around the ear and hairline, with the pattern adjusted to the patient’s anatomy and surgical plan.
During surgery, selected deeper facial tissues are released and repositioned. The skin is then redraped and the incisions are closed. Dressings may be applied, and drains may be used in some cases. The exact surgical steps vary depending on whether the neck is also being addressed and whether other procedures are included.
Surgery may involve:
- Anaesthesia and monitoring in an accredited facility.
- Incisions around the ear and hairline, depending on the plan.
- Release and repositioning of selected deeper facial tissues.
- Closure of incisions and application of dressings.
- Recovery monitoring after the operation.
Where Are The Incisions And Scars Placed?
Deep plane facelift incisions are commonly placed around the ear, behind the ear and sometimes into the hairline. The exact incision pattern depends on facial anatomy, hairline position, neck changes and the surgical plan. Dr Michael Kernohan will discuss incision placement during consultation so you understand where scars may be located.
Scars are permanent, although they usually change as they mature. Scar appearance varies between patients and can be affected by genetics, wound healing, smoking, sun exposure, infection and post-operative care. Some patients may develop raised, widened or visible scars despite careful surgical planning.
Incision and scar considerations include:
- Incisions may be placed around and behind the ear.
- Hairline placement depends on the surgical plan.
- Scars are permanent and mature over time.
- Scar quality varies between patients.
- Smoking, infection and wound healing can affect scar appearance.
What Is Recovery Like After Deep Plane Facelift Surgery?
Recovery after deep plane facelift surgery varies between patients. Swelling, bruising, tightness, numbness and discomfort may occur after surgery. The degree and duration of these symptoms depend on the surgical plan, whether the neck was treated, patient health, medications, smoking status and healing response.
You will need to follow the post-operative instructions provided by Dr Michael Kernohan’s team. These may include wound care, activity restrictions, sleeping position advice, follow-up appointments and guidance about when to return to work or exercise. Healing continues over time, and scars may continue to mature for 12 to 18 months.
Recovery may involve:
- Swelling, bruising, tightness and numbness.
- Dressings and wound care.
- Follow-up appointments with the clinical team.
- Temporary limits on lifting and exercise.
- Gradual return to daily activities as advised.
What Are The Risks Of Deep Plane Facelift Surgery?
Deep plane facelift surgery has risks. These should be discussed clearly before deciding whether to proceed. Risks can occur even when surgery is performed by a qualified surgeon and appropriate care is taken. Some risks are temporary, while others may be ongoing or require further treatment.
Complications may require medication, wound care, additional appointments, hospital care or further surgery. Dr Michael Kernohan will discuss general surgical risks as well as risks that may be more relevant to your health, anatomy and surgical plan.
Possible risks include:
- Bleeding, haematoma or infection.
- Poor wound healing, skin loss or visible scarring.
- Numbness, nerve injury or facial weakness.
- Asymmetry, prolonged swelling or pain.
- Anaesthetic risks, unsatisfactory outcome or need for further surgery.
What Results Can I Realistically Expect?
Outcomes after deep plane facelift surgery vary between patients. Factors such as facial anatomy, age, skin quality, smoking status, medical history, healing response and surgical plan can all affect the result. Ageing also continues after surgery, so no result should be considered permanent or guaranteed.
Dr Michael Kernohan will discuss what may be achievable in your case after assessing your face and neck. It is important to have realistic expectations and to understand that surgery has limits. Some patients may need additional or staged procedures, while others may be advised that surgery is not appropriate.
Outcome factors include:
- Facial and neck anatomy.
- Skin quality and healing response.
- Smoking status and medical history.
- Previous surgery or injectables.
- Post-operative care and ongoing ageing.
Facelift Before and After Photos
Disclaimer: All surgical or invasive procedures come with inherent risks, and results can vary widely between individuals due to factors like lifestyle, anatomy, overall health, weight, and nutrition. We encourage you to conduct thorough research and consider seeking a second opinion from a qualified healthcare provider.
Before and after images may be useful for understanding the type of changes that can occur after facial surgery. They should not be used as a prediction of your own result. Each patient has different anatomy, tissue quality, healing and surgical planning needs.
If before and after images are shown, they should be presented responsibly and with patient consent. AHPRA provides visual examples and guidance to help cosmetic surgery advertising avoid misleading expectations, including care around the way before and after images are used.
Deep Plane Facelift Surgery FAQs
How Much Does Deep Plane Facelift Surgery Cost?
The cost of deep plane facelift surgery varies because each surgical plan is different. Fees may depend on the extent of surgery, whether neck lift surgery is included, anaesthetic requirements, hospital fees and post-operative care needs. A written quote can only be provided after consultation and assessment.
Patients should be cautious about making decisions based only on price. Deep plane facelift surgery is invasive and should be planned around suitability, risks, recovery and the qualifications of the treating surgeon. Dr Michael Kernohan’s team can provide information about fees after your consultation and surgical plan have been discussed.
Fee considerations may include:
- Surgeon, anaesthetist and hospital fees.
- Whether neck lift surgery is included.
- Complexity of the surgical plan.
- Post-operative care requirements.
- Written quote after consultation.
Further Reading
- Read Dr Kernohan’s Procedure page on Facelift Surgery
- Read Dr Kernohan’s Procedure page on Partial Facelift Surgery
- Read Dr Kernohan’s Procedure page on Partial Neck Lift Surgery
- Read Dr Kernohan’s Page on Plastic Surgery Sydney Prices
- Read Dr Kernohan’s Page on Recovery After Cosmetic And Plastic Surgery
How Do I Book A Consultation With Dr Michael Kernohan?
To discuss whether deep plane facelift surgery may be appropriate for you, you can arrange a consultation with Dr Michael Kernohan, Specialist Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon in South West Sydney. During the consultation, Dr Kernohan will assess your anatomy, medical history, facial concerns, risks and available options.
A consultation does not mean surgery will be recommended. In some cases, Dr Michael Kernohan may advise that another option is more appropriate, that further assessment is needed, or that surgery is not suitable. The decision to proceed should be made only after you have received clear information and had time to consider it.
- Contact Dr Michael Kernohan’s rooms.
- Arrange a consultation.
- Bring relevant medical and treatment information.
- Prepare questions before your appointment.
- Review written information carefully before deciding.