Deep Plane Facelift vs. Traditional Facelift: Which is better?

The aging process affects each individual's facial features differently; skin elasticity decreases, cheeks and jawline sag, and the neck area begins to loosen. Facelift surgeries are one of the most effective methods to reverse these changes and achieve a natural, youthful appearance. However, the variety of techniques available on the market can make it difficult to determine which method is best suited for you. At this point, two main methods stand out: Traditional facelift and Deep Plane facelift. If you want to learn more about these two procedures, you can take a detailed look at our content. We wish you all healthy days and happy reading.

Traditional Facelift: The Classic Approach

Traditional facelift is one of the most well-known and long-established methods in aesthetic surgery. In this technique, excess skin in the face and neck area is tightened and reshaped through incisions made along the front of the ears and hairline. It is generally preferred to correct sagging in the lower face and jawline area, neck laxity, and signs of aging in facial contours. This traditional approach is considered a relatively simpler and safer surgical method; however, its effectiveness may be limited in cases of advanced sagging since it does not involve intervention in the deep muscles and connective tissues beneath the skin. The results achieved with this method are generally permanent for about 7–10 years and are particularly successful in middle-aged to older individuals with skin that has partially lost its elasticity. When performed by the right surgeon using the appropriate technique, it provides facial contouring while giving the patient a more youthful appearance; however, some patients may prefer deep facelift techniques for a more natural look, as slight tightness in facial expression may occur.

Deep Plane Facelift: A Revolutionary Technique

The Deep Plane facelift is a groundbreaking technique in facial aesthetics that delivers natural results. This method reposition not only the skin but also the underlying SMAS (Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System) and connective tissues, lifting facial contours while preserving facial expressions. It provides effective rejuvenation, particularly in areas where aging is most noticeable, such as the midface, cheekbones, under the eyes, and jawline. Furthermore, the deep plane approach offers more natural and longer-lasting results compared to traditional facelifts because the skin is not only tightened, but the fundamental support tissues of the face are also strengthened. This method is ideal for patients with advanced age and severe sagging, providing results that last approximately 10–15 years. Although the recovery period is slightly longer due to its more comprehensive nature in surgical terms, the natural appearance it provides and the advantage of preserving the integrity of facial contours make it stand out among modern facelift techniques.

Key Differences in Surgical Approaches

The fundamental difference between traditional and deep plane techniques in facelift surgery lies in the depth of the tissues being manipulated. In this context, the primary focus in traditional facelifts is on tightening the skin and removing excess tissue. Although this approach offers the advantages of shorter surgery time and relatively rapid recovery, it may not fully restore the natural proportions of facial contours in cases of advanced sagging. In contrast, deep plane (Deep Plane/SMAS) facelift goes beyond the skin, repositioning the supporting tissues of the face, namely the muscles and connective tissue system. This lifts the facial contours while preserving facial expression, resulting in a more natural and longer-lasting outcome. For individuals exploring options within the field of facial plastic surgery Turkey, this fundamental difference between surgical techniques plays a critical role in determining which method is appropriate for which patient group; while the traditional approach is sufficient for mild sagging, the deep plane method is preferred for moderate to advanced sagging.

Benefits of Deep Facelift Surgery

Deep facelift surgery offers many advantages to the individual. These advantages benefit the individual both mentally and physically. In this context, the advantages offered by traditional ear surgery are as follows:

• Natural Appearance: Facial contours rejuvenate naturally as the underlying muscles and connective tissues are repositioned, avoiding a “stretched” appearance.
• Long-Lasting Results: The effects are more permanent than traditional facelifts; the face typically maintains a youthful and dynamic appearance for 10–15 years.
• Preservation of Facial Expressions: Facial expressions and gestures are preserved during the procedure, preventing a stiff or artificial appearance.
• Mid-Face Effect: Provides noticeable tightening, particularly in the cheekbones, under-eye, and cheek areas.
• Jawline and Neck Tightening: Sagging and laxity in the lower face and neck area are reduced, creating a more defined and youthful jawline.
• Compensation for Volume Loss: Facial volume is preserved or restored to its previous state thanks to the repositioning of facial support tissues.
• Aesthetic Balance: All areas of the face rejuvenate proportionally; excessive tightening or sagging of a specific area is prevented.

Benefits of Traditional Facelift Surgery

As with any facelift procedure, traditional facelift surgery offers certain advantages. These advantages are detailed below:

• Facial Contouring: Reduces sagging and laxity in the lower face and jawline for a more youthful appearance.
• Quick Recovery Process: Recovery usually occurs within 2–3 weeks since deep tissues are not involved.
• Safely Performed by Experienced Surgeons: It is a widely used technique that has been practiced for years and is easily performed by surgeons.
• Removal of Excess Skin: Excess skin is removed through incisions made along the hairline and in front of the ears, resulting in a tighter face.
• Suitable for Mild to Moderate Sagging: It is an effective method, especially for patients between the ages of 40 and 60 with moderate sagging.
• Achieving Aesthetic Balance: It improves overall facial aesthetics by tightening the lower part of the face.
• Relatively Low Surgical Risk: As it is a more superficial intervention, the risk of complications is lower compared to deep techniques.

Cons of Traditional Facelift

Traditional facelift surgery has some disadvantages. These disadvantages are minor and do not cause significant physical or psychological harm to the individual. These disadvantages are as follows:

• Insufficient Effect on Severe Sagging: Since the muscles and connective tissues beneath the skin are not addressed, complete recovery may not be possible in cases of advanced sagging.
• Partial Loss of Natural Appearance: Since only the skin is tightened, some patients may experience a slightly artificial or tight appearance.
• Limited Effect on the Midface: It does not provide significant recovery in midface areas such as the cheekbones and under the eyes.
• Short-Term Permanence: Results are generally permanent for 7–10 years, which is shorter than the deep plane method.
• Lack of Support for Facial Expressions: The effect of facial expressions against aging is limited because the deep tissues under the face are not supported.
• Cannot Compensate for Loss of Facial Volume: It does not provide an adequate solution for those experiencing a reduction in facial volume because the deep tissues are not repositioned.

Cons of Deep Plane Facelift

Deep plane facelift procedures have both advantages and disadvantages. If we are to discuss these disadvantages in detail, they are as follows:

• More Extensive Surgery: The surgery takes longer than the traditional method because it involves the muscles and connective tissues under the skin.
• Slightly Longer Recovery Time: There may be slight bruising and swelling, and the recovery time is around 2–3 weeks.
• Surgical Complexity: The procedure is more technical and requires an experienced surgeon; risks may increase with incorrect application.
• Longer Anesthesia Duration: Because the procedure is more extensive, the duration of general anesthesia is longer compared to the traditional method.
• Cost: Due to the surgical complexity and expertise required, the cost is generally higher.
• Mild Swelling and Bruising: Since deep tissues are involved, swelling and bruising may be more noticeable in some areas of the face.

Traditional Facelift Surgery Recovery Process

The recovery process following traditional facelift surgery is typically completed within 2–3 weeks, although this period may vary depending on the patient's age, skin type, and the extent of the surgery. Therefore, it is possible to return to daily activities within approximately 7–10 days, but it is recommended to avoid exercise and strenuous physical activities for 3–4 weeks. The final recovery of facial contours and a natural appearance usually becomes apparent within 4–6 weeks. Following the surgeon's care instructions during this period ensures that bruising and swelling subside quickly and that optimal results are achieved.

Deep Plane Facelift Recovery Process

Deep Plane facelift surgery is a more extensive surgical procedure compared to traditional methods, so the recovery process is slightly longer and requires greater care. For this reason, patients can usually return to their social lives in about 2 weeks, but it is recommended that they avoid strenuous exercise and physical activities for 3–4 weeks. Furthermore, since the deep plane method involves intervention in the SMAS and connective tissues beneath the skin, the final facial contours may take approximately 4–6 weeks to settle and achieve a natural appearance. For individuals researching deep plane facelift Turkey cost, it is important to remember that adhering to the surgeon's care and recovery recommendations throughout the process reduces the risk of complications and ensures a long-lasting and natural result.

Traditional Facelift Cost

The cost of traditional facelift surgery varies depending on many factors. These include the surgeon's experience and reputation, the standards of the clinic or hospital where the surgery will be performed, the type of anesthesia used, and the scope of the surgery. However, the classic method is relatively more affordable because it is a shorter and less complex surgery compared to deep plane techniques. In this context, the price is not solely dependent on the technical difficulty of the operation; preoperative examinations, laboratory tests, medications, and postoperative care costs also affect the total cost. On average, it ranges from €7000 to €15000.

Deep Plane Facelift Cost

The cost of deep plane facelift surgery is generally higher than traditional facelifts because the procedure is more extensive and technically complex. Since this method involves intervention in the SMAS and connective tissues under the skin, the surgery takes longer and the surgeon's expertise is of great importance; this is one of the most important factors affecting the price. Additionally, the equipment of the clinic or hospital where the surgery is performed, the type of anesthesia used, preoperative tests, and postoperative care costs can also increase the total cost. Therefore, since deep plane facelift is a preferred method for patients with advanced age or severe sagging, providing more lasting and natural results, the cost can be considered an investment.

Which Method is Suitable for Which Person?

Deep Plane facelift and traditional facelift methods offer different advantages depending on the patient's needs and level of aging. Therefore, traditional facelift, which is based on tightening the skin and removing excess tissue, is suitable for patients aged 40–60 with mild to moderate sagging and good skin elasticity.

In contrast, the Deep Plane facelift completely supports facial contours by repositioning the SMAS and connective tissues beneath the skin, providing more lasting and natural rejuvenation in the mid and lower face areas. This method is ideal for patients aged 50 and older who experience advanced sagging and wish to preserve the natural integrity of their facial contours. If you are unsure which method aligns better with your needs, the detailed guide “Which Facelift Type Fits You Best? A Surgeon Explains Your Options” can help you understand your choices more clearly.

If you would like to learn more about facial aesthetics, you can contact Dr. Berke Özücer and his team, who specialize in facelift surgery in Turkey.