Deep plane facelift in Switzerland: the technique, its results and where to have it

In just a few years, the deep plane facelift has become the most searched-for type of facelift in Switzerland, from Geneva to Zurich. Behind this term lies a precise way of rejuvenating the face: instead of undermining the skin and then separately tightening the SMAS, the surgeon goes beneath this musculoaponeurotic layer, releases the ligaments that hold the tissues back and lifts the face as a single block. This page explains what a deep plane really is, how it differs from other facelifts, what you can expect from it, who it is suited to, how recovery goes, what its specific risks are and how to organise your project from each of the 26 cantons.

The deep plane repositions the face as a block, with skin, fat and SMAS remaining joined, after release of the retaining ligaments. It acts particularly on the midface, the nasolabial fold and the jowls. It requires detailed knowledge of anatomy and specific experience on the part of the surgeon. Comparative studies do not show systematic superiority over a well-performed SMAS facelift: the choice depends on the face and the practitioner's expertise. The budget is detailed, in percentages and by city, on our page on deep plane facelift prices in Switzerland.

For an overview of all the techniques, see our guide to facelifts in Switzerland; if your main concern is the neck, our page on the neck and face lift details the steps specific to that area.

To understand the deep plane, imagine the face as a stack of layers. On the surface, the skin. Just beneath, a layer of subcutaneous fat. Then the SMAS, a fibromuscular sheet that envelops the muscles of expression and continues into the neck as the platysma. Beneath the SMAS lie gliding spaces, deep fat compartments, the branches of the facial nerve and the chewing muscles. The whole is anchored to the bone by ligaments, a kind of fibrous guy rope that holds the tissues in place.

With age, these ligaments stretch, the fat compartments descend and the SMAS relaxes. A classic facelift, known as a "SMAS" facelift, first undermines the skin over a wide area, then works on the SMAS from above: it folds, resects or lifts it, before redraping the skin. In a deep plane facelift, the surgeon undermines the skin only over a short distance in front of the ear, then passes through the SMAS and continues the dissection beneath it. The skin, fat and SMAS remain attached together and are lifted as a single flap, called a composite flap.

Releasing the ligaments, the heart of the technique

What really distinguishes the deep plane is the division of the retaining ligaments in the path of the dissection, notably the zygomatic ligaments, under the cheekbone, and the masseteric ligaments, along the jaw. As long as these guy ropes are intact, they prevent the tissues from being lifted. Once released, the tissues of the midface and the jowls can be repositioned upwards, in the opposite direction to their descent, without excessive tension. This explains the often marked effect of the deep plane on the nasolabial fold and the cheekbone.

The anatomical spaces used

Deep plane dissection follows natural gliding spaces, notably the prezygomatic space, in front of the cheekbone, and the premasseteric space, above the masseter muscle. These spaces are relatively safe, as they contain no major nerve branches, but their boundaries are lined with delicate structures. Knowing where to start, where to stop and which ligaments to release is precisely what requires specific experience.

A thirty-year history

The technique was described in the early 1990s by American surgeons, then developed into several variants: the composite facelift, which also incorporates the orbicularis muscle of the lower eyelid, and the extended deep plane, which takes the dissection further towards the cheekbone and the neck. Long reserved for a few teams, it spread widely in the 2010s and 2020s, driven by patient demand and its high visibility on social media.

A term sometimes misused

The success of the term "deep plane" has a downside: it is sometimes used for procedures that are not really deep plane, or simply to describe a "deep" facelift. A true deep plane involves dissection beneath the SMAS and targeted release of the ligaments. If a practitioner offers you a deep plane, ask them to explain exactly which planes they dissect and which ligaments they release. The answer should be clear.

The deep plane is not the only way to reposition the deep tissues. It coexists with several proven techniques that also give excellent results when properly indicated and well performed. Comparing them helps you understand why a surgeon chooses one rather than another for a given face.

The advantages put forward

Surgeons who perform the deep plane highlight several advantages. Repositioning as a block acts more directly on the cheekbone and nasolabial fold, areas that superficial facelifts treat less well. The traction is applied to the deep layers, which limits tension on the skin and reduces the risk of a pulled look and widened scars. The skin, which remains attached to the SMAS, retains a better blood supply, which is thought to be favourable in some patients with fragile skin. Finally, many consider that the result ages more harmoniously.

Limitations and the scientific debate

These advantages are real in experienced hands, but they need to be qualified. Studies that have directly compared different facelift techniques have not demonstrated systematic and lasting superiority of the deep plane over a well-performed extended SMAS facelift. The quality of the result depends above all on the indication, the surgeon's experience and the precision of the procedure. Moreover, the deep plane takes longer, its learning curve is steep, and dissection beneath the SMAS takes place close to branches of the facial nerve, which requires perfect anatomical mastery.

Why your surgeon may propose something else

A surgeon who proposes an extended SMAS facelift rather than a deep plane is not necessarily offering you something "less good". They may judge that your laxity does not justify a deeper dissection, or that their usual technique, which they have fully mastered, will give you an equivalent result. Conversely, a practitioner who proposes a deep plane to all patients, whatever their face, warrants a few questions. The key is to understand why a particular technique is chosen for you.

The deep plane is not a procedure reserved for a particular age. It is mainly performed between fifty and seventy, in patients whose laxity affects both the midface and the lower face.

The profiles that benefit most

• Faces whose cheekbones have slipped downwards, deepening the nasolabial fold.
• Pronounced jowls that break the line of the jaw.
• Thick skin and heavy faces, for which traction on the skin alone would be insufficient.
• Patients who want a very natural result, without a pulled look, and are prepared for a recovery of two to three weeks.
• Some secondary facelifts, when the deep layers were not treated during the first procedure.

Situations that call for reflection

In a young person with early laxity, a deep plane may be a disproportionate procedure. In a very gaunt face with thin skin, the priority is often to restore volume through fat transfer rather than lifting tissues that have melted away. Smokers and people with poorly controlled hypertension, uncontrolled diabetes or coagulation disorders must be carefully assessed, as for any facelift.

What about the neck?

The deep plane is a technique for treating the face. The neck, when lax, is treated at the same time with specific steps: platysmaplasty, treatment of fat under the chin, lateral traction. This is then called a deep plane neck and face lift, sometimes a "deep neck" lift when the deep structures of the neck are also addressed. Our page on the neck and face lift in Switzerland details these steps.

And an isolated double chin?

If your concern is limited to a double chin, without significant laxity of the jawline, a deep plane is generally not necessary. Other approaches, presented on our page on double chin, FaceTite and J-Plasma, may be enough.

The consultation

The surgeon analyses your face level by level: position of the cheekbones, depth of the nasolabial fold, extent of the jowls, condition of the neck, skin quality and thickness, volumes. They observe your face at rest and in motion, from the front, in profile and at three-quarters. They ask what bothers you most and what you expect. This is when they determine whether a deep plane is the right approach for you, and whether other procedures should be combined, such as platysmaplasty, blepharoplasty or fat transfer.

The day of the procedure

The procedure is usually performed under general anaesthesia, sometimes under local anaesthesia with deep sedation. It generally takes four to six hours for a full deep plane neck and face lift, longer with combined procedures. The surgeon starts with the pre-operative markings with you sitting up, then proceeds one side at a time.

The surgical steps

The incision follows the contour of the ear, as for any facelift, extending into the scalp at the nape if the neck is treated. The skin is undermined over a short distance in front of the ear. The surgeon then incises the SMAS along a line that generally runs from the angle of the jaw towards the cheekbone, and enters the deep plane. They progress through the premasseteric and then prezygomatic spaces, releasing the masseteric and zygomatic ligaments. The composite flap, made up of skin, fat and SMAS, becomes mobile.

The flap is then lifted in a mainly vertical direction, often oblique towards the temple, and secured firmly with deep sutures. The neck is treated if necessary, through the incision under the chin and lateral platysma traction. Excess skin is removed without tension, and the incisions are carefully closed. Thin drains may be left in place for twenty-four to forty-eight hours.

The night of monitoring

You spend the night at the clinic. The team monitors blood pressure, pain and any sign of haematoma. The next day, the dressing is checked, the drains are sometimes removed, and you go home accompanied, with written instructions and a check-up appointment.

Recovery from a deep plane facelift resembles that of any full facelift, with a few specific features related to the work done on the midface.

More marked swelling over the cheekbones

Because the dissection extends up towards the cheekbone, swelling often affects the middle of the face more, under the eyes and over the cheeks. For a few days it can give a puffy appearance, sometimes with slight difficulty smiling broadly. It decreases markedly within two weeks and gradually disappears over a few months.

Variable bruising

Some surgeons observe less superficial skin bruising with the deep plane, since the skin is less undermined. This is not a rule: bruising also depends on the quality of your tissues, your treatments and any combined procedures. It generally disappears within two to three weeks.

A result that emerges slowly

At first, the face may look over-lifted, particularly at the cheekbones, due to swelling and the slight overcorrection some surgeons practise. This impression fades within a few weeks. The final result is judged between six and twelve months.

Recovery instructions

• Sleep on your back, with your head raised, for at least two weeks.
• Avoid exertion, intense heat and sun exposure for several weeks.
• Limit exaggerated facial expressions and chewing hard foods in the first few days.
• Do not smoke, before or after the procedure, for the period set by the surgeon.
• Attend the scheduled check-ups and report any abnormal swelling, fever or increasing pain without delay.

The deep plane shares the risks of any facelift: haematoma, infection, scarring, localised hair loss, numbness, thrombosis. Some risks deserve particular attention because of the dissection plane.

Branches of the facial nerve

Beneath the SMAS, close to the dissection spaces, run the zygomatic and buccal branches of the facial nerve, which control the smile and eye closure in particular. Deep plane dissection is designed to stay within safe spaces, but injury remains possible. It shows as weakness on one side of the smile or lip. In the vast majority of cases, it is temporary and recovers within a few weeks to a few months. Permanent injuries are exceptional, and their prevention relies on the surgeon's experience.

Haematoma

As in any facelift, haematoma is the most common complication. It appears mainly in the first few hours. Well-controlled blood pressure, stopping blood-thinning products beforehand and the night of monitoring are the best forms of prevention.

Asymmetry and overcorrection

Asymmetrical swelling is common in the first few weeks. Lasting asymmetry or overcorrection of the cheekbones can occur more rarely; it sometimes corrects itself over time, sometimes with a later touch-up.

What reduces the risks

Patient selection, stopping smoking, control of chronic conditions and, above all, the surgeon's experience with the technique are the main safety factors. Do not hesitate to ask how many deep plane facelifts your surgeon performs each year, and for how long they have been doing so.

Signs that require medical attention without delay

Contact the medical team immediately, or call 144 in case of distress, in the event of rapid, painful swelling on one side of the face or neck, difficulty breathing, fever above 38.5 °C, spreading redness, abnormal discharge or pain and swelling in a calf.

The deep plane is a demanding technique, regularly performed by a smaller number of surgeons than the SMAS facelift. In Switzerland, these practitioners are concentrated in the major cities. Rather than a canton-by-canton portrait, it is therefore more useful to think in terms of consultation catchment areas: the regions where patients naturally turn to the same centres. Here are the eleven catchment areas that structure the country, followed by a table of the 26 cantons.

The Lake Geneva area: Geneva, Vaud and the Chablais

Geneva and Lausanne form the leading French-speaking hub for advanced facelift techniques. Several surgeons there perform the deep plane and its variants, in private clinics equipped for long procedures. Patients from La Côte, the Riviera and the Valais Chablais can reach them in less than an hour by train. The advantage of this area is choice: it is often possible to consult two practitioners who perform the deep plane in order to compare their approaches. The disadvantage is demand: waiting times for a surgery date can exceed several months with the busiest surgeons. For patients from the Vaud Broye or the Gros-de-Vaud, Lausanne remains the natural centre; those from Versoix or Céligny consult in Geneva. In both cities, it is often possible to choose between a medium-sized clinic and a more hotel-like facility, which also affects the budget.

The Jura Arc: Neuchâtel, Jura and the Bernese Jura

In the Jura Arc, plastic surgery provision is limited and practitioners offering the deep plane are rare. Patients from Neuchâtel, La Chaux-de-Fonds, Delémont, Porrentruy or Saint-Imier therefore often consult in Lausanne, Bern, Biel/Bienne or Basel. For a procedure of this length, followed by several check-ups, it is useful to choose a centre that is easy to reach by train and to involve your family doctor for local care. Patients from the Franches-Montagnes and the Saint-Imier valley would do well to compare access to Biel/Bienne, Bern and Basel according to their municipality: travel time and ease of connections vary greatly from one village to another.

The bilingual Plateau: Fribourg and Biel/Bienne

Fribourg and Biel/Bienne have a few practitioners, but for a deep plane, many patients turn to Lausanne or Bern, each about half an hour away by train. The choice is often made according to language: French speakers from the Sarine, Gruyère and Broye districts favour Lausanne, German speakers from the Sense district and the Seeland, Bern. Bilingual patients have the advantage of being able to compare practitioners in both language regions, which widens the choice and sometimes makes it possible to find shorter waiting times.

Valais

Valais has few plastic surgeons. For a deep plane, patients from French-speaking Valais consult in Lausanne or Geneva, those from Upper Valais in Bern, an hour away from Visp. For residents of the resorts, mountain journeys in winter justify planning a night in the valley before the first post-operative check-up. For patients from the Valais Chablais, Lausanne is less than an hour away; for those from Sierre or Leuk, Bern via the Lötschberg can be as quick as Lausanne.

The Bern region and the Mittelland

Bern offers a solid choice of practitioners and a university plastic surgery department. Patients from Thun, the Emmental, Solothurn and the Upper Aargau find quality provision there less than an hour away by train. Solothurn and Olten, thanks to their central position, also make it easy to consult in Basel, Lucerne or Zurich to compare. As the canton of Bern is very large, residents of the Oberland, Emmental or Seeland would do well to check connections before choosing their practitioner, to simplify the check-ups of the first few weeks.

The North-West: Basel and its region

Basel combines dense provision with a renowned university hospital. Patients from Basel-Landschaft, the Aargau Fricktal and part of Jura naturally consult there. Several surgeons perform advanced facelift techniques, making it possible to compare without leaving the region. Patients from the conurbation, from Riehen to Allschwil, can reach the practices in a few minutes by tram, which makes post-operative check-ups particularly simple.

The Greater Zurich area

Zurich has the highest density of plastic surgeons in the country, several of whom specialise in the deep plane and the deep plane neck and face lift. Patients from Winterthur, Schaffhausen, Zug, northern Schwyz and eastern Aargau can reach them in less than an hour. It is the area with the widest choice, but also one where fees and waiting times are among the highest. The S-Bahn network allows most residents of the canton to reach a practice in the centre in less than forty minutes. Patients from the Zurich Oberland or the Weinland can also compare with Winterthur, which is often slightly cheaper.

Central Switzerland

Lucerne is the medical centre of Central Switzerland. A few surgeons there perform advanced facelift techniques; for a deep plane, some patients from Uri, Obwalden, Nidwalden and southern Schwyz prefer to consult in Zurich as well to widen their choice. The proximity of Lucerne remains an advantage for post-operative check-ups. Residents of Zug, halfway between Lucerne and Zurich, have the advantage of being able to compare the two cities easily, each about half an hour away.

Eastern Switzerland

St. Gallen is the hub of Eastern Switzerland. Patients from both Appenzells, Thurgau and Glarus consult there, or go to Winterthur and Zurich. Fees in St. Gallen are among the most moderate of Switzerland's major cities, which can matter for a procedure as significant as a deep plane. For patients from the Rhine Valley, the Toggenburg or the shores of Lake Constance, St. Gallen remains the most accessible centre; Winterthur is an alternative for western Thurgau.

Graubünden

Chur concentrates the provision of a vast canton. For a deep plane, many Graubünden residents consult in Zurich, sometimes in Ticino for the Italian-speaking valleys. Distances from the Engadine or Davos mean travel must be well organised: grouping the consultation and check-up, planning a night near the clinic and relying on the family doctor for local care. Patients from the Italian-speaking valleys — Mesolcina, Val Poschiavo or Bregaglia — sometimes turn to Lugano, which can be closer than Zurich depending on the route.

Ticino

Lugano concentrates provision in Ticino. Consultations are held in Italian. Patients from Locarno, Bellinzona and Mendrisio generally consult there; those from the upper valleys need to allow for longer journeys. Since the opening of the Ceneri Base Tunnel, access to Lugano from the north of the canton is easier. Patients from the Leventina and the Val Blenio must allow for a longer journey to Lugano; Bellinzona, better connected, can serve as a stopover for check-ups with some practitioners.

For 57 Swiss cities, this table shows the consultation catchment area, the centre where surgeons who perform the deep plane are generally found, the indicative travel time by public transport and the usual price difference compared with Geneva. Because the deep plane is performed by fewer surgeons than the SMAS facelift, the nearest "deep plane centre" is not always the nearest city: a resident of Neuchâtel or Chur will often consult further afield than for other procedures.

Important: these guidelines are indicative. Price differences vary greatly from one practitioner to another, and provision changes. Always check the surgeon's qualifications and their experience with the deep plane.

Reading this comparison

Price differences often narrow for the deep plane, because the surgeons who perform it are concentrated in the major cities: a St. Gallen resident who consults in Zurich will pay Zurich fees. Conversely, a Zurich resident who consults an experienced surgeon in St. Gallen or Lucerne can reduce their budget, at the cost of a journey. In every case, the surgeon's experience with this technique should take precedence over price and distance.

The deep plane is generally one of the most expensive forms of facelift, because the procedure takes longer and requires specific expertise. There is no official fee schedule; here are relative orders of magnitude, taking as a base a SMAS neck and face lift performed by the same surgeon.

Between cities, the differences follow the general trend, narrowed by the concentration of provision. Details of the quote breakdown, VAT, insurance and ways to save are on our page on deep plane facelift prices in Switzerland.

The deep plane owes part of its fame to social media, where surgeons from all over the world post spectacular before-and-after photos. These images can be inspiring, but they call for a few precautions.

Selected photos

The cases published are, by definition, the most successful. Lighting, angle, make-up, head position and the interval between photos strongly influence the impression. A before-and-after taken at three months, when the swelling has not fully subsided, does not yet show the final result.

A word that has become a sales pitch

"Deep plane" is sometimes used as a marketing label without the technique performed corresponding to a true dissection beneath the SMAS with ligament release. What counts is not the name, but what the surgeon actually does and the quality of their results in patients with a face comparable to yours.

How to use them usefully

Use these images to put your expectations into words: a subtle or more marked effect, a defined jawline, lifted cheekbones. Then ask your surgeon for photos of their own patients, taken under standardised conditions — front, profile and three-quarter views — at least six months after surgery.

• Which planes exactly do you dissect, and which ligaments do you release?
• How long have you been performing deep plane facelifts, and how many do you perform each year?
• Why is this technique suited to my face rather than a SMAS facelift?
• How will you treat my neck?
• Which combined procedures do you recommend, and which are unnecessary?
• How long does the procedure take, what type of anaesthesia is used and how many nights of monitoring are planned?
• What are the risks specific to the deep plane, and how do you prevent them?
• Can you show me results at more than six months in patients with a face similar to mine?
• How are check-ups organised and what happens if there is a complication?
• What are the conditions for any touch-up?

This is one of the arguments most often put forward. The reasoning is as follows: by repositioning the deep tissues and releasing the ligaments, the deep plane corrects the cause of laxity rather than its surface consequences, which should give a more stable result. Many surgeons do indeed observe that the result holds up well over time.

However, caution is needed: the longevity of a facelift also depends on age at the time of surgery, skin quality, heredity, sun exposure, smoking and weight stability. Scientific data comparing the long-term durability of the different techniques remain limited. A well-performed deep plane can reasonably be expected to provide a visible benefit for many years, as can a well-performed SMAS facelift.

Some patients consider a deep plane after a first facelift performed ten or fifteen years earlier, sometimes with another technique. This situation, called a secondary facelift, is more complex: the tissues have been altered, internal scarring exists and the path of the nerves may be less predictable. It requires a surgeon used to such revisions.

The advantage is that laxity is often less pronounced than before the first facelift. The surgeon assesses skin quality, the position of the old scars, which they try to reuse, and volume loss, often corrected at the same time with fat transfer. Bringing the report from the first facelift is very useful for planning the procedure.

The deep plane treats the midface and the lower face. For harmonious rejuvenation, other procedures are sometimes combined under the same anaesthesia.

• Blepharoplasty, for heavy eyelids or bags, which could contrast with a lifted face.
• Facial fat transfer, to restore volume at the temples, cheekbones or under the eyes; the combination is detailed on our page on facelift and facial fat transfer.
• Brow or temporal-midface lift, for the tail of the eyebrows and the temporal region.
• Genioplasty, for a receding chin that would limit the definition of the profile.
• Treatment of the neck, by platysmaplasty and lateral traction, detailed on our page on the neck and face lift.

Each combination lengthens the procedure and the recovery. It must bring a clear benefit, which the surgeon should be able to explain to you.

The deep plane repositions lax tissues, but it does not replace volume lost with age, particularly at the temples, cheekbones and around the mouth. That is why facial fat transfer is often combined at the same time: fat harvested from the abdomen or thighs is reinjected in fine layers to restore fullness. This addition avoids an overly pulled look and gives a more natural result. See our page on Facial fat transfer.

The face is often divided into three levels: the upper third, from the forehead to the eyebrows; the middle third, from the lower eyelids to the upper lip; and the lower third, from the mouth to the chin and jawline. The deep plane stands out from other techniques through its action on the midface, the level where ageing is often hardest to treat.

What happens with age

In youth, the cheekbone is full and high, the transition between the lower eyelid and the cheek is smooth and the nasolabial fold is barely marked. Over the years, the fat compartments of the cheekbone slide downwards and inwards, the zygomatic ligaments that held them stretch and some of the deep fat melts away. Three signs appear: the tear trough deepens under the eye, the cheekbone flattens and the nasolabial fold deepens under the weight of the descended tissues.

Why superficial facelifts have little effect on this area

A facelift that mainly tightens the skin, or works on the SMAS without releasing the zygomatic ligaments, transmits its traction poorly to the midface: the ligaments act as a barrier. The result is often excellent on the jawline and neck, but more modest on the cheekbone and fold. It is this limitation that the deep plane seeks to overcome by releasing the ligaments and lifting the cheekbone with the composite flap.

Lift or fill?

Not everything can be solved by lifting. When fat has melted away, a lifted cheekbone remains flat, and the tear trough may stay hollow. The surgeon must therefore distinguish between what has descended, which needs repositioning, and what has disappeared, which needs restoring. That is why the deep plane is often combined with targeted fat transfer, particularly to the cheekbones and the junction between eyelid and cheek. A good surgical plan combines both approaches according to your face.

The nasolabial fold: an expectation to calibrate

Many patients hope that the facelift will completely erase the nasolabial fold. The deep plane often softens it markedly, but a very deep, long-standing fold or one associated with thick skin does not always disappear completely. It can be supplemented a few months later with targeted treatment. It is better to know this before the procedure.

For early laxity, or for patients who do not want surgery, several aesthetic medicine treatments are offered in Switzerland. They have their merits, but their effect is nowhere near that of a deep plane once laxity is established.

Non-surgical treatments retain their full place for early ageing, for maintaining a result or for improving skin quality. However, accumulating injections to compensate for established laxity can weigh the face down and cost, over a few years, as much as a procedure. Our page on aesthetic medicine in Switzerland presents these treatments, and our page on thread lifts details their indications.

Around 45 to 50

Laxity begins, often on the jawline. The midface is still full in many patients. A deep plane is rarely necessary at this stage; a shorter facelift or aesthetic medicine treatments are often enough. In some patients with early laxity, particularly hereditary, a limited deep plane may nevertheless be discussed.

Between 50 and 60

This is often the ideal age for a deep plane: the skin retains good elasticity, laxity of the midface and jowls is clear, and the result will be lasting and natural. In women, menopause often accelerates laxity through the fall in oestrogen.

Between 60 and 70

Laxity is more pronounced, the neck is often affected and the skin is thinner. A deep plane neck and face lift brings a significant improvement. The pre-operative check-up is more comprehensive and chronic conditions must be well controlled.

After 70

The procedure remains possible in people in good health. The surgeon adapts the extent of the procedure to limit operating time and favours a natural result over maximum correction.

A deep plane quote must be precise enough for you to know exactly what will be done and what you will pay. Here are the points to check.

• The exact name of the technique: facial deep plane, deep plane neck and face lift, extended or composite deep plane.
• The steps planned for the neck: platysmaplasty, treatment of fat, any deep procedures.
• Combined procedures, costed separately: blepharoplasty, fat transfer, temporal lift, genioplasty.
• The surgeon's and anaesthetist's fees, theatre and hospital costs, the night of monitoring.
• Post-operative check-ups included, their number and the period covered.
• VAT, included or not.
• The conditions in the event of a complication or touch-up.
• The validity period, payment terms and cancellation conditions.

Always compare two quotes like for like. A lower quote that only mentions the surgeon's fees cannot be compared with a complete quote. The budget details, city by city, are on our page on deep plane facelift prices in Switzerland.

Two to three months before

Consult, compare, reflect. If you smoke, stop now. Have your blood pressure checked by your family doctor. Identify the ideal period in your work and family diary, taking your canton's holidays into account.

One month before

Carry out the requested pre-operative check-up. Review your treatments with your doctor, particularly anticoagulants, antiplatelets, hormones and diabetes medication. Arrange help for the first few days and the journey home from the clinic.

Two weeks before

On medical advice, stop aspirin, anti-inflammatories and blood-thinning supplements. Avoid alcohol and the sun. Prepare your home: pillows, soft food, cold packs, clothes that open at the front.

The day before and the day itself

Wash your hair and face, remove jewellery and make-up, and follow the fasting instructions. Arrive accompanied, with your documents and usual medication. Ask all your final questions before signing the consent form.

Deep plane. The dissection plane beneath the SMAS, used to lift the face as a block.

Premasseteric space. A gliding space above the masseter muscle, used during the dissection.

Prezygomatic space. A space in front of the cheekbone, used to lift the midface.

Retaining ligaments. Fibrous attachments that connect the soft tissues to deep structures; released in the deep plane.

Zygomatic ligaments. Ligaments under the cheekbone, whose release allows the midface to be lifted.

Masseteric ligaments. Ligaments along the jaw, whose release helps remove jowls.

Composite facelift. A variant that incorporates part of the orbicularis muscle of the eyelid into the flap.

Facial nerve. The nerve that controls the muscles of expression; its branches run close to the dissection planes.

Platysma. A thin muscle in the neck, continuous with the SMAS.

SMAS. Superficial musculoaponeurotic system, the supporting layer of the face.

Nasolabial fold. The fold running from the side of the nose to the corner of the mouth.

Midface. The level of the face between the lower eyelids and the upper lip.

Composite flap. The unit of skin, fat and SMAS lifted as a single block in the deep plane.

More limited provision does not mean lower quality: a few very experienced surgeons may practise in a medium-sized town. Use these guidelines to direct your search, then judge on the practitioner's real experience and the quality of their explanations.

Before-and-after photos are a valuable tool for putting your expectations into words and judging a surgeon's work, provided you know how to read them.

Identical conditions

Both photos must be taken with the same lighting, background, angle, distance and head position. Softer lighting or a slightly raised chin in the "after" photo is enough to flatter a result.

A sufficient interval

A photo taken a few weeks after surgery shows a face that is still swollen, sometimes over-lifted. Significant results are judged at six months at the earliest, ideally at one year.

Several angles

Look at the front, the profile and above all the three-quarter view, the angle that best reveals the cheekbone, nasolabial fold and jawline. Also check the scars around the ear and the position of the lobe.

Faces comparable to yours

An excellent result in a fifty-year-old patient with thick skin says nothing about what can be expected in a sixty-eight-year-old patient with thin skin. Ask for examples close to your situation.

Expression

A successful face remains expressive. Be wary of results in which the smile seems frozen or the eyes stretched long after the procedure.

Choosing on the name of the technique

The term deep plane guarantees nothing in itself. What counts is the surgeon's experience and how well the technique suits your face.

Neglecting volume

Lifting a hollow face without restoring its volume gives an incomplete result. Ask your surgeon about the benefit of combined fat transfer.

Forgetting the neck

A facial deep plane without treatment of a lax neck creates a mismatch. If your neck bothers you, say so clearly during the consultation.

Underestimating recovery

Two to three weeks before normal social life, several months before the final result: schedule the procedure well away from important events.

Continuing to smoke

Even though the deep plane better preserves the skin's blood supply, smoking remains a major risk factor for complications.

Deciding under pressure

A time-limited offer is not a medical argument. Take the time to compare and reflect.

The safety of a deep plane facelift begins well before the operating theatre, with a careful assessment of your general health. Several situations deserve particular attention.

High blood pressure

It must be perfectly controlled, as it increases the risk of haematoma. Your family doctor checks your blood pressure and adjusts your treatment if necessary, several weeks before the procedure.

Blood-thinning treatments

Anticoagulants, antiplatelets and also certain food supplements: how they are managed is decided with the prescribing doctor, the anaesthetist and the surgeon. Never stop them on your own.

Diabetes

Well-controlled diabetes allows the procedure; poorly controlled diabetes slows healing and increases the risk of infection.

Hormonal treatments

Some hormonal treatments increase the risk of thrombosis. The anaesthetist will assess whether they need to be adjusted and what precautions to take.

Sleep apnoea and respiratory disorders

They affect the management of anaesthesia and overnight monitoring. Report them, and bring your ventilation device if you use one.

A deep plane facelift brings a lasting benefit, but a few habits help it stand the test of time.

• Daily sun protection for the face and neck, summer and winter, in the lowlands and in the mountains.
• A stable weight: significant weight loss can make the tissues lax again, and weight gain can make the face heavier.
• Stopping smoking for good, as it accelerates skin ageing.
• Skincare suited to your age and skin type.
• Light maintenance treatments, such as occasional injections or surface lasers, scheduled with your doctor well after the procedure.
• Enough sleep and good hydration, which contribute to skin quality.

A deep plane facelift does not stop ageing: it restarts it from a more favourable point. Ten years later, you will still look younger than if you had done nothing.

These situations are fictitious profiles, inspired by requests received from all over Switzerland. They illustrate how the decision is built around the deep plane. They constitute neither a promise of results nor medical advice.

Caroline, 56, Geneva: descended cheekbones

Caroline feels that her face is "dropping" at the cheeks, with an increasingly marked nasolabial fold. Her neck is still fine. She consults two surgeons in Geneva. The first proposes a facial deep plane with a light platysmaplasty, the second an extended SMAS combined with fat transfer to the cheekbones. After reflection, she chooses the first, whose explanations about the midface convinced her.

Urs, 61, Zurich: a heavy face

Urs has thick skin and a heavy face, with marked jowls and a lax neck. The surgeon proposes a deep plane neck and face lift, explaining that simple skin traction would be of little effect on his tissues. He stresses the need to control his slightly high blood pressure and to stop using snus completely several weeks before the procedure.

Françoise, 66, Neuchâtel: a second facelift

Françoise had a facelift fourteen years ago. Her jawline has become lax again and her cheekbones were not treated. She consults in Lausanne, where a surgeon proposes a secondary deep plane, warning her that the dissection will be more delicate because of internal scarring. She appreciates the frankness of the explanation and decides to go ahead.

Marco, 52, Lugano: does he really need a deep plane?

Marco has seen many deep plane before-and-after photos on social media. The surgeon he consults in Lugano explains that his laxity, still moderate and limited to the jowls, does not justify such a deep dissection, and proposes a shorter SMAS facelift. Marco seeks a second opinion in Zurich, which confirms this. He chooses the lighter option.

Elisabeth, 59, Chur: the question of distance

Elisabeth wants a deep plane neck and face lift. She consults in Zurich, an hour and a quarter by train from Chur. For the first few days, she plans to stay with her daughter in Winterthur, then return home for her recovery. Her family doctor in Chur removes the last stitches and sends photos to the surgeon.

Nathalie, 54, Fribourg: a hollow face

Nathalie is slim and sporty, and her face has become hollow. The surgeon she consults in Lausanne considers that the priority is to restore volume, and proposes a more limited facelift combined with substantial fat transfer. He explains that a deep plane alone would risk lifting tissues that have melted away without restoring fullness.

What these examples show: the deep plane is an excellent technique for some faces, but not a universal answer. A good surgeon also knows how to tell you when it is not necessary.

Make-up

It can resume after about a week on the face, away from the scars. A green concealer neutralises redness, a peach or yellow concealer purple bruising. On the scars, wait until they are fully closed and the stitches removed.

Hairstyle

A cut that keeps a little volume at the temples and behind the ears hides the scars for the first few months. Colouring and perms generally have to wait four to six weeks; warn your hairdresser so they do not pull near the ears.

Glasses and jewellery

Glasses must not press on the scars behind the ear; choose lightweight frames. Heavy earrings have to wait four to six weeks.

First outings

Sunglasses, a light scarf or a polo neck help for the first outings. Many patients resume normal social life around the third week, looking rested.

After fifty-five, laxity of the face is almost always accompanied by laxity of the neck. A facial deep plane performed without treating a lax neck would leave a visible mismatch. That is why most deep plane facelifts performed in Switzerland are deep plane neck and face lifts.

The continuity between SMAS and platysma

The SMAS of the face continues into the neck as the platysma, the thin muscle covering the front of the neck. By lifting the composite flap, the surgeon already exerts traction on the upper part of the platysma, which begins to redefine the angle of the jaw.

Lateral traction

Through the incisions behind the ear, the outer edge of the platysma is pulled backwards and firmly secured. This tightens the sides of the neck and extends the effect of the deep plane downwards.

Midline platysmaplasty

When vertical bands are visible under the chin, the surgeon brings together and sutures the inner edges of the platysma through a short incision placed in the crease under the chin. Combined with lateral traction, it creates a true sling that supports the neck.

Treatment of the fat

Fat under the skin of the neck can be reduced by liposuction or direct resection. Fat beneath the platysma, which explains the double chin of some slim people, can be reduced through the incision under the chin, with restraint, so as not to create a hollow.

Deep procedures

In some selected patients, procedures on the digastric muscles or submandibular glands may be discussed. They are performed by surgeons who do them regularly and are not part of a standard deep plane.

For full details of these procedures, see our page on the neck and face lift in Switzerland.

Lifting the tissues is not enough: they must also be held in their new position during healing, and then for years. Fixation is a discreet but decisive step of the deep plane.

Deep sutures

The composite flap is secured with strong sutures anchored in resistant structures in front of the ear and at the temple. It is on these anchor points, not on the skin, that the durability of the result depends.

The direction of the lift

The flap is lifted in a mainly vertical direction, oblique towards the temple, opposite to the natural descent of the tissues. Traction that is too horizontal, towards the back, would give the stretched look characteristic of old-fashioned facelifts. The surgeon adapts the direction to each face, and sometimes differently on each side to correct asymmetry.

Redraping the skin

Once the flap is secured, the skin is redraped without tension and the excess removed. Because the traction is applied to the deep layers, the skin does not have to support the result: this is what makes it possible to obtain fine scars that do not widen, and an earlobe that keeps its natural shape.

A deep plane neck and face lift lasts several hours and requires careful monitoring. The choice of facility and the organisation of anaesthesia are an integral part of safety.

An appropriate facility

The procedure must take place in a clinic with a fully equipped operating theatre, a recovery room and overnight nursing supervision. If a complication requires particular care, the facility must be able to arrange a rapid transfer to a hospital. Do not hesitate to ask how such situations are handled.

The anaesthetist, a key contact in their own right

You meet the anaesthetist at a dedicated consultation before the procedure. They review your check-up, medical history and treatments, choose the type of anaesthesia with you and give you instructions on fasting and taking your medication. During the procedure, they continuously monitor your vital signs, particularly blood pressure, whose control helps prevent haematoma.

The night of monitoring

For a deep plane neck and face lift, a night at the clinic is the rule. It allows monitoring of blood pressure, pain, nausea and any haematoma during the hours when it is most likely to occur. Same-day discharge for a procedure of this scale should prompt you to ask questions.

The surgeon's quote is only part of the real cost of a deep plane facelift. To avoid surprises, it is useful to anticipate the other items.

• The initial consultation, often charged, sometimes deducted from the price of the procedure.
• The pre-operative check-up prescribed by your family doctor, which may be at your own expense in a cosmetic context.
• Medication, dressings, the chin strap and scar care products.
• Journeys to the practice for consultations and check-ups, sometimes a hotel night if you live far away.
• Days off work, particularly for the self-employed.
• Possible help at home in the first few days.
• A reserve for the unexpected: an extra night, an unscheduled consultation.

These items remain modest compared with the price of the procedure, but they add up, especially for patients in cantons far from the major centres. Our page on deep plane facelift prices in Switzerland details the quote breakdown and the differences between cities.

1. Clarify what bothers you

Cheekbones, fold, jowls, neck: write down what you see in the mirror and what you would like to change. This description will be your starting point in consultation.

2. Get a first opinion

A pre-assessment based on photos tells you whether a deep plane seems relevant for your face, before investing time in consultations.

3. Consult two surgeons

Compare their analyses, their proposals, their experience with the deep plane and the clarity of their explanations. Write down the answers.

4. Compare quotes like for like

Same technique, same combined procedures, same items included, taxes included. Factor in the additional costs related to where you live.

5. Take your time

A cooling-off period is good practice. Talk to your family doctor and those close to you, organise your recovery, then decide calmly.

A deep plane facelift performed for cosmetic reasons is not reimbursed by basic insurance, and supplementary policies generally exclude cosmetic surgery. A few written questions to your insurer nevertheless avoid misunderstandings.

• How would care related to a complication, for example a haematoma requiring a return to theatre, be covered?
• Are the pre-operative tests prescribed in this context covered?
• Does my loss-of-earnings insurance cover incapacity for work related to a complication?
• Is there specific insurance covering complications of cosmetic surgery, and what does it cover?

To understand the place of the deep plane today, it is useful to trace the evolution of the facelift. The first procedures, in the early twentieth century, simply undermined and tightened the skin. The results did not last, the scars widened and the face often took on the stretched look that many people still fear.

The description of the SMAS in the 1970s was a revolution: by working on this deep layer, surgeons obtained more natural and longer-lasting results, with less tension on the skin. The following decades saw variants multiply: plication, SMASectomy, extended SMAS. In the early 1990s, the deep plane and the composite facelift took the logic further, going beneath the SMAS and releasing the ligaments.

At the same time, understanding of ageing changed: we now know that the face ages through both laxity and volume loss. That is why modern approaches often combine repositioning with volume restoration, notably through fat transfer. The deep plane is part of this evolution: it is not a break with the past, but one of the most accomplished answers to the question of midface laxity.

The 2010s and 2020s were marked by the very wide spread of the deep plane, driven by patient demand and social media. This popularity has advantages, by making an effective technique known, and drawbacks, by sometimes creating excessive expectations or confusion about what the term covers.

Post-operative follow-up is an integral part of the procedure. It allows healing to be checked, any complication to be detected early and you to be supported until the final result.

If you live far from the practice, ask whether some check-ups can be done by your family doctor, with photos sent to the surgeon. Between appointments, do not hesitate to call the practice if you have the slightest doubt.

The deep plane repositions the tissues, but your skin quality remains what it is. Caring for it improves the visible result and how long it lasts.

Before the procedure

Stop smoking, moisturise your skin, and avoid sunburn and irritating treatments in the weeks before the procedure. Some dermatological treatments, such as isotretinoin, must be reported to the surgeon, who will set an appropriate interval.

During recovery

Cleanse your face gently, without rubbing, with a mild product. Apply the recommended care to the scars. Avoid make-up on the scars until they are closed.

In the following months

Sun protection is essential, all year round. Suitable moisturising care and then, well after the procedure, treatments such as laser, a peel or aesthetic medicine treatments can improve texture, fine lines and pigment spots that a facelift does not treat.

"The deep plane is the only truly modern facelift"

The extended SMAS facelift, the composite facelift and other techniques are just as modern and give excellent results. The deep plane is one option among several, particularly worthwhile for certain faces.

"With a deep plane, nothing ever shows"

The result is often very natural, but recovery involves, as with any facelift, two to three weeks of swelling and sometimes bruising. The scars, well hidden, do exist.

"The deep plane leaves no bruises"

Some patients have less superficial bruising, since the skin is less undermined, but this is not the rule. Bruising depends on many factors.

"The result lasts twenty years"

The result lasts many years, but no one can promise a precise duration. Ageing continues, influenced by the skin, heredity, the sun and lifestyle.

"The deeper, the better"

The depth of the dissection must match the need. A more extensive dissection than necessary lengthens the procedure and recovery without any additional benefit.

"All surgeons who say they perform the deep plane do the same thing"

The term covers varying practices. Ask precisely which planes are dissected and which ligaments are released.

"The deep plane replaces fat transfer"

The deep plane lifts what has descended; it does not replace what has melted away. In many patients, the two are complementary.

Many patients wonder whether it is better to act early or wait as long as possible. There is no single answer, but a few guidelines help you decide.

Arguments for not waiting too long

Skin that is still elastic often gives a more natural and longer-lasting result. Moderate laxity can be corrected with a less extensive procedure. And recovery is generally easier in a patient in excellent shape. Waiting until laxity is very marked sometimes leads to a more extensive procedure, for a less harmonious result.

Arguments for waiting

If laxity is just beginning, lighter treatments are often enough for a few years. If you are in the process of losing weight, it is better to wait until your weight is stable. And if your personal or professional life is very busy, it is wise to postpone the procedure to a calmer time.

The right time is your time

The best time combines three conditions: laxity that genuinely bothers you, health that allows the procedure to be performed safely, and a period of life that allows a calm recovery. An honest surgeon will also tell you if, in their view, it is still too early.

In Switzerland, the family doctor is a valuable ally in a deep plane project, even though they do not decide on the surgical indication.

Before the procedure

They know your medical history and treatments. They can prescribe the pre-operative check-up, check your blood pressure, stabilise diabetes or adjust a treatment in liaison with the anaesthetist. They can also help you think about your project, entirely impartially.

After the procedure

They can remove some stitches according to the surgeon's written instructions, check healing, renew a prescription and see you quickly if you have any doubts. For patients who live far from the surgeon's practice, this support is particularly useful.

If there is a problem

If a symptom worries you, they can examine you, contact the surgeon and, if necessary, refer you to an emergency department. Give them a copy of your operative report.

After the procedure, ask for your operative report. This document describes precisely what was done. It will be useful to your family doctor, to any practitioner who follows you later and to you yourself if you ever consider another procedure.

It includes in particular the type of anaesthesia, the technique used for the face (for example "sub-SMAS dissection with release of the zygomatic and masseteric ligaments"), the steps performed on the neck (platysmaplasty, liposuction, fat resection), combined procedures, the type of sutures, any drains placed and post-operative instructions. Do not hesitate to ask the surgeon to explain any terms you do not understand.

Keep it with your hospital discharge report, prescriptions and detailed invoice. In the event of a second facelift, years later, this information will help the surgeon plan the procedure.

"Is it really necessary?"

Those close to you may have doubts. Explain what bothers you and what you expect. A successful procedure is first and foremost one you want for yourself, carefully considered, with a qualified surgeon.

"Is it dangerous?"

A deep plane facelift is real surgery, with real but rare risks when it is properly supervised. Sharing the surgeon's explanations and the safety criteria chosen with those close to you often reassures them.

"How can I help you?"

In the first few days, help from a relative or friend is invaluable: accompanying you to the clinic and check-ups, preparing soft meals, helping with everyday tasks and, above all, checking that no unusual signs appear.

"Will you change?"

A well-performed deep plane facelift does not change your identity: it makes your face look rested. Most people around the patient find that they look better, without being able to say exactly what has changed.

For people whose work involves contact with the public — leading a team, in sales, consulting, teaching or the media — the question of how visible the recovery will be is often central.

The most visible phase generally lasts two to three weeks: swelling, possible bruising, scars still pink. Scheduling the procedure at the start of a holiday period, extended if possible by a few days of working from home, allows you to return to a public-facing role looking rested. Corrective make-up, a hairstyle that covers the temples and ears, or a high collar help during the first few weeks.

If an important speech, filming or a major event is planned, allow a margin of at least a month after the procedure, ideally more: the face continues to refine for several months, and it is generally from the third month that you feel fully at ease.

Before booking an appointment, you can get a first opinion on your project from photos. It is a useful step, especially if you live far from a major centre or are still hesitating.

The photos to send

Take photos in natural light, facing a window, without make-up, with your hair tied back and your face relaxed. You need a front view, two profiles and two three-quarter views. A photo smiling and another clenching your teeth help assess your expressions and neck.

The information to include

Your age, medical and surgical history, treatments, tobacco use, previous procedures or injections and, above all, what bothers you most, in your own words.

What you receive

A surgeon reviews your file and tells you whether a deep plane seems relevant, which procedures could be considered, particularly for the neck and volume, and what budget to plan for. They may also tell you that a lighter technique would be enough, or that a consultation is needed before giving an opinion.

What it does not replace

The pre-assessment does not replace the clinical examination: only an examination can assess tissue mobility, skin thickness and anatomical details. It serves to prepare the next steps, without obligation.

A deep plane facelift is an important personal decision. Before committing, it is useful to clarify what motivates you.

The most satisfied patients are those who act for themselves, because the image the mirror reflects back no longer matches how they feel: tired when they are in good shape, sad when they are at peace. They expect a rested face, not a transformation, and accept that ageing continues.

Conversely, a decision made under pressure from a partner, colleagues or images seen on social media, or in the hope of solving a personal difficulty, carries a greater risk of disappointment, even if the technical result is excellent. A good surgeon takes the time to explore these motivations and does not hesitate to advise waiting when the time does not seem right.

Taking time to reflect, talking to your family doctor or a trusted person, and allowing an interval between the consultation and the decision are the best guarantees of a successful project.

Men account for a growing share of patients requesting a deep plane facelift, often to regain a clean jawline and less tired-looking eyes. The technique is well suited to male skin, which is generally thicker, but it requires adaptations.

Preserving a masculine face

In men, the aim is not to lift the cheekbones significantly, which could feminise the features, but to restore a defined jawline and a marked jaw angle. The direction and intensity of the traction are adapted accordingly.

The beard and the incisions

When the flap is lifted, the bearded area moves towards the ear. The surgeon adapts the incision line, often placing it in front of the tragus, so as not to bring hair onto the ear. Behind the ear and at the nape, they take care to preserve a natural hairline, which matters with short hair.

Increased vigilance

The risk of haematoma is higher in men. Blood pressure must be perfectly controlled, blood-thinning products stopped on medical advice and the night of monitoring respected. Snus and cigarettes, more common among some male patients, must be stopped completely.

Returning to work

Many men want to return to work quickly. Allow two to three weeks before returning to work involving contact with the public. Once the scars have healed, the beard helps hide the last traces.

Even more than for other procedures, the result of a deep plane facelift depends on the person operating. The technique is a matter of millimetres, close to delicate structures, and mastering it takes years of practice. How can you assess a surgeon's experience when you are not a doctor yourself?

Check the basics: the specialist title

In Switzerland, look for the specialist title in plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgery, which can be checked free of charge in the federal MedReg register. This title certifies complete training in the discipline. It does not, on its own, tell you whether the surgeon performs the deep plane, or how often. Membership of Swiss Plastic Surgery, the specialty society, is another useful indicator.

Assess experience with the technique

Ask precise questions: how many years has the surgeon been performing the deep plane? How many do they perform each year? Where did they train in this technique? Do they also practise other facelift techniques, which allows them to choose the most appropriate for each face? An experienced surgeon will willingly answer these questions without evading them.

Look at results methodically

Ask to see photos of patients with a face comparable to yours, taken under standardised conditions — front, profile and three-quarter views — at least six months after the procedure. Look particularly at the cheekbone, nasolabial fold, jawline, neck and the scars around the ear. A successful result looks natural from every angle.

Listen to how they talk about your face

A good surgeon starts by listening to you, then analyses your face level by level. They explain why they propose a deep plane rather than another technique, what the procedure will improve and what it will not correct. They discuss the risks without minimising them. They do not push you to add unnecessary procedures and they give you time to reflect.

Warning signs

• Presenting the deep plane as the solution for every face.
• An inability to explain precisely what will be done.
• Photos taken only from social media, with no cases comparable to yours.
• Same-day discharge proposed for a full deep plane neck and face lift.
• A vague quote, with no details of the procedures or the conditions in the event of a complication.
• Pressure to decide quickly, with a time-limited offer.

A consultation for a deep plane facelift generally lasts between forty-five minutes and an hour. It is the most important step of your project, because it is where the surgical plan takes shape.

The interview

The surgeon asks about what bothers you, your expectations, your medical and surgical history, your treatments, your tobacco use and any previous procedures or injections. They also try to understand your motivations: a successful facelift is first and foremost one you want for yourself.

Examination of the face

They examine your face at rest and in motion, sitting and sometimes lying down. They assess the position of the cheekbones, the depth of the nasolabial fold, the extent of the jowls, the neck angle, skin quality and thickness, volume, symmetry, eyebrow position and the condition of the eyelids. They palpate the tissues to assess their mobility.

Photographs

Standardised photos are taken from the front, in profile and at three-quarters, sometimes with facial expressions. They are used to plan the procedure, document your initial condition and measure the result. They form part of your medical file and remain confidential.

The proposal

The surgeon sets out the plan they propose: technique for the face, steps for the neck, any combined procedures, type of anaesthesia, length of the procedure and hospital stay, and how recovery will go. They give or send you a detailed quote. Take the time to reread these documents at home, with a clear head.

Preparing your questions

Write down your questions in advance: about the technique, scars, recovery, risks, follow-up and budget. Do not hesitate to bring a trusted person with you, who can help you remember the answers.

The incisions of a deep plane facelift are the same as those of a classic facelift; it is their precise placement that makes the difference between an invisible scar and one that is noticeable.

In front of the ear

The incision can be placed in the crease in front of the ear, or just behind the tragus, the small cartilaginous bump at the entrance to the ear canal. The line behind the tragus is often more discreet in women. In men, it can shift the beard onto the tragus: the surgeon then chooses a line in front of the ear.

Around the lobe and behind the ear

The incision goes around the lobe, which must keep its natural shape and not be pulled downwards. It then runs up into the groove behind the ear, where it is very well hidden.

At the nape or along the hairline

If the neck is treated, the incision continues into the scalp at the nape or along the hairline. The choice depends on the amount of skin to be removed and your hairstyle. With very short hair, the surgeon favours a line that does not create a step in the hairline.

In the hair of the temple

When the lift is significant, the incision can start in the hair of the temple or along the sideburn. The surgeon takes care not to raise the sideburn excessively, which would betray the procedure.

How they evolve

The scars go through a pink, sometimes slightly raised phase during the first few months, then whiten and soften. At one year, in most patients, they are fine and discreet. Sun protection, the recommended care and not smoking promote good healing.

Organising your time off

A cosmetic procedure is not in principle treated as an illness for the purposes of loss-of-earnings insurance: time off is generally taken as holiday. Allow two to three weeks before returning to work involving contact with the public. Working from home, very common in Switzerland, often allows a gradual return from the second week.

Choosing the season

Autumn is the most popular period: the days grow shorter, scarves and polo necks go unnoticed, and the face has fully recovered for the festive season or the following spring. School holidays vary from canton to canton; for parents, they can make family arrangements easier, but surgeons' diaries are busier at those times.

Sport and the mountains

Skiing, hiking, cycling, swimming in lakes: Swiss residents' favourite activities require a break. Walking resumes from the first few days, intense sport after about six weeks. The scars must be protected from the sun, including at altitude and in winter, for at least six months.

Support from those close to you

In the first few days, having a relative or friend with you is invaluable: preparing meals, accompanying you to check-ups, helping with everyday tasks. If you live alone, home help and home care services, available in every canton, can step in on medical prescription.

Discretion

Scheduling the procedure at the start of a holiday period allows you to spend the most visible days at home. A well-performed deep plane facelift does not change your face: it makes it look rested. Those close to you will often notice that you look better, without knowing exactly why.

The first month

The face goes from peak swelling in the first few days to a presentable appearance around the third week. The cheekbones may look a little high, the smile a little stiff and the skin of the cheeks numb. The stitches are removed and check-ups follow one another. This is the period when morale fluctuates most: it is normal to doubt the result while the face has not yet gone down.

The second and third months

Residual swelling, especially over the cheekbones and under the chin, decreases markedly. Expressions become natural again and sensation gradually returns. The scars are pink, sometimes slightly raised. Most patients resume all their activities, protecting their scars from the sun.

The fourth to sixth months

The face "settles". The jawline is defined, the midface harmonious, and you begin to fully appreciate the result. The scars fade. It is often at this point that those around you notice that you look better without identifying the procedure.

The seventh to twelfth months

The last deep swelling disappears and the scars become fine and white. The one-year review with the surgeon allows before and after photos to be compared under the same conditions and any skin maintenance treatments to be discussed.

A significant proportion of the Swiss population lives in Alpine or Jura valleys, far from the major centres where most surgeons performing the deep plane practise. Engadine, Upper Valais, Bernese Oberland, the Ticino valleys, the Franches-Montagnes: for these patients, organisation matters as much as the choice of practitioner.

Limiting journeys before the procedure

A pre-assessment based on photos allows you to target one or two surgeons before travelling. The surgical consultation can then be combined, on the same day, with the anaesthesia consultation or other tests, to avoid several journeys.

Planning accommodation after discharge

After a night at the clinic, a long train or car journey on mountain roads is not ideal. Many patients spend one or two nights with a relative or in a hotel near the clinic, which also makes the first check-up easier.

Anticipating winter

Snow, closed roads, reduced timetables: in winter, journeys are more unpredictable. If you live in an exposed area, favour a procedure outside the harshest months, or build some slack into your plans.

Relying on local resources

Your family doctor, the regional hospital and the home care services in your area can provide part of the local follow-up, in liaison with the surgeon. Inform them in advance and give them the operative report.

Protecting your skin at altitude

After the procedure, sun protection is even more important at altitude, where ultraviolet rays are more intense, and in winter, because of reflection from snow. High-factor sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses are essential for several months.

The deep plane is an excellent technique for faces whose midface and jawline have become lax, provided it is performed by a surgeon who has mastered it. It is neither a universal solution nor a guarantee of an everlasting result. Compare, ask questions, take time to reflect: that is how you achieve natural rejuvenation that you will be happy with for many years.

Budget

Price differences between cities and cantons, the quote breakdown and ways to save are detailed on our page Deep plane facelift: prices in Switzerland.

Related procedures

• Neck and face lift in Switzerland
• Double chin: FaceTite and J-Plasma in Switzerland
• Brow and temporal-midface lift in Switzerland
• Endotine endoscopic lift in Switzerland
• Rhinoplasty in Switzerland

Combined procedures

• Facelift and facial fat transfer in Switzerland

Our guides

• Facelift in Switzerland
• Cosmetic surgery in Switzerland

Answers to the questions most often asked by patients living in Switzerland who are considering a deep plane facelift. Budget questions are detailed on our page on deep plane facelift prices in Switzerland.

The deep plane technique

What does "deep plane" mean? The term refers to a facelift technique in which the surgeon works beneath the SMAS, the musculoaponeurotic layer that supports the face, rather than above it. The skin, fat and SMAS remain attached together and are lifted as a single flap, after release of the ligaments that hold the tissues back.

How does a deep plane facelift differ from a SMAS facelift? In a SMAS facelift, the surgeon undermines the skin extensively, then works on the SMAS from above, folding, resecting or lifting it, before redraping the skin separately. In a deep plane, the skin is undermined very little; the surgeon goes beneath the SMAS and lifts the face as a single block after releasing the retaining ligaments. The effect on the midface is generally more marked.

What are the retaining ligaments? They are fibrous attachments that connect the soft tissues of the face to the bone or deep structures, like guy ropes. The main ones are the zygomatic ligaments, under the cheekbone, and the masseteric ligaments, along the jaw. With age, they stretch. As long as they remain intact, they limit how far the tissues can be lifted: the deep plane releases them in a targeted way.

What is a composite flap? It is the unit formed by the skin, subcutaneous fat and SMAS, which remain joined together during a deep plane. The surgeon lifts this flap as a block and secures it with deep sutures. Because the skin is not separated from the SMAS, its blood supply is better preserved and the traction does not rest on it.

What is an extended deep plane? It is a variant in which the dissection beneath the SMAS is extended further towards the cheekbone, or even towards the area under the eye, and sometimes towards the neck. It aims for an even more marked effect on the midface. It takes longer and requires particular experience on the part of the surgeon.

What is a composite facelift? It is a technique close to the deep plane, in which the lifted flap also includes part of the orbicularis muscle of the lower eyelid. It aims to treat the junction between the eyelid and the cheek in continuity. It is performed by a smaller number of surgeons.

Is the deep plane a recent technique? No. It was described in the early 1990s and has been gradually refined. What is recent is its wide adoption and high visibility, particularly on social media, since the 2010s and 2020s.

Does the deep plane treat the neck? The deep plane is a technique for treating the face. The neck, if lax, is treated at the same time with specific steps: platysmaplasty under the chin, treatment of the fat and lateral platysma traction. This is then called a deep plane neck and face lift.

What is a "deep neck" lift? This term refers to treatment of the deep structures of the neck, beyond the platysma: fat beneath the muscle, sometimes the digastric muscles or submandibular glands. These procedures are reserved for selected cases and for surgeons who perform them regularly, as they carry specific risks.

Does the deep plane improve the nasolabial fold? It is one of its strengths. By releasing the zygomatic ligaments and lifting the cheekbone with the composite flap, the deep plane often softens the nasolabial fold more than a superficial facelift. It does not always erase it completely, especially if it is very deep; fat transfer can then complete the result.

Does the deep plane remove jowls? Yes. Releasing the masseteric ligaments and lifting the flap restore a clean jawline, removing the jowls. This effect is common to all facelifts that work on the deep layers, whether the technique is SMAS or deep plane.

Does a deep plane facelift leave more scars? No. The incisions are the same as for a classic facelift: around the ear, extending to the nape if the neck is treated, and sometimes a small incision under the chin. The difference lies in the depth, not on the surface.

How long does a deep plane facelift take? Generally four to six hours for a full deep plane neck and face lift, slightly less for the face alone, longer with combined procedures. The duration reflects the precision of the dissection and the control of bleeding.

What anaesthesia is used for a deep plane facelift? Usually general anaesthesia. Some surgeons perform it under local anaesthesia combined with deep sedation. The choice is made with the anaesthetist according to your health and the planned duration.

Does a deep plane facelift give a more natural result? This is one of the most frequently cited arguments: the traction is applied to the deep layers, in the opposite direction to the descent of the tissues, and the skin is redraped without tension. The face looks rested rather than pulled. A well-performed SMAS facelift can, however, give an equally natural result.

Is the deep plane better than other facelifts? Not systematically. The comparative studies available have not shown consistent superiority of the deep plane over a well-performed extended SMAS facelift. The best facelift is the one suited to your face that your surgeon has fully mastered.

Why don't all surgeons perform deep plane facelifts? Because the technique requires a long learning curve, very detailed knowledge of the anatomy of the facial nerve branches and a longer operating time. Many surgeons achieve excellent results with other techniques they have fully mastered, and prefer to offer those.

Is the deep plane suitable for a secondary facelift? It can be, particularly if the deep layers were not treated during the first facelift. The presence of scar tissue does, however, make the dissection more delicate. The surgeon adapts the strategy to what was done previously; give them all the information about your first procedure.

What is a "mini deep plane"? Some practitioners use this term for a more limited dissection beneath the SMAS, intended for moderate laxity. The term is not standardised: ask exactly what will be done, which planes will be dissected and which ligaments released.

How do I know if I am being offered a true deep plane? Ask the surgeon to explain, with a diagram if necessary, in which plane they dissect and which ligaments they release. A true deep plane involves dissection beneath the SMAS and targeted release of the zygomatic and masseteric ligaments. A vague answer should prompt you to ask more questions.

Indications and candidates

At what age can a deep plane facelift be performed? There is no fixed age. Most patients are between fifty and seventy. What counts is laxity of the midface and lower face, skin quality and general health. Before forty-five, a lighter technique is often enough.

Is the deep plane suitable for thick skin? It is in fact one of its best indications. In a person with thick skin and a heavy face, tightening the skin alone gives a limited result. The composite flap of the deep plane carries the weight of the tissues and allows an effective lift.

Is the deep plane suitable for thin faces? In a gaunt face with thin skin, the priority is often to restore lost volume through fat transfer, rather than lifting tissues that have melted away. A deep plane may be combined, but the surgeon carefully assesses what will bring the most benefit.

I only have jowls: do I need a deep plane? Not necessarily. Isolated jowls, with cheekbones in a good position, can be corrected with a SMAS facelift or a mini facelift. The deep plane really comes into its own when the midface has also descended. The surgeon will explain what is most appropriate.

Is the deep plane suitable for men? Yes. Men's skin is often thicker, which lends itself well to the deep plane. The surgeon takes care to respect an angular jaw, not to shift the beard towards the ear and to control blood pressure rigorously, as the risk of haematoma is higher.

Can I have a deep plane facelift if I smoke? Smoking increases the risk of healing complications, even though the deep plane preserves the skin's blood supply better than techniques involving extensive undermining. Most surgeons require complete cessation for several weeks before and after the procedure, including e-cigarettes and nicotine replacement products.

Can I have a deep plane facelift with high blood pressure? Yes, if it is well controlled. Poorly controlled hypertension increases the risk of haematoma. Your family doctor should check and, if necessary, adjust your treatment several weeks before the procedure.

Can I have a deep plane facelift after a thread lift? Yes, but mention it. Threads, even once absorbed, can leave fibrous areas that complicate the dissection somewhat. The surgeon adapts the procedure. It is often advisable to wait several months after threads have been placed.

Can I have a deep plane facelift after hyaluronic acid injections? Yes. Tell the surgeon which areas were injected and the date of the last injections. Some prefer to wait a few months or to dissolve excess product before the procedure. Permanent fillers, which are rarer, must always be mentioned.

Is a deep plane facelift possible after 70? Yes, in people in good health. The pre-operative check-up is more comprehensive, often with a cardiology opinion, and the length of the procedure is taken into account. The surgeon may propose a less extensive variant to limit operating time.

Can a deep plane facelift correct an asymmetrical face? It can improve some asymmetries related to laxity, by adapting the traction on each side. It does not correct a bony asymmetry or a significant congenital asymmetry. The surgeon will explain what is realistic.

Is the deep plane suitable after significant weight loss? Yes, once weight has been stable for several months. After weight loss, the face loses volume and becomes lax. The deep plane can lift the tissues, often combined with fat transfer to restore volume.

Do I need to be in perfect health? You need to be in good general health, with chronic conditions well controlled. Diabetes, hypertension, coagulation disorders, certain autoimmune diseases or immunosuppressive treatments require a specific assessment, in liaison with your GP.

Is the deep plane suitable for very sun-damaged skin? The deep plane improves laxity, but not skin quality. Heavily sun-damaged skin will keep its fine lines and pigment spots. Skin treatments such as laser or a peel can be scheduled some time after the procedure.

Are my expectations realistic? The deep plane rejuvenates the face naturally, but it does not transform your features or stop ageing. The most satisfied patients are those who expect a rested, harmonious face, not the face they had twenty years earlier.

Can I get a first opinion without a consultation? Yes. A pre-assessment based on photos — front, profile and three-quarter views — allows a surgeon to tell you whether a deep plane seems suited to your face, before any consultation. The clinical examination remains essential to confirm the surgical plan.

Is the deep plane suitable if I have already had a facelift? Often, yes. If the first facelift only treated the superficial layers, a secondary deep plane can bring a clear improvement. The dissection is more delicate because of scar tissue; the surgeon's experience is then even more important.

Can a deep plane facelift be performed under local anaesthesia? Some surgeons do so, under local anaesthesia combined with deep sedation administered by an anaesthetist. This can reduce some of the effects of general anaesthesia, but it is not suitable for all patients or all procedure lengths. Discuss it with the team.

Does a deep plane facelift change facial expression? It should not. By repositioning the tissues in the opposite direction to their descent, without excessive traction on the skin, it preserves facial expressions. In the first few weeks, swelling may limit your smile slightly; this disappears as healing progresses.

Is the deep plane suitable for patients with a round face? Yes. A round face with thick tissues often benefits from repositioning as a block. The surgeon nevertheless takes care not to lift the cheekbones too much, which would accentuate the roundness, and may suggest also working on the neck and chin to refine the profile.

Recovery and results

How long is the recovery? Generally allow two to three weeks before normal social life. The first few days are marked by considerable swelling, especially in the midface. The face then continues to refine over several months; the final result is assessed between six and twelve months.

Is the swelling greater than with other facelifts? It is often more marked over the cheekbones and under the eyes, because the dissection extends up towards the midface. It decreases markedly within two weeks and gradually disappears over a few months. Cold compresses, keeping the head raised and rest help reduce it.

Will I have a lot of bruising? Bruising varies. Some surgeons observe less superficial bruising with the deep plane, since the skin is less undermined, but this also depends on your tissues, your treatments and any combined procedures. It generally disappears within two to three weeks.

Will I be able to smile normally? In the first few days, swelling may limit your smile slightly and give the impression of a frozen face. This is temporary. If weakness on one side of the smile persists beyond a few weeks, tell your surgeon: it may indicate temporary injury to a nerve branch, which recovers in the vast majority of cases.

Will my face look over-lifted at first? It is possible. Swelling and the slight overcorrection practised by some surgeons can give the impression of cheekbones that are too high or eyes that are slightly stretched for a few weeks. This impression fades as the tissues relax and the swelling decreases.

When can I go back to work? For office work or working from home, many patients return after two weeks. For a job involving contact with the public, allow three weeks instead. Physical jobs often require a month.

When can I resume sport? Walking is encouraged from the first few days. Gentle exercise resumes around the third or fourth week, intense sport after about six weeks. Sports with a risk of impact to the face require a longer wait.

When are the stitches removed? Stitches in front of the ear are generally removed around the fifth to seventh day, those in the scalp, behind the ear and under the chin around the tenth to fourteenth day. Some surgeons use absorbable sutures.

Does sensation in the face return? Yes. Numbness of the cheeks and around the ears is normal after any facelift. With the deep plane, as the skin is less undermined, some patients feel it less; it gradually disappears over a few weeks to a few months.

When is the result final? The final result is judged between six and twelve months. During the first three months, the face still changes considerably as deep swelling subsides. Compare with your photos from before the procedure rather than with your reflection from the day before.

How long does the result last? A well-performed deep plane facelift brings a visible benefit for many years, often ten years or more depending on the patient. The duration depends on age, skin quality, heredity, sun exposure, smoking and weight. Ageing continues, but from a more favourable starting point.

Does a deep plane facelift last longer than a SMAS facelift? Many surgeons believe so, because it corrects the deep layers and releases the ligaments. However, scientific data comparing the long-term durability of the techniques remain limited. A well-performed SMAS facelift also lasts many years.

How should I sleep after a deep plane facelift? On your back, with your head raised on two pillows or a wedge pillow, for at least two weeks. Sleeping on your side presses on the operated areas and increases swelling. A U-shaped pillow helps you avoid turning your head at night.

What should I eat in the first few days? A soft diet that requires little chewing: soups, purées, yoghurts, stewed fruit, scrambled eggs. Chewing can be uncomfortable for the first few days, particularly after work on the cheek area. Limit salt, which encourages swelling, and drink enough.

Can I wear make-up? Make-up on the face, away from the scars, is generally allowed after a week. On the scars, you must wait until they are completely closed and the stitches removed. Remove make-up gently, without pulling the skin.

Is the sun dangerous after a deep plane facelift? Recent scars must be protected from the sun for at least six months to prevent pigmentation, and the sun encourages swelling. In Switzerland, this precaution also applies in the mountains and in winter, where altitude and snow intensify ultraviolet rays.

When can I drive? Generally after about ten days, when you can turn your head without discomfort and are no longer taking medication that reduces alertness. Arrange for someone to drive you home from the clinic and to the first check-ups.

Are massage or lymphatic drainage needed? Some surgeons recommend a few lymphatic drainage sessions to speed up the resolution of swelling, others do not. Do not start anything without your surgeon's agreement; they will tell you the right time.

When can I resume injections? You generally need to wait several months before resuming hyaluronic acid or botulinum toxin injections, to allow the tissues to stabilise. Your surgeon will tell you the appropriate interval.

Will those close to me notice the operation? During the first two to three weeks, swelling and any bruising make the procedure visible. After that, most people around the patient find them rested without identifying exactly what has changed, which is the sign of a natural result.

Risks and safety

Is a deep plane facelift riskier than other facelifts? It shares the risks of any facelift. The dissection beneath the SMAS takes place close to branches of the facial nerve, which requires perfect anatomical mastery. In experienced hands, the complication rate is comparable to that of other techniques. The surgeon's experience is the decisive factor.

What is the risk to the facial nerve? The zygomatic and buccal branches of the facial nerve run close to the dissection spaces. Injury, which is rare, causes weakness on one side of the smile or lip. In the vast majority of cases, it is temporary and recovers within a few weeks to a few months. Permanent injuries are exceptional.

Is the risk of haematoma lower? Not necessarily. Haematoma remains the most common complication of any facelift. It is encouraged by hypertension, male sex and blood-thinning products. The night of monitoring at the clinic allows it to be detected and treated quickly.

Does the deep plane protect the skin better? As the skin is less undermined and remains attached to the SMAS, its blood supply is better preserved. This is thought to reduce the risk of skin compromise, particularly in at-risk patients. It is not a reason to keep smoking: tobacco remains a major risk factor.

Can there be asymmetry after a deep plane facelift? Slight asymmetry is common in the first few weeks, due to uneven swelling. It generally corrects itself as the swelling subsides. Asymmetry persisting beyond six months can sometimes be corrected with a touch-up.

Is a touch-up sometimes necessary? In a minority of patients, a small touch-up may be proposed: residual excess skin, a widened scar, asymmetry. It is generally performed under local anaesthesia, at least six months after the procedure. Ask about the conditions for a touch-up before committing.

Can the scars widen? The risk is rather lower than with techniques that tighten the skin, since the traction is applied to the deep layers. Some people do, however, have a predisposition to thick scars; tell the surgeon.

Can I lose hair after a deep plane facelift? Localised hair loss along the scars at the temple or nape may occur, as after any facelift. It is usually temporary. The placement of the incisions is adapted to preserve the hairline.

Which signs should alert me? Rapid, painful swelling on one side of the face or neck, difficulty breathing, fever above 38.5 °C, spreading redness, abnormal discharge, an area of skin turning black or calf pain. Contact the medical team immediately; in case of distress, call 144.

How can I reduce my risks? Stop smoking, have your blood pressure checked, follow the instructions on stopping blood-thinning medication and supplements, report all your medical history, and respect rest and check-ups. Above all, choose a surgeon who regularly performs deep plane facelifts.

Is the technique safe for older people? In an older person in good health, a deep plane facelift can be performed safely, with a more comprehensive pre-operative check-up and sometimes a less extensive variant to limit the length of the procedure. The anaesthetist carefully assesses the risk.

Can a deep plane facelift give a pulled look? That is precisely what it seeks to avoid: the traction is applied to the deep layers and the skin is redraped without tension. A pulled look results instead from excessive traction on the skin. In the first few weeks, swelling may give an impression of tightness that then disappears.

What if I am not satisfied? Talk to your surgeon first, bearing in mind that the result evolves over six to twelve months. If a defect persists beyond that, the surgeon will assess the possibility of a touch-up. Having clarified your expectations before the procedure, with photos, limits misunderstandings.

Is a deep plane facelift painful? Pain is generally moderate and well controlled with simple painkillers. Patients mainly describe tightness and numbness. Severe pain on one side that increases must be reported immediately.

Is there a risk of thrombosis? As with any surgery lasting several hours under anaesthesia, a deep plane facelift carries a risk of venous thrombosis, which is low but real. Getting up early, walking, hydration and, depending on your profile, compression stockings or preventive treatment reduce this risk.

Are complications covered by insurance? For a cosmetic procedure, health insurance may not cover the after-effects. Emergencies are always treated, but check with your insurer and ask your surgeon what is included in their price in the event of a complication.

Can a deep plane facelift damage the parotid gland? The parotid gland, located in front of the ear, lies beneath the SMAS in the area where the dissection starts. Injury is rare; it may lead to a small collection of saliva under the skin, which is generally treated with aspiration and resolves. An experienced surgeon knows its boundaries precisely.

Can there be irregularities under the skin? Small irregularities or a cord-like sensation are possible in the first few weeks, linked to swelling and internal healing. They usually fade within a few months.

Do I need to stop certain food supplements? Yes. High-dose vitamin E, ginkgo, ginseng, high-dose omega-3, garlic capsules and certain herbs increase the risk of bleeding. They are generally stopped two weeks before the procedure. Give the full list to the surgeon and the anaesthetist.

Is the night of monitoring essential? For a deep plane neck and face lift, yes in most cases. It allows blood pressure to be monitored and a haematoma to be detected during the hours when it is most likely to appear. Be wary of an offer of same-day discharge for a procedure of this scale.

Organising your deep plane facelift in Switzerland

Where can I find a surgeon who performs deep plane facelifts in Switzerland? Surgeons who regularly perform deep plane facelifts are concentrated mainly in Zurich, Geneva, Lausanne, Basel, Bern, Lucerne, St. Gallen and Lugano. Check the specialist title in the MedReg register and ask the surgeon about their precise experience with this technique.

Do I need to go to Zurich or Geneva for a deep plane facelift? Not necessarily. These are the two areas with the widest choice, but other cities have experienced surgeons. Compare experience, the quality of the explanations and the follow-up offered, rather than the reputation of the city alone.

How much does a deep plane facelift cost in Switzerland? There is no official fee. A deep plane neck and face lift generally costs 15 to 40% more than a SMAS neck and face lift with the same surgeon, and differences between cities reach 10 to 20%. Our page on deep plane facelift prices in Switzerland details these differences.

Does LAMal reimburse a deep plane facelift? No, when it is performed for cosmetic reasons. Compulsory health insurance only covers treatment related to illness, accident or maternity. The vast majority of supplementary insurance policies also exclude cosmetic surgery.

Are waiting times long? With the most sought-after surgeons, particularly in Zurich and Geneva, you often have to allow several weeks for a consultation and several months for a surgery date. Planning at least two to three months ahead is reasonable.

I live in a canton without a plastic surgeon: what should I do? Think in terms of consultation catchment areas: Lucerne for Central Switzerland, St. Gallen for Eastern Switzerland, Basel or Biel/Bienne for Jura, Lausanne for French-speaking Valais. Organise the journeys for check-ups and involve your family doctor for local care.

How many check-ups should I plan for? Generally two or three check-ups in the first fortnight, then at one, three, six and twelve months. If you live far from the practice, plan the journeys in advance and ask whether some tasks can be carried out by your family doctor.

Should I consult several surgeons? For a procedure of this importance, consulting two surgeons is recommended. You will compare their approaches, explanations, experience with the deep plane and quotes. Write down the answers after each appointment.

Which time of year should I choose? Autumn and late winter are popular: the light is less strong and covering clothes easily hide the signs. Avoid scheduling the procedure just before an important event or a sports season you do not want to miss.

Do I need to take holiday? Generally, yes. A cosmetic procedure is not treated as an illness for the purposes of loss-of-earnings insurance, and time off is generally taken as holiday. Allow two to three weeks.

Can my family doctor help me? Yes. They can prescribe the pre-operative check-up, adjust your treatments, particularly antihypertensives, remove some stitches according to the surgeon's instructions and check healing. Inform them before the procedure.

Can I be followed up in my own language? In the major centres, consultations take place in the language of the region, and many surgeons also see patients in English or another national language. State your preferred language when booking your appointment.

What should the quote contain? The surgeon's name and title, the facility, the precise technique (facial deep plane, neck and face, extended), combined procedures costed separately, anaesthesia, nights in hospital, check-ups, VAT, cancellation conditions and how complications are handled.

Can I combine a deep plane facelift with blepharoplasty? Yes, it is a common combination to harmonise the eye area with a lifted face. The procedure is longer, but a single recovery period is enough. The surgeon assesses whether the combination is reasonable given your health.

Can I combine a deep plane facelift with fat transfer? Yes. The deep plane puts descended tissues back in place, and fat transfer restores lost volume. The combination is particularly useful in hollow faces. Our page on facelift and facial fat transfer details it.

Do I need someone with me? Yes, at least for the journey home and the first few days. You must not drive or go home alone after anaesthesia. If you live alone, your doctor can prescribe visits from a home nurse.

What should I prepare at home? Pillows to sleep with your head raised, soft food, cold packs, clothes that open at the front, high-factor sun protection and your medication. Keep everyday items within reach.

How far ahead should I plan? Ideally three months, or more for the autumn, a very popular period: time to consult, compare, have the check-up, stop smoking if necessary and organise time off work.

Which documents should I keep? The operative report, the hospital discharge report, prescriptions, written instructions and the detailed invoice. Make a copy for your family doctor.

How can I get a personalised opinion? Fill in the form on this page with front, profile and three-quarter photos and your medical history. A surgeon reviews your file and tells you whether a deep plane seems suited to your face, which procedures would be considered and what budget to plan for. Free and without obligation.

Send us photographs — front, both profiles and three-quarter views, in natural light — together with your medical history and what bothers you most. A plastic surgeon reviews your file and tells you whether a deep plane is suited to your face, which procedures would be considered and what budget to plan for. Free, no obligation, no administration fees.