Face Lift Sydney — Deep Plane Facelift & Neck Lift Surgery
Dr. Barnouti (MED: 0001192783) is a Board-Certified Specialist Plastic Surgeon with 25 years of experience performing advanced cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. He is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS), a member of ASAPS, and serves as a Senior Lecturer at the University of NSW.
Dr. Barnouti operates out of leading, fully accredited Sydney hospitals with a strict focus on patient safety.
What is a Face Lift?
A face lift — medically known as a rhytidectomy — is a surgical procedure that addresses the visible signs of facial ageing by repositioning underlying tissue and removing excess skin. Modern face lift surgery focuses on restoring natural facial structure rather than simply tightening the surface, producing results that look refreshed rather than pulled.
Patients in Sydney typically consider face lift surgery in their late forties through to their seventies, when the cumulative effects of gravity, sun exposure, weight changes and the natural ageing process produce sagging in the mid-face, jowls along the jawline, and loose skin in the neck. A face lift does not stop the ageing process, but it can meaningfully reset the visible markers of age by ten to fifteen years for most patients.
Several techniques are available, and the right approach depends on the patient’s anatomy, the degree of ageing, and the result they want. At Sydney Plastic Surgery, Dr Laith Barnouti performs the deep plane facelift as his primary technique, often combined with a neck lift, because it addresses the structural causes of facial ageing rather than just the symptoms. This page outlines the procedure, who is suitable, what recovery involves, and what to expect from face lift surgery in Sydney with a FRACS Specialist Plastic Surgeon.
The Deep Plane Face Lift: A Definitive Guide to Natural, Long-Lasting Rejuvenation
As we age, the natural effects of gravity, sun exposure, and the passage of time can leave visible marks on our faces and necks. The skin loses elasticity, muscles weaken, and fat redistributes, often resulting in sagging skin, jowls, and a tired appearance. While traditional “skin-only” lifts often provide temporary or “pulled” results, the deep plane face lift has emerged as the gold standard for those seeking a truly structural, long-lasting transformation.
Why Structural Rejuvenation Requires a Deep Plane Approach
Facial aging isn’t just skin deep; it happens beneath the surface in the muscular layers and fat pads. A deep plane face lift goes beyond the superficial to reposition the underlying tissues (the SMAS layer) as a single unit.
In the hands of an expert like Dr. Barnouti, this advanced surgical technique restores the youthful contours of the face and neck without the tension associated with older methods.
By addressing the root causes of facial descent, this procedure creates a natural, harmonious appearance that reflects how you feel on the inside. In this guide, we will explore the science, the recovery, and the transformative benefits of this industry-leading approach.
What is a Deep Plane Face and Neck Lift?
A deep plane face lift is a highly advanced surgical technique. It focuses on lifting and repositioning the deeper layers of facial tissue. This includes the muscles, fat, and underlying connective tissue. Unlike traditional facelift procedures that only address superficial skin, this method goes deeper. Consequently, it offers a more comprehensive and long-lasting rejuvenation.
How the Deep Plane Technique Works
The procedure targets the structural foundation of the face. By lifting these deeper structures, surgeons can achieve a more natural look. Specifically, it addresses common signs of aging such as:
- Sagging cheeks and jowls: It restores mid-face volume.
- Loss of jawline definition: It creates a sharp, clean profile.
- Neck sagging: It eliminates loose skin under the chin.
- Deep nasolabial folds: It smooths the lines running from the nose to the mouth.
Achieving Natural Results
By repositioning these deeper layers, the deep plane face lift creates a youthful, lifted appearance. It results in smoother contours and tighter skin. Furthermore, the final look remains natural. It avoids the telltale signs of a “pulled” look often seen with older techniques. Therefore, your unique features are preserved while your appearance is refreshed.
For patients experiencing isolated fullness under the chin without significant skin laxity, we also perform targeted Neck Liposuction. During your consultation, your surgeon will assess your tissue elasticity to determine which approach is most appropriate for your anatomy.
Neck Lift Surgery
A neck lift is a surgical procedure that addresses the visible signs of ageing in the neck and under the jawline. While a face lift focuses on the mid-face and jowls, a neck lift specifically targets loose skin, vertical neck bands (often called “platysmal bands”), and the angle between the chin and neck. In many patients, neck ageing is more noticeable than facial ageing, and a neck lift can produce a striking change on its own or as part of a combined procedure.
When You Need a Neck Lift
Dr Barnouti will recommend neck lift surgery if your assessment reveals one or more of the following:
- Loose skin under the chin — sometimes described as a “turkey neck” or “wattle”.
- Vertical neck bands — visible cords running down the neck, caused by the platysma muscle separating with age.
- Loss of jawline definition — the neck and jaw blur into a single line rather than meeting at a clean angle.
- Excess fat under the jawline — for some patients, this is better addressed with neck liposuction alone if skin elasticity is good. Dr Barnouti will discuss which approach suits your anatomy.
- A poorly defined cervico-mental angle — the angle between the chin and neck that defines a youthful profile.
Combined Face Lift and Neck Lift
For most patients in their fifties and beyond, the face and neck age together — and they should be addressed together for balanced results. Treating only the face while leaving the neck untouched produces an obvious mismatch; treating only the neck can leave the jowls and mid-face looking out of step.
Dr Barnouti’s standard approach is a combined deep plane face and neck lift performed in a single operation. This is more efficient for the patient (one anaesthetic, one recovery period) and produces a harmonious overall result. During the neck lift portion, Dr Barnouti repositions the platysma muscle, removes excess skin through incisions concealed behind the ears and under the chin, and re-defines the cervico-mental angle.
Neck Lift Recovery in Sydney
Neck lift recovery follows broadly the same timeline as a face lift, outlined above. A compression garment is worn around the neck for the first week to support healing and reduce swelling. Bruising and tightness are normal and resolve over weeks. Most patients return to desk work within two weeks and look refreshed by week six. Final results settle over three to six months.
To assess whether a neck lift, face lift, or combined procedure is right for you, book a consultation with Dr Laith Barnouti at our Glebe, Chatswood or Parramatta clinics.
The Expertise of Dr. Barnouti
Dr. Barnouti is a renowned expert in facial plastic surgery. He specializes particularly in deep plane face lift surgery. With years of experience and a deep understanding of facial anatomy, he is a trusted hand for patients. His approach combines the latest surgical innovations with an eye for harmony. Consequently, every patient receives a customized plan tailored to their unique anatomy.
Who is a Candidate for Face Lift Surgery?
Face lift surgery is best suited to patients who have noticeable facial ageing they want to address, are in good general health, and have realistic expectations of what surgery can achieve. During your consultation at Glebe, Chatswood or Parramatta, Dr Barnouti will assess your suitability against the following clinical criteria:
- Visible mid-face descent — sagging in the cheek area, deepening nasolabial folds, or loss of definition between the cheek and lower face.
- Jowls or jawline blurring — loss of a clean jawline due to soft tissue descent.
- Neck laxity — loose skin, vertical neck bands, or a poorly defined cervico-mental angle (the angle between the chin and neck).
- Good skin quality — sufficient elasticity for the skin to redrape naturally after the underlying tissue is repositioned.
- General health — no uncontrolled medical conditions that would increase surgical risk; non-smoker, or willing to stop smoking for several weeks before and after surgery.
- Realistic expectations — understanding that face lift surgery refreshes appearance rather than changing identity, and that the ageing process continues after surgery.
Patients with only mild signs of ageing may achieve their goals with non-surgical options such as injectables or skin tightening, and Dr Barnouti will discuss these openly when appropriate. Conversely, patients with significant ageing may require a more comprehensive approach combining face lift, neck lift and eyelid surgery for balanced results.
Under April 2026 AHPRA regulations, a mandatory seven-day cooling-off period applies between consultation and booking surgery. This time is yours to consider the discussion, raise further questions, or seek a second opinion. There is no obligation to proceed.
Why Choose Dr. Barnouti for Deep Plane Face and Neck Lift Surgery?
- Expertise and Experience: Dr. Barnouti’s extensive training makes him a leader in the field. He has performed countless successful surgeries. As a result, he has earned a reputation for delivering exceptional results.
- Personalized Care: He takes a highly customized approach to every case. He carefully assesses your facial structure and goals. This ensures the surgery enhances your features while maintaining a balanced look. Additionally, he personally handles your post-surgical follow-ups.
- Advanced Surgical Techniques: As an expert in the deep plane face lift, Dr. Barnouti stays at the forefront of innovation. His knowledge ensures that patients benefit from the most effective and minimally invasive procedures available today.
- Natural-Looking Results: Many patients fear looking “overdone.” However, Dr. Barnouti prioritizes subtle results. His technique enhances your appearance without altering your core identity.
- Comprehensive Recovery Support: He is committed to thorough post-operative care. His team works closely with you throughout the healing process. This support helps to optimize your outcomes and minimize discomfort.
The Benefits of Deep Plane Face and Neck Lift Surgery
- Long-lasting results: By addressing deep structures, these results tend to last much longer than traditional lifts.
- Improved facial contours: The surgery lifts muscles and fat. Therefore, it improves the overall shape of the jawline and neck.
- Minimized scarring: Incisions are strategically placed in natural creases. Consequently, scars fade and become nearly invisible over time.
- Enhanced self-confidence: A refreshed appearance can significantly boost self-esteem. As a result, patients often feel more confident in both personal and professional settings.
A Transformative Path to Rejuvenation
The deep plane face lift is an effective procedure for those seeking a refreshed appearance. With the expertise of Dr. Barnouti, patients can rest assured they are in skilled hands. His commitment to natural results and his knowledge of anatomy make him an ideal choice. Ultimately, this transformative procedure offers a powerful way to reclaim your youthful vitality.
If you are ready to take the next step in rejuvenating your face and neck, Dr. Barnouti is here to guide you through every step of the process, ensuring that you achieve the best possible outcome tailored to your unique needs.
Face Lift Recovery Timeline
Recovery from face lift surgery follows a predictable arc, although individual healing varies. The timeline below outlines what most patients experience after a deep plane facelift with Dr Barnouti.
Week 1
You will spend one night in hospital. Bruising and swelling peak in the first 48 to 72 hours. A light compression garment is worn around the face and neck. Pain is generally moderate and managed with oral medication. Most patients feel well enough to walk around at home within two to three days but should avoid bending, lifting and exertion.
Weeks 2 to 3
Sutures are removed at the one-week and two-week reviews. Bruising fades meaningfully by the end of week two. Most patients return to desk-based work between days ten and fourteen, although visible swelling remains. Light makeup can usually be worn after sutures are out.
Weeks 4 to 6
Swelling continues to settle. Patients can resume light exercise such as walking and gentle yoga from week four. Strenuous exercise, heavy lifting and contact sports remain off the table until week six. The face begins to look refreshed but not yet final.
Months 3 to 6
Most of the residual swelling resolves. Final scar maturation continues over six to twelve months — scars start pink and gradually fade. The structural lift is now visible and natural.
Twelve months and beyond
The final result is settled. Scars are typically pale and well-hidden in natural creases and the hairline. The deep plane facelift produces longevity measured in years rather than months — most patients enjoy their refreshed appearance for ten years or more before considering any further intervention.
How much does a facelift cost?
| Procedure | Price Estimate | Conditions / Comments |
|---|
| Mini Facelift/S-lift/MACS lift | $12,900-$15,900 | This price includes surgeon fee, anaesthetic fee & 6 weeks follow up. It does not include hospital/day surgery fees of $3,900. |
| Full (SMAS) Facelift and Neck lift | $17,900-$22,990 | This price includes surgeon fee, anaesthetic fee & 6 weeks follow up. Additional hospital fees applies. |
| Deep Plane Face lift and Neck lift | $21,900-$24,990 | This price includes surgeon fee, anaesthetic fee & 6 weeks follow up. Additional hospital fees apply. |
| Complete SMAS Facelift (includes facelift, neck lift, upper eyelid, lower eyelid surgery, browlift, laser skin resurfacing) and/or fat graft. | $28,990-$35,990 | This price includes surgeon fee, anaesthetic fee & 6 weeks follow up. Additional hospital fees apply. |
FAQs
Face lift surgery costs vary based on the technique used, whether a neck lift is included, hospital and anaesthetic fees, and individual case complexity. A written quote covering all components is provided after your consultation with Dr Barnouti.
Please refer to our costs page for a detailed breakdown of current costs.
The deep plane technique repositions underlying tissue without placing tension on the skin, which is what produces a natural rather than “pulled” result. Dr Barnouti’s approach prioritises restoring your own facial structure rather than altering your features.
A well-performed deep plane facelift can produce results that last ten to fifteen years. The face continues to age naturally after surgery, but the structural lift remains. Surface treatments such as injectables or skin resurfacing can complement and prolong the result.
A deep plane facelift typically takes between four and six hours, depending on whether a neck lift and other procedures are combined. Surgery is performed under general anaesthesia in a fully accredited Sydney hospital.
Yes. In accordance with the latest AHPRA and Medical Board of Australia regulations for cosmetic surgery, all patients must provide a valid referral from a General Practitioner (GP) before scheduling an initial consultation with a Specialist Plastic Surgeon. A mandatory 7-day cooling-off period also applies after your consultation before any surgery can be booked.
Absolutely. To maintain overall facial harmony and consolidate your recovery period, a deep plane lift is frequently combined with secondary procedures. Common pairings include upper or lower eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), a brow lift, or facial fat injection (lipofilling) to restore lost volumetric fullness to the temples or under-eye region.
While a deep plane lift modifies deeper structures, it actually causes less trauma to the superficial skin tissues, meaning recovery is often smoother than traditional lifts:
- Initial rest: You will need strict rest for the first 1 to 2 days following surgery.
- Return to work: Most patients feel comfortable returning to desk-based work and light duties within 10 to 14 days, once initial swelling and bruising have safely subsided.
- Exercise: Strenuous workouts and heavy lifting should be avoided for 4 to 6 weeks.
Dr Barnouti places the incisions strategically within your natural facial contours—typically along the front crease of the ear, wrapping discreetly behind the earlobe and into the hairline. Because there is zero tension placed on the skin closure, the incisions heal cleanly, fading over time to become virtually imperceptible.
Yes, this is one of the primary benefits of the deep plane method. Because the lifting and structural support happen deep beneath the surface within the muscular system, the skin is draped over its new framework smoothly and without tension. This avoids the telltale, over-tightened, or “pulled” signs associated with older, superficial lifting techniques.
The deep plane technique is the gold standard for structural facial rejuvenation. It effectively treats:
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Mid-face drooping: Restores youthful volume to sagging cheeks.
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Loss of jawline definition: Smooths out jowls to create a sharp, clean jaw profile.
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Severe neck sagging: Eliminates loose, redundant skin and “turkey neck” contours under the chin.
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Deep nasolabial folds: Subtly softens the deep creases running from the nose to the corners of the mouth.
At our clinic, the cost for a Deep Plane Face Lift and Neck Lift is starting from $21,900 to $24,990. This price estimate includes the specialist surgeon’s fee, the anaesthetic fee, and six weeks of post-operative follow-up care. Please note that additional hospital or day surgery fees apply. A precise, transparent quote valid for 12 months will be provided after your clinical consultation.
Please refer to our costs page for a detailed breakdown of current costs.
A traditional facelift typically pulls the superficial skin layer independently of the underlying structures, which can sometimes result in a “tight” or “wind-tunnel” appearance. In contrast, a deep plane face lift is a highly advanced technique where the surgeon repositions the deeper muscle layers (the SMAS layer) and fat pads as a single, cohesive unit. This addresses the structural root of facial ageing, relieving tension from the skin and producing a substantially more natural, youthful, and long-lasting result.
Page Content Clinically Reviewed by Dr Barnouti
Dr. Barnouti (MED: 0001192783) is a Board-Certified Specialist Plastic Surgeon with 25 years of experience performing advanced cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. He is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS), a member of ASAPS, and serves as a Senior Lecturer at the University of NSW.
Dr. Barnouti operates out of leading, fully accredited Sydney hospitals with a strict focus on patient safety.
Dr. Barnouti (MED: 0001192783)