For patients in South Africa

Deep plane facelift in Turkey from South Africa: the longer operation, planned properly

A deep plane facelift releases the ligaments that hold the mid-face in place and lifts the skin and the SMAS layer together, as one unit. It is aimed at moderate to advanced ageing of the cheeks, jawline and neck. It is also the longest facelift operation, which shapes the trip. Our facelift guide for South Africans compares all the techniques.

How it differs from a SMAS facelift

In a SMAS facelift the skin is lifted separately from the layer beneath it, and the two are tightened in different directions. In a deep plane facelift the surgeon releases the ligaments of the mid-face and moves skin and SMAS together. The lift sits more vertically and tends to look composed rather than tight. The trade-off is a longer, more demanding operation carried out close to branches of the facial nerve, which needs a surgeon who performs it regularly.

Who it suits

• People, usually from their late forties, whose mid-face and jawline have descended
• People who have lost a lot of weight, so the cheek fat pads have dropped and the neck has lost definition
• People with jowls that skin removal alone would not correct, or deep lines from nose to mouth

For fine lines or skin texture, resurfacing helps more than a lift. Our surgeons are board-certified; see our clinic facts page and the deep plane facelift treatment page.

The operation and the first weeks

• General anaesthetic, typically four to six hours
• Incisions along the hairline and in the natural creases in front of and behind the ear
• One or two nights in hospital, then rest at the recovery accommodation
• Dressings and any drains removed before discharge; stitches out between day seven and day ten

Swelling and bruising peak in the first three days. By week two bruising can usually be covered with make-up. Tightness and numbness around the ears are normal for several weeks; the final contour appears over three to six months, and scars fade for up to a year.

Adding other procedures

A neck lift, temporal lift, upper or lower eyelid surgery and fat transfer are often carried out in the same operation. The surgeon decides what is safe together. Other options are in our face surgery guide for South Africans.

The stay and the flight home

Direct flights from Johannesburg or Cape Town reach Istanbul in around ten hours, then a short domestic flight takes you to İzmir. South Africans need an e-Visa; see the e-Visa guide. Plan on seven nights. Stitches may come out as late as day ten, so ask whether yours will be removed before you fly or at home, and book a changeable return ticket.

Smoking considerably raises the risk of skin healing problems, so stop well before surgery. Blood tests and blood pressure must be in a safe range on the day; if not, the operation is postponed or reduced in scope. Take home a written summary for your GP.

Risks and aftercare

Risks include bleeding, haematoma, infection, scarring, hair loss, skin loss, asymmetry, altered sensation, facial nerve injury, blood clots and revision surgery. A deep plane facelift does not stop ageing.

Follow-up continues by photograph, message and video call; İzmir is one hour ahead of South Africa. For one year our treatment guarantee covers medical complications and any clinically necessary revision, but not a preference for a different look within what was discussed. Accepted cases are treated in İzmir at no charge; flights and accommodation are your own cost. See also our complaints procedure.

What we will not do

We will not confirm a deep plane facelift before a surgeon has assessed you, promise a result or how long it will last, or operate if your health makes it unsafe on the day.

Frequently asked questions

How long do I need to stay in Turkey for a deep plane facelift?

The planned stay is seven nights. The surgeon checks your recovery and confirms you are fit to fly before you travel. Because the flight home takes around ten hours, book a return ticket you can change.

What is the difference between a deep plane and a SMAS facelift?

A SMAS facelift tightens the skin and the layer beneath it separately. A deep plane facelift releases the ligaments of the mid-face and lifts skin and SMAS together, which repositions the deeper tissues. It is a longer and more demanding operation.

How long does a deep plane facelift take?

Typically four to six hours under general anaesthetic, depending on what is added.

What decides the cost of a deep plane facelift?

Mainly which procedures are added to the same operation and how many nights you stay. The price is confirmed in a written, itemised quotation after assessment, which should show what is included.

Will my medical aid cover a deep plane facelift?

South African medical schemes generally do not cover cosmetic facial surgery done abroad, and standard travel insurance usually excludes planned treatment. Ask your scheme and your insurer specifically before you book.

Start with a free online consultation. Planning the trip? Read the guide for South African patients and the e-Visa guide.