What is a Deep Plane Facelift?

The Deep Plane Facelift represents the evolution of facial rejuvenation surgery. While first-generation facelifts focused on pulling and tightening the skin, often resulting in an artificial appearance, and second-generation techniques addressed the skin and superficial muscles (SMAS), the Deep Plane method reaches beyond — treating the true underlying structures that define the face.

By working beneath the SMAS layer and releasing the retaining ligaments, this approach allows the surgeon to lift and reposition the face in its natural anatomic plane. The outcome is smoother, firmer, and naturally rejuvenated skin without the “pulled” look associated with older methods.

This modern facelift restores the youthful relationship between the cheeks, jawline, and neck — offering elegance, symmetry, and durability in one comprehensive procedure.

Who is a Candidate for the Deep Plane Facelift?

The Deep Plane Facelift in Dubai and Abu Dhabi is ideal for individuals who exhibit moderate to advanced signs of facial aging, including:

• Loss of jawline definition

• Sagging skin in the midface and neck

• Deep nasolabial folds

• Hollow or drooping cheeks

• Loss of youthful facial contour

It is especially recommended for patients who have not achieved satisfactory results with non-surgical treatments such as fillers, Botox, or thread lifts. Most patients seeking this procedure are over 45 years old, although age is not a strict limitation.

How the Procedure is Performed

The Deep Plane Facelift is performed in a hospital setting under general anesthesia. During the procedure, the surgeon accesses the Superficial Musculo-Aponeurotic System (SMAS) — the deeper structural layer of facial muscles — and carefully releases it from the underlying ligaments.

By repositioning these deep tissues instead of pulling the skin, the surgeon restores youthful volume and contour naturally.
This deep-level release reduces surface tension, allowing the skin to drape smoothly and age gracefully over time.

The technique improves the jawline, neck, and midface in a single procedure and can be combined with complementary surgeries such as:

• Deep Neck Lift

• Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery)

• Otoplasty (ear correction)

Each plan is fully customized based on the patient’s anatomy, facial proportions, and rejuvenation goals.

Advantages of the Deep Plane Facelift

Compared to traditional facelift techniques, the Deep Plane approach offers several distinct benefits:

1. Natural and long-lasting results

2. More defined jawline and midface volume restoration

3. Reduced surgical tension, ensuring smoother healing

4. Minimal visibility of scars

5. Better facial symmetry and tissue distribution

6. Shorter recovery and faster return to daily life

7. Improved skin tone and elasticity

This technique represents the most advanced level of facial rejuvenation available today — delivering results that look refreshed, not operated.

Preoperative Evaluation

Before surgery, patients undergo a complete medical assessment, including:

• Blood tests

• Anesthesiology evaluation

• Comprehensive facial examination with the surgeon

Depending on the case, imaging or additional tests may be requested to ensure full safety and planning precision.

Patients are advised to avoid smoking, alcohol, and certain medications before surgery, and to follow fasting and preoperative preparation as instructed by the medical team.

Postoperative Care

Following the Deep Plane Facelift, patients may either go home the same day or stay overnight for observation. The medical team provides personalized recovery guidelines, including:

1. Rest for 7–10 days after surgery

2. Use prescribed medications as directed

3. Apply cold compresses to minimize swelling

4. Avoid sun exposure for 30 days

5. Refrain from strenuous activity for 6–8 weeks

Mild swelling and bruising are common and gradually subside over the first two weeks. Most patients resume work and social activities after one week.

Due to the deep-layer approach, the healing process is smoother and the scars heal finely, resulting in a thin, barely visible line.

Recovery Timeline

• Duration of surgery: 3–5 hours, depending on complexity

• Hospital stay: Same-day discharge or 24-hour observation

• Return to work: After 7–10 days

• Exercise and sun exposure: After 4–6 weeks

• Swelling reduction: Noticeable improvement within 2 months

• Final results: Fully evident after 6 months, with continued improvement up to 1 year

Results and Longevity

The Deep Plane Facelift provides exceptional, natural-looking rejuvenation that can last up to 10–15 years.
Because the deeper facial layers are repositioned — not simply tightened — results maintain structural integrity over time, aging gracefully without distortion or stiffness.

Patients experience restored confidence, refined contours, and a refreshed, youthful expression that remains true to their natural beauty.

Schedule Appointment

To discover whether the Deep Plane Facelift in Dubai or Abu Dhabi is the ideal solution for your facial rejuvenation goals, schedule a consultation with Dr. Paulo Michels.
Experience the artistry of advanced facelift surgery — where precision meets natural beauty.