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    2025 Surgeon of the Year 2025 Practice / Spa / Clinic surgeon of the year
    Facial Surgery

    Deep Plane Facelift

    • Procedure benefit The gold standard of facelifts
    • Procedure benefit Unparalleled natural results
    • Procedure benefit Restores facial definition
    At a glance
    Procedure Time: Procedure Time2.5-3 Hours
    Anaesthesia: AnaesthesiaYes
    Recovery Time: Recovery Time4-6 Weeks
    Time Off Work: Time-off-work7-10 Days
    Exercise: Exercise4-6 Weeks
    Price:
    ?
    Final pricing is dependent on the Plastic Surgeon's professional assessment at your consultation. They will create a personalised surgical plan that aligns with your aesthetic goals. Dr Yannis' 360 degree approach and our Complete Care Plans include non-surgical treatments, products, surgery and post-surgery care to ensure we achieve the very best outcome from your procedure.
    PriceFrom £25,000

    Treatment Overview


    111 Harley St. are rated an average of 5 out of 5 based on 1376 reviews

    Deep Plane Facelift in London

    The Deep Plane Facelift is Dr Yannis’s signature facial rejuvenation technique for striking, transformative results.

    Discover the Deep Plane Facelift and the exceptional results the most advanced facelift technique can achieve. Performed by world-class Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon, Dr Yannis who established our world-renowned Harley Street clinic. Founding faculty at the NYC Facelift Master Course, Dr Yannis is known globally for his results, knowledge and expertise which ensure our procedures and treatments always remain at the forefront of aesthetic and surgical innovation.

    Known for producing exceptionally natural, and long-lasting results, this highly advanced technique goes beyond surface skin tightening to restore youthful contours at a structural level. Led by one of the world’s leading authorities in facelift surgery, the procedure delivers transformative yet discreet rejuvenation. When masterfully paired with CO2 Laser Deep Skin Resurfacing, the overall results are nothing short of extraordinary levels of aesthetic refinement.


    • Content checked and approved for medical accuracy by Dr Yannis Alexandrides MD
    The American Society For Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS)
    Internation Society For Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ISAPS)
    General Medical Council UK (GMC)
    American Society Of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)
    Top Performing RealSelf Doctor

    Facelift Before & After Photos

    WHAT IS A DEEP PLANE FACELIFT?
    The Deep Plane Facelift is a sophisticated surgical technique that targets the deeper anatomical layers of the face, including the SMAS (Superficial Musculo-Aponeurotic System) and platysma muscle. Unlike traditional facelift methods, which primarily lift the skin, which can result in a stretched appearance, this more advanced approach works on the deeper structural layers repositioning them as a whole restore youthful definition.

    THE BENEFITS OF THE DEEP PLANE FACELIFT TECHNIQUE:

    • A vertical elevation that results in a naturally youthful appearance
    • Midface rejuvenation and enhanced cheekbones
    • Softer nasolabial folds and jowls
    • Increased, restored definition to the jawline and reduced jowling
    • Long-lasting results (often 10–20 years)
    • Maintains natural facial movement and character
    • Avoids an artificially stretched or tight appearance to the skin

    HOW THE DEEP PLANE FACELIFT WORKS

    The technique involved in the Deep Plane Facelift involves gently releases the ligaments and facial tissue before the surgeon skillfully lifts them vertically, carefully placing them into a more youthful position. Working at this depth with such surgical precision means the procedure addresses skin that has sagged with the natural ageing process, loss of volume (a process called atrophy), and muscle laxity simultaneously. The result achieved is subtle, yet dynamic and achieves results that give a natural, youthful appearance.

    As this technique is masterfully performed beneath the muscle, it avoids tension on the skin, with the structures beneath the surface providing a place for the skin to rest naturally, minimising scarring and providing long-term lift and definition.

    THE ROLE OF THE SMAS AND PLATYSMA IN FACIAL AGEING

    UNDERSTANDING THE FACIAL STRUCTURE:

    • The SMAS layer sits just beneath the skin. It contains muscles and nerves that play a key role in facial shape and movement.
    • The platysma muscle, which extends into the neck, contributes to supporting the lower and helps provide definition.

    THE EFFECTS OF AGEING ON THE FACE

    • As we age the loss of elasticity in the SMAS means the face can become prone to sagging. Ultimately this can lead to deep wrinkles and very visible nasolabial folds
    • As the platysma weakens, jowling can appear and the definition around the jawline softens.
    • Facial harmony becomes distorted due to loss of volume in the skin, similarly, some areas may gain volume meaning balance causing a shift to the overall facial aesthetic.

    The Deep Plane Facelift lifts, repositions and restores the structure from the inside out, addressing these issues for a harmonious and natural beauty.

    WHO IS AN IDEAL CANDIDATE FOR A DEEP PLANE FACELIFT?

    When determining the patient suitability for any procedure, the Plastic Surgeon must consider many factors. For the Deep Plane Facelift, these are the key points that would make someone a good candidate:

    • Moderate to severe facial sagging and skin laxity
    • Deep facial folds or jowls
    • Seeking a natural, youthful appearance without the visible signs of surgery
    • Wanting to achieve long-lasting results

     

    DEEP PLANE FACELIFT FAQS

    An ageing face is something that can gradually start to present itself as collagen and elasticity levels begin to deplete, muscles weaken, and skin loosens.

    Skin laxity accentuates the visibility of lines and wrinkles, jowls, excess skin above and below the eyelids, drooping mouth corners, hollowing under the eyes, and crepiness.

    During the consultation, we will perform an analysis of the facial anatomy and the changes to the structure that signify ageing. You may wish to combine this with a brow lift and neck lift to achieve optimal results.

    We can perform a face lift as a day case procedure under general anaesthesia. However, we can administer a local anaesthetic for less extensive cases.

    Generally, the operation aims to lift the skin and muscles as one. The surgeon will tighten the underlying SMAS muscle and membrane, hoisting and trimming excess skin. As each operation involves addressing the appearance of neckbands, our Deep Plane Facelift extends to the Platysma muscles in the neck for a total rejuvenated look.

    Depending on the method adopted, the surgeon may staple the incision, and use non-dissolvable sutures to close the incision around the ears. The surgeon will remove the stitches and clips within two weeks after surgery, depending on how you are recovering.

    Occasionally, we may place a temporary drain under the skin behind your ear following the surgery to remove excess fluid, though this is usually not necessary. Your head will be wrapped in bandages immediately after surgery to minimise bruising and swelling for 24 hours.

    We may recommend minimally invasive submental liposuction around the neck and chin to improve the contour of the jawline. In other instances, you could combine the operation with a fat transfer to restore volume to the facial contours. Or, with a brow lift and blepharoplasty to address ageing around the eyes.

    Many patients can benefit from a face lift, even those in their thirties or eighties. It’s important to remember that a facelift does not stop, reverse or slow down ageing, it only helps you to instantly target the visible signs, which encourages younger-looking skin. Performing a second and third facelift later on in life may still be a possibility.

    It is most suitable for people looking to dramatically rejuvenate their complexion. Or those wanting to eradicate:

    • Hollowness in the cheek/protibial areas
    • Targets deep nasolabial folds
    • Ideal for those looking to remove buccal fat or facial fullness
    • Jowls
    • Asymmetrical jawline or sagging skin over chin line
    • Marionette lines – the vertical lines between the corners of the mouth and chin

    For more information on the areas that can be targeted, view this page.

    Improvements will be visible upon the removal of your cast. Over six months to a year, your nose will continue to change shape. During this time, swelling should reduce and you should start to see the final results towards the end of 1 year.

    The outcome of the facelift depends on several variables. Gravity, ageing, and other external and lifestyle forces will play a pivotal role in how long your facelift lasts.

    One of the benefits of the Deep Plane Facelift is that it will preserve the skin for approximately 10-15 years. Over the years, a patient who has had a facelift will still experience weakening of the muscles and skin laxity and may wish to repeat the operation.

    Most patients return to work between 1-3 weeks after the operation. Swelling, bruising and numbness after a traditional facelift typically last for 6-8 weeks which will subside gradually. Significant swelling should subside within 10-14 days. We will require you to wear a facial support garment for 24 hours. Numbness may take 4-6 weeks to resolve. A full recovery can be around 6 months or longer.

    We will provide you with aftercare instructions following your procedure. However, general recommendations and aftercare advice include trying to keep the head elevated and as still as possible for a couple of days after surgery.

    The procedure duration will vary depending on the approach and severity of the operation. Due to the complexity of the procedure, it can be around 3 hours or more.

    The incisions and scarring vary depending on the case. They’re usually inconspicuously made around the ear, concealed within their natural folds. They often begin just above the hairline at the temples, extending in a natural line from the front of the ear just inside the cartilage and continuing behind the earlobe to the lower scalp.

    We usually recommend the use of Kelo-cote  for three months to help minimise scarring. We also advocate the use of our complimentary dramatic healing serum – the product contains healing ingredients proven to reduce the appearance of scarring. Our light therapy system Celluma can also reduce scars.

    Radiofrequency laser treatments combined with conservative use of Anti-Wrinkle Injections and fillers can preserve the quality of the skin to ward off skin laxity and improve structure and support.

    We advocate many non-surgical approaches such as the soft thread lift, Profhilo, the 8-point liquid facelift and laser treatments that all provide excellent results for addressing volume loss, and softening the appearance of mild jowls, nasolabial folds, and marionette lines. However, surgical intervention will always offer the best and most permanent outcome for extensive facial sagging. A traditional facelift can improve sagging neck skin and platysma vertical neck bands, where non-surgical methods aren’t successful with these concerns.

    A consultation will help determine which course of action would be most suited to your needs. Here, we will take your age, skin damage and quality, volume loss, the elasticity of the skin, lifestyle factors, any pre-existing facial asymmetries and your mental health into consideration.

    Age is not the factor to decide if your skin is suitable to have a Facelift surgery. The condition of your skin is the key indication for a Facelift. If you see a significant sagging, wrinkles, loose skin, or jowling, you are suitable for Deep Plane Facelift surgery.

    You can book a consultation via our online booking system or by calling us on 0344 692 1111.

    Patients may also email [email protected] to arrange a consultation, or WhatsApp 07495 733874 for surgical enquiries and 07931 834599 for non-surgical enquiries.

    Our London clinic hours are 9:30 am to 6:30 pm on Mondays, 9:30 am to 8:00 pm from Tuesdays to Thursdays, 9:30 am to 6:00 pm on Fridays, and 10:00 am to 4:00 pm on Saturdays.

    Depending on the type of facelift you choose to undergo after your consultation with us, we will create a meticulous post-operative care plan to help you recover safely and achieve the best possible results.

    This plan may include, but is not limited to, guidelines on when to change dressings, medication schedules (such as antibiotics or pain relief), timelines for follow-up appointments, and specific activity restrictions. We can also offer personalised nutrition support to help your body recover well from the inside out.

    FACELIFT TECHNIQUES

    EXTENDED DEEP PLANE & DEEP PLANE FACELIFT

    As mentioned earlier, the Deep Plane Facelift targets the deep fibrous SMAS tissues and elevates them as one to achieve a dramatic lift – that still looks natural. There are two types of Deep Plane Facelift – the original one and the Extended Deep Plane. The extended version offers a more rejuvenated result, but means the facial incision is lengthened. However, Dr Yannis will ensure any incision made follows the skin’s natural lines and folds for maximum discretion. ­­

    Y FACELIFT

    Dr Yannis’ eponymous and pioneering facelift has been developed with his own extensive understanding of the ageing process and the places it effects most ­– and yes, the neck is one of them! The areas this facelift targets are similar to the shape of a ‘Y’. The top part of the letter acts as the jawline and lower face, and the stem as the neck which will provide contour and re-definition across these regions. Plus, the incision is disguised in the fold of the ear and behind it.

    FULL FACELIFT

    A traditional facelift will work on your whole appearance by contracting the epidermis. It addresses ageing of the lower and upper face, brows and neck – offering total revitalisation. Dr Yannis will remove any excess skin to lift it into a more youthful position and finish the procedure by concealing the incisions along the natural creases.

    SMAS FACELIFT

    SMAS Facelift works on a similar level to the Deep Plane Facelift and delicately reveals the SMAS layers of skin. However, compared to the Deep Plane Facelift that moves the skin and muscle as one to maximise facial harmony, the SMAS Facelift separates the SMAS layer of skin and the superficial fat, so both can be improved as separate entities. Depending on your facial composition and severity of laxity, Dr Yannis will expertly examine your appearance to identify which facelift will give you the best results.

    MINI FACELIFT

    The mini facelift is suited to those looking for a subtle rejuvenation with minimal downtime. It’s ideal for patients looking to rapidly offset the early signs of ageing, or the worsening of jowls or skin laxity issues before they develop further.

    THREAD FACELIFT

    The thread face lift is one non-surgical route to consider, especially if you’re considering a transformation without the invasiveness of surgery. Our Soft Thread Lift means you can achieve your dream appearance, improve the appearance of wrinkles and boost collagen production for up to a year afterwards.

    CHOOSING A PLASTIC SURGEON

    WHY DR YANNIS?

    Dr Yannis Alexandrides is highly regarded in his field and specialises in facial reconstructive surgery (including craniofacial surgery), teaching his techniques to plastic surgeons from around the globe. He has a profound understanding of the complexities of  facial anatomy, the ageing process, soft tissues and healing processes.

    Having performed countless facial surgeries over the last 30 years, Dr Yannis has refined his techniques with outstanding precision to achieve life-changing results that speak for themselves. He performs only facelift techniques that can deliver stunning outcomes and carefully curates his surgical plan to include preparation and recovery treatments, supplements and skincare to ensure the smoothest recovery and best end result.

    Dr Yannis’ deep understanding of skin’s 3D healing process led him to formulate the Dramatic Healing Serum to accelerate the healing process and minimise scarring. The product is only available to 111 Harley St. patients. The success of the Dramatic Healing Serum further inspired him to create the 111SKIN products based on his extensive medical observations, practice and research. He also pioneered the Y Facelift technique, his unique approach to providing the best facelift results for his patients.

    His training in Miami’s Centre for Aesthetic Surgery means that he has experience on both sides of the Atlantic; having worked at Jackson Memorial Hospital and training in the US, but also an innate understanding European standards and cultural preferences. Through this experience, he discovered innovative facelift methods and developed his own unique pioneering approaches.

    Dr Yannis regularly attends events as a Keynote Speaker, teaching his surgical techniques to other Plastic Surgeons, and is a founding faculty member of the annual NYC Facelift Master Course. He has extensive experience working with leaders in facial rejuvenation and facelift procedures. These procedures require careful planning according to the patient’s desires, anatomy and state of ageing, selecting an experienced surgeon is key to a successful result.

    As an expert in facial surgery, Dr Yannis frequently combines procedures for the best result, for example, where required to achieve the patients goals he may combine his signature facelifting techniques with Blepharoplasty, to address concerns around the eye area, Brow Lifts, Lift Lifts, Submental Liposuction or CO2 Laser Treatments – each and every surgical plan is as unique as his patients.

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