What is the Deep Plane Facelift?
The deep plane facelift —or deep plane facial lift— is one of the most advanced surgical facial rejuvenation techniques available today. Unlike traditional facelifts that act on the skin or on the superficial SMAS, the deep plane works in a deeper anatomical plane: it releases the facial retaining ligaments and repositions the tissue to its original location.
The superficial musculoaponeurotic system —known as the SMAS— is the layer of fibrous and muscular tissue that connects the facial muscles to the skin. Over time, this structure loses firmness and the tissues of the midface descend: the malar fat, the cheeks, the nasolabial fold. The deep plane releases this layer at depth, together with its anchoring ligaments, to relocate it to the position it held decades earlier.
The result is radically different from that of conventional facelifts. There is no pulled look, no visible tension in the skin, no distortion of the ears and no abnormal scarring. What you get is a face that looks rested and naturally young, because the tissues were repositioned —not simply pulled toward the sides.
The deep plane does not pull on the skin: the skin moves on its own because the deep tissue beneath it has been relocated to its original anatomical position. That is the reason for its natural look and its long-lasting results.
In my practice, the deep plane is the technique of choice for patients seeking a complete and lasting facial rejuvenation. Across more than 1000 facial treatments in Buenos Aires, I have seen firsthand how this technique transforms not only physical appearance, but also the confidence and well-being of my patients over the long term.
Deep Plane Facelift vs. Traditional Facelift
Not all facelifts are the same. The generic term "facelift" covers very different techniques in terms of depth, durability and the naturalness of the result. The following table summarizes the most relevant differences:
| Aspect | Traditional facelift | Deep Plane Facelift Deep plane |
|---|---|---|
| Working plane | Superficial skin | Deep SMAS + ligaments |
| Result duration | Shorter | Longer-lasting |
| Natural look | Risk of a "pulled" effect | Natural look without tension |
| Midface | Limited improvement | Significant improvement of cheeks and folds |
| Neck and jowls | Partial improvement | Deep correction of the platysma |
| Recovery | 10–14 days | 3–4 weeks (the superior result justifies the difference) |
| Revision risk | Higher (recurrent sagging) | Lower thanks to structural repositioning |
The conclusion is clear: the deep plane involves a slightly longer recovery, but the quality, natural look and longevity of the result are incomparably superior. For anyone who is going to undergo facial surgery, deciding to go to the deep plane from the start avoids having to repeat the procedure within a few years.
Who are the ideal candidates?
The deep plane facelift is indicated when the signs of facial aging are evident enough for surgery to offer a significant benefit. I assess each case individually, but there are concrete signs that usually indicate someone is a good candidate:
- Descent of the midface tissues: loss of definition in the cheekbones, sagging cheeks
- Persistent double chin or evident neck laxity despite maintaining a stable weight
- Marked nasolabial folds (the creases between the nose and the corner of the mouth)
- Jowls or "marionette lines": folds that descend from the corners of the lips
- Skin with some residual elasticity (the surgery repositions the tissues, it does not regenerate the skin)
- Good general health, with no contraindications to general anesthesia
- Non-smoker, or willing to stop smoking before and after the surgery
- Realistic expectations: seeking your own rejuvenation, not to change your features
The average age of my deep plane patients is between 45 and 65, although I have operated on patients outside that range with excellent results. What matters is not the number on your ID, but the individual clinical picture. In some cases, a blepharoplasty or facial harmonization may be more appropriate steps if the aging is still early.
And when is it not yet the right time? If the laxity is mild or volume loss and skin quality predominate, I usually recommend a non-surgical treatment first (thread lifts, biostimulators, hyaluronic acid) and reserve surgery for when it will truly provide a clear benefit. My first job is not to operate, but to assess honestly who is a candidate today —and who is not yet. Saying "it is not your time yet" is also part of my job.
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In 30 minutes we assess your case, review your photos and I explain which technique is the most suitable for you and your goals.
Ask on WhatsAppBefore and After — Real Results
Every case is different — individual anatomy, skin quality and the combination of procedures determine the outcome. In every case the goal is the same: a face that looks naturally younger, rested and consistent with each person's identity. Move your cursor from side to side to see the transformation.
What does the procedure look like step by step?
The deep plane facelift is a technically demanding surgery that requires a surgeon with specific training in deep facial anatomy. Below is the complete process from the consultation to the operating room:
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1Consultation and preoperative planning A complete facial assessment, analysis of photographs, review of medical history and laboratory tests. Together we decide whether to combine it with a necklift, temporal fossa lift, blepharoplasty or lip lift for a complete facial rejuvenation in a single surgery, and we set realistic, achievable expectations.
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2General anesthesia The surgery is performed under general anesthesia with a specialized anesthesiology team. It lasts between 4 and 6 hours, depending on the complexity and the complementary procedures included.
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3Strategically placed incisions The incisions follow the natural hairline and the natural creases in front of the ear, minimizing the visibility of the scars. In the neck, a small submental incision can be added if needed to work on the platysma.
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4Dissection and release of the deep plane This is the technically most demanding stage: dissection is carried out beneath the SMAS, precisely releasing the facial retaining ligaments —masseteric, zygomatic, mandibular— while protecting the facial nerves at all times.
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5Tissue repositioning With the ligaments released, the SMAS-fatty tissue complex is repositioned vertically and posteriorly toward its original location. The skin is closed without tension, following the movement of the deep tissue.
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6Closure and recovery room Drains and compression dressings are placed. The patient recovers in the recovery room during the first few hours with continuous monitoring before being discharged.
Recovery after the Deep Plane Facelift
Recovery from the deep plane is slightly longer than that of superficial techniques, but it is completely manageable with the right preparation. I accompany each patient through the post-operative period and explain what to expect at every stage, so that no moment of the recovery takes them by surprise:
Swelling and bruising. This is normal and expected. You rest at home with your head elevated, apply cold and take the prescribed pain relievers and antibiotics. The drains are removed at the day 1 or 2 appointment.
Suture removal and visible improvement. The swelling begins to subside. The external sutures are removed. You can now shower. Many patients describe feeling "presentable around the house" by the end of this week.
Presentable for social outings. With makeup, most patients can resume everyday and social activities. The residual swelling is easily concealed. This is when patients from abroad usually schedule their return home.
Return to normal routine. Most activities resume, including office work. Intense exercise and direct sun exposure are avoided for a few more weeks.
Final result visible. The deep swelling resolves completely and the final result can be appreciated in full. It is at this point that the differences from the preoperative state are most noticeable and the result looks its most natural.
All post-operative care is carried out in Buenos Aires. The patient stays 15 days in the city: during that period they have their daily wound care at Dr. Jenny's clinic and the manual lymphatic drainage sessions (10 sessions, included in the recovery program and billed separately). Usually by around day 15, the patient's sutures are out and they can return home with the initial recovery complete.
How much does the Deep Plane Facelift cost in Buenos Aires?
The fee for the deep plane facelift is defined during the in-person valuation consultation with Dr. Jenny, based on each patient's needs. As a personalized medical service, we do not publish prices — everything is arranged during the initial consultation. The exact value depends on the complexity of the case and whether a necklift, temporal fossa lift, blepharoplasty or lip lift are combined in the same surgical procedure for a complete facial rejuvenation.
- Dr. Jenny's surgical fees
- Specialized anesthesiology
- Use of the operating room and surgical supplies
- Preoperative consultations and post-op check-ups
- Daily follow-up during the first week
- 10 post-op manual lymphatic drainage sessions (billed separately)
Buenos Aires as a destination for facial surgery
Buenos Aires has top-tier hospitals and surgical clinics, a plastic surgery school with decades of internationally recognized experience, and surgeons trained in the same protocols and techniques as their peers in Europe or North America. For patients traveling from abroad, this means quality surgical care, close postoperative follow-up and a supported recovery experience.
The valuation consultation is when each patient's case is assessed, the surgical plan is defined and the logistics of the trip and recovery in the city are coordinated. The fee for the procedure is discussed individually at that stage.
Book your valuation consultation
Send me your photos by WhatsApp and we will coordinate a preliminary assessment of your case. The surgical plan and all the details are defined in the consultation.
Book a consultation on WhatsAppWhy have surgery in Buenos Aires with Dr. Jenny Ortega De La Rosa?
Choosing the surgeon is the most important decision in any cosmetic surgery process. Beyond the technical aspects, it matters to find someone who understands what you are looking for, who is honest about what is possible to achieve and who is available throughout the recovery.
- More than 1000 facial treatments performed, with a consistent record of results and patients who return for complementary procedures.
- Certified member of the SCPBA (Plastic Surgery Society of Buenos Aires), the highest certification of the specialty in Argentina. M.N. 146.616
- Daily follow-up in the post-operative period. I am available for questions throughout the recovery, not only at scheduled appointments.
- Clinic at Av. Santa Fe 3192, CABA, an easily accessible area close to convenient hotels for patients from abroad.
- Full medical tourism support: I coordinate the logistics, suggest nearby accommodation and adapt the check-ups to the travel schedule.
- Specialization in facial surgery: the deep plane is my technique of choice, not an occasional procedure. Blepharoplasty and facial harmonization complete the comprehensive rejuvenation approach.
For patients traveling from abroad, the preoperative consultation can be done by video call, which allows the surgery to be planned and the timing coordinated without the need for a prior trip. A 15-day stay in Buenos Aires is required for the surgery, the daily wound care at the clinic and the lymphatic drainage sessions. Usually by around day 15 the patient leaves without sutures and with the initial recovery complete.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Deep Plane Facelift
Dr. Jenny Ortega De La Rosa is a plastic surgeon dedicated to facial rejuvenation in Buenos Aires. She covers the full spectrum of the face: from the Deep Plane Facelift and facial surgery (necklift, temporal fossa lift, blepharoplasty, lip lift, rhinoplasty) to non-surgical facial treatments (botulinum toxin, hyaluronic acid, thread lifts, PRP). The deep plane is her technique of choice for surgical facial rejuvenation. Member of the SCPBA · M.N. 146.616.
Deep plane facelift results have a duration that varies from patient to patient; deep-plane techniques tend toward longer-lasting results than superficial techniques. This is because the surgery repositions the deep structures of the face rather than simply pulling the skin. Aging continues naturally, but the improved starting point is maintained for much longer.
The fee is defined during the in-person valuation consultation with Dr. Jenny, based on each patient's needs. As a personalized medical service, we do not publish prices — everything is arranged during the initial consultation.
Initial recovery from a deep plane facelift takes between 3 and 4 weeks. During the first few days there is normal swelling and bruising. Between days 10 and 15, most patients are already presentable for everyday and social activities. The final result, with all swelling resolved, is visible at 4–6 months. For patients from abroad, a 15-day stay in Buenos Aires is required to complete the daily wound care and the post-op lymphatic drainage sessions.
Yes. Dr. Jenny's approach for a complete facial rejuvenation is to combine the Deep Plane Facelift with a necklift, temporal fossa lift, blepharoplasty and lip lift in a single surgery. This combination addresses all the signs of aging —the neck, the eyelids, the lip, the midface and the temporal area— in a single surgical procedure. The result is comprehensive, coherent and long-lasting. Doing it all together also optimizes recovery: a single post-operative period instead of several.
Yes, and that is precisely the most valued characteristic of this technique. Unlike superficial facelifts that produce a pulled or artificial look, the deep plane repositions the tissues to their original anatomical position. The result is a younger, more rested face, without visible tension in the skin or distortion of the features. People around you tend to notice that "you look great" without being able to pinpoint exactly what changed.
Yes. I welcome patients from across Latin America and around the world. We coordinate the pre-surgical consultation by video call and perform the surgery in Buenos Aires. Full recovery takes place here: the patient stays 15 days in the city, having their daily wound care at the clinic and the 10 manual lymphatic drainage sessions (billed separately). Usually by around day 15 the sutures are out and the patient can return home. The coordination team helps you with convenient accommodation and travel logistics.
The SMAS facelift works on the superficial musculoaponeurotic system but without fully releasing it from its retaining ligaments. The deep plane goes one step deeper: it releases those ligaments and repositions the tissue in a deeper anatomical plane, which allows the malar fat, the platysma and the soft tissues to be moved more completely. The deep plane result is more natural, longer-lasting and offers a more visible improvement in the midface and the neck.
There is no fixed age. The deep plane facelift is indicated when the signs of facial aging are evident and represent a concern for the patient. It is generally performed between the ages of 45 and 70, although there are valid candidates outside that range. What matters is the individual assessment: skin quality, volume loss, neck laxity and personal expectations. In the consultation we assess together whether it is the right time or whether there are more suitable options to try first.
Book your valuation consultation
We assess your case individually and discuss the options best suited to your goals.
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