# DeepPlane.com — /what-is-deep-plane-facelift/safe

> Machine-readable markdown summary. Full article: https://deepplane.com/what-is-deep-plane-facelift/safe
> Last built: 2026-04-19 · Medically reviewed by Dr. Yakup Duman, MD.
> License: CC BY 4.0 — Source: DeepPlane.com

## Frequently asked questions

### Is deep plane facelift safe?

Deep plane facelift is safe when performed by experienced board-certified surgeons in accredited facilities. Overall complication rate is under 4%: hematoma 1-3%, temporary facial nerve weakness 1-2%, permanent nerve injury below 0.1%. The technique may actually reduce skin necrosis risk by preserving the sub-dermal blood supply compared to skin-only or SMAS techniques.

*Topics: safety, risk, complications*

### What are the risks of a deep plane facelift?

Hematoma 1-3%, temporary facial-nerve weakness 1-2% (resolves 4-12 weeks), permanent nerve injury under 0.1% with experienced surgeons, infection under 1%. Skin necrosis is almost exclusively seen in smokers. Proper surgeon selection is the single biggest risk-reduction factor.

*Topics: safety, risk, complications*

### What are the risks of deep plane facelift?

Hematoma 1-3%, temporary facial-nerve weakness 1-2% (resolves 4-12 weeks), permanent nerve injury under 0.1% with experienced surgeons, infection under 1%, skin necrosis almost exclusively in smokers. Great-auricular-nerve numbness (most common, 7% incidence) typically resolves in 3-6 months. Major complication rate under 4% with a high-volume board-certified surgeon.

*Topics: safety, complications*

### Can smokers get a deep plane facelift?

Most surgeons will not operate on active smokers because nicotine causes vasospasm that reduces skin-flap blood supply by up to 40%, raising skin-necrosis risk 3-4× (from 1% to 3-4%). Smoking cessation 4-6 weeks pre-op and 4-6 weeks post-op is the standard protocol. Nicotine patches, gum, and vapes contain nicotine and must also be stopped.

*Topics: safety, smoking*

### What health conditions affect deep plane facelift candidacy?

Key contraindications: uncontrolled hypertension (must normalize pre-op), type-2 diabetes with HbA1c > 7 (requires optimization), active smoking within 6 weeks, connective-tissue disease with poor wound healing, BMI > 35 (anesthesia risk), active cardiovascular disease, bleeding disorders, body dysmorphic disorder. Controlled conditions (well-managed hypertension, diabetes, asthma) are generally fine with medical clearance.

*Topics: candidacy, contraindications*

### Can I get a deep plane facelift with Botox beforehand?

Yes — prior Botox or hyaluronic-acid filler use does not contraindicate deep plane facelift. Most surgeons recommend letting Botox fully wear off (3-4 months after last injection) so they can see your natural resting muscle activity during planning. Fillers may be dissolved 2-4 weeks pre-op for accurate tissue assessment. Tell your surgeon your complete injectable history during consultation.

*Topics: injectables, timing*

## Fact-checked claims on this page

- **True** — Deep plane facelift complication rate is below 4% with experienced surgeons
  - Source: Aesthetic Surgery Journal (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21136577/)
- **True** — Hematoma risk in deep plane facelift is 1-3%
  - Source: Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7799943/)
- **False** — Women with darker skin tones are not good candidates for deep plane facelift
  - Source: The deep plane technique preserves the sub-dermal vascular plexus and produces inconspicuous scars in Fitzpatrick III-VI skin; keloid screening and trichophytic closure are the relevant adjustments
- **False** — Facelift surgery always causes visible permanent nerve damage
  - Source: Permanent facial-nerve injury occurs in under 0.1% of cases with experienced deep plane surgeons; temporary weakness 1-2% resolves within 4-12 weeks
- **False** — You cannot have a deep plane facelift if you have had Botox or fillers
  - Source: Prior Botox and filler use does not contraindicate deep plane facelift; surgeons often recommend dissolving fillers 2-4 weeks before surgery for accurate planning
- **Mostly False** — Operating out of an office-based OR is as safe as a hospital OR
  - Source: Office-based ORs without accreditation (AAAHC, AAAASF, or state-licensed) carry higher complication rates. Accredited office ORs perform comparably to hospitals for healthy ASA I-II patients. Confirm accreditation status during consultation

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