Before & after
Before-and-after photographs: ask which procedures were performed, when the after photograph was taken and how the case compares with your concerns. Individual results vary.
Deep plane facelift planning with EBOPRAS-certified Prof. Dr. Atacan Emre Koçman at IME Clinic in Istanbul. This technique repositions deeper facial tissues to address sagging cheeks and jowls; the extent of neck treatment and expected changes are discussed individually.
Free Video ConsultationA deep plane facelift repositions deeper facial tissues by working beneath the SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) and releasing selected retaining attachments. The aim is to improve sagging facial contours. The planned areas and any additional neck work depend on your anatomy and surgical assessment.
The aim is a refreshed appearance appropriate to your face. Outcomes depend on anatomy, the selected procedure and healing. Facial volume loss, skin texture, eyelids and the neck may require separate assessment or additional treatment.
A deep plane facelift describes how deeper facial tissues are repositioned. A face and neck lift describes the areas treated. A deep plane technique can be part of a combined operation, but the name alone does not confirm which neck procedures are included.
Facelift techniques, including SMAS techniques, can treat deeper tissues. The consultation should explain why the proposed approach fits your anatomy and goals. Surgery does not stop ageing or guarantee a particular appearance or number of years.
See the scope of a combined face and neck lift
General sources for this guide: ASPS: facelift techniques · ASPS: deep plane facelift technique · ASPS: neck lift procedure · BAAPS: facelift and necklift patient information (PDF) · NHS: surgery abroad and aftercare
These resources describe general patient guidance; they do not confirm a result or a treatment protocol for an individual patient.
Deep plane is one approach to facelift surgery. SMAS techniques also treat deeper tissue: the difference is how the layer is tightened, elevated or released. The choice should follow your anatomy and goals rather than a promise that one label always produces a better result.
| Feature | Other SMAS techniques | Deep plane facelift |
|---|---|---|
| What is lifted | SMAS tightened, folded, excised or elevated, depending on the technique | Dissection beneath the SMAS with release and repositioning of selected tissues |
| How tissue is moved | Skin and SMAS are usually handled as separate layers (the SMAS is tightened, folded or partly removed) | Skin and SMAS are lifted together as one layer after release of retaining ligaments |
| Surgical extent | Often more limited, depending on the variant | Deeper dissection beneath the SMAS near facial nerve branches, so experience with the technique matters |
| Midface & nasolabial folds | Extent varies with the chosen SMAS technique | Can be addressed depending on the planned extent |
| Often considered for | Milder laxity, or when a less extensive operation is preferred | More marked midface and jowl descent where ligament release is planned; suitability is assessed individually |
A consultation may consider the following concerns and health factors:
A video consultation with Prof. Dr. Emre Koçman at IME Clinic can discuss your photographs and goals. Final suitability and the surgical plan require medical assessment and an examination.
These stages are a general planning guide. Work, exercise, swelling and travel have different recovery milestones; your surgical team should give you individual instructions.
Rest and follow the instructions for dressings, medicines and wound care. Swelling, bruising and tightness can occur.
Bruising and swelling change gradually. Your team sets the timing of reviews and any suture removal.
Some patients plan a return to light work in this period. Normal activity and exercise need separate advice from the surgeon.
Residual swelling and scars may take months to settle; the final appearance is assessed as healing progresses.
Agree the Istanbul review schedule and return travel with the surgical team. Fitness to fly requires an individual assessment.
Surgery does not stop ageing. The duration and appearance of the improvement differ between patients.
The price depends on the agreed surgical plan. Ask IME Clinic for a written, itemized quote separating surgery, surgeon and anaesthesia fees, facility and overnight care, tests, medicines and reviews. Confirm whether accommodation, transfers and interpretation are included, and what additional care or a longer stay would cost.
Because every face is different, the exact price depends on your anatomy and whether procedures are combined. Request a personalized quote through a free video consultation.
Face and neck surgery has risks. Your health, the extent of the operation and healing affect your individual risk; discuss the expected benefit, limitations and alternatives before consent.
Discuss your individual risks with Prof. Dr. Emre Koçman at IME Clinic, including anaesthesia and blood clot risks, medicines, smoking or nicotine use, aftercare and how complications would be managed. Seek advice promptly for severe pain or unexpected symptoms.
Before-and-after photographs: ask which procedures were performed, when the after photograph was taken and how the case compares with your concerns. Individual results vary.
Learn more about Prof. Dr. Emre Koçman →
View Dr. Koçman’s professional records and official registers
A deep plane facelift repositions deeper facial tissues by working beneath the SMAS and releasing selected retaining attachments. It aims to improve sagging cheeks and jowls. The name alone does not confirm how much neck treatment is included.
Deep plane is a facelift technique that works beneath the SMAS with selected tissue release. Other SMAS techniques can tighten, fold, excise or elevate the SMAS. The appropriate approach depends on anatomy, goals and surgical assessment; the technique name does not guarantee a better result.
Surgery can improve visible signs of ageing, but ageing continues. The duration and appearance of the improvement depend on anatomy, skin quality, health and the procedure; a fixed number of years cannot be guaranteed.
Recovery is individual. Some patients plan light work after roughly 2–4 weeks, while swelling and scars can take months to settle. The surgeon sets your review, activity and travel plan; a return flight should follow an individual fitness assessment. UK NHS guidance advises not flying for 7 to 10 days after facial cosmetic procedures, because surgery and air travel both increase the risk of blood clots; plan your Istanbul stay with this in mind.
There is no single price for every patient. Request a written quote from IME Clinic based on the agreed procedure and confirm surgery, anaesthesia, facility, tests, medicines and aftercare costs, together with any accommodation, transfers and interpretation. Ask about exclusions and possible additional care costs.
A deep plane facelift can be combined with a neck lift. Confirm which skin, fat and platysma steps are included in your plan. Additional blepharoplasty or a lip lift is considered separately according to your goals, health and the extent of surgery.
General patient information from plastic surgery professional associations. These resources are in English.
Dr. Atacan Emre Koçman is an EBOPRAS-certified plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgeon working with IME Clinic in Istanbul. For facelift and neck lift consultations through IME Clinic, contact the IME patient coordination team on WhatsApp: +90 546 524 83 34.
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