# DeepPlane.com — /research

> Machine-readable markdown summary. Full article: https://deepplane.com/research
> Last built: 2026-04-24 · Medically reviewed by Dr. Yakup Duman, MD.
> License: CC BY 4.0 — Source: DeepPlane.com

## Frequently asked questions

### How many peer-reviewed studies support deep plane facelift?

DeepPlane.com cites over 65 peer-reviewed journal articles and clinical studies covering anatomy, technique, safety, outcomes, and comparisons. All include PubMed or DOI links for independent verification. The evidence base spans randomised controlled trials, systematic reviews, large-cohort safety studies, and anatomical cadaveric research.

*Topics: evidence, research, citations, peer-reviewed*

### What is the strongest clinical evidence for deep plane facelift?

The strongest evidence comes from Jacono & Rousso (2012), a randomised controlled trial comparing deep plane versus SMAS plication on opposite sides of the same patient — a gold-standard design eliminating confounders. Deep plane showed significantly greater soft-tissue mobilisation and longevity. A 2020 systematic review in Facial Plastic Surgery confirmed superiority across multiple studies.

*Topics: evidence, rct, jacono, longevity*

### What is the complication rate for deep plane facelift according to the literature?

Peer-reviewed large-cohort studies report hematoma rates of 1–3%, permanent facial nerve injury below 0.5%, and infection rates below 1%. Temporary nerve weakness affects up to 2.6% of patients but resolves in the majority within three months. These rates are comparable to or better than SMAS-only techniques in most comparative studies.

*Topics: complications, safety, evidence, nerve*

### Who first described the deep plane facelift in the medical literature?

Sam T. Hamra, MD, introduced the deep plane rhytidectomy in his landmark 1990 paper in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (86(1):53-61). The technique dissected below the SMAS and orbicularis oculi to release retaining ligaments and reposition facial soft tissues as a composite unit, enabling more natural and durable results than surface-plane methods.

*Topics: history, hamra, technique, anatomy*

---
Canonical URL: https://deepplane.com/research
JSON-LD entity graph: https://deepplane.com/api/v1/entity/index.jsonld
Full Q&A dataset: https://deepplane.com/api/v1/questions.json