Deep Plane Facelift treatment in Switzerland

Deep Plane Facelift

Flavio Sonanini
Reviewed by Flavio Sonanini, Medical Travel Expert|Updated: January 2026

The deep plane facelift is the gold standard for facial rejuvenation. Unlike traditional facelifts that only address skin, this advanced technique lifts the deeper SMAS layer and fat pads together, creating more natural, longer-lasting results that typically last 10-15 years.

What is a Deep Plane Facelift?

The deep plane facelift is the gold standard for facial rejuvenation. Unlike traditional facelifts that only address skin, this advanced technique lifts the deeper SMAS layer and fat pads together, creating more natural, longer-lasting results that typically last 10-15 years.

What to Know Before You Go

💡 Pro Tip: Choose a surgeon who specializes in deep plane technique specifically—not all facelift surgeons are trained in this method. Ask to see their deep plane portfolio separately from general facelift results.

⚠️ Insider Note: Plan for 10-14 days minimum in Turkey. Deep plane facelifts have longer initial recovery than traditional lifts, but the extended 10-15 year results make the extra recovery time worthwhile.

Cost of Deep Plane Facelift in Turkey

Procedure
Turkey
UK
USA
Savings
Deep plane facelift
€6,000-€10,000
£15,000-€25,000
$20,000-€40,000
55-65%
With neck lift
€8,000-€12,000
£18,000-€30,000
$25,000-€45,000
55-65%
Full face + neck + eyes
€10,000-€15,000
£22,000-€35,000
$30,000-€50,000
55-65%

Savings: Turkey offers 55-65% savings on deep plane facelift compared to UK/USA prices.

What's Included

Deep plane facelift packages in Turkey typically cover:

Surgeon consultation and 3D imaging
Surgery with general anesthesia
Hospital stay (1-2 nights)
Post-operative medications
Compression garments
Multiple follow-up appointments
Some packages include hotel and transfers

Benefits

Most natural-looking facelift results
Longest-lasting results (10-15 years vs 5-7 for traditional)
Addresses midface and jowls effectively
No tight or "windswept" appearance
Maintains natural facial expressions
Hidden incisions along hairline
Comprehensive rejuvenation of lower face
55-65% cost savings vs UK/USA

The Procedure

Step 1 – Anesthesia: General anesthesia administered for comfort.

Step 2 – Incisions: Hidden along hairline in front of ear, around earlobe, and behind ear.

Step 3 – Deep Dissection: SMAS layer carefully released from underlying structures to allow true mobilization (2-3 hours).

Step 4 – Lifting: Deep tissues repositioned vertically rather than pulled tight, restoring natural facial contours.

Step 5 – Closure: Layered closure with minimal skin tension, allowing natural healing.

Time: 4-6 hours total.

Recovery & Downtime

Day 1-3: Significant swelling, drains if placed, head elevated
Week 1: Sutures removed, major swelling subsides
Week 2: Return to light activities, bruising fading
Week 3-4: Most bruising resolved, swelling continuing to improve
Month 3: Swelling resolved, results becoming apparent
Month 6-12: Final results visible

Potential Side Effects

Significant swelling lasting 2-4 weeks (occurs in 100% of patients—expected)
Bruising lasting 2-3 weeks (occurs in 100% of patients)
Numbness lasting weeks to months (occurs in 80-90% of patients, resolves)
Tightness and discomfort (occurs in 100% of patients)
Rare: Nerve injury affecting facial movement (occurs in <1% with experienced surgeons)
Rare: Hematoma requiring drainage (occurs in 1-3% of patients)

Is Deep Plane Facelift Right for You?

Ideal candidates:

Age 50-70+ with significant facial sagging
Jowls and nasolabial folds
Loss of jawline definition
Want longest-lasting results
Can commit to 2-4 week recovery
Good general health

Not suitable for:

Minimal aging (non-surgical options better)
Cannot commit to recovery time
Active smokers (must quit 4+ weeks before)
Certain medical conditions affecting healing
Unrealistic expectations

Frequently Asked Questions

What age is best for deep plane facelift?

Typically patients in their 50s-70s benefit most, though some younger patients with significant laxity or genetic factors are good candidates.

How does deep plane differ from SMAS facelift?

Deep plane releases the SMAS completely from underlying structures for true vertical repositioning. SMAS lifts tighten but don't fully mobilize the layer, giving less natural results.

Is deep plane facelift more risky?

When performed by experienced surgeons, complication rates are similar to traditional techniques. The deeper dissection actually allows safer, more precise handling of facial nerves.

How long do results last?

Deep plane results typically last 10-15 years, compared to 5-7 years for traditional SMAS facelifts—making it the longest-lasting option.

Can I combine with other procedures?

Yes, commonly combined with neck lift, blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), brow lift, or fat transfer for comprehensive facial rejuvenation in one surgery.

Will I look unnatural or "done"?

Properly performed deep plane lifts create very natural results because they lift deep tissues rather than pulling skin tight. The "windswept" look comes from skin-only lifts.

What about scarring?

Incisions are hidden along the hairline and behind ears where they're virtually invisible. Most scars fade significantly within 6-12 months.

When can I return to work?

Most patients return to non-physical work at 2-3 weeks, though some residual swelling may be visible. Full social activities at 4-6 weeks.

Is This Right For You?

"Patients 50-70+ with significant facial sagging, jowls, and nasolabial folds wanting the most natural, longest-lasting facelift results."

Benefits

Most natural-looking facelift results

Longest-lasting (10-15 years)

Addresses midface and jowls effectively

No tight or pulled appearance

Maintains natural facial expressions

Hidden incisions along hairline

Comprehensive rejuvenation

55-65% cost savings vs UK/USA

The Process

Procedure

Step 1 – Anesthesia: General anesthesia administered.

Step 2 – Incisions: Hidden along hairline and behind ears.

Step 3 – Deep Dissection: SMAS layer released from underlying structures (2-3 hours).

Step 4 – Lifting: Deep tissues repositioned vertically, not pulled tight.

Step 5 – Closure: Layered closure with minimal skin tension.

Recovery & Downtime

Days 1-3: Significant swelling, possible drains. Week 1: Sutures removed, major swelling subsides. Week 2-3: Return to light activities. Month 3: Results apparent. Month 6-12: Final results.

Potential Side Effects

  • Significant swelling lasting 2-4 weeks (occurs in 100% of patients)
  • Bruising lasting 2-3 weeks (occurs in 100% of patients)
  • Numbness lasting weeks to months (occurs in 80-90% of patients)
  • Tightness and discomfort (occurs in 100% of patients)
  • Rare: Nerve injury affecting facial movement (occurs in <1% with experienced surgeons)
  • Rare: Hematoma requiring drainage (occurs in 1-3% of patients)

Frequently Asked Questions

Top Clinics for Deep Plane Facelift

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