Deep Plane Facelift

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A deep plane facelift is an advanced facial rejuvenation procedure that lifts and repositions deeper facial tissues beneath the skin and SMAS layer for more natural, long-lasting results.  Unlike traditional facelifts, it releases key ligaments and moves the underlying muscle structure as a single unit, reducing tension on the skin and avoiding a “pulled” look. This technique is popular for effectively improving deep nasolabial folds, jowls and sagging neck while maintaining natural facial expressions.

• if you have sagging malar fat or deep nasolabial folds (smile lines)
   
• Loss of facial volume and contour
   
• Drooping mid-face, jowls and marrionette lines
   
• A desire for natural, age-defying results

Before surgery:  pre-operative laboratories and medical clearance is done to ensure the patient is healthy

Anesthesia: usually done under IV sedation or general anesthesia in a hospital setting

Incision: incision is hidden around the ears and sometimes into the hairline.  From here,  dissection is done to access the deeper layers of tissue.  The SMAS is released at specific points to lift the cheeks, jawline, and neck more naturally.  The skin is laid back smoothly and excess is trimmed, with sutures placed to minimize visible scarring.

Procedure Time:  around 3--4 hours

• Post-op Course: Oral antibiotics and pain reliever are taken for a week.  Expect swelling for 1-2 weeks over the sides of the face and neck.  Frequent ice compress is advised to help with the swelling.  

• Suture Removal: sutures are removed after 7-10 days
   
• Downtime: 7-14 days for swelling; most return to work in a week

• Scarring:  scars are usually visible for 1-3 months and will gradually fade over 6-12 months
   
• Results: Expect to look like the face is really pulled and tight post-op and during the first month.  This will eventually settle to a more natural look after a few months.

Q: What makes the deep plane facelift different from a traditional facelift?
A: A deep plane facelift goes beyond both traditional and SMAS facelifts by repositioning deeper facial structures as a single unit, delivering more natural-looking and longer-lasting results. While a traditional facelift mainly tightens the skin and an SMAS facelift adjusts the superficial muscle layer, the deep plane technique releases key ligaments to lift the midface, jawline, and neck more effectively. For patients seeking comprehensive facial rejuvenation with minimal tension on the skin, a deep plane facelift is often considered a more advanced and durable option.

Q: Will there be visible scars?
A: Incisions are hidden in the hairline and around the ears, and they usually fade well over time.  

Q: How long before I look presentable again?
A: Most patients feel confident going out in public 2–3 weeks after surgery, once the majority of swelling and bruising subsides.

Hospital Cost of Deep Plane Facelift  by Dr. Aicee Bernal is around P325,000 to P350,000.   The procedure is done under general anesthesia in a hospital setting under the care of a board-certified anesthesiologist. This does not include preoperative laboratories , clearance and post-op medications.  

Additional charges will apply if you need more procedures such as Forehead Lift, Upper Blepharoplasty or Lower Blepharoplasty.

Dr. Aicee Bernal is one of the few plastic surgeons in the Philippines capable of doing deep plane technique — a highly specialized procedure that requires expert anatomical knowledge and refined surgical skill.

Her patients value her ability to deliver results that look natural, balanced, and elegant, with minimal visible scarring and long-lasting improvement.

Each patient is unique and needs a specific treatment plan:

Schedule your deep plane facelift consultation with Dr. Aicee Bernal today.