Deep Plane Facelift at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Surgeon | Dr Scott J Turner, Specialist Plastic Surgeon (FRACS) |
| AHPRA registration | MED0001654827 |
| Procedure category | Sub-SMAS facelift with retaining ligament release |
| Lifting vector | Vertical, addressing the direction of gravitational descent |
| Areas treated | Midface, jowls, jawline, marionette lines, with or without neck |
| Anaesthesia | General anaesthesia in an accredited private hospital |
| Surgical time | 3.5 to 5 hours alone; 4 to 6 hours with brow lift |
| Hospital stay | 1 night |
| Return to desk work | 2 to 3 weeks |
| Final result visible | 6 to 12 months |
| Longevity | Long-lasting, with individual variation based on age, skin quality and lifestyle |
| Typical candidate age | 45 to 70 years (candidacy depends on anatomy, not chronological age) |
| Sydney clinics | Bondi Junction (39 Grosvenor Street), Manly (Suite 504, Level 5, 39 East Esplanade) |
| Surgery performed at | Bondi Junction Private Hospital, Delmar Private Hospital (Dee Why) |
| GP referral | Required (Medical Board and AHPRA requirement) |
| Medicare and private health rebate | Not applicable for cosmetic facelift surgery |
| Indicative cost | Around $35,000 all-inclusive (with neck lift) |
What is a Deep Plane Facelift?
A deep plane facelift is a structural facelift technique that works beneath the SMAS layer to release the retaining ligaments anchoring the soft tissues to the facial skeleton. Once these ligaments are released, the SMAS, malar fat pad, deep cervical fascia and overlying skin can be repositioned upward as a single composite unit, rather than as separate layers.
The distinction matters because facial ageing is a structural process. The retaining ligaments lengthen with age. The SMAS and the fat pads it carries descend vertically. A facelift technique that addresses only the SMAS layer (without releasing the ligaments beneath it) is working on the symptom rather than the cause. A deep plane technique releases the structures actually responsible for descent, then repositions them in the opposite direction to gravity.
The technique was developed and refined over several decades and is now a well-established approach for patients with moderate to significant midface descent, jowling and jawline laxity.
The Anatomy: SMAS, Deep Plane and Retaining Ligaments
Understanding the relevant anatomy helps explain why the deep plane is a distinct layer and why working within it produces different outcomes from working above it.
The SMAS (Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System) is a continuous fascial layer that runs from the platysma muscle in the neck, up through the cheek, and connects with the frontalis muscle in the forehead. It carries the facial fat compartments and is continuous with the muscles of facial expression. With age, the SMAS descends.
The deep plane is the anatomical space beneath the SMAS, above the deeper structures of the face (including the parotidomasseteric fascia and the buccal fat pad). It is the layer where the facial retaining ligaments anchor the SMAS to the underlying bone.
The retaining ligaments include the zygomatic, masseteric and mandibular ligaments. When these ligaments are released, the SMAS and overlying tissues become mobile and can be repositioned vertically.
A deep plane facelift dissects through to this sub-SMAS layer, releases the relevant ligaments, and lifts the entire composite (SMAS, fat compartments, skin) as a unit. The result is correction of midface descent, jawline definition and jowling that addresses the structural anatomy rather than the surface only.
Preservation vs Extended Deep Plane Facelift
Within the deep plane category, there are technique variations based on the extent of dissection and ligament release.
A preservation deep plane facelift uses more limited dissection. The retaining ligaments are released selectively, preserving as much native anatomy as possible. The advantage is potentially faster recovery and less swelling. The limitation is that it may not deliver enough release for patients with more advanced midface descent or jawline changes.
An extended deep plane facelift uses more extensive sub-SMAS dissection, releasing the retaining ligaments more fully and accessing the jawline and upper neck more comprehensively. Recovery is longer and swelling more pronounced, but the technique addresses more advanced ageing changes than a preservation approach.
Selection between preservation and extended deep plane is made at consultation based on the degree of ageing change, the patient’s anatomy and the recovery time they have available.
Optional Combined Procedures
A deep plane facelift is frequently combined with complementary procedures in a single operation, reducing the overall recovery time compared to staging the procedures separately.
- Upper blepharoplasty. Addresses excess upper-eyelid skin.
- Lower blepharoplasty. Addresses under-eye fat herniation and lower-eyelid skin laxity.
- Brow lift. Corrects brow descent contributing to upper-face heaviness.
- Deep neck lift. For patients with more significant structural neck concerns including platysmal banding and submental fullness.
- Facial fat grafting. Volume restoration in the midface and temples using fat harvested by liposuction. See facial fat transfer for the standalone procedure.
When ageing changes span all facial zones from brow to neck, the Vertical Restore Facelift integrates these components as a single comprehensive procedure rather than combining individual procedures during deep plane surgery.
Deep Plane Facelift vs SMAS Facelift
A SMAS facelift and a deep plane facelift differ in which anatomical layer is addressed.
A SMAS facelift works on the SMAS layer itself, by folding (plication) or partially excising and re-suspending it. The retaining ligaments beneath are not released. The skin is then redraped over the lifted SMAS.
A deep plane facelift dissects beneath the SMAS, releases the retaining ligaments, and lifts the SMAS, fat compartments and skin as a single composite unit. Because the dissection is sub-SMAS, the technique reaches and repositions the midface, nasolabial fold and jawline in a way that SMAS plication does not.
The SMAS technique is well-established and offers reliable outcomes for patients with mild to moderate facial laxity primarily affecting the lower face and jowls. The deep plane technique is selected when midface descent is a significant component of the patient’s ageing pattern, or when more comprehensive structural correction is required.
Deep Plane Facelift vs Vertical Restore Facelift
| Feature | Deep Plane Facelift | Vertical Restore Facelift |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Lower face and midface (with or without neck) | Whole face: brow, eyelids, midface, jowls, jawline, neck |
| Components | Deep plane technique (with optional add-ons) | Composite: deep plane + brow lift + blepharoplasty + fat grafting + neck lift |
| Surgical time | 3.5 to 5 hours (4 to 6 with brow) | 5 to 7 hours |
| Hospital stay | 1 night | 1 to 2 nights |
| Return to desk work | 2 to 3 weeks | 3 to 4 weeks |
| Final result visible | 6 to 12 months | 6 to 12 months |
| Indicative cost | Around $35,000 (with neck lift) | Around $45,000 |
| Best for | Midface and lower-face changes, optional neck involvement | Multi-zone ageing across the entire face |
Both procedures use the deep plane technique as their structural foundation. The Vertical Restore Facelift extends that foundation to include upper-face and eyelid components in the same operation. A deep plane facelift on its own (with or without optional add-ons) suits patients whose changes are concentrated in the midface and lower face.
Who is a Suitable Candidate?
Candidacy for a deep plane facelift depends on the anatomy and the degree of structural change present, rather than on chronological age. Most patients are between 45 and 70 years, though some younger patients with significant early descent benefit from this approach, and older patients in good general health may also be suitable.
Considerations assessed at consultation include:
- Degree of midface descent. Visible descent of the malar fat pad, deepening of the nasolabial fold and loss of cheek convexity.
- Jowling along the jawline. Disruption of the jaw contour by descending soft tissue.
- Neck involvement. Whether platysmal banding, submental fullness or cervicomental angle changes are present.
- Skin quality. Adequate skin elasticity for the redraped skin to settle well.
- General health. Suitable for general anaesthesia and the surgical duration of a deep plane procedure.
- Smoking status. Non-smoker, or willing to cease nicotine for at least six weeks before and six weeks after surgery.
- Body mass index. Within a range appropriate for major elective surgery.
- Realistic expectations. Understanding that the procedure addresses structural change but does not address skin texture, sun damage, pigmentation or fine surface lines.
- Recovery time available. A minimum of 2 to 3 weeks for desk-based work return; longer for more active or visible-facing work.
A face-to-face consultation following GP referral is required to determine candidacy.
Deep Plane Facelift Recovery Timeline
Recovery follows a predictable pattern. Individual recovery varies based on age, general health, technique combinations and adherence to post-operative instructions.
- Day 1. Hospital stay of 1 night. Drains placed. Head elevation maintained. Mild to moderate discomfort managed with prescribed analgesia.
- Days 2 to 3. Drains removed at 24 to 48 hours. Light walking is encouraged. No bending or lifting.
- Days 4 to 7. Peak swelling and bruising. The face will look puffy and discoloured. Sleeping upright remains important.
- Day 7 to day 14. Sutures removed in staged fashion across two visits. Swelling begins to settle. Most patients feel ready for short outings.
- Weeks 2 to 3. Most patients return to desk-based work. Mineral makeup may be used to camouflage residual discolouration.
- Weeks 4 to 6. Visible bruising resolves. Light exercise (walking, gentle gym work) resumed with surgeon approval. Social activities resume.
- Month 3. Most of the swelling has settled. The result begins to look closer to the final outcome.
- Months 6 to 12. Final tissue settling, scar maturation and the long-term result become apparent.
A deep plane facelift combined with brow lift, blepharoplasty or neck lift has a longer recovery than a deep plane procedure alone, because the surgical area is broader.
Risks and Complications
All surgery carries risk. Risks specific to deep plane facelift discussed at consultation include:
- Haematoma. A collection of blood beneath the skin, most common in the first 24 hours. May require return to theatre for evacuation.
- Facial nerve injury. Temporary or, less commonly, permanent weakness of the muscles of facial expression. Risk relates to the depth of dissection and individual anatomy.
- Wound healing complications. Increased in patients who smoke or have poorly controlled medical conditions.
- Infection. Uncommon in clean facial surgery but possible.
- Scarring. Incisions heal over months. Hypertrophic or keloid scarring is uncommon but possible.
- Asymmetry. No two sides of any face are identical pre-operatively, and minor asymmetry may persist after surgery.
- Hair loss near incisions. Usually temporary.
- Sensory changes. Numbness around the ears, cheeks and scalp is normal in the early post-operative period and typically improves over months.
Risk is reduced by smoking cessation, optimisation of general health, careful surgical technique, accredited private hospital setting and structured follow-up. Detailed risk discussion is part of every consultation.
Deep Plane Facelift Cost in Sydney
The indicative cost of a deep plane facelift in Sydney with Dr Turner is around $35,000 all-inclusive when performed with a neck lift component. A deep plane procedure alone, without additional components, may be lower. A deep plane facelift combined with brow lift, blepharoplasty or fat grafting will be higher than the indicative figure above and falls between the deep plane standalone price and the Vertical Restore Facelift price of approximately $45,000.
The all-inclusive fee covers the surgeon, assistant surgeon, anaesthetist, accredited private hospital fee, garments and standard post-operative care. Final fees are quoted after consultation based on the technique selected and surgical time required. Medicare and private health insurance rebates do not apply for cosmetic facelift surgery. A consultation fee applies.
A complete cost breakdown is available in the Facelift Cost Sydney 2026 guide.
Consultations in Bondi Junction and Manly
Deep plane facelift consultations with Dr Scott J Turner are available at two Sydney locations.
The Bondi Junction clinic is located at 39 Grosvenor Street, a short distance from Bondi Junction station and Westfield. The Manly clinic is located in Suite 504, Level 5, 39 East Esplanade, close to Manly Wharf.
A GP referral is required before booking a consultation, in line with Medical Board and AHPRA requirements introduced for cosmetic surgery in Australia. Dr Turner conducts a minimum of two consultations before proceeding with surgery, both personally, with no patient representatives.
To request a consultation, contact the practice on (02) 9387 3900 or [email protected], or visit the contact us page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a deep plane facelift?
A deep plane facelift is a surgical facelift technique that releases the facial retaining ligaments beneath the SMAS layer so the midface, jowls, jawline and neck tissues can be repositioned upward as a single structural unit. The technique works one anatomical layer deeper than a SMAS facelift, addressing the structural cause of midface descent rather than the surface appearance alone. Dr Scott J Turner performs deep plane facelift surgery at Bondi Junction Private Hospital and Delmar Private Hospital, Dee Why.
How does a deep plane facelift differ from a SMAS facelift?
A SMAS facelift works on the SMAS layer itself by folding (plication) or partially releasing and re-suspending it, without dissecting beneath it. A deep plane facelift dissects through to the layer beneath the SMAS, releases the retaining ligaments anchoring the soft tissues to the facial skeleton, and lifts the SMAS, fat compartments and skin as a single composite unit. Because the dissection is sub-SMAS, the deep plane technique reaches and repositions the midface, nasolabial fold and jawline in a way that SMAS plication does not. The SMAS technique suits mild to moderate jowling without significant midface descent; the deep plane technique is selected when midface descent is a significant component.
How does a deep plane facelift differ from a Vertical Restore Facelift?
Both procedures use the deep plane technique as their structural foundation. A deep plane facelift on its own addresses the midface and lower face, with optional add-ons such as brow lift, blepharoplasty or neck lift. A Vertical Restore Facelift integrates deep plane facelift, brow lift, upper and lower blepharoplasty, facial fat grafting and a formal neck lift into a single comprehensive operation. A deep plane facelift suits patients whose concerns are concentrated in the midface and lower face; a Vertical Restore Facelift suits patients with ageing changes across multiple facial zones who prefer a single coordinated procedure. Selection is made at consultation based on facial anatomy.
What is the difference between preservation and extended deep plane facelift?
A preservation deep plane facelift uses more limited sub-SMAS dissection, with selective release of the retaining ligaments. The advantage is potentially faster recovery and less swelling. The limitation is that it may not deliver enough release for advanced midface descent or jawline changes. An extended deep plane facelift uses more extensive dissection, releasing the retaining ligaments more fully and accessing the jawline and upper neck more comprehensively. Recovery is longer and swelling more pronounced, but the technique addresses more advanced ageing changes. Selection between the two is made at consultation based on the degree of ageing change and the recovery time available.
Who is a suitable candidate for a deep plane facelift?
Candidacy depends on anatomy and the degree of structural change rather than chronological age. Most patients are between 45 and 70 years, though some younger patients with significant early descent benefit from this approach, and older patients in good general health may also be suitable. Considerations include the degree of midface descent, jowling, neck involvement, skin quality, general health, body mass index, smoking status, realistic expectations and recovery time available. Candidacy is determined at consultation following a GP referral.
Is a neck lift included in a deep plane facelift?
A deep plane facelift can be performed with or without a formal neck lift component. For patients with isolated lower-face and midface changes, a deep plane facelift on its own may be sufficient. For patients with significant platysmal banding, submental fullness or cervicomental angle changes, a deep neck lift is integrated into the procedure. Surgical time and recovery are longer when a neck lift component is included, and the indicative cost reflects this. The decision is made at consultation based on neck-specific anatomy.
How visible are deep plane facelift scars?
Incisions are placed in natural creases around the ear and extended into the hairline. The pre-tragal or post-tragal incision in front of the ear, the incision around the earlobe, and the incision into the temporal and posterior hairline are designed to be camouflaged once healed. Scars appear pink initially and typically fade over months to become difficult to see with normal hair styling. If a neck lift component is included, a small incision is placed in the natural crease under the chin. Individual scar healing varies, and hypertrophic or keloid scarring, while uncommon, is possible. Scar appearance is monitored at follow-up visits.
What is the recovery timeline for a deep plane facelift?
Recovery from a deep plane facelift progresses in stages. Day 1 involves a hospital stay with drains in place. Drains are removed at 24 to 48 hours. Days 4 to 7 show the peak of swelling and bruising. Sutures are removed in stages between day 7 and day 14. Most patients return to desk-based work between weeks 2 and 3. Visible bruising typically resolves by weeks 4 to 6 with the assistance of mineral makeup. Final tissue settling continues over 6 to 12 months. Recovery is longer when the procedure is combined with brow lift, blepharoplasty or neck lift components.
What does a deep plane facelift cost in Sydney?
The indicative cost of a deep plane facelift in Sydney with Dr Turner is around $35,000 all-inclusive when performed with a neck lift component. A deep plane procedure alone may be lower; a deep plane combined with brow lift, blepharoplasty or fat grafting will be higher. The all-inclusive fee covers the surgeon, assistant surgeon, anaesthetist, accredited private hospital fee, garments and standard post-operative care. Final fees are quoted after consultation. Medicare and private health insurance rebates do not apply for cosmetic facelift surgery. A consultation fee applies.
Where does Dr Scott J Turner perform deep plane facelift surgery?
Dr Scott J Turner consults from two Sydney clinics, Bondi Junction (39 Grosvenor Street) and Manly (Suite 504, Level 5, 39 East Esplanade). Deep plane facelift surgery is performed at Bondi Junction Private Hospital and Delmar Private Hospital, Dee Why, both accredited Sydney private hospitals. Dr Turner also consults from Brisbane (Herstellen Clinic, Spring Hill) and Canberra (Campbell), with surgery performed in Sydney for patients travelling from interstate.
Related Guides
Compare facelift techniques: Facelift Surgery Sydney (the hub covering all eight techniques), Vertical Restore Facelift, SMAS Facelift, Short Scar Facelift, Lower Facelift, Endoscopic Facelift, Ponytail Facelift and Revision Facelift.
Component and complementary procedures: Facial Fat Transfer, Buccal Fat Removal, Lip Lift Surgery.
Reading more: Difference Between Vertical Restore and Deep Plane Facelift Surgery, Preservation Deep Plane Facelift, What is a Vertical Restore Facelift, Deep Plane Facelift Recovery Timeline, Is a Deep Plane Facelift Worth It and Facelift Cost Sydney 2026.
