Facial Surgery

Deep Plane Facelift

Performed by Dr Yannis Alexandrides, an internationally recognised Plastic Surgeon with 30+ years’ experience, the Deep Plane Facelift repositions deeper structures for lasting rejuvenation.

Procedure Time

2.5 - 3 Hours

Results Last

10-15 Years or Longer

Hospital Stay

Not Usually Required

Recovery Time

4-6 Weeks

Time Off Work

7-10 Days

Anaesthesia

General anaesthesia

Exercise

Gradually from 2–6 weeks

Price

£25,000-£150,000

Procedure

What is a Deep Plane Facelift?

A Deep Plane Facelift is an advanced facial rejuvenation procedure that addresses ageing at its deeper anatomical foundation. Rather than relying on skin tension, the technique releases key retaining ligaments and repositions the deeper facial tissues to restore youthful support through the midface, lower face and jawline.

At 111 Harley St., Deep Plane Facelift surgery is performed by Dr Yannis Alexandrides, an American Board-certified Plastic Surgeon with more than 30 years of surgical experience and specialist training at the University of Miami and Jackson Memorial Hospital. As a founding faculty member of the NYC Facelift Master Course, Dr Yannis combines advanced anatomical knowledge with highly personalised surgical planning, selecting the technique and degree of correction according to each patient’s individual face.

The aim is not simply to make the face look tighter. It is to restore youthful facial structure, soften visible signs of ageing and create transformative rejuvenation while preserving natural expression, proportions and identity.

Where appropriate, a Deep Plane Facelift may also be combined with a Neck Lift, Blepharoplasty, Brow Lift, Facial Fat Transfer, micrografting or advanced skin resurfacing to create more comprehensive facial rejuvenation.

Expected Effects & Benefits

Restores youthful facial structure and contours
Repositions deeper facial tissues
Rejuvenates the midface, lower face and jawline
Softens jowling and deeper facial folds
Preserves natural movement and expression
Creates balanced, long-lasting facial rejuvenation

Your Journey

360° Complete Care

Your journey begins with an in-depth consultation with Dr Yannis Alexandrides. He takes time to understand your concerns, medical history, lifestyle and what you hope to achieve, alongside a detailed assessment of your facial proportions, skin quality, tissue descent, facial volume and deeper support structures.

The consultation is about determining what is right for your face, rather than simply performing the procedure requested. Dr Yannis may recommend a Deep Plane Facelift, another facelift technique, a combined surgical approach or, where surgery is not appropriate, a non-surgical alternative.

Your dedicated Patient Care Coordinator will be your first point of contact and guide you through each stage of your journey at 111 Harley St.

Ahead of surgery, eligible patients receive a Skin Diagnostic Scan alongside a comprehensive pre-operative medical assessment. This allows our team to understand your skin health and overall wellbeing and to plan the preparation and recovery protocols most appropriate for you.

Our specialist nursing team, led by Lead Nurse Zuzana Pavlovska, will guide you through your clinical preparation and what to expect before and after surgery.

Your pre-operative pathway includes medical screening and checks appropriate to your health, TIVA Anaesthesia and surgical plan, alongside clear guidance on medication, supplements, smoking, nutrition and preparation for recovery.

Every element is personalised to ensure you are appropriately prepared for surgery and supported throughout your recovery.

Skin health is an important part of our 360° approach. As the founder of 111SKIN, Dr Yannis has long championed the role of scientifically led skincare before and after facial surgery.

Your personalised preparation may include 111SKIN homecare, Dramatic Healing Serum, selected supplements, LED light therapy and other treatments where appropriate to optimise skin condition and support recovery.

Your Deep Plane Facelift is individually planned by Dr Yannis and performed under TIVA Anaesthesia. Key retaining ligaments are carefully released and the deeper facial tissues repositioned to restore youthful support while minimising reliance on tension at the skin.

Following surgery, our specialist nursing team supports your recovery through regular clinical reviews, wound and scar care and a personalised post-operative protocol. Depending on your recovery, this may include ELIXIR, LED light therapy, Endermologie lymphatic drainage, 111SKIN skincare and nutritional support.

As healing progresses, Dr Yannis and our clinical team continue to review your facial contours, scars and skin quality. Your personalised long-term care programme may incorporate 111SKIN, UltraClear laser resurfacing, regenerative treatments, injectables or other advanced non-surgical treatments where appropriate.

With surgical, skin and non-surgical specialists under one roof, your care can continue to evolve with you and support the quality and longevity of your result.

Procedure

How does a Deep Plane Facelift work?

Facial ageing is not caused by loose skin alone. Over time, deeper facial tissues descend, retaining ligaments influence the position of these tissues, facial fat changes position and youthful definition through the cheeks, lower face and jawline can diminish.

A Deep Plane Facelift works by releasing key retaining ligaments before repositioning the skin, fat and SMAS together into a more youthful position. Because the lift is supported at this deeper anatomical level, the skin can redrape naturally over the rejuvenated facial framework without excessive tension.

Dr Yannis Alexandrides plans the direction and extent of this repositioning according to the patient’s individual anatomy and pattern of facial ageing. This allows the midface, lower face and jawline to be considered as one connected anatomical structure rather than treating individual signs of ageing in isolation.

Where appropriate, the neck can also be addressed as part of the surgical plan to create balanced rejuvenation between the face, jawline and neck.

UNDERSTANDING THE FACIAL STRUCTURE:

The SMAS provides important facial structure and support
Retaining ligaments help anchor the deeper facial tissues
Facial tissues descend and change position with ageing
This contributes to cheek descent, deeper folds, jowling and loss of jawline definition

WHY DEEP PLANE MATTERS:

Key retaining ligaments are released to allow deeper tissue repositioning
The lift is supported beneath the skin rather than relying on surface tension
The midface and lower face can be rejuvenated together
Natural expression, proportions and facial identity remain central to the result

Procedure

Surgical Techniques & Technology

Extended Deep Plane Facelift

Releases and repositions deeper facial tissues to restore support through the midface, lower face and jawline while preserving natural expression.

Retaining Ligament Release

Key retaining ligaments are carefully released to allow descended facial tissues to be repositioned more effectively.

SMAS Repositioning

The deeper facial support layer is repositioned as part of the lift to restore youthful structure without relying on excessive skin tension.

Midface Rejuvenation

Descended cheek tissues can be repositioned to restore more youthful facial proportions and soften the transition into the lower face.

Jawline Refinement

Jowling and lower-face tissue descent are addressed to restore cleaner, more youthful definition through the jawline.

Neck Rejuvenation

Where appropriate, the platysma and deeper neck structures may be addressed to create more harmonious transition between the face, jawline and neck.

Bespoke Surgical Planning

No two Deep Plane Facelifts are identical. Dr Yannis adapts each procedure to anatomy, tissue descent, skin quality, proportions and desired results.

Your Journey

The 5-Step Process

Consultation

An in-depth facial assessment with Dr Yannis to understand your concerns, anatomy and desired result before selecting the most appropriate surgical approach.

1

Preparation

Medical assessment, skin analysis and a personalised pre-operative protocol supported by our specialist clinical team.

2

Surgery

Deep structural release and facial tissue repositioning are performed under TIVA Anaesthesia, usually taking around 2.5–3 hours.

3

Recovery

Structured clinical reviews, wound and scar care and personalised aftercare support you throughout the initial healing period.

4

Long Term Care

Your personalised programme may include 111SKIN, UltraClear and advanced non-surgical treatments where appropriate to support skin quality and optimise your result.

5

Your Journey

Recovery Timeline

1–2 Weeks

During the first one to two weeks, initial swelling and bruising progressively subside as the early healing process takes place. Some patients feel comfortable returning to desk-based work and everyday activities towards the end of this period, depending on their individual recovery.

2–6 Weeks

During this period, the face continues to settle as residual swelling and bruising reduce. Facial contours and jawline definition become clearer, although the deeper tissues are still healing. By around six weeks, many patients feel confident returning to important social occasions and events.

6 Weeks–6 Months

This is an important period of refinement. The deeper facial tissues continue to settle, contours become increasingly defined and the result begins to feel softer and more natural. Subtle changes can continue throughout this period and, for some patients, refinement may take longer.

6–12 Months

For some patients, particularly following more extensive facial rejuvenation, subtle healing and refinement can continue for up to 12 months. Scars continue to soften and mature as the final result becomes established. Recovery varies between patients and procedures. Your progress will be closely reviewed by Dr Yannis and our clinical team throughout your post-operative journey.

Your Journey

Post surgery activity guidelines

Shower

48 HOURS

Usually after 48 hours, following your surgical team’s instructions and keeping incisions protected.

Driving

1–2 WEEKS

Resume once you are no longer taking sedating medication and can comfortably and safely turn your head.

Work

7-10 DAYS

Some patients return to desk-based work within 7–10 days, depending on their individual recovery and role.

Exercise

2–6 WEEKS

Exercise can be gradually reintroduced from two weeks, with strenuous activity resumed once approved by your surgical team.

Suitability & Safety

Am I suitable for a Deep Plane Facelift?

Ideal Candidate Profile

Risks & Complications

As with any surgery, risks may include bleeding, infection, bruising, swelling, altered sensation, visible scarring, asymmetry, delayed healing, nerve injury and anaesthetic risks.
These risks are discussed in detail during consultation, alongside your individual risk profile and the steps taken to reduce risk through careful medical screening, surgical planning, technique and structured aftercare.

Your Surgeon

Dr Yannis Alexandrides

Dr Yannis Alexandrides is an American Board-certified Plastic Surgeon with more than 30 years of surgical experience and specialist training at the University of Miami and Jackson Memorial Hospital. Internationally recognised for advanced facelift and facial rejuvenation surgery, Dr Yannis is a founding faculty member of the NYC Facelift Master Course.

His approach is based on detailed anatomical assessment rather than a one-technique-fits-all philosophy. Whether performing a Deep Plane Facelift, his signature Y Facelift or another facial rejuvenation procedure, Dr Yannis selects and adapts the surgical approach according to each patient’s anatomy, ageing pattern and desired result.

This highly personalised approach is designed to achieve transformative facial rejuvenation while preserving natural expression, proportions and the individual characteristics that make each face unique.

Pricing

Overview

Every patient and procedure at 111 Harley St. is unique, which is why surgical pricing is tailored to your individual case rather than based on a one-size-fits-all approach.

The cost of your procedure will depend on factors such as your anatomy, the complexity of surgery, the technique required and your personalised treatment plan.

Following your consultation and assessment, our team will provide a clear, individualised quotation based on the surgery recommended for you.

Finance Calculator

Loan Amount: £5,000

£5,000 £7,500 £10,000 £12,500 £15,000

Term: 12 months

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First Payment

0 Monthly Payment

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*Interest rates are subject to status and individual credit score.

Resources

Reviews

     
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Ellie Hook 
 3 September 2026
 
 
  I came to the 111 Harley Street for UltraClear laser treatment with Claudia Brand. She was absolutely incredible, talking me through the process and made me feel very safe. She was also brilliant throughout the process. I cannot wait to see my result! Thank you Claudia!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Jenna Nicholls 
 2 September 2026
 
 
  Really lovely team - thank you Anna and Jamy for looking after me during treatment! Can’t wait for the results 🥰
  
 
     Posted on Trustindex  
   
   Edward Smith 
 31 August 2026
 
 
  Very Impressed With My Rhinoplasty I had been unhappy with the shape of my nose for years and finally decided to look into rhinoplasty. Choosing the right surgeon and clinic was extremely important to me, so I spent a lot of time researching before booking my consultation at 111 Harley St. The consultation was detailed and reassuring, and I appreciated the focus on achieving a result that suited my face rather than simply changing my nose. The whole process was handled professionally, from the initial consultation through to the follow-up appointments. My nose now looks much more balanced with the rest of my face, and the improvement is significant without looking artificial.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Louise F 
 28 August 2026
 
 
  I had my consultation with Anna and honestly couldn’t have been happier with the experience. She took the time to really listen to all of my concerns and went through everything with me in so much detail, including the different treatment options. I really appreciated how thorough and attentive she was, and the whole consultation felt very personal and tailored specifically to me rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. I felt really comfortable and well looked after. I’m really happy with the experience and will definitely be coming back for my treatment. Thank you so much, Anna!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Mily Barnett 
 27 August 2026
 
 
  Spoke to Anna about all my skin concerns over a consultation - she was super helpful, knowledgeable and can’t wait to start my journey with 111 Skin. Thank you Anna.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Mia Raggett 
 25 August 2026
 
 
  Had a lovely consultation with Anna, helped me so much with my questions and was very friendly. Thanks!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Yasmine Rabah 
 20 August 2026
 
 
  Just did the thermale treatment and the whole experience with the staff and the treatment and care has been superb. I highly recommend. Will let you know how it goes with the other treatments that I will do:)
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Kat M 
 19 August 2026
 
 
  Fantastic facial with Jamy and consultation with Anna. Would 100% recommend!
  
 
     Posted on Trustindex  
   
   Rosie Walker 
 17 August 2026
 
 
  A Wonderful Experience I decided to explore a Y Facelift after becoming increasingly unhappy with the loss of definition around my lower face. I was initially quite nervous about having facial surgery, so having a detailed consultation was really important to me. Everything was explained clearly and I felt comfortable asking lots of questions. I’m so pleased with the outcome my face looks fresher and more defined, but it still looks completely like me.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Anna 
 10 August 2026
 
 
  Amazing experience with Claudia. I was really nervous but she put me at ease and explained the process to me. I would definitely recommend coming here for all aesthetic treatments!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Altay Ali 
 7 August 2026
 
 
  Claudia Is always amazing, and I would highly recommend her services.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Robert White 
 4 August 2026
 
 
  Claudia was amazing! Really friendly, polite and professional. Will 100% be coming back.
  
 
     Posted on Trustindex  
   
   Jessica Thomas 
 4 August 2026
 
 
  The Best Decision I Made I had a facelift at 111 Harley Street. From my very first consultation, I felt completely comfortable and confident that I was in safe hands. The surgeon took the time to understand what I wanted to achieve and explained every stage of the process clearly, from the operation itself to the recovery and expected results. The care I received was outstanding from start to finish. Every member of the team was kind, professional, and incredibly supportive. They were always available to answer any questions, and I felt genuinely looked after throughout my entire journey. Now that I've fully recovered, I am absolutely delighted with the results. I look refreshed, younger, and far more confident, while still looking completely natural. The best compliment I've received is that people keep telling me I look really well without realising I've had surgery. It's exactly the subtle, natural result I was hoping for. Choosing 111 Harley Street was one of the best decisions I've made. The expertise, attention to detail, and exceptional aftercare exceeded all of my expectations. I would wholeheartedly recommend them to anyone considering a facelift.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Hannah Lucy 
 31 July 2026
 
 
  I had a consultation with Anna who was so knowledgeable and extremely friendly. The team were welcoming and I look forward to starting treatment.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Aashika Balaji 
 31 July 2026
 
 
  Claudia is excellent and incredibly intuitive
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   William Julian Taranu-Lee 
 29 July 2026
 
 
  Had such a lovely consultation at 111 Harley St. I felt so welcomed and comfortable in their hands, and really appreciated their honest cosmetic advice. Would absolutely recommend having a consultation at 111 Harley St. You won’t regret it :)
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Bilgi P 
 28 July 2026
 
 
  +0
I had plastic surgery from doctor Ashvani in 2019 and he messed up my tummy completely. I lost all my sensation in my tummy area and after 7 years, I still regret of having tummy tuck with him. He stitched my whole tummy tuck area without leaving drainage after the operation. I ended up having this massive hole in my tummy area. I have the most horrible scars and I don’t wear bikini for not showing my belly button. You can see how bad his stitches are from the photo. Please do your research before you trust him so you don’t regret like I did. My friend had similar operation in Turkey and you would not even notice she had plastic surgery.my advice is  go to Turkey to have proper plastic surgery with surgeons who knows how do operate.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Georgia Westley 
 28 July 2026
 
 
  Had a consultation with Anna who helped with my skin concerns, she helped advice on treatments and products to support on my hyper pigmentation and dryness. Would highly recommend
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Chloe L 
 27 July 2026
 
 
  Really pleased with my consultation with Anna. She explained everything clearly, and the skin scanning was very insightful. Everyone was warm and friendly – I’d highly recommend.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Zara Walsh 
 27 July 2026
 
 
  Thank you so much, great experience!
  
 
 
  
 
 
   Trustindex rating score: 4.9 of 5, based on 856 reviews,showing our latest reviews

Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a Deep Plane Facelift different from a traditional facelift?

A Deep Plane Facelift releases key retaining ligaments and repositions the deeper facial tissues rather than relying primarily on tension at the skin. This allows descended tissues through the midface and lower face to be restored at a deeper anatomical level while the skin redrapes naturally over the rejuvenated framework.

It is one of several advanced facelift techniques performed by Dr Yannis Alexandrides at 111 Harley St. The most appropriate technique is selected according to your anatomy, ageing pattern and desired result rather than assuming one facelift approach is right for every patient.

Am I a suitable candidate for a Deep Plane Facelift?

A Deep Plane Facelift may be appropriate if you have more significant tissue descent through the cheeks and lower face, jowling, loss of jawline definition or deeper facial folds.

Suitability depends on your individual anatomy, skin quality, health and desired result. During consultation, Dr Yannis will determine whether Deep Plane surgery or another surgical or non-surgical approach is most appropriate.

How long does recovery take?

Some patients feel comfortable returning to desk-based work after approximately 7–10 days, although recovery varies and swelling and bruising continue to reduce over the following weeks.

By around six weeks, many patients feel confident returning to important social occasions and events. Subtle refinement can continue for six to twelve months.

Will I look like I've had surgery?

The objective of Deep Plane Facelift surgery is to restore youthful facial structure without creating an over-tightened appearance. By repositioning deeper tissues rather than relying on skin tension, the skin can settle naturally over the rejuvenated framework.

Dr Yannis’ aim is for you to look refreshed, defined and rejuvenated while still looking unmistakably like yourself.

How long do the results last?

Deep Plane Facelift results can remain visible for approximately 10–15 years or longer, although longevity varies according to anatomy, skin quality, lifestyle, genetics and the natural ageing process.

Personalised skincare and selected non-surgical treatments may also form part of your long-term care programme to support skin quality and optimise your result.

Will there be visible scars?

Incisions are carefully positioned around the natural contours of the ears and within the hairline wherever possible. Scars are visible during early healing but generally soften and become less noticeable over time.

Your 360° aftercare programme includes clinical follow-up and personalised scar and skin support to help optimise healing.

Can a Deep Plane Facelift be combined with other procedures?

Yes. Dr Yannis approaches facial rejuvenation by considering the face as a whole. Depending on your anatomy and desired result, a Deep Plane Facelift may be combined with a Neck Lift, Blepharoplasty, Brow Lift, Facial Fat Transfer, micrografting or other facial procedures.

Advanced skin resurfacing, including UltraClear, may also be considered where appropriate to improve skin quality alongside structural facial rejuvenation.

Is surgery better than non-surgical treatments?

Not necessarily. Different facelift techniques address different anatomical patterns and degrees of facial ageing. A Deep Plane Facelift can provide comprehensive repositioning where deeper tissue descent is present, while a Mini, SMAS or Y Facelift may be more appropriate for another patient.

Dr Yannis Alexandrides assesses the face as a whole and recommends the technique that best suits your anatomy and desired result rather than taking a one-technique-fits-all approach.

What is the best age to have a Deep Plane Facelift?

There is no single best age for a Deep Plane Facelift. Suitability depends more on facial anatomy, tissue descent, skin quality, health and your individual concerns than on age alone.

During consultation, Dr Yannis will assess your stage and pattern of facial ageing and recommend the approach most appropriate for you.

How can I book a consultation at 111 Harley St.?

You can arrange a consultation with Dr Yannis Alexandrides at 111 Harley St. through the clinic’s online booking system or by contacting the team directly.

Your dedicated Patient Care Coordinator will guide you through the next steps and explain what to expect before your consultation.

What recovery tips help after a Deep Plane Facelift?

Follow your personalised aftercare instructions closely, keep your head elevated during early recovery and avoid strenuous activity until your surgical team confirms it is appropriate.

Attend your scheduled clinical reviews, protect healing scars from sun exposure and contact the clinic promptly if you experience anything unexpected.