"I decided on a deep plane facelift with Kensington Medical and wish I had done it 3 years earlier when I started to think about it. Just delighted".
A deep plane facelift is an advanced facial rejuvenation procedure that lifts and repositions deeper facial tissues to improve sagging cheeks, jowls, deep nose-to-mouth lines and loss of jawline definition. The aim is to restore natural-looking facial contours without changing your individual features.
At Kensington Medical, we specialise exclusively in facial plastic surgery. Our experienced Consultant Plastic Surgeons offer deep plane facelift surgery in London, with personalised consultations in Harley Street and Wimbledon.
We understand that choosing a facelift is a significant decision. Our surgeons take the time to understand what concerns you most, explain the different surgical techniques and help you decide whether a deep plane facelift is the right approach for your face.
Deep plane facelift surgery starts from £18,500. Your personalised quotation will explain what's included, alongside your expected recovery and aftercare arrangements.
The deep plane facelift technique is specialised and not many facelift surgeons are experienced enough to do it. At Kensington Medical our plastic surgeons can perform this complex facelift.
“A deep plane facelift is particularly effective for skin laxity, muscle loss and fat loss in the face and often also in the neck. It works by lifting the mid facial tissue and lower face and targets deep nasolabial folds, jowls, mid-face sagging, and lost cheek volume. It can rejuvenate the face by 10 years to 15 years. This facial rejuvenation facelift is for people in their 50s, 60s and 70s. It is highly specialised and very few surgeons can do this procedure.” Mr Paul Tulley, Consultant Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, GMC: 4035952.
This page was medically reviewed by Mr David Gateley MA, FRCS, FRCS (Plast), Medical Director, GMC number 2939470 on 2 November 2026 .
Experts - our surgeons have performed hundreds of facelifts and neck lifts
A deep plane facelift lifts and repositions the deeper facial tissues to address more pronounced signs of ageing in the midface and lower face. The aim is to restore natural looking facial contours without changing your individual features.
Depending on your facial anatomy and the degree of facial ageing, a deep plane facelift can improve:
Sagging cheeks and midface: Lifts and repositions descended cheek tissues to help restore more youthful facial contours.
Deep nasolabial folds: Softens prominent nose-to-mouth lines by lifting the underlying facial tissues.
Jowls and jawline definition: Improves sagging along the lower face to create a smoother, more defined jawline.
Marionette lines: Can soften the lines extending downwards from the corners of the mouth.
Facial sagging: Repositions deeper tissues to create a refreshed, natural-looking appearance without an overly tightened look.
Neck laxity: Where appropriate, a deep plane facelift can be combined with a neck lift to improve loose skin and neck contours.
At Kensington Medical, we specialise exclusively in facial plastic surgery. Our experienced Consultant Plastic Surgeons take a personalised approach, carefully assessing your facial anatomy, skin quality and the changes you would like to achieve. They will explain whether a deep plane facelift or an alternative technique, such as a SMAS facelift, would offer the most appropriate result for you.
A deep plane facelift is performed under general anaesthesia. Unlike techniques that primarily tighten or reposition the superficial tissues, the deep plane approach involves releasing selected facial retaining ligaments and lifting deeper facial tissues together with the overlying skin.
This allows the surgeon to reposition tissues that have descended with age, particularly in the cheeks, midface and jawline, while aiming to achieve a natural-looking result.
The surgeon carefully releases selected facial retaining ligaments, including the zygomatic and masseteric cutaneous ligaments, to allow the deeper facial tissues to be repositioned.
The SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system), a layer of connective tissue and muscle beneath the skin, is lifted with the overlying tissues rather than simply pulling the skin tighter.
This approach can improve sagging cheeks, jowls and facial contours while reducing the tension placed on the skin.
As we age, facial fat can shift and diminish, contributing to changes in cheek volume and facial shape.
A deep plane facelift repositions descended facial tissues, including associated fat compartments, to improve facial contours.
For patients who have experienced significant facial volume loss, our plastic surgeons may recommend facial fat grafting as an additional procedure.
At Kensington Medical, our surgeons may advise performing fat grafting at a later stage, once the initial swelling has settled. This allows them to assess the results of the facelift before deciding whether additional volume would be beneficial.
A deep plane facelift primarily addresses the midface and lower face. Where patients also have loose neck skin, excess fat or visible neck bands, our surgeons may recommend combining the procedure with a neck lift.
Depending on your anatomy, this may involve tightening the platysma muscle (platysmaplasty), removing excess fat or repositioning tissues to improve the contour of the neck and jawline.
Your surgeon will explain whether a combined deep plane facelift and neck lift is appropriate during your consultation.
Our specialist plastic surgeons carefully position incisions around the natural contours of the ears and, where required, into the hairline to make scars as discreet as possible.
The exact incision pattern depends on the surgical technique and whether a neck lift is also performed.
Scars are initially more noticeable but generally fade and soften over time. Your surgeon will explain how to care for your incisions and advise when any scar treatments may be appropriate.
At Kensington Medical, your surgeon will monitor your healing at follow-up appointments and advise when sutures should be removed.
A deep plane facelift works beneath the skin to lift and reposition the deeper facial tissues. For suitable patients, this technique can offer several benefits:
Natural looking results: By repositioning the deeper facial structures rather than relying on skin tightening alone, the technique aims to create a refreshed appearance without an overly pulled or stretched look.
Reduced tension on the skin: Lifting the deeper tissues allows the surgeon to redistribute the overlying skin with less tension, which can help achieve a more natural facial contour.
Improvement across the midface and lower face: The technique can address several areas of facial ageing during the same procedure, helping to create balanced facial contours.
Long lasting facial rejuvenation: Results can last for many years, although the natural ageing process continues. Longevity varies depending on factors including skin quality, lifestyle and individual anatomy.
A personalised surgical approach: The procedure can be adapted to your facial anatomy and, where appropriate, combined with a neck lift to achieve a balanced result.
At Kensington Medical, our specialist facial plastic surgeons will explain the potential benefits and limitations of a deep plane facelift, helping you make an informed decision about whether it is the most suitable technique for you.
A deep plane facelift may be suitable for women and men who are concerned about more noticeable signs of facial ageing, particularly sagging cheeks, jowls and a loss of jawline definition.
While many patients considering this procedure are in their 50s, 60s or 70s, there is no ideal age for a deep plane facelift. What matters most is the extent of facial ageing, your general health and what you would like to achieve from surgery.
You may be suitable for a deep plane facelift if you have:
Sagging cheeks and midface: Where the deeper facial tissues have descended, contributing to a tired or heavier appearance.
Jowls and loss of jawline definition: Where sagging tissues have softened the natural contours of the lower face.
Deep nose-to-mouth lines: Where repositioning the deeper facial tissues may help soften prominent folds.
Loose skin around the face and neck: Where a combined deep plane facelift and neck lift may provide a more balanced improvement.
Good general health: You are medically suitable for surgery and understand the recovery involved.
Realistic expectations: You are looking for a natural looking improvement rather than a dramatic change to your appearance.
At Kensington Medical, we specialise exclusively in facial plastic surgery. During your consultation, your surgeon will take time to understand your concerns, assess the changes in your face and discuss the results you would like to achieve.
A deep plane facelift is not necessarily the right choice for everyone. Your surgeon may recommend a different approach, such as a SMAS facelift or lower facelift, depending on your individual needs.
Our priority is to help you make a well informed decision, with honest advice about what surgery can realistically achieve.
At Kensington Medical, we specialise exclusively in facial plastic surgery. During your consultation, your surgeon will take time to understand your concerns, assess the changes in your face and discuss the results you would like to achieve.
A deep plane facelift is not necessarily the right choice for everyone. Your surgeon may recommend a different approach, such as a SMAS facelift or lower facelift, depending on your individual needs.
Our priority is to help you make a well informed decision, with honest advice about what surgery can realistically achieve.
"My deep plane facelift is so natural, I am just so delighted with it. I'm now focusing on my health and keeping my face out of the sun. I feel 10 years younger. " Amy
"Kensington Medical helped me look and feel refreshed. I have started wearing my hair up, I haven't done this in years. I've even worn a lower neckline, because I can. Why I waited this long, I just don't know. " Roberta
A deep plane facelift involves working beneath the superficial facial tissues, close to important nerves and blood vessels. It is a technically demanding operation, and understanding the possible risks is an essential part of deciding whether surgery is right for you.
As with any facelift, complications can occur, even when the procedure is carried out by an experienced plastic surgeon. Most patients will experience some swelling, bruising and temporary changes in sensation as part of their recovery, but more significant complications are also possible.
Bleeding or haematoma: Bleeding beneath the skin can cause a collection of blood, known as a haematoma. This may require drainage or, occasionally, another operation.
Infection: An infection may develop around the incisions or within the deeper tissues, requiring antibiotics or further treatment.
Facial nerve injury: The deep plane technique involves working close to branches of the facial nerve. Injury may cause temporary weakness or changes in facial movement. Permanent weakness is uncommon but possible.
Poor wound healing or skin necrosis: In some cases, the blood supply to an area of skin may be reduced, causing delayed healing or skin loss (necrosis). Smoking and certain medical conditions can increase this risk.
Swelling, bruising and numbness: These are common after surgery and generally improve over time. Some changes in sensation, discomfort or swelling may persist for several months or occasionally become permanent.
Scarring and hair loss: Although incisions are carefully positioned around the ears and hairline, scars may occasionally become raised, widened or more noticeable. Temporary or permanent hair loss can also occur around the incisions.
Facial asymmetry or contour irregularities: Some differences between the two sides of the face may remain or develop after surgery. Changes to the earlobes, skin contours or facial shape are also possible.
Fluid collection (seroma): Fluid may occasionally accumulate beneath the skin and require drainage.
Blood clots: Although uncommon, blood clots can develop in the legs (deep vein thrombosis or DVT). In rare cases, a clot can travel to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism, which is potentially life-threatening.
Anaesthetic and other medical complications: General anaesthesia carries risks, including allergic reactions and breathing or cardiovascular complications. Rare but serious events, including heart attack or stroke, are also possible.
Unsatisfactory results or further surgery: Healing and surgical outcomes vary. Occasionally, additional treatment or revision surgery may be necessary if complications occur or the result does not meet expectations.
Your safety begins with a careful assessment during your consultation of whether a deep plane facelift is the right procedure for you.
Your surgeon will take time to understand your medical history, examine your facial structure and discuss any factors that may increase your risk of complications. Previous facial surgery, smoking, certain medications and underlying health conditions may all influence the type of surgical approach.
We believe that choosing the right procedure is just as important as choosing the right surgeon. If an alternative facelift technique would be more appropriate, your surgeon will explain why.
You will have the opportunity to discuss the potential risks, expected recovery and limitations of surgery before making your decision. Our approach is to provide clear, honest advice, without pressure to proceed.
We understand that deciding to have a deep plane facelift is a significant and very personal decision. From your first consultation through to your recovery, our aim is to ensure you feel informed, comfortable asking questions and supported throughout your experience.
We take time to understand what you would like to achieve, and your surgeon will guide you through the options, the operation itself and what you can realistically expect afterwards.
Your journey begins with a consultation with one of our specialist plastic surgeons in Harley Street or Wimbledon.
We encourage patients considering a deep plane facelift to have at least two consultations before deciding whether to proceed. This gives you time to consider your options, understand the surgery and ask any questions that may arise.
During your first consultation, your surgeon will:
Listen to your concerns and discuss the changes you would like to achieve.
Examine your facial structure, skin quality and degree of facial ageing.
Explain whether a deep plane facelift or another technique would be most suitable.
Discuss the expected results, possible limitations, risks and recovery.
Show you relevant before-and-after photographs of previous patients, where available and appropriate.
Following your consultation, you will receive a written summary of the recommendations, a personalised quotation and further information about the proposed surgery.
Your second consultation is an opportunity to revisit any concerns, discuss the recommended procedure in greater detail and ensure you have the information you need to make an informed decision. Depending on your circumstances, this may take place in person or by video call.
There is no obligation to proceed with surgery.
Once you have decided to proceed, our team will help coordinate your surgery at one of our selected private hospitals.
Before your operation, you will be asked to complete a medical questionnaire so your surgeon and anaesthetist can review your health and any factors that may affect your surgery or recovery.
Additional medical assessments or tests may be required depending on your individual circumstances.
You will also receive detailed pre-operative instructions covering:
Medications and supplements that may need to be reviewed before surgery.
Smoking and nicotine use, which can affect healing and increase the risk of complications.
Eating and drinking instructions before your anaesthetic.
Practical arrangements for your journey home and initial recovery.
Your surgeon and anaesthetist will advise you about any medication changes. You should not stop prescribed medication unless instructed by the appropriate medical professional.
When you arrive at the hospital, the nursing team will welcome you and complete the necessary pre-operative checks.
You will meet your surgeon and anaesthetist before your operation. Your surgeon will review the surgical plan with you and make the appropriate markings.
A deep plane facelift is performed under general anaesthesia and typically takes approximately 2.5–3.5 hours, depending on the extent of surgery and whether additional procedures are included.
Following surgery, you will be cared for in the hospital's recovery area, where the nursing team will monitor you as you recover from the anaesthetic.
Some patients may be able to return home the same day, while others may require an overnight stay. This will depend on the surgery performed, your recovery and your medical team's assessment.
Your recovery is an important part of your surgical journey, and we want you to feel supported as your face heals.
Before leaving hospital, you will receive instructions covering wound care, medication, sleeping position, activity restrictions and symptoms that may require medical attention.
You will need someone to accompany you home and stay with you for at least the first night if you are discharged on the day of surgery.
Your surgeon will arrange follow-up appointments to monitor your healing, check your incisions and remove sutures when appropriate.
These appointments are usually arranged during the first few weeks after surgery, with a further review at approximately six weeks. Additional appointments may be recommended depending on your progress.
Our team will explain how to contact the appropriate medical professionals if you have concerns during your recovery, including outside normal clinic hours.
Swelling, bruising, tightness and temporary changes in facial sensation are common following a deep plane facelift.
Most patients should allow approximately two to three weeks before returning to work or social activities, although healing varies and residual swelling can take several months to settle.
Your surgeon will advise when you can safely resume driving, exercise and other daily activities.
During recovery, it is particularly important to:
Follow your surgeon's wound care and medication instructions.
Sleep in the recommended position to help manage swelling.
Avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting until advised.
Protect healing incisions from sun exposure.
Attend your scheduled follow up appointments.
Contact your surgical team promptly if you experience unexpected symptoms or have concerns about your recovery.
We know that patients can have questions as their appearance changes during healing. Our aim is to provide clear advice and ongoing support, so you know what to expect at each stage.
Mr David Gateley
Mr Amir Sadri
Mr Paul Tulley
Who is not suitable for a Deep Plane facelift?
A deep plane facelift may not be appropriate for patients with relatively mild facial sagging, certain medical conditions or factors that increase the risks of surgery.
If your main concern is early jowling or limited skin laxity, a mini facelift, lower facelift or SMAS facelift may be more suitable.
During your consultation, your surgeon will assess your facial structure, medical history and expectations before recommending the most appropriate approach. In some circumstances, surgery may not be advised.
How long does a Deep Plane facelift last?
A deep plane facelift can provide long lasting facial rejuvenation, with some patients continuing to see benefits for 10 years or longer. The longevity of results varies depending on factors including skin quality, age, genetics, lifestyle and surgical technique. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, avoiding smoking and protecting your skin from sun damage may help preserve your results. However, a facelift does not stop the natural ageing process.
What Should I Expect Immediately After a Deep Plane Facelift?
Swelling, bruising, tightness and some discomfort are normal during the first few days following surgery. You may also notice temporary numbness around the cheeks, ears and jawline.
Your face will initially look swollen, and it takes time for the tissues to settle. Your surgeon will explain how to care for your incisions, manage discomfort and recognise any symptoms that require medical attention.
We recommend arranging for someone you trust such as a family member or friend to help during the first few days, so you can concentrate on resting and recovering.
How long does it take to recover after a Deep Plane facelift?
Most patients should allow approximately two to three weeks for the initial recovery period, although this varies depending on the extent of surgery and individual healing.
Bruising and noticeable swelling usually improve during the first few weeks. However, some residual swelling, tightness or changes in sensation can continue for several months.
Your surgeon will advise when you can return to work, exercise and your usual activities. If you have an important occasion planned, we recommend discussing the timing of your surgery well in advance.
If you have a particular date in mind, a wedding, a holiday, a new partner, a birthday celebration or changing jobs, they all require careful planning. We will work hard to get that timing right and consider all health factors, time of year and available downtime.
How Much Does a Deep Plane Facelift Cost in London?
At Kensington Medical, a deep plane facelift starts from £18,500, while a combined deep plane facelift and neck lift starts from £19,500.
The final cost depends on the surgical plan, the surgeon and whether additional procedures are recommended.
Following your consultation, you will receive a personalised quotation outlining the proposed surgery, hospital and anaesthesia fees, and aftercare arrangements. Any additional costs will be explained before you decide whether to proceed.
Read about facelift costs.
Will a Deep Plane Facelift Improve My Neck?
A deep plane facelift primarily addresses sagging in the midface and lower face and may provide some improvement around the jawline and upper neck.
However, it does not necessarily correct loose neck skin or prominent neck bands.
If these are particular concerns, your surgeon may recommend combining a deep plane facelift with a neck lift to achieve a more balanced result.
Is a Deep Plane Facelift Better Than a SMAS Facelift?
Not necessarily. Both deep plane and SMAS facelifts are established techniques for addressing facial ageing, but they involve different surgical approaches.
A deep plane facelift involves releasing selected facial retaining ligaments to allow the deeper facial tissues to be repositioned. A SMAS facelift can also lift and reposition the underlying facial structures, using a range of techniques.
The most suitable procedure depends on your facial anatomy, degree of sagging, previous surgery and the results you would like to achieve.
Our surgeons perform different facelift techniques and will explain which they recommend for you and why.
Read about the differences between a Deep Plane facelift and a SMAS facelift.
Will I Look Natural After a Deep Plane Facelift?
The aim of a deep plane facelift is to restore facial contours while preserving your individual features and expressions.
By repositioning the deeper tissues rather than relying on skin tightening alone, the technique can help avoid an overly pulled appearance.
However, natural looking results depend on careful surgical planning, the surgeon's technique and your facial anatomy. Your surgeon can show you relevant before-and-after photographs to help you understand the type of improvement that may be achievable.
If you're thinking about a deep plane facelift but are unsure whether it's the right procedure for you, a consultation is an opportunity to explore your options.
Your surgeon will take time to understand your concerns, assess your face and explain which surgical approach they would recommend. You can discuss the potential results, recovery, costs and any questions you may have.
Consultations are available in Harley Street and Wimbledon, and there is no obligation to proceed with surgery.
Medical Sources
