As the last days of summer fade and the crispness of September arrives, many of us feel a desire for a reset. It’s a time for new beginnings, for putting ourselves first after a busy season. In my clinic, this is when conversations often turn towards facial rejuvenation, and one procedure stands out as the undisputed gold standard for truly transformative, natural-looking results: the Deep Plane Facelift.

The very word ‘facelift‘ can conjure images of the tight, “wind-swept” looks of old Hollywood. But I’m here to tell you that modern facial surgery has evolved dramatically. The latest trend, and indeed the entire philosophy of my practice, is not about pulling skin tight; it’s about restoring the face’s youthful architecture from its very foundations.

How is a Deep Plane Facelift Different from a “Regular” Facelift?

This is the most important question my patients ask. For many years, a standard facelift (often called a SMAS-plication lift) involved tightening the skin and the underlying muscle layer, known as the SMAS, by pulling them back.

Imagine making a bed by only pulling the bedsheet tight. It might look smooth for a moment, but the lumps in the mattress underneath are still there, and the sheet itself is under tension.

A Deep Plane Facelift works on an entirely different principle. Instead of just pulling the “bedsheet,” I go deeper, underneath the mattress and springs. In surgical terms, I work beneath the SMAS layer to release the key facial ligaments that have tethered the tissues down over the years. By releasing these ligaments, I can lift the entire structure of the face—the muscle, fat, and skin—as one single, composite unit.

The “bedsheet” (your skin) is then simply re-draped, without any tension at all. This is the crucial difference. It ensures a result that is not only remarkably natural but also incredibly long-lasting.

Who Would Benefit From a Deep Plane Facelift and Why?

While every face is unique, the deep plane technique is particularly effective for individuals who are experiencing more significant signs of facial ageing.

It is the definitive solution for:

• Significant Jowls: When the jawline has lost its crisp, defined edge and is obscured by sagging skin and fat.
• Deep Nasolabial Folds: The prominent “smile lines” that run from the nose to the corners of the mouth.
• Sagging Mid-Face: A loss of volume and a descent of the cheeks, which can create a tired or hollowed appearance.
• Neck Laxity: Significant sagging skin and muscle banding on the neck, often referred to as a “turkey neck.”

The reason this procedure is so powerful for these issues is that it addresses the root cause. Jowls and deep folds are not just skin-deep problems; they are the result of deep facial structures falling with gravity. By lifting these foundational tissues, we create a genuine and comprehensive rejuvenation from the inside out.

The Hollywood Connection: The Secret to a Timeless Look

While discretion is key in my field, the world of celebrity provides a glimpse into the incredible results of modern facial surgery. While we can only speculate, stars who look remarkably refreshed and natural for their age are often rumoured to have benefited from advanced techniques like the deep plane lift.

Think of the timeless elegance of stars like Demi Moore, who seem to defy the years while still looking entirely like themselves. More recently, designer Marc Jacobs was admirably open about his own deep plane facelift, showcasing a result that was masculine, defined, and completely authentic. These examples are dismantling the old stigma and proving that the goal of a modern facelift is simply to look like the very best version of yourself.

A Brief Overview of the Procedure

The surgery is performed under general anaesthesia. I make meticulous incisions, hidden within the natural creases around the ears and within the hairline, to ensure they are virtually undetectable once healed. From there, I perform the deep plane dissection, releasing the ligaments and gently repositioning the facial tissues to a more youthful position. The skin is then tailored and closed without tension.

Recovery typically involves a couple of weeks of social downtime as bruising and swelling subside. The result, however, continues to refine over several months, revealing a restored, vibrant, and, most importantly, completely natural you.

If you feel that the reflection in the mirror no longer matches the energy you feel inside, a deep plane facelift may be the answer. It is a sophisticated, powerful procedure, and I welcome you to book a personal consultation to discuss if it is the right path for you.