An advanced rejuvenation that repositions the deeper supporting tissues of the face — not just the skin. The aim isn’t a stretched or pulled look; it’s to restore the facial tissues to a more natural, anatomically balanced position.
A deep plane facelift works beneath the superficial skin layer. Instead of relying on skin tension, it repositions the deeper facial support structures — including the SMAS layer and descended soft tissues. As the face ages it’s not only the skin that changes: the deeper tissues, fat pads, cheeks, jawline and neck support can move downward, causing midface sagging, jowls, deep folds around the mouth and looseness in the neck.
The SMAS — the superficial musculoaponeurotic system — is an important support layer under the skin; in ageing it and the surrounding fat pads descend, creating heaviness in the cheeks, jowls and lower face. By releasing and repositioning these deeper tissues rather than pulling only the skin, the result can look more natural and less operated.
In more traditional approaches, the effect can be limited mainly to skin tightening if the deeper tissues aren’t adequately addressed — and when the skin is pulled too much, the face can look tight, flat or unnatural. A deep plane facelift focuses on the deeper layers, lifting the tissues that moved downward with age and returning them to a more natural position.
This can improve the cheeks, jawline and neck more comprehensively: instead of stretching skin, the deeper structures are repositioned and the skin is closed with less tension — one reason deep plane is associated with natural-looking rejuvenation. It isn’t right for everyone, though; the method is chosen by anatomy, skin quality and the degree of sagging.
Lifts the descended deeper tissues, not just the surface.
Skin is closed without stretching — so it doesn’t look pulled.
The best method depends on anatomy, skin quality and sagging.
Facial ageing isn’t only about wrinkles — it’s about changes in volume, tissue position and support. Over time the midface descends, the cheeks lose their youthful contour, the jawline becomes less defined and the neck looks looser. If only the skin is tightened, these deeper changes may not be fully corrected: the skin looks smoother for a while, but the underlying structure can still appear heavy.
A deep plane facelift addresses the deeper support system, repositioning descended tissues for a more complete, balanced rejuvenation. The goal isn’t a different face — it’s a more rested, lifted and naturally refreshed one.
Ageing changes tissue position and facial support, not only the surface.
The midface, cheeks, jawline and neck all shift over time.
Repositioning descended tissues balances the whole face.
Deep plane facelift can improve several areas of the face and neck, depending on your anatomy and plan — and it’s often preferred when ageing affects the midface, lower face and neck together. Each person ages differently, so personalised evaluation is essential.
It may suit patients with visible sagging in the cheeks, jowls, jawline or neck — or who’ve lost natural facial support and want a comprehensive but natural-looking rejuvenation. The decision isn’t based on age alone: some show sagging earlier through genetics, skin quality, weight changes or lifestyle, while others may not need surgery even later.
Planning begins with a detailed facial analysis — the cheeks, jawline, jowls, neck, skin quality, facial volume and natural expression evaluated together. The surgeon needs to understand where the tissues have descended and how they should be repositioned; the aim isn’t simply to pull the face upward, but to restore the tissues in a way that respects your natural anatomy. Because it works in deeper anatomical layers, deep plane facelift requires advanced surgical experience, careful patient selection and precise planning.
Deep plane facelift accesses the deeper tissue layers of the face, with the plan designed around your anatomy and ageing pattern. The SMAS layer and descended soft tissues are released and repositioned to lift the midface, improve the jawline and support the neck — then the skin is adjusted without excessive tension, with incisions planned around natural contours near the hairline and ear.
The SMAS and descended soft tissues, not just the skin surface.
Tissues moved back toward their more youthful position.
The key to avoiding a tight or pulled appearance.
The face and neck shouldn’t be evaluated separately — in many patients, sagging in the lower face is connected to changes in the neck and jawline. A deep plane facelift may be combined with neck lift techniques when the neck also needs correction, improving the chin–neck angle, reducing jowls and smoothing the lower-face contour.
Recovery varies with your anatomy, the extent of surgery and any additional procedures. Swelling, bruising, tightness and sensitivity are expected early, and the face may look swollen or tighter than expected at first — part of normal healing. The first week is the most sensitive: rest, keep the head elevated, avoid pressure on the face and follow the instructions; a supportive dressing may be used.
Swelling and bruising are most visible. The face may feel tight, sensitive or heavy.
Swelling begins to decrease and many people start to look more comfortable socially, though healing continues.
The face begins to look more natural — the jawline, cheeks and neck contour become clearer as tissues settle.
Subtle swelling and tissue changes can continue for some months; the result becomes more refined as healing progresses.
The purpose isn’t a different face — it’s to reposition descended tissues and restore a younger, more natural contour. A successful result shouldn’t look stretched, tight or artificial; the face looks fresher and more rested, but still belongs to the same person.
Realistic expectations matter: a deep plane facelift gives meaningful rejuvenation, but it doesn’t stop ageing — the face continues to age naturally afterwards.
Both deep plane and SMAS techniques can give effective, long-lasting results in suitable patients — the difference is how the deeper tissues are approached and repositioned.
Lifts and tightens the SMAS layer.
Works in a deeper plane, repositioning the SMAS together with deeper soft tissues — often for more comprehensive midface, jawline and neck rejuvenation.
There’s no single price — it’s personalised to your anatomy and plan, including whether neck rejuvenation is combined. The quickest way to a real, all-inclusive figure is to send a few clear photos for a free assessment.
A few clear photos of the face and neck help the team give you a real, all-inclusive quote:
No deposit, no obligation. Your photos are used only to assess your case.
A personalised quote is built around your plan — not bundled into a fixed package.
Hotel, flights and airport transfer can be arranged separately, on request.
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"I'm now past the first month after my operation and already have exactly the nose I wanted. Even though it's still slightly swollen, it suits my face beautifully. People can't believe I had surgery — it looks incredibly natural. Everyone at the clinic was attentive and so helpful. I'm very happy."
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"Thank you so much to Dr. Nuran and her team. I was very anxious before surgery, but I'm so grateful they showed me there was nothing to fear. Afterwards I had no pain and nothing that disrupted my daily life. It hasn't even been a month, and my nose already looks just the way I wanted. My advice to anxious patients like me: you can trust Dr. Nuran with your eyes closed."
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"Dr. Nuran performed my husband's nose surgery a month ago. Between her surgical skill and her warm manner, she made us feel incredibly relaxed and safe. She and her team answered every question and message as quickly as possible, which made us very happy. Thank you again."
Dr. Nuran Kalekoğlu ENT Specialist | Rhinoplasty & Facial Aesthetic Surgeon plans deep plane facelift with attention to facial anatomy, natural expression and long-term balance — focusing on repositioning the deeper tissues rather than simply tightening the skin. The goal isn’t to stretch the face; it’s to move the deep support structures back to a more natural position for a younger, refreshed and still recognisably personal appearance.
Each patient is evaluated individually — skin quality, facial volume, degree of sagging, jawline structure, neck condition and expectations all considered before deciding whether deep plane facelift is the right approach. A natural facelift result shouldn’t make people notice the surgery; it should make the face look rested, balanced and naturally younger.
The deep support structures moved back into place, rather than pulling skin.
Surgery in deeper layers, planned with careful selection and precision.
Rested, balanced and naturally younger — never a different face.
ENT & Rhinoplasty Surgeon · İstanbul
Dr. Nuran Kalekoğlu ENT Specialist | Rhinoplasty & Facial Aesthetic Surgeon completed her specialty training in Otorhinolaryngology (ENT) and Head & Neck Surgery at İstanbul University Cerrahpaşa — one of Türkiye’s most respected surgical programmes. With nearly 30 years of experience, she plans the shape and the breathing of every nose together, never one at the expense of the other.
A deep plane facelift is a facial rejuvenation surgery that repositions the deeper facial support tissues rather than tightening only the skin. It aims to create a natural and balanced lifting effect.
It may be more suitable for some patients, especially when deeper tissue sagging is present. However, the best technique depends on facial anatomy, skin quality and the degree of ageing.
The goal of deep plane facelift is a natural-looking result. Since the deeper tissues are repositioned instead of pulling only the skin, the face can look refreshed without a tight appearance.
It can improve the cheeks, jawline, jowls and neck area depending on the surgical plan. In suitable patients, it can provide more comprehensive facial rejuvenation.
Early recovery usually improves within the first weeks, but swelling and tissue settling continue gradually. Final refinement may take several months.
No. Not every patient needs deep plane facelift. The right technique should be chosen after a detailed evaluation of facial anatomy, skin quality and tissue sagging.
There is no single price — it is personalised to your anatomy and plan, including whether neck rejuvenation is combined. The fastest way to an all-inclusive figure is to send a few clear photos for a free assessment.
We recommend an average stay of around 7–10 days, covering the examination, surgery, early recovery and a check-up before you travel home.
Send a few photos and Dr. Nuran will tell you honestly whether a deep plane facelift — alone or with neck rejuvenation — is the right approach for your face. One working day, no obligation.