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

Medically reviewed by Op. Dr. Yakup DumanWritten by DeepPlane Editorial TeamUpdated January 20268 min read

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

Understand the incision placement and scarring in deep plane facelift surgery.

$15K-50K
Average Cost
4-6 hrs
Surgery Time
10-15 yrs
Results Last
2-3 wks
Recovery

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

What is incisions?

Deep plane facelift incisions are placed along the temporal hairline, continuing in front of or behind the ear tragus, around the earlobe, and into the posterior hairline. The precise placement allows access to the deep plane while healing within natural skin creases for minimal visible scarring.

How much does deep plane facelift incisions cost?

The cost of deep plane facelift ($20,000-$50,000) includes the meticulous incision planning and closure technique. Surgeons who specialize in deep plane often use multi-layered closure methods that promote optimal scar healing.

Who is a good candidate for deep plane facelift incisions?

All deep plane facelift candidates will have these incisions. Patients with concerns about visible scarring should discuss incision placement options with their surgeon, including retrotragal (behind the ear cartilage) versus pretragal approaches.

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.

Myth: Incision healing is unpredictable

Fact: With proper technique and post-operative care, incision healing is highly predictable. Most scars fade to thin, barely visible lines.

Key Points to Remember

Consult with a board-certified facial plastic surgeon for personalized advice

Results vary based on individual anatomy and skin quality

Recovery time depends on the extent of the procedure

Follow all post-operative instructions carefully

Back to OverviewRecovery Guide Find Surgeon

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

Op. Dr. Yakup Duman

Op. Dr. Yakup Duman

Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery Specialist

MDPlastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery SpecialistBoard Certified

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.

Turkish Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery Association
Last reviewed: March 2, 2026
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