Why Patients Research Deep Plane Facelift with Dr Turner
The following information is provided to help patients evaluate whether Dr Turner’s practice fits what they are looking for. All facelift outcomes vary between patients, and suitability for any procedure is determined in consultation rather than from a website.
- FRACS Specialist Plastic Surgeon — Dr Turner is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons in plastic and reconstructive surgery
- AHPRA registration — MED0001654827, current and verifiable on the AHPRA register
- Facial aesthetic focus — Dr Turner’s practice is concentrated on facial aesthetic surgery, with deep plane facelift forming a significant part of the surgical caseload
- Accredited Sydney private hospitals — all surgery is performed at fully accredited private hospital facilities in Sydney, with a specialist anaesthetist and dedicated nursing team
- Local Brisbane follow-up — routine post-operative care is coordinated through Herstellen Clinic in Spring Hill by Dr Turner and the Herstellen team, so Queensland patients are not required to travel to Sydney for routine follow-up appointments
- Transparent cost range — deep plane facelift surgery typically ranges AUD $35,000–$50,000 (itemised quote provided after consultation)
- Minimum two consultations — a minimum of two consultations is required before any surgical decision, and the Queensland 7-day cooling-off period applies
- Before-and-after gallery available on request — compliant facelift before-and-after material is available to view during consultation; the gallery is not displayed publicly online in line with AHPRA guidance on patient testimonials and imagery
Understanding Extended Deep Plane Facelift
The Extended Deep Plane Facelift is a facelift technique that works below the SMAS layer to release the retaining ligaments anchoring descended facial tissues, repositioning the skin, fat, and underlying muscle as a single composite unit using vertical vectors. Unlike skin-only or standard SMAS approaches, it addresses the structural causes of facial ageing — jowls, deep nasolabial folds, midface descent, and neck laxity — comprehensively and in a single procedure. The “extended” element refers to comprehensive ligament release across all four ligament groups, combined with extended neck dissection to address the cervicomental angle as part of the same operation.
How It Compares to Facelift Techniques in the Deep Plane Family
| Aspect | SMAS facelift | Deep plane facelift | Extended Deep Plane facelift |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dissection layer | Above SMAS | Below SMAS | Below SMAS + neck |
| Ligament release | None | Partial | Comprehensive (all four groups) |
| Lift direction | Horizontal | Vertical | Vertical |
| Midface improvement | Limited | Significant | Comprehensive |
| Neck improvement | Moderate | Good | Addressed within same procedure |
| Risk of “tight” appearance | Moderate | Low | Lower |
| Typical longevity | 7–10 years | 10–15 years | 10–15+ years |
| Surgery duration | 2.5–3.5 hrs | 3–4 hrs | 5–8 hrs |
| Typical patient profile | Early–moderate ageing | Moderate ageing | Moderate–significant ageing |
Individual results vary. This comparison is educational and does not predict outcome for any individual patient.
How It Compares to Other Facial Lift Techniques
For patients weighing deep plane facelift against other technique families, the table below outlines the broader landscape. Each row links to the relevant Brisbane procedure page.
| Technique | Plane of dissection | Vector | Scar pattern | Typical patient profile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SMAS facelift | Sub-SMAS | Oblique | Pre/post-auricular | Mild–moderate ageing |
| Deep plane facelift | Sub-SMAS, releases retaining ligaments | Vertical | Pre/post-auricular | Moderate–advanced midface/jowl/neck |
| Mini facelift / short scar facelift | Limited SMAS | Oblique | Short scar | Early lower-face changes |
| Endoscopic ponytail facelift | Endoscopic, deep plane elements | Vertical | Hidden in hairline | Early upper and midface ageing |
| Vertical Restore facelift | Multi-plane, multi-zone | Vertical | Pre/post-auricular plus adjunct incisions | Combined midface, brow, eyelid changes |
| Neck lift (isolated) | Sub-platysmal | Vertical | Submental and post-auricular | Isolated neck laxity without significant face ageing |
What the Procedure May Address
Extended deep plane facelift surgery is planned to address the structural changes that drive lower- and mid-face ageing:
- Jowl formation — descent of cheek fat and laxity along the jawline
- Loss of jawline definition — the blurred boundary between face and neck that sharpens with structural repositioning
- Deep nasolabial folds — caused by descended malar fat pads, not skin laxity alone
- Midface descent — the flattened cheek and drawn appearance of central-face volume loss
- Marionette lines — the lines that run downward from the corners of the mouth
- Neck laxity and platysmal banding — addressed through the extended neck dissection
- Submental fullness — the area below the chin that contributes to jawline blur
What it does not address: upper-face ageing (brow descent, eyelid hooding), fine surface wrinkles, significant volume depletion, or fundamental skin quality. These may require brow lift, blepharoplasty, fat transfer, or skin resurfacing, which can often be combined in the same surgical setting where anatomy and patient goals warrant it.
Are You a Suitable Candidate?
An extended deep plane facelift is generally considered for patients with moderate to significant facial ageing — established jowls, deep nasolabial folds, midface descent, and neck laxity. Most patients are in their 50s to 70s, though biological age matters more than chronological age. Genetics, lifestyle, and sun exposure all influence how facial ageing presents and progresses.
You may be a suitable candidate if you have:
- Established jowls contributing to jawline blur
- Deep nasolabial folds not responding to non-surgical treatment
- Midface descent and flattened cheeks
- Significant neck laxity, platysmal banding, or submental fullness
- A preference for longer-lasting results over repeated lesser procedures
- Realistic expectations about what surgery can and cannot change
Good general health and non-smoking status — or willingness to stop at least 6 weeks before and after surgery — are requirements for all patients. Final suitability is determined after physical assessment and a review of your medical history.
Your Consultation at Herstellen Clinic, Brisbane
Dr Scott Turner consults with patients at Herstellen Clinic, 490 Boundary Street, Spring Hill QLD 4000 — in the Spring Hill medical precinct, close to the Brisbane CBD.
Brisbane Surgery Availability All deep plane facelift surgery is currently performed at accredited private hospitals in Sydney.
Your initial consultation is a thorough anatomical assessment. Dr Turner will examine brow position, midface support, skin quality, jowl formation, jawline definition, and neck laxity, and review your medical history and any previous cosmetic treatments. You will discuss what is driving your concerns, what you are hoping to achieve, and whether Extended Deep Plane facelift — or a different approach — is the appropriate response to your anatomy.
If you decide to proceed, surgery is performed at accredited private hospitals in Sydney where Dr Turner operates with his preferred anaesthetic and theatre team. Following surgery, all routine post-operative appointments are managed locally by Dr Turner and the Herstellen Clinic team in Brisbane — including wound care, suture removal, and ongoing monitoring through recovery. Queensland patients do not need to travel to Sydney for follow-up care.
Under AHPRA guidelines, a minimum 7-day cooling-off period applies between your consultation and any elective cosmetic surgical procedure. This is a requirement, not a formality, and exists to ensure adequate time to reflect, ask further questions, and confirm the decision without pressure.
Cost
Extended Deep Plane facelift surgery with Dr Turner typically ranges from AUD $35,000 to $50,000. This includes surgeon’s fees, accredited hospital fees (including overnight stay), specialist anaesthetist fees, and post-operative garments.
The cost reflects the comprehensive nature of the procedure — typically 5–8 hours of operating time, compared to approximately 3 hours for a standard SMAS facelift. Dr Turner provides a detailed, itemised quote following your consultation. Extended Deep Plane facelift for cosmetic reasons is not covered by Medicare or private health insurance in Australia.
Surgical Technique
Incision Placement
Incisions are placed within the hairline and around the ear, following natural creases to minimise visible scarring. Dr Turner uses a tragal edge incision technique — the incision follows the natural contour of the ear rather than sitting in front of it — which allows the scar to sit within the ear’s natural shadow. Once healed, these incisions are typically difficult to detect, even with hair worn up. Healing is individual and some patients develop more visible scarring.
Ligament Release
The core of the Extended Deep Plane technique is comprehensive ligament release. Dr Turner releases the zygomatic ligaments (cheek), masseteric ligaments (jawline), mandibular ligaments (lower jaw), and cervical retaining ligaments (neck). This is what separates the extended approach from standard deep plane — partial release moves some tissue; comprehensive release allows full vertical repositioning of the midface, jowls, and neck as a single unified structure.
Composite Flap Movement
Once released, the skin, SMAS, fat, and platysma move together as a composite flap. The lift direction is more vertical than horizontal — closer to the path the tissues originally descended — rather than pulled toward the ears. Because tension is distributed through deeper structures rather than pulled from the skin, the skin itself carries minimal tension. This is the technical reason results tend to look like a rested version of the patient’s own face: the tissue is repositioned, not pulled tight.
Extended Neck Dissection
The “extended” component specifically includes comprehensive neck dissection — addressing platysmal banding, submental fullness, and cervical skin laxity as part of the same procedure. This avoids the unresolved neck that standard deep plane or SMAS facelifts can leave, where the face improves but the jawline-to-neck transition remains unclear.
Total operating time is typically 5–8 hours. An overnight hospital stay is standard. Surgery is performed at fully accredited private hospitals in Sydney with a specialist anaesthetist and dedicated nursing staff.
Recovery After Extended Deep Plane Facelift
First 7–10 Days
Overnight hospital stay is standard for monitoring following surgery in Sydney. The first week requires dedicated rest with head elevation. Swelling and bruising typically peak around days 2–3. Surgical drains, if placed, are removed within 1–2 days. Tightness and temporary numbness in the treated areas are normal. No strenuous activity, bending, or heavy lifting. All follow-up appointments are completed in Brisbane with Dr Turner and the Herstellen Clinic team.
One thing that surprises many patients: despite the more extensive dissection, recovery from Extended Deep Plane surgery is often comparable to less comprehensive facelift techniques. The sub-SMAS plane bleeds less than superficial tissue planes, and because the skin remains attached to deeper structures, its blood supply and lymphatic drainage are better preserved.
Weeks 2–6
Visible bruising largely resolves. Most patients feel comfortable being seen in public — what is sometimes referred to as “restaurant ready” — by around 3 weeks, though this varies individually. Sutures are removed during this period. Light activities and desk work can typically resume, while strenuous exercise remains restricted until approximately 6 weeks. Residual swelling continues to improve throughout this phase.
3–6 Months and Beyond
Swelling continues to settle gradually, with results emerging between 3 and 6 months as tissues reach their resting position. Sun protection is particularly important during this period — Brisbane’s UV exposure can affect scar maturation and long-term skin quality. Results from Extended Deep Plane facelift may last 10–15 years or longer, longer than traditional techniques, because the procedure addresses structural causes of descent rather than relying on skin tension. Individual results vary.
Risks and Complications
All surgery carries inherent risks. An extended deep plane facelift is a comprehensive procedure, and understanding the risk profile before proceeding is an important part of the decision-making process.
Common during recovery (expected and temporary): swelling, bruising, tightness, temporary numbness, and minor asymmetry as swelling resolves at different rates on each side.
Surgical risks specific to this procedure:
- Haematoma — collection of blood under the skin requiring drainage. The most common complication following facelift surgery (approximately 1–3% of patients). Blood pressure management and avoiding blood-thinning medications reduces this risk.
- Nerve injury — facial nerve branches run through the surgical area throughout the Extended Deep Plane dissection. Temporary weakness of facial muscles occurs in a small percentage of patients and almost always resolves within weeks to months. Permanent injury is rare but real. It requires serious consideration and is discussed in detail during consultation.
- Skin necrosis — rare in non-smokers. Smoking significantly increases this risk, which is why cessation at least 6 weeks before and after surgery is mandatory.
- Infection — uncommon with appropriate technique and post-operative care.
- Scarring — all surgery results in scars. Individual healing varies and some patients develop more visible scarring.
- Asymmetry — minor asymmetry is common and usually settles as swelling resolves. Significant asymmetry requiring revision is uncommon.
- Results not meeting expectations — if anatomy or ageing pattern is not suited to this approach, results may not fully address all concerns.
Dr Turner discusses all relevant risks during consultation, including how they relate to your specific anatomy and health history.
About Dr Scott J Turner — Specialist Plastic Surgeon
Dr Scott J Turner is a Sydney Specialist Plastic Surgeon and Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons — FRACS (Plas) — with a practice focused on cosmetic plastic surgery of the face, nose, and body. He holds AHPRA registration MED0001654827.
Dr Turner’s primary surgical practice is based in Sydney at Bondi Junction and Manly. He consults in Brisbane at Herstellen Clinic, Spring Hill, with surgery performed at accredited private hospitals in Sydney and post-operative follow-up provided by Dr Turner and the Herstellen Clinic team in Brisbane.
Frequently Asked Questions About Extended Deep Plane Facelift in Brisbane
Is a deep plane facelift the right choice for facelift surgery in Brisbane?
Deep plane facelift is one of several facelift techniques considered for Brisbane patients. Whether it is the right choice depends on the degree and distribution of facial ageing, the patient’s anatomy, and what they want addressed. Patients with moderate-to-significant midface descent, jowl formation, and neck laxity are commonly assessed for deep plane technique. Patients with earlier or more localised ageing may be more suited to short scar facelift, endoscopic ponytail facelift, or an isolated neck lift. Suitability is determined at consultation.
What is the difference between deep plane and Extended Deep Plane facelift?
Standard deep plane facelift releases some facial ligaments and lifts tissue as a composite unit — a meaningful improvement over SMAS techniques. Extended Deep Plane takes this further. Dr Turner releases all four ligament groups comprehensively — zygomatic, masseteric, mandibular, and cervical — which allows the midface, jowls, jawline, and neck to be repositioned as a unified structure using vertical vectors. The result is more comprehensive correction, particularly for patients with significant neck involvement or midface descent.
How does a face lift in Brisbane work if surgery is performed in Sydney?
Brisbane patients consult with Dr Turner at Herstellen Clinic in Spring Hill, where the surgical plan is developed across a minimum of two consultations. Surgery itself takes place at an accredited private hospital in Sydney, with an overnight admission. Brisbane patients typically travel to Sydney for the surgery and the first post-operative review, then return home. All routine follow-up — wound review, suture removal, scar checks, longer-term reviews — is coordinated through Herstellen Clinic in Brisbane by Dr Turner and the Herstellen team.
How much does a deep plane facelift cost in Brisbane?
Extended Deep Plane facelift surgery with Dr Turner typically ranges from AUD $35,000 to $50,000. The range covers surgeon’s fees, accredited hospital fees including overnight stay, specialist anaesthetist fees, and post-operative garments. The procedure is not eligible for Medicare or private health insurance rebates when performed for cosmetic reasons. A detailed, itemised quote is provided after the consultation, once the surgical plan has been determined.
What does recovery from a deep plane facelift look like for Brisbane patients?
The first 7–10 days are spent resting with head elevation, typically with peak swelling and bruising around days 2–3. Most patients feel comfortable being seen socially at around 3 weeks. Light activity and desk work resume during weeks 2–4. Strenuous exercise is generally restricted until around 6 weeks. Residual swelling continues to settle over 3–6 months as tissues reach their final resting position. Brisbane patients complete the initial post-operative review in Sydney and then return home for follow-up at Herstellen Clinic. Individual recovery varies.
Will I look "tight" or operated on after deep plane facelift?
The deep plane technique is designed to work against this. Because tension is distributed through deeper tissues rather than pulled from the skin, and the lift direction is vertical rather than horizontal toward the ears, the outcome aims to look like a rested version of the patient’s own face. Individual anatomy, healing, and the degree of change all influence the final appearance, and results vary. Realistic expectations and thorough discussion during consultation are the most reliable safeguard against an undesired aesthetic outcome.
How long do deep plane facelift results last?
Results from Extended Deep Plane facelift may last 10–15 years or longer — longer than traditional skin-only facelifts (5–7 years) or standard SMAS facelifts (7–10 years). Longevity is greater because the procedure addresses structural causes of descent rather than relying on skin tension. Ageing continues from an improved baseline. Brisbane’s UV environment makes ongoing sun protection relevant for maintaining both skin quality and scar appearance over time.
Can a deep plane facelift be combined with eyelid surgery or a brow lift?
Yes — and for many patients combining produces a more balanced result than staging procedures separately. Common combinations include endoscopic brow lift for upper-face concerns, upper or lower blepharoplasty for eyelid hooding or lower lid bags, and fat transfer for midface volume restoration. Combined facial procedures of this kind are sometimes discussed as part of a Vertical Restore facelift approach. Whether combination makes sense for an individual patient is discussed at consultation.
What should I look for in a deep plane facelift surgeon in Queensland?
When researching deep plane facelift surgeons in Queensland or elsewhere in Australia, patients should verify FRACS (Plas) accreditation, current AHPRA registration, the surgeon’s specific experience with the deep plane technique (it is a distinct technical skill), the hospital where the surgery would be performed, the anaesthetic team, what follow-up arrangements are in place, and how complications would be managed if they occurred. The AHPRA public register confirms specialist registration. Several Australian colleges and societies — RACS, ASPS, ASAPS — publish information patients can use to verify credentials.
Related Brisbane Facial Procedures
For patients whose anatomy or goals may suit a different approach:
- Neck lift — for isolated neck laxity, platysmal banding, or submental fullness without significant midface involvement
- Endoscopic ponytail facelift — for early upper and midface changes with smaller access points
- Vertical Restore facelift — for multi-zone facial ageing involving brow, midface, and lower face together
- Short scar facelift — for limited lower-face changes where a less extensive approach is appropriate
Book a Consultation at the Brisbane Clinic
Herstellen Clinic 490 Boundary Street, Spring Hill QLD 4000 Phone: 1300 437 758 Email: [email protected] Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00am–5:00pm
Request a Brisbane consultation
Consultations are with Dr Turner personally. A minimum of two consultations is required before surgery. Queensland’s 7-day cooling-off period applies to all cosmetic surgical procedures.
All surgical procedures carry risks. Outcomes vary between patients. The information on this page is general and educational, and does not replace consultation with a qualified medical practitioner. Suitability for any procedure can only be determined in consultation. This page is intended for patients aged 18 and over.
Dr Scott J Turner is a Specialist Plastic Surgeon (FRACS) registered with AHPRA (MED0001654827).
