Deep Plane Facelift Incision Techniques: Deep plane facelift incisions typically follow the natural contours around the ear, starting in the temple hairline, continuing in front of and behind the ear, and ending in the posterior hairline. Proper incision placement ensures virtually invisible scars.
— DeepPlane.com Medical Advisory Board
Deep Plane Facelift Incision Techniques: Quick Facts
- Location
- Hairline to behind ear
- Visibility
- Well-hidden when healed
- Healing
- 6-12 months to mature
- Scar Care
- Silicone recommended
- Technique
- Meticulous closure
- Results
- Minimal scarring
Source: Clinical Studies & The Aesthetic Society
Deep Plane Facelift Incisions
Quick Answer
What do deep plane facelift incisions look like?
Deep plane facelift incisions follow the natural contours of the ear and hairline — starting at the temple, running in front of (or inside) the ear tragus, around the earlobe, and behind the ear into the hairline. At 2 weeks they appear as pink lines; by 3–6 months they're barely noticeable; by 12 months they're virtually invisible.
Source: DeepPlane.com
Why This Topic Matters
Deep plane facelift incisions are placed in natural creases, starting in the temporal hairline, running along the front of the ear (or behind the tragus), and ending in the posterior hairline. This allows access to deep facial ligaments, and meticulous closure ensures scars become nearly invisible after maturing for 6-12 months. Understanding the path is key to setting expectations.
- •Incisions follow natural creases in front of and behind the ear
- •Hairline incisions are designed to preserve natural hair growth
- •Proper closure technique is as important as the lift itself
Deep plane facelift incisions are strategically placed within the temporal hairline, along the tragus of the ear, around the earlobe, behind the ear, and into the occipital hairline. This placement ensures scars are virtually invisible once healed, typically maturing into thin, flat lines within 6-12 months that are concealed by hair and natural ear contours — making this one of the most scarless surgical approaches available.
The procedure incisions follow three zones: temporal (hidden in hairline, 3-4 cm), pre-auricular (natural crease in front of ear, 5-7 cm), and post-auricular (behind ear, 4-5 cm). With meticulous multi-layer closure, these incisions become virtually invisible after 6-12 months of healing, and most patients have a smooth recovery of 2–3 weeks.
Three common facelift incision patterns — traditional, short-scar, and deep plane approaches
The 3 Incision Zones
Temporal Zone
3-4 cm in hairline
Hidden within the temporal hairline — completely concealed by hair. Allows access to forehead and upper face.
Pre-Auricular
5-7 cm along ear crease
Follows the natural tragal crease in front of the ear — invisible when healed. Main access for midface.
Post-Auricular
4-5 cm behind ear
Behind the earlobe into the occipital hairline — never visible from the front. Provides neck access.
Incision Placement Guide
Deep plane facelift uses strategically placed incisions that heal within natural creases and hairline.
Temporal
Hidden within the hairline above the ear
Length: 3-4 cm
Pre-auricular
Along the natural crease in front of the ear
Length: 5-7 cm
Post-auricular
Behind the ear, concealed in the crease
Length: 4-5 cm
What Is Incisions?
This advanced facial rejuvenation technique addresses the deeper layers of facial tissue, providing more natural and longer-lasting results compared to traditional methods. The procedure repositions the SMAS layer along with the overlying skin, creating a more comprehensive lift without the pulled or windswept appearance.
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.
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 concerned about visible scarring who want hidden incisions
- • Those with adequate hair density to conceal periauricular incisions
- • Patients who heal well and follow scar care protocols
- • Non-smokers (smoking significantly impairs incision healing)
May Not Be Suitable
- • Patients with a history of hypertrophic or keloid scarring
- • Those with very short hair that cannot conceal incision lines
- • Active smokers (high risk of wound dehiscence and poor scar quality)
- • Patients unwilling to follow post-operative scar care instructions
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]
- [3]Furnas DW. The retaining ligaments of the cheek. Plast Reconstr Surg. 1989;83(1):11-16(Journal Article)Accessed: 2026-03-21
Key Facts
Common Misconceptions
Myth: Facelift scars are always visible
Fact: When properly placed and healed, facelift incisions are virtually invisible. They follow natural creases and hairline boundaries.
Myth: Shorter incisions mean better results
Fact: Adequate incision length allows proper tissue access and repositioning. Overly short incisions may compromise results.
Essential Considerations
Get personalized guidance from a board-certified specialist
Your anatomy, skin thickness, and healing ability affect outcomes
Plan 2-3 weeks off work for optimal healing
Adherence to aftercare instructions is crucial for optimal results
Key Takeaways
Research thoroughly before making decisions
Consult with multiple board-certified surgeons
Review before and after photos carefully
Understand all costs and recovery requirements
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.
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