Deep Plane Facelift | Jonathan Britto Clinic
Facial ageing is three-dimensional. Skin, fat, muscle, retaining ligaments and the facial skeleton change together, so successful rejuvenation requires more than tightening the surface.
At the Jonathan Britto Clinic, the emphasis is on evidence-based excellence, layer-by-layer analysis and a natural result that remains individual to the patient. Here are ten of the questions people commonly ask when researching this procedure in London.
A deep plane facelift is a facial rejuvenation technique that works beneath the superficial tissues of the face, releasing and repositioning deeper structures as a connected unit. The purpose is not to stretch the skin, but to restore facial shape and definition by addressing the layers that have descended. Jonathan’s philosophy is based on layer-by-layer analysis, natural movement and harmony between neighbouring aesthetic units.
The term ‘facelift’ describes a family of procedures rather than one operation. A deep plane approach works at a deeper anatomical level and allows selected retaining structures to be released so that the cheek, jawline and lower face can be repositioned without relying on skin tension. The most appropriate technique depends on anatomy and the changes that need correction.
A suitable patient is generally someone with meaningful descent of the mid and lower facial tissues, loss of jawline definition or facial laxity that cannot be adequately addressed by non-surgical treatment. Age alone does not determine suitability. Skin quality, facial structure, health, previous treatment and personal aims all matter.
Natural appearance is one of the central aims of modern facial rejuvenation. A face should look balanced in repose and in expression, without the stretched or operated appearance associated with excessive skin tension. Jonathan plans the vectors and layers of correction to restore shape while preserving identity and natural facial movement.
It can be particularly effective where jowling results from descent of the deeper facial tissues. Repositioning those tissues can restore a cleaner transition between the cheek, jawline and neck. If significant neck laxity is also present, a necklift may be incorporated into the overall plan.
Yes, depending on the design of the operation. The mid face, lower face and jawline are anatomically connected, and rejuvenating one area in isolation may not always create harmonious results. Jonathan assesses the cheek, lower eyelid, jowl, jawline and neck together before defining the surgical plan.
Recovery is individual and depends on the extent of surgery and any combined procedures. Swelling, bruising, tightness and altered sensation are expected in the early phase. Social recovery occurs progressively rather than overnight, while deeper tissues continue to soften and settle over subsequent weeks and months.
Facelift incisions are planned around natural contours, commonly around the ear and hairline, so that they can mature as discreetly as possible. Scar quality depends on technique, individual healing and postoperative care. Jonathan considers scar placement as an integral part of facial design.
Facelift surgery cannot stop ageing, but repositioning deeper tissues can provide a durable structural improvement. Longevity varies with anatomy, skin quality, lifestyle and the passage of time. The face continues to age from its new position rather than returning suddenly to its pre-operative state.
They solve different problems. Fillers and other medical aesthetic treatments can be useful for selected volume, skin or contour concerns, but they cannot reproduce surgical repositioning when facial tissues have significantly descended. The correct treatment is the least invasive approach capable of achieving a proportionate and natural result.
Book Your Consultation Today
Book a consultation or request a quote online here. Email: consultations@jonathanbritto.com Call: 020 3752 1566
Your journey begins with a conversation. Let us take the first step together.
The journey begins with the analysis phase, which is your opportunity to get to know us and our opportunity to welcome you, inform you and understand what you want to achieve.
There will be information that you want from us and information that we need from you. The more complete and comprehensive this is, the better the results will be.
We aim to build trust so that we can be open with each other about your goals, the indications for treatment and the alternatives available. This allows you to carefully consider the balance of risks, responsibilities, recovery and expected outcomes.
As part of our holistic philosophy, we will also offer you a complimentary lifestyle medical plan called Prepare and Repair. This includes guidance on how to optimise your health before surgery and support your recovery afterwards.
