Deep Plane Face & Neck Lift

What is a deep plane facelift?

The deep plane technique works beneath the SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) layer, releasing the facial ligaments that anchor the deeper tissues of the face. Because the lift is achieved by repositioning these deeper structures rather than simply pulling the skin, the result is a tension-free lift. The technique is generally ideal for patients in their 40s to 60s.

For men specifically, the deep plane approach preserves a strong, masculine jawline and neck profile without feminizing the features or creating an artificially "pulled" look.

What results can you expect?

• Long-lasting results — results from a deep plane facelift typically last 10–15 years.
• Better scar healing — incision scars become invisible within about a year.
• Quick visible improvements — patients begin to see visible improvement from around the 1-month mark.
• Complete transformation — a fuller sense of the transformation is best appreciated through real before-and-after results from the gallery.

Understanding the costs & investment

Facelift surgery in Istanbul with Dr. Havva Duru İpek is typically 50–70% lower in cost than equivalent surgery in London, Paris, or New York, while maintaining fully transparent pricing that covers the surgeon's fee, anaesthesia, hospital charges, and follow-up care.

The deep plane technique costs more than some other facelift approaches for three main reasons:

• Advanced surgical skill — the technique demands a higher level of surgical expertise than more superficial approaches.
• Longer operating time — releasing the facial ligaments and working beneath the SMAS layer takes more time in surgery.
• Longer-lasting results — the 10–15 year longevity of results reflects the depth and durability of the technique.

Who is a good candidate?

The deep plane technique is generally ideal for patients in their 40s to 60s seeking a tension-free, natural-looking lift rather than a more superficial approach. For men specifically, the technique preserves a strong, masculine jawline and neck profile without feminizing the features or creating an artificially "pulled" look.

Where your care takes place

Care is delivered across two locations:

Personal Care & Follow-Up — at the Nişantaşı clinic: - Initial consultation and surgical planning - Pre-operative preparation - Post-operative follow-up appointments - Ongoing personal contact with the clinical team - Aftercare guidance throughout recovery

Surgical Care — at an A-plus accredited hospital: - The surgical procedure itself - Full hospital-grade safety and monitoring standards - Access to a complete surgical and anaesthesia team - Post-operative hospital recovery care

This two-location approach matters because it separates the personal, consultative relationship you build with your surgeon at the clinic from the strict safety and accreditation standards of a full hospital environment for the operation itself — giving you the benefit of both.

Recovery & results

• Healing timeline — most patients need around 2–3 weeks before returning to social activities.
• Visible progress — visible improvements begin from around the 1-month mark.
• Final results — full results continue to develop over 6–12 months.
• Scar healing — incision scars become invisible within about a year.
• Follow-up care — post-operative follow-up takes place at the Nişantaşı clinic, with ongoing personal contact with the clinical team.

Avoiding complications

Choosing a surgeon with specific, repeated experience in the deep plane technique — rather than a more superficial SMAS approach — is central to minimising risk and achieving a natural, tension-free result.

How it compares to other techniques

The deep plane technique is often compared with a SMAS facelift and with a traditional facelift. A SMAS facelift works more superficially than the deep plane approach. A traditional facelift relies more directly on pulling the skin for tension, which can carry a higher risk of an "operated" appearance over time. The deep plane technique, by contrast, works beneath the SMAS layer and releases the facial ligaments, allowing for a tension-free lift with a more natural result.

Frequently asked questions