Face & Neck Surgery
Deep Plane Facelift
Deep-plane lifting planned with facial and neck harmony in mind.
Approximate timings reflect the practice information supplied for Op. Dr. Soner Tezcan. Additional procedures, health and recovery may change the plan. Surgery, stay and activity plans are confirmed during consultation and follow-up.
What is it?
Deep-plane lifting aims to reposition deeper facial tissues.
Who is it for?
Suitability for facial and jawline laxity is assessed during consultation.
How is it done?
Work is done in a deeper plane; cheeks, nasolabial area and jawline are lifted together.
Recovery
Approximate return to work/social life: 2–3 weeks. This does not mean full recovery or clearance for exercise or flying. Swelling and tissue settling may take longer and are reviewed during follow-up.
What is a deep plane face lift?
In a deep plane face lift the tissues are lifted as a single unit beneath the deep supporting layer of the face. It may be preferred when cheek and midface sagging is marked. Op. Dr. Soner Tezcan generally uses SMAS; deep plane is chosen according to the patient's tissue.
Technique
Op. Dr. Soner Tezcan generally uses the SMAS technique for face lifts and, depending on tissue quality and the degree of ageing, chooses the deep plane technique for some patients. In both, not only the skin but the supporting layer beneath it is lifted, for a more natural and lasting result.
Incision and scar
The incision runs in front of the ear, behind the ear and into the hairline, so the scar is hidden in the ear contours and hair. Dissolvable stitches are used; if a drain is placed it is removed on day 1–2.
Combined procedures
A face lift is often combined with a neck lift, eyelid surgery and facial fat grafting. Which procedures are combined is decided at consultation.
Surgery and recovery
Surgery takes about 2–3 hours under general anaesthesia, usually with 1 night in hospital. Swelling and bruising are normal at first. Return to social life takes about 2–3 weeks; the final result settles over a few months.
Aftercare and follow-up
- One or two checks are planned before departure according to the return date. A flight report is provided; fitness and timing for travel require medical assessment. Anti-embolism stockings form part of the care plan.
- Antibiotics, pain relief, stomach protection and antibiotic ointment are used only as prescribed. Dose, application site and duration are individual; do not start treatment independently.
- Absorbable sutures are used; routine stitch removal is not planned. Scar cream is started after wound closure at the time advised by the surgeon.
- Drains are used for lifts and procedures involving liposuction; removal is determined by the surgeon during follow-up.
- A compression garment or suitable support/band is used for approximately 4–6 weeks, as individually instructed.
- Massage after lifts and liposuction is arranged only under the surgeon’s direction. One session is organised at the hotel or follow-up when appropriate; the timing and treatment area are specified by the surgeon. After returning home, patients are asked to continue with 2 sessions a week for 6 weeks.
- Combined face and neck lifting takes approximately 4–5 hours with a two-night stay. The cards above refer to the procedure on its own.
- General activity plan: gentle walking in week one; light exercise after week two; regular sport after month one; weight lifting after month two. Every stage requires review and surgeon clearance; some procedures need longer restrictions.
Frequently asked questions
SMAS or deep plane?
SMAS is generally used; deep plane is chosen for some patients according to their tissue.
Will there be scars?
The incision is in front of and behind the ear and in the hairline, so it is largely hidden.
Can it be combined with other procedures?
Yes, usually with a neck lift, eyelid surgery and fat grafting.
When can I return to social life?
After about 2–3 weeks.