Facial Aesthetics
Deep Plane Facelift Turkey
All Surgeries
Repositioning of SMAS layer with deep tissues
Rejuvenation of eyebrow and forehead area with small incisions
Lifting of temples and outer parts of eyebrows
Repositioning of cheek and under-eye area
Rejuvenation and contouring of upper and lower eyelids
Facial volume restoration with fat transfer
Correction of prominent ear deformity
Balancing facial profile with Medpor chin implants
Deep Plane Facelift Turkey
Repositioning of SMAS layer with deep tissues
Deep Plane Facelift
The deep plane facelift is an advanced surgical technique that goes beyond traditional facelift procedures. Instead of simply pulling and tightening the skin, it targets the supportive tissues beneath the skin. The SMAS layer, malar fat pads, and ligaments are released and lifted together with the cheeks, jawline, and neck deep tissues.
Signs of Facial Aging
As age progresses, the face loses its youthful dynamic triangular form:
- Cheeks descend due to gravity, reducing cheekbone prominence
- Nasolabial folds deepen
- Jawline becomes undefined, with sagging 'jowls' appearing on the sides
- In the neck, platysma muscle laxity causes vertical bands and excess skin
- Skin elasticity decreases, creating a looser and more wrinkled appearance
Patients often complain of looking tired, sad, or older than they actually are when they look in the mirror.
What is Deep Plane Facelift?
The deep plane facelift is an advanced surgical technique that goes beyond traditional facelift procedures. Instead of simply pulling and tightening the skin, it targets the supportive tissues beneath:
- SMAS layer (Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System): The muscle and fascial layer that supports the cheeks and jawline.
- Malar fat pads: Soft tissues over the cheekbones that descend with time, creating a sagging appearance.
- Ligaments (facial ligaments): Structures that anchor the cheeks, jawline, and neck muscles to the bone.
In deep plane facelift, these ligaments (zygomatic, masseteric, mandibular, and platysma ligaments) are released. Thus, the cheeks, jawline, and neck are lifted together with deep tissues. The result is a natural, long-lasting facial appearance with restored youthful volume.
Classic Facelift Techniques vs. Deep Plane Difference
Techniques applied in classic facelift surgeries:
- Skin Only Facelift: Only excess skin is removed and tightened. The face appears tighter in the early period, but due to the elastic nature of the skin, sagging recurs quickly. Rarely preferred alone today.
- SMAS Plication: After the skin is lifted, sutures are placed on the superficial muscle layer called SMAS to tighten it. Provides longer-lasting results than skin-only method. However, since the SMAS layer is not repositioned, tension may decrease over time.
- SMASectomy: A portion of the SMAS layer is cut out and removed, and the remaining parts are sutured together to create tension. A stronger effect is achieved, but this technique is limited in lifting cheek volume.
- Deep Plane Facelift: A deeper and thicker tissue layer is elevated. This way, skin circulation in front of the ear is better preserved and scars heal much healthier. Since all tension is loaded on the SMAS layer, excessive stress is not placed on the skin incision line; this prevents scars from widening and keeps them finer. Since facial volume is lifted upward, the need for additional filler or fat injection is reduced. The result is a natural, long-lasting, and balanced facial appearance.
Preoperative Evaluation
Detailed planning is essential for a successful facelift surgery. During the initial consultation at the clinic of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery Specialist Dr. Mahmut Ulvi Kayalı in Antalya:
- The current anatomy of the face, skin quality, and aging signs are evaluated.
- Photos and measurements are taken to create the most suitable surgical planning for the individual.
- The patient's expectations (defining the jawline, lifting the cheeks, tightening the neck) are discussed in detail.
Where Are Scars Hidden?
- Incisions made in deep plane facelift surgery are hidden in the natural folds in front of and behind the ear, and along the hairline.
- They may be red and noticeable in the first months.
- Within 6-12 months, their color lightens and blends with the skin tone.
- Since circulation is better preserved in the deep plane, the quality of scar healing is significantly better compared to classical methods.
Recovery Process
- First days: Edema, bruising, and tightness may occur. These usually decrease significantly within 1-2 weeks.
- 1-2 weeks: Most patients can return to work and social life.
- 4-6 weeks: Facial tissues adapt to their new position, scars gradually become less visible.
- 6 months and beyond: Final results become apparent. The face regains its youthful, balanced, and natural appearance.
Conclusion
Deep plane facelift is one of the most advanced facelift methods that targets not only the skin but also the deep supportive tissues of the face.
- Thanks to safer circulation, scars in front of the ear heal better.
- Since all tension is carried by the SMAS, incision lines remain finer and do not widen.
- Results are more natural, longer-lasting, and more aesthetic compared to classical techniques.
Dr. Mahmut Ulvi Kayalı performs deep plane facelift surgeries in Antalya, Turkey, in accordance with modern surgical principles.
