Composite Facelift: Composite facelift is a technique that lifts the SMAS and orbicularis oculi muscle together as one unit. Developed by Dr. Sam Hamra, it addresses midface aging more comprehensively than traditional SMAS techniques.
— DeepPlane.com Medical Team
Composite Deep Plane Facelift: Quick Facts
- Definition
- Includes orbicularis muscle
- Complexity
- Most advanced technique
- Results
- Comprehensive rejuvenation
- Surgery Time
- 5-7 hours
- Recovery
- 2-4 weeks
- Best For
- Significant aging signs
Source: Published Studies & Medical Research
Composite Deep Plane Facelift
Quick Answer
What is a composite facelift?
A composite facelift combines deep plane tissue lifting with repositioning of the orbicularis oculi muscle around the eyes. It addresses the midface, lower face, and under-eye area simultaneously. While more complex (5–7 hour surgery), it provides the most comprehensive facial rejuvenation with results lasting 10–15+ years.
Source: DeepPlane.com
What is a Composite Deep Plane Facelift?
A composite deep plane facelift is an advanced surgical technique that costs between $25,000 and $55,000 and lifts the cheek, lower eyelid, and SMAS layer as a single unit. This 5-7 hour procedure provides comprehensive midface rejuvenation by addressing under-eye hollows and cheek descent simultaneously, offering a more natural and integrated result.
- •Lifts the orbicularis oculi muscle, SMAS, and skin as one unit.
- •Reduces the need for a separate blepharoplasty in over 80% of cases.
- •Offers the most comprehensive rejuvenation for the midface and lower eyelid.
A composite deep plane facelift extends the standard deep plane technique by also repositioning the orbicularis oculi muscle around the eyes. This provides additional lower eyelid rejuvenation and reduces the tear trough deformity that a standard deep plane facelift alone may not fully address, making it ideal for patients with significant periorbital aging.
Composite the deep plane technique lifts the SMAS, orbicularis oculi muscle, and overlying tissues as a single unit, providing the most comprehensive midface and lower eyelid rejuvenation available. Developed by Dr. Sam Hamra, this 5-7 hour procedure costs $25,000-$55,000 and eliminates the need for separate blepharoplasty in over 80% of cases.
What Composite Adds to Deep Plane
Lower Eyelid Lift
Orbicularis oculi muscle is lifted with the SMAS — corrects under-eye hollows and bags without separate blepharoplasty.
Single Composite Flap
Skin, SMAS, and orbicularis muscle move as one unit — more anatomically natural result than lifting layers separately.
80%+ Skip Bleph
Over 80% of composite patients don't need separate eyelid surgery — the composite flap corrects periorbital aging.
Facial Layers: Which Technique Works Where
Composite facelift addresses more layers than standard deep plane, including the orbicularis oculi muscle.
Skin
Layer 1
Subcutaneous Fat
Layer 2
SMAS Layer
Layer 3
Deep Plane Space
Layer 4
Orbicularis Oculi
Layer 5
Retaining Ligaments
Layer 6
What Is Composite Deep Plane Facelift?
This advanced facial rejuvenation technique addresses the deeper layers of facial tissue, providing more natural and longer-lasting results compared to traditional methods. The composite technique lifts the SMAS, overlying fat, and orbicularis oculi muscle as a single unit, preserving the natural relationship between tissue layers.1
Board-certified plastic surgeons who specialize in this technique have extensive training in facial anatomy and can achieve results that look natural while addressing significant signs of aging including jowls, nasolabial folds, and neck laxity. Studies show composite deep plane results deliver comprehensive midface rejuvenation with durable outcomes lasting 10–15 years.3 Recovery typically takes 2-4 weeks due to the additional periorbital tissue involvement.
How Much Does It Cost?
The cost varies significantly based on several factors:
- Surgeon Experience: Board-certified specialists typically charge $20,000-$50,000
- Geographic Location: Major cities like NYC and LA have higher costs
- Facility Fees: Hospital vs. accredited surgical center
- Anesthesia: General vs. local with sedation
Who Is a Good Candidate?
Ideal candidates for this procedure typically share these characteristics:
Good Candidates
- • Patients needing simultaneous skin, SMAS, and muscle correction
- • Those with orbicularis oculi muscle laxity around the eyes
- • Patients wanting comprehensive lower eyelid and cheek rejuvenation
- • Non-smokers willing to accept a longer recovery period
May Not Be Suitable
- • Patients with dry eye syndrome or eyelid problems
- • Those seeking minimal intervention with quick recovery
- • Patients with bleeding disorders (composite involves more tissue layers)
- • Those who cannot commit to 3-4 weeks of recovery time
Frequently Asked Questions
Medical References
- [1]Hamra ST. The deep-plane rhytidectomy. Plast Reconstr Surg. 1990;86(1):53-61(Journal Article)Accessed: 2026-03-21
- [2]Rohrich RJ, et al. Current Concepts in Deep-Plane Face Lifting. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2021;148(5):1025-1038(Journal Article)Accessed: 2026-03-21
- [3]Barrera A. Refinements in the deep-plane facelift technique. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2000;105(1):290-301(Journal Article)Accessed: 2026-03-21
- [4]Swanson E. Outcome analysis in 93 facial rejuvenation patients treated with a deep-plane face lift. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2011;127(2):823-834(Journal Article)Accessed: 2026-03-21
Key Facts
Common Misconceptions
Myth: Composite facelift is the same as deep plane
Fact: While related, composite specifically includes the orbicularis muscle. Deep plane focuses on ligament release and SMAS repositioning.
Myth: Composite facelift has higher complication rates
Fact: When performed by experienced surgeons, composite facelift has similar safety profiles to other advanced techniques.
What to Keep in Mind
Get personalized guidance from a board-certified specialist
Your anatomy, skin thickness, and healing ability affect outcomes
Recovery varies by individual — follow your surgeon's timeline
Your surgeon's post-op guidelines directly impact your outcome
Medically Reviewed
Dr. Yakup Duman
Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery Specialist
Board-certified Plastic & Aesthetic Surgery specialist with 20+ years of experience. Specializes in deep plane facelift at Merkez Prime Hospital, Istanbul. Medical Reviewer for DeepPlane.com.
Stay informed about deep plane facelift
Join 12,000+ readers — monthly research updates, surgeon spotlights, and patient guides. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.