Deep Plane Facelift London | 12 March 2025
At the Jonathan Britto Clinic, we are often asked: “What is the best type of facelift?” It’s a fair question. With the rise of aesthetic innovation, patients are met with a growing list of surgical techniques, buzzwords, and social media trends—each claiming to deliver the most natural, long-lasting results. One such term that has garnered a great deal of attention is the deep plane facelift.
But is it really a breakthrough, or just the latest buzz in facial plastic surgery? Here, we aim to separate facts from fads, explain what makes the deep plane facelift different, and help you understand whether it’s the right approach for your facial rejuvenation goals.
What Is a Deep Plane Facelift?
A facelift – or rhytidectomy – is a surgical procedure designed to rejuvenate the face, refreshing contours and restoring youthful definition. Traditional facelifts typically target the superficial layers of the face, tightening skin and lifting underlying tissues. However, the deep plane facelift takes the procedure one level deeper—literally.
The term “deep plane” refers to the surgical technique that lifts beneath the SMAS (Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System) layer, which is a fibrous network of muscles and tissues that contribute significantly to facial expression and shape. By working in the deep plane, the surgeon can release key ligaments and reposition the facial soft tissue in a more natural direction, rather than simply pulling the skin tight.
This results in a more natural-looking, longer-lasting facelift, especially in areas that are notoriously difficult to address—such as the nasolabial folds (smile lines), midface, and jawline.
Deep Plane vs Traditional Facelift: What’s the Difference?
Historically, the earliest facelifts were skin-only procedures—effective to a point, but with results that often faded quickly or appeared too “tight.” As surgical understanding advanced, the focus shifted to the SMAS layer, and this gave rise to various SMAS manipulation techniques (SMAS plication, SMASectomy, etc.).
The deep plane facelift goes a step further by mobilising the SMAS layer and the overlying skin as one unit, releasing facial ligaments and elevating the midface more effectively. Rather than pulling the skin tight over an unchanged foundation, this method restructures the deep tissues of the face, resulting in:
– More natural, dynamic facial movement
– Improved midface volume and cheek lift
– Softer nasolabial folds
– More defined jawline and jowl correction
– Longer-lasting results
Who Is a Good Candidate for a Deep Plane Facelift?
As with any procedure at the Jonathan Britto Clinic, individual assessment is key. While the deep plane facelift can be transformative for the right patient, it is not a one-size-fits-all solution.
Ideal candidates typically:
– Show moderate to significant signs of ageing in the midface and jawline
– Desire a natural, not overdone appearance
– Are healthy, non-smoking, and medically fit for surgery
Patients in their 40s to 70s most often benefit from this technique, particularly those who have noticed volume descent in the cheeks, deepening smile lines, and softening of the jawline. For patients with more superficial ageing or those focused on the neck, alternative or complementary facelift techniques may be more suitable.
How Is the Procedure Performed?
The deep plane facelift is usually performed under as a twilight anaesthesia but can be undertaken with general anaesthesia, typically as a day-case procedure in a fully accredited clinic or hospital. The incisions are similar to those used in other facelift types—strategically placed around the ears and hairline for discreet healing.
Once inside, the SMAS layer and overlying skin are elevated together, deep facial ligaments are carefully released, and the tissues are repositioned vertically—restoring youthful contours without pulling. Excess skin is trimmed, and the incisions are closed with fine sutures.
Every patient’s facelift is unique. Jonathan tailors the technique to your facial structure, skin type, ageing pattern, and desired outcome, ensuring a harmonised, natural rejuvenation.
Recovery and Results
Post-operative recovery for a deep plane facelift is similar to that of traditional facelifts:
– Swelling and bruising for the first 1–2 weeks
– Light activity from day 7, and return to work/social events after 2 weeks
– Strenuous activity resumed from 6 weeks
– Final results seen from 3 months onwards
Patients often report an immediate improvement in facial contour and light reflection, with final results appearing gradually as swelling resolves. The repositioned SMAS ensures long-term support, with most patients enjoying 7–10 years of rejuvenation – depending on genetics, lifestyle, and skincare.
Myths and Marketing: What to Watch For
The rise in popularity of the deep plane facelift has, predictably, led to marketing claims and online confusion. Terms like “pony tail lift,” “vertical lift,” or “deep plane mini-lift” are often used interchangeably—yet few are rooted in solid surgical science.
At the Jonathan Britto Clinic, we caution against fad-based treatments. The best facelift is not defined by trend or terminology, but by clinical understanding, individual anatomy, and surgical precision. A well-performed SMAS lift, whether deep plane or otherwise, can yield outstanding results in expert hands.
