Facial Feminization Surgery

Deep plane facelift 

The deep plane facelift is currently considered the gold standard in surgical facial rejuvenation. Unlike traditional facelift techniques that primarily focus on tightening the superficial layers of the skin, the deep plane facelift repositions the deeper facial structures—specifically the SMAS layer (Superficial Musculo-Aponeurotic System), facial muscles, and fat compartments. The result is a naturally youthful appearance with long-lasting improvements, free of visible tension or distortion.

What Is a deep plane facelift?

A deep plane facelift is an advanced surgical technique that goes beyond conventional facelift methods. While classic facelifts typically only tighten the skin or the superficial muscle layer (the SMAS), the deep plane approach addresses facial aging at a deeper and more anatomically accurate level.

In this procedure, the skin, SMAS, and underlying tissues are released as one connected unit from the deeper facial structures. This creates a smooth gliding plane, allowing these tissues to be repositioned safely and effectively into a more youthful contour. The lifting occurs not just at the skin level, but also targets volume loss and sagging in the midface, jawline, and neck. The result is a more natural appearance, reduced skin tension, and significantly more durable results.

Key anatomical structures mobilized in a deep plane facelift include:

• Facial expression muscles, such as the platysma (neck muscle) and zygomaticus major and minor (responsible for cheek contour and expression)

• Zygomatic fat compartments around the cheekbones, which tend to descend with age, creating a flat or tired appearance

• The nasolabial fold region (from the nostrils to the corners of the mouth) and marionette lines (from the mouth corners to the chin)

• By repositioning all of these structures together within the “deep plane,” the face is restored to its original youthful anatomy—without pulling or tension on the skin. This avoids the telltale "operated look" sometimes seen with older techniques.

This technique is especially effective for:

• Correcting sagging cheeks (midface ptosis)

• Restoring lost cheekbone volume

• Softening deep folds around the nose and mouth

• Defining a sharp jawline and neck contour

Moreover, facial expression remains fully intact, as facial nerves are respected and preserved during deep plane dissection. This makes the deep plane facelift a very safe and refined procedure, combining natural rejuvenation with preserved expressiveness.

The deep plane facelift with Dr. Beckers gave me a naturally younger face. Thanks to the personalized aftercare, I felt supported every step of the way. – Anne, 52

Who is a candidate for a deep plane facelift?

This procedure is particularly suitable for patients who show clear signs of facial aging and seek a natural, long-lasting, and balanced result. It is especially recommended for:

• Women and men aged 35 to 75, with decreasing skin elasticity and descent of deeper facial structures
• Patients with a sagging jawline, flattened cheeks (midface ptosis), and pronounced nasolabial folds or marionette line.
• Individuals looking for subtle, natural rejuvenation without the overly tight appearance that sometimes occurs with older facelift techniques
• Patients who value long-term results, with visible effects lasting on average 10 to 15 years

During a personalized consultation, Dr. Beckers will assess your facial anatomy, skin quality, and medical background to determine if this technique is right for you. The goal is always a harmonious, natural-looking rejuvenation that fits your unique facial structure.

Facelift techniques at a glance

There are three main facelift techniques, each with its own depth of action, results, and scarring:

Skin Facelift
Only the skin is tightened. The results are often short-lived (2–5 years) and less natural. Scars are usually visible around the ears.

SMAS Facelift
Both the skin and the superficial muscle layer (SMAS) are lifted. This produces a more natural effect than a skin-only facelift, with results lasting 5–8 years. Scars are generally well concealed.

Deep Plane Facelift
The most advanced technique: skin, SMAS, and deeper underlying structures are repositioned together as one unit. The result is very natural, including volume correction, and lasts 10–15 years. Scars are virtually invisible, hidden in the hairline and around the ears.

Course of the surgery

Before the surgery

To minimize the risk of complications such as post-operative bleeding, we ask that you do not take any medication containing acetylsalicylic acid (such as Aspirin, Sedergine, or Aspegic) for two weeks before and two weeks after the surgery. Vitamin E is also discouraged during this period, as it may affect blood clotting.

During your pre-operative consultation with Dr. O. Beckers, you will receive a prescription for all the medication you will need to take after the surgery.

Important on the day of admission:

• You must be fasting (no food or drink from midnight before the surgery).

• Do not wear any jewelry or piercings, and remove any (gel) nail polish.

• The exact time of admission will be communicated to you by Joa, our patient coordinator.

On the day of the surgery

Upon arrival at the clinic, you will be welcomed and prepared by our nursing staff. Just before the surgery, Dr. Beckers will perform pre-operative marking, and you’ll have the opportunity to ask any final questions.

After the surgery, a head bandage will be applied. You will then stay one night in our guesthouse, where you will be continuously monitored by an overnight nurse.

The following morning, at 8:00 a.m., you may leave the clinic.

After the surgery

Our patient coordinator Joa will remain your main point of contact for any questions or concerns following the surgery. Several follow-up appointments will be scheduled to carefully monitor your recovery.

Approximately 12 weeks after the surgery, we will begin lymphatic drainage therapy — a specialized treatment that promotes healing by reducing fluid retention and swelling.

After my deep plane facelift at Face2Face Clinic, I feel like myself again but younger. My face looks fresh and natural, exactly how I envisioned it. – Marijke, 59

Schedule a consultation

Curious if the deep plane facelift is right for you? Book a consultation with Dr. Beckers and find out what this advanced technique can do for you.