Op. Dr. Yakup DumanPlastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery

Op. Dr. Yakup Duman · Deep plane facelift

Deep plane facelift

Most procedures performed at the practice are deep plane facelifts. This page gives general information on the technique, process, preparation and risks; what suits you is decided at the examination.

Technique

What is deep plane?

The soft tissue of the face is layered: skin, subcutaneous fat, the muscle-and-fascia layer called the SMAS, and the deep plane beneath it.

In the deep plane technique the surgeon works in the plane beneath the SMAS. Skin and SMAS are lifted together as one unit; some of the retaining ligaments that tether facial tissue to bone (zygomatic, masseteric, mandibular) are released, and the tissues are repositioned upwards and backwards.

Incisions are usually planned in the natural creases in front of and behind the ear and along the hairline. The neck is usually treated in the same operation.

Deep plane facelift — schematic face mapFace in profile: the dashed line marks the deep plane entry line, the shaded area the region worked beneath the SMAS, the dots the retaining ligaments, the arrow the direction in which tissues are repositioned. 1 2 3 4
  1. Deep plane entry line
  2. Region worked beneath the SMAS
  3. Retaining ligaments — zygomatic, masseteric, mandibular
  4. Direction of repositioning
Schematic drawing, not to scale. The drawing belongs to the practice; it is not an image of a real patient and does not show a result.

Regions

Which areas does it address?

Midface

Below the cheekbone and the cheek

Jawline

The jaw border and jowls

Neck

Usually planned in the same operation

Cross-section

Layers of facial tissue

Layers of facial tissue — schematic cross-sectionFrom surface to depth: skin, subcutaneous fat, SMAS, the deep plane, deep fascia and bone. Retaining ligaments run from bone to the SMAS.12345
  1. Skin
  2. Subcutaneous fat
  3. SMAS
  4. Deep plane — where the work happens
  5. Deep fascia and bone

Day of surgery

In hospital, with a team

Surgery takes place in the operating theatre of a licensed hospital. The anaesthesiologist decides the anaesthetic method.

The length of the operation depends on the procedures combined and is planned at the examination.

Recovery

General course

Swelling and bruising are most visible in the first days; resting with the head raised is advised. Swelling fades over time.

Dressings, stitch removal and follow-up visits take place on scheduled dates. Return to social life and work varies from person to person; your own timeline is discussed at the examination.

If you notice one-sided swelling with increasing pain, fever or shortness of breath, contact your doctor without delay.

Before surgery

What you should know

Blood pressure

High blood pressure raises bleeding risk; it must be controlled beforehand.

Medication

Report blood thinners and supplements such as fish oil or ginkgo; do not stop anything yourself.

Smoking

It can delay healing; avoid it before and after surgery.

Chronic conditions

Diabetes, heart and thyroid conditions are considered in planning.

Realistic expectations

A facelift does not stop ageing; results vary from person to person.

Support at home

Having someone close nearby in the first days is advised.

Printable checklist (PDF)

Risks

Like any surgery, it carries risks

  • Bleeding, haematoma
  • Infection
  • Temporary, rarely permanent, facial nerve weakness
  • Numbness, altered sensation
  • Scarring and variable scar quality
  • Asymmetry
  • Impaired skin blood supply
  • Anaesthesia-related risks

Results of any surgical or interventional procedure may vary from person to person. You are advised to get a detailed opinion from your doctor before any procedure.

FAQ

Common questions

Who may be considered?

People with sagging in the midface, jawline and neck whose general health allows surgery. This is decided at the examination.

How long does the operation take?

It depends on the procedures combined; usually several hours.

What anaesthesia is used?

The anaesthesiologist decides the method.

Where are the scars?

Usually in the natural creases in front of and behind the ear and along the hairline. How they look varies.

How long is recovery?

Swelling and bruising are most visible in the first days and fade over time. Your own timeline is discussed at the examination.

Can eyelid surgery be done at the same time?

Where suitable, yes. This is decided at the examination.

Is it performed on men?

Yes. The beard area and hairline are considered when planning incisions.

Which languages are consultations held in?

Turkish and English.

Practice

Practice of Op. Dr. Yakup Duman

Practice
Varyap Meridian, Ataşehir
Consultations
Mon – Sat
09:00 – 19:00
Phone
+90 507 501 11 11