Deep plane facelift

State-of-the-art facelift surgery for especially natural results at the Kuzbari Centre for Aesthetic Surgery in Vienna.

The deep plane facelift is regarded as one of the most advanced and most effective techniques of modern facelift surgery. It goes a decisive step further than classic SMAS procedures: skin, SMAS and cheek fat are mobilised together as a unit and returned to their original anatomical position. The result is an especially natural, harmonious facial rejuvenation – without a mask-like effect and with better long-term stability.

At a glance

Technique	SMAS flap technique with medial dissection (composite flap)
Principle	Repositioning of skin, SMAS and fatty tissue as a unit and without tension
Effect	Especially effective rejuvenation of the mid-face, cheek and jawline
Consultation	45–60 minutes: analysis of your wishes, facial analysis, a bespoke surgical plan, information about the procedure and the risks.
Advantages	Corrects slack cheeks, marionette lines, jowls, deep nasolabial folds and a lost jawline. A fresh, natural result without a mask-like look.
Costs	Dr. Shawqi Arafat: from EUR 20,000 · Univ. Doz. Dr. Rafic Kuzbari: from EUR 35,000
Socially presentable	Socially presentable with make-up after 4 weeks, final result after 6 months.
Anaesthesia	As a rule general anaesthesia

Appointment with Dr. Kuzbari    Appointment with Dr. Arafat

6 months later… this is how beautiful a facelift can look!

6 months after her facelift and neck lift our patient comes to Univ. Doz. Dr. Rafic Kuzbari for a check-up, and the result shows how natural aesthetic surgery can look. The features are preserved but look fresher, firmer and rested. Particularly lovely: the patient visibly feels at ease and radiates from within. Univ. Doz. Dr. Rafic Kuzbari gives an honest insight into the course of healing and shows what result is possible after six months.

Deep plane face and neck lift - 1 month after the operation

The result speaks for itself. Would you have thought that this patient is 79 years old? In this video you see an open conversation between Univ. Doz. Dr. Rafic Kuzbari and his patient – one month after a deep plane face and neck lift. The patient talks honestly about her decision, the procedure and how she feels today.

Why a deep plane facelift?

With the deep plane facelift the deep facial structures are released and repositioned without tension. This requires the highest surgical precision and expertise. The result: a natural, fresh appearance that no one recognises as surgical but that everyone admires.

Appointment with Dr. Kuzbari    Appointment with Dr. Arafat

• Discretion guaranteed: no one will suspect that you have had an operation – instead you will hear compliments such as ‘You look so rested!’
• Long-term benefit: the clock is turned back by years. Even as the ageing process continues, you always look better than you would without a lift.
• A lifelong advantage: a deep plane facelift offers lasting results that remain visible for a lifetime.

What does the deep plane facelift change?

The five most important changes after the operation:

1. A clearly defined jawline: tightening of the deeper layers for an elegant contour.
2. Full, youthful cheeks: precise tightening and an optional autologous fat transfer for radiant cheeks.
3. A fresher eye area: lifting of the eyebrows and smoothing of the skin for an alert gaze.
4. Naturally lifted corners of the mouth: a gentle lift for a friendly, natural smile.
5. A firm, smooth neck: targeted tightening for a youthful appearance without excess skin.

Quick facts

What is a deep plane facelift?

A facelift in which skin, SMAS and cheek fat are mobilised and repositioned together deep in the face.

What distinguishes it from the classic SMAS facelift?

The SMAS is incised further medially, the connective tissue attachments (retaining ligaments) are released in a targeted way, and the tissue is then moved back to its original youthful position

Which areas benefit particularly?

The mid-face, nasolabial folds, marionette lines, the jawline and the transition to the neck.

Who is it suitable for?

For patients with sagging facial soft tissue who wish for maximum naturalness and effectiveness.

What does ‘deep plane’ mean – explained clearly

Working in the depth instead of at the surface

The term ‘deep plane’ describes the plane of dissection: with the deep plane facelift the work is not primarily carried out beneath the skin but in a deeper anatomical layer. Skin, SMAS and the cheek fat beneath are mobilised together. This creates a stable, mobile composite flap that can be moved back to its original position without tension.

Why this is decisive for naturalness

As the tissue is not under any appreciable tension, the facial contour does not look taut but naturally rejuvenated. Thanks to the fixation in the depth, the skin itself does not have to bear any relevant tension. This reduces the risk of visible signs such as over-tightened features, distorted hairlines or conspicuous scars. 

The anatomical idea behind the deep plane facelift

Releasing the retaining ligaments in a targeted way

A central element of the deep plane facelift is the targeted release of certain connective tissue attachments (retaining ligaments). These fix the soft tissue in the face. If they are released to the right extent, the sagging cheek fat can be mobilised effectively and repositioned upwards.

Extensive dissection as the key

Characteristic of the deep plane facelift is the extensive medial SMAS dissection, that is, towards the slackened central part of the face. Only this medial mobilisation makes an effective repositioning of the mid-face possible and distinguishes the procedure substantially from more superficial techniques.

Who is the deep plane facelift particularly suitable for?

• When the age-related changes to the face caused by the slackening of the tissue are troublesome (for example jowls, marionette lines, loss of contour of the jawline).
• When other, less invasive procedures cannot achieve a satisfactory facial rejuvenation.
• When the neck has slackened as well as the face. A deep plane facelift can be combined particularly well with a neck lift, in order to correct the age-related changes on the neck effectively. 

How the deep plane facelift proceeds

1. Your appointment: a smooth start

Book your initial consultation:

• Online: around the clock through our online appointment booking.
• By telephone: Monday to Friday, 08:00–18:00 on +43 1 358 28 01.

2. The consultation: time for your wishes

In the detailed conversation we analyse the changes to your face, understand your goals and draw up an individual surgical plan. We inform you about the procedure, the aftercare and the risks and answer all your questions.

3. After the consultation: the pre-operative conversation

After your decision in favour of the operation:

• Arranging a date for the operation.
• A second conversation with Dr. Kuzbari to discuss what to do and what to avoid (including a written surgery guide).
• An anaesthesia consultation with a blood test and, if necessary, further examinations.

4. The operation: safely to success

Preparation:

• No face creams on the day of the operation; come fasting (nothing to eat or drink for 6 hours, clear water permitted up to 2 hours beforehand).
• No blood-thinning medicines 10 days before and after the operation.
• Arrival at 06:45 at the Kuzbari Centre.

The procedure:

• Marking of the face by your surgeon.
• The operation under general anaesthesia with a team of 4–5 specialists.
• The use of state-of-the-art technology and high-quality materials.
• No drains – instead a haemostatic net to minimise bleeding.
• A maximum of two nights at our clinic.

5. Aftercare: there for you

• The recovery unit: monitoring until your vital signs are stable.
• The ward: support from experienced nurses, pain relief, first walks possible.
• Discharge: spoken and written instructions for recovering at home.
• At home: avoid strenuous activities, washing your hair is possible from the 2nd day, painkillers for the first week.
• Suture removal: in two stages at follow-up appointments.

Socially presentable: possible with make-up after 3–4 weeks, ideal result after 6 months.

6. Lifelong care

As a patient you enjoy lifelong support for care recommendations, refresher treatments or questions. We reserve exclusive appointments for you.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a facelift?

A facelift makes sense when:

1. Age-related changes can only be corrected with a lift.
2. These changes trouble you personally a great deal.

Minimally invasive methods such as injectable treatments have their limits. A facelift is ideal when a natural result is wanted.

Is there an ideal age for a facelift?

No, it depends on individual factors such as genetics or environmental influences. Marked slackening of the tissue can occur from the age of 35, but it is rare. Most patients are between 50 and 70 years old.

How painful is the operation?

In the first 3–7 days a feeling of tightness can occur, which is easy to control with painkillers.

How long are you out of social circulation?

About 3–4 weeks. After that you are socially presentable with make-up.

How long does the result last?

Typically 8–10 years. Even after renewed slackening you look better than you would without a lift.

Can the neck be tightened on its own?

Yes, but a combined facelift and neck lift achieves better results.

Where are the scars?

Along the hairline, in front of and behind the ear – barely visible, even with short hairstyles. With a neck lift a small scar under the chin is added.

Is the long anaesthetic dangerous?

Modern anaesthesia procedures make the operation safe. A thorough preliminary examination minimises the risks.

8 reasons for your facelift at the Kuzbari Centre

1. Experience from thousands of operations: our expertise is based on years of experience in aesthetic facial surgery.
2. Satisfied patients: numerous awards and an excellent reputation.
3. Maximum safety: a well-practised team, state-of-the-art technology, seamless care.
4. Facial surgery as a speciality: our surgeons are specialised in aesthetic facial operations.
5. Everything under one roof: from the consultation to the aftercare in our ISO-certified clinic.
6. Bespoke solutions: an individual surgical plan for your needs.
7. International standing: plastic surgeons worldwide learn with us.
8. A centre in the heart of Europe: a state-of-the-art clinic in Vienna’s old town.

Why choose Univ. Doz. Dr. Rafic Kuzbari at the Kuzbari Centre?

Dr. Kuzbari has a good 30 years of professional experience in the field of plastic surgery. Having studied in Vienna, he was interim head of the department of plastic surgery at the Wilhelminenspital in Vienna and is a member of the Alpine Workshop, to which only the 50 best plastic surgeons across Europe are admitted. He is also a member of EURAPS, the plastic surgery society with the highest scientific standing.

Besides numerous scientific publications, Dr. Rafic Kuzbari is in demand worldwide as a speaker at medical congresses. He has trained a great many young plastic surgeons and is in regular contact with the Medical University of Vienna, where he also works as a university lecturer. Plastic surgeons from all over the world visit his clinic continually in order to learn new techniques and to extend their surgical knowledge

Univ. Doz. Dr. Kuzbari is president of the Austrian Society for Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery.

Experience and expertise

Univ. Doz. Rafic Kuzbari is regarded as one of the best facelift surgeons in the world. He is president of the Austrian Society for Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery. As a recognised expert, Dr. Kuzbari also teaches national and international colleagues his highly precise facelift techniques. 

Maximum safety

An expert, well-practised team of surgeons, anaesthetists and nursing staff, state-of-the-art medical technology and seamless care make your operation as safe as is medically possible. Patient safety and well-being have the highest priority with us. 

Facial surgery as a speciality

For many years Univ. Doz. Dr. Kuzbari has specialised exclusively in facial surgery. 

Satisfied patients

Numerous delighted patients from Austria and abroad trust Dr. Kuzbari when it comes to natural, harmonious rejuvenation. Excellent reviews on platforms such as DocFinder or Doctify reflect what our patients experience every day: exceptional expertise combined with sensitive care.

Everything under one roof

Our state-of-the-art operating theatres are optimally equipped for aesthetic procedures. After the operation we look after you around the clock in our officially approved and ISO-certified clinic. From the consultation through the operation to the aftercare – everything takes place in one place.

Tailored to you

In the detailed consultation Dr. Kuzbari takes an exceptional amount of time to understand your wishes and to analyse the age-related changes to your face precisely. Together with you he develops an individual surgical plan tailored to your needs. His approach: bespoke work instead of mass production.

An international authority

The Kuzbari Centre enjoys the highest international standing. Plastic surgeons from all over the world visit our clinic continually in order to learn new techniques and to extend their surgical knowledge. We set standards in aesthetic medicine worldwide and attract patients from all over the world.

A centre in the heart of Europe

Our private clinic is the most central hospital in Vienna. The premises are in the heart of Vienna’s old town, in the middle of the Goldenes Quartier. An exceptional location for a state-of-the-art clinic.