Deep plane facial lift in Madrid
The deep plane facelift is the evolution of the classic facelift: instead of simply tightening the skin, it acts on the deep structures of the face to achieve a longer lasting, more natural and, above all, more honest result over time.
Dr. Gustavo Sordo also works with a preservation approach, taking care of the neck as much as the face.
What is a deep plane facelift?
A poorly planned facelift is one that simply pulls the skin taut to conceal sagging. It holds for a while, but eventually sags; it's like making the buttons on a blazer smaller without losing weight: the garment stays put for a bit, but eventually feels tight and, sooner or later, bursts.
The deep plane facelift is based on a different idea: the problem of facial aging isn't just in the skin, it's beneath it. This technique acts directly under the SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system), the layer of tissue that supports the structure of the face, anchoring this deep plane in a more favorable position and only then repositioning the skin on top, without tension.
The result is not "tighter skin", it is a face with a reconstructed internal architecture and that is why the effect lasts much longer than in a conventional facelift.
An approach that doesn't forget the neck
Modern aging is measured, above all, on the neck. We spend the day looking at our phones with our heads down, and it's in the chin and the oval of the neck where the passage of time is most noticeable. Much sooner than on the face, which can be disguised with hyaluronic acid or good skincare. The neck, on the other hand, sags, and no cream can compensate for that.
That's why, within the deep plane lifting procedure, we also work on the neck in depth: we clean the submaxillary gland and the structures that generate that heavy and undefined neck appearance, not just the skin that covers it.
The concept of preservation
Our approach also incorporates the concept of preservation : less skin is laminated, less tissue is detached than is strictly necessary, and this translates into a faster recovery with less inflammation for the patient, without sacrificing the depth of the approach.
Advantages of a deep plane facelift
Much longer lasting results
A natural, not “tight” result
By not relying on skin tension to maintain the result, the artificial or "frozen" appearance characteristic of poorly performed facelifts is avoided. The skin is repositioned without tension, because the true support comes from the deep tissues.
Faster recovery thanks to preservation
By laminating and detaching less tissue than necessary, the postoperative period involves less inflammation and a faster recovery than in a traditional deep approach, without sacrificing the solidity of the result.
Treat your neck, not just your face
It always includes specific work on the submaxillary gland and the deep structures of the neck, the area where visible aging is really concentrated today and where many traditional approaches do not reach.
It can be complemented with other treatments.
It is common to combine it, in the same surgical time, with complementary procedures such as the lip lift, a technically simple gesture that improves the proportion of the lower third of the face and fits naturally within the context of a facelift.
Types of deep plane facelift
The deep plane facelift can be performed in different ways depending on the area to be treated and the patient's goals. These are the variations we most frequently use.
Lifting deep preservation plane
Our gold standard approach: we operate beneath the SMAS layer to the necessary depth, but we laminate and detach the minimum amount of tissue possible. The result is just as strong and long-lasting as a classic deep plane incision, with faster recovery and less inflammation.
Neck lift (deep neck lift)
Specifically focused on the neck: the submandibular gland is cleaned and the deep structures responsible for a heavy neck, double chin, and loss of definition in the facial oval are treated. Today, it is probably the most rejuvenating procedure of all facelifts.
Lip lift (as an add-on)
A simple procedure performed as part of a facelift, it slightly shortens the distance between the base of the nose and the upper lip. It improves the proportions of the lower third of the face and complements the results of a deep plane facelift very well.
During the initial consultation, Dr. Sordo will assess your face and neck to recommend the most suitable combination for your goals.
Endoscopic forehead lift and eyebrow suspension
When the forehead is heavy and the eyebrows have drooped, the deep plane procedure is completed in the same surgery with an endoscopic brow lift, through small incisions hidden in the scalp, or with direct suspension of the eyebrow tail (Fakih technique) when the eyelids are also operated on. We explain this in the articles on brow lifts and drooping eyebrows.
Price of a deep plane facelift
Understanding the prices associated with a deep plane facelift is crucial for our patients.
At our plastic surgery clinic in Madrid, each quote is personalized, reflecting the individuality of each case and the specific needs of the patient.
The price can vary significantly depending on several factors:
- Case complexity: Factors such as the extent of the desired lift, whether multiple areas of the face are addressed, and the need for special techniques can influence the price.
- Previous surgeries: Previous operations may complicate the procedure and require more advanced or lengthy techniques, which could increase the price.
The price of a deep plane facelift is around €15.000–€22.000 and includes everything necessary for your procedure. The final price is always personalized and tailored to each individual case, so an initial consultation is required to obtain an exact quote.
This range reflects the differences in planning and execution of each surgery, ensuring you receive exactly the treatment you need without compromise. This amount includes:
- Preoperative and evaluation consultations: To determine the best surgical approach. During these consultations we will also evaluate the preoperative tests you need and these will be included in the price of the procedure.
- Surgery: It works on a deep plane, below the SMAS, instead of just tightening the skin.
- Postoperative care: Includes all the check-ups and treatments necessary for optimal recovery.
We understand the importance of price transparency, so we'll discuss all the details with you during your initial consultation, ensuring there are no surprises and that you're fully informed and comfortable with the process.
Commitment to quality and safety
Our commitment is to offer you not only a competitive price, but also the assurance of knowing why a deep plane costs what it does and how it differs from a conventional facelift.
We firmly believe that investing in your well-being and confidence is priceless, and we are here to guide you every step of the way toward achieving your aesthetic goals with the utmost transparency and care.
Before and after a deep plane facelift
Cervicofacial lifting + lips + dermabrasion + lipofilling
Face, neck, eyebrow lift and blepharoplasty
The complete process
First consultation
On your first visit to our clinic in Madrid, you will receive direct and personalized attention from Dr. Sordo. During this consultation, we will carefully analyze your facial anatomy and discuss your final goals.
From here, we will carry out a personalized aesthetic study and determine the specific areas that need intervention to achieve natural rejuvenation.
During this initial consultation, our goal is to establish open and transparent communication with you, ensuring we understand your needs and desires, and providing you with the guidance necessary to make an informed decision about your cosmetic procedure.
Pre-operative preparation for a deep plane facelift
Once you have made the decision to have surgery, we will coordinate the date for the operation with you and arrange the necessary pre-operative tests to verify that you are fit to have the surgery.
These tests include blood tests and electrocardiograms . They help detect anything that increases the risk early on, and are included in the price.
At our clinic, we will provide you with a referral form to our partner laboratory, which will send the results directly to us, so you will not need to travel to collect them.
Our anesthesiologist will carefully review all of your test results to ensure that everything is in top condition.
In addition, we will meet with you again in consultation before the surgery to take pre-surgical photographs, discuss any additional details, answer any last-minute questions you may have, and give you all the necessary documentation.
Day of the facelift surgery
You must enter the Moncloa Hospital in the morning, where our team will be waiting for you with everything ready.
Depending on the areas to be treated, the procedure may require anything from local anesthesia with sedation to general anesthesia, always administered by our expert anesthesiologist, Dr. Bourgeois.
In the case of general anesthesia, we use the so-called TIVA (Total Intravenous Anesthesia) , a novel technique that does not use anesthetic gases and will make you feel much better.
Our patients tell us that it is like a restful sleep, more similar to mild sedation than conventional anesthesia.
For those seeking maximum discretion, our clinic offers the option of hiring an exclusive VIP service at the hospital. With this service, you will have direct access to a private room from the garage and will receive special attention for your companions during your stay at the hospital.
Post-operative care after a deep plane facelift
After a facelift, it is normal to experience some discomfort and itching in the treated area, which should decrease significantly within the first five days.
Before leaving the hospital, you will receive a prescription for specific medication to control any discomfort. This prescription will include:
- Analgesics: To relieve any pain.
- Antibiotics: To prevent infections during the healing process.
At home
Once home, it is crucial to follow these recommendations to promote a good recovery:
- Care of the operated area: Avoid direct and excessive contact with the face.
- Sleeping position: Keep your head elevated and sleep on your back to reduce swelling.
- Ice application: Use cold compresses to reduce inflammation during the first 48 hours.
Follow-up appointments after a deep plane facelift
The day after the operation
At your first post-operative appointment, we will review the treated area, assess your initial recovery, and remove any stitches if necessary.
15 days after the facelift
We will perform a thorough review, remove any remaining stitches, and evaluate the preliminary results of the operation.
At 6 months
This visit is to monitor progress over the medium term and make minor adjustments if necessary.
At 12 months
In this review, we will take before and after photos to document the changes and, if everything progresses correctly, we will give you final clearance.
Our team will be available to address any questions or concerns you may have throughout the recovery process and beyond. Your confidence and comfort are our priority.
Explore more facial surgery options
In addition to the deep plane facelift, our clinic offers a variety of procedures to enhance and rejuvenate your face. Each treatment is designed to meet your unique expectations and suit your specific needs.
⇒ Blepharoplasty : Corrects drooping eyelids and eliminates under-eye bags to give you a more rested and youthful look.
⇒ Rhinoplasty in Madrid : Reshape and redefine the structure of your nose to improve both breathing function and facial harmony. Ideal for patients seeking a significant aesthetic change or needing post-traumatic corrections.
⇒ Otoplasty : Perfect for correcting ear deformities or reducing the size of ears that are too prominent.
Each of these procedures is performed using the appropriate technique for each individual case. If you are considering other facial surgery in Madrid and would like more information, please do not hesitate to consult with our expert team. We will provide you with all the guidance you need to make the best decision regarding your procedure.
Frequently asked questions about deep plane facelifts
How does it differ from a "traditional" facelift?
Traditional facelifts typically focus on tightening the skin. Deep plane resurfacing works beneath the surface, on the SMAS layer, anchoring the deep tissues in a more favorable position and only then repositioning the skin without tension. This results in a more natural and longer-lasting outcome.
How long does the result last?
A superficial facelift can begin to sag after 6-8 months. A deep plane facelift, by working on the deeper tissues, is designed to provide results that remain stable for 10-15 years.
Why is so much importance given to the neck?
Because nowadays, the neck is where aging is most noticeable, much more so than on the face, which can be concealed with hyaluronic acid or skincare. The neck sags, and there is no non-surgical treatment that can permanently correct this.
What is the concept of "preservation"?
Our approach is to laminate and peel off the minimum amount of tissue possible during surgery, resulting in less inflammation and a faster recovery, while maintaining the same robust results as a classic deep plane.
Can it be combined with other procedures?
Yes. It is often combined with a lip lift to improve the proportion of the lower third of the face, and it can also be integrated with other facial features depending on what is assessed during the consultation.
Will the result be natural?
Yes. We will always try to harmonize the facial structures without creating an “operated” look. It is important to note that it is the internal tissues that must withstand the tension of the lifting surgery, not the skin. This way, unnatural results are avoided.
Can I lead a normal life after a facelift?
Yes. Two weeks after surgery you will be able to return to work and, after a month, you will be able to lead a normal life, including sports activities.
Can I put on makeup?
Yes, you will be able to put on makeup in 10 days.
In the case of general anesthesia, is it safe?
Yes. We do this for greater security because this way we can monitor you in the hours that follow. The next morning, Dr. Sordo will visit you to check on your progress and, if everything is okay, he will discharge you from the hospital.
Can I have another operation if I have already had a facelift?
Yes, it is possible if there is a good surgical indication and the conditions are met. It is essential that you go to a consultation for an assessment.
"Deep plane lifting in Madrid": why technique matters so much here
When a patient searches for "deep plane facelift in Madrid", they usually don't want an obvious change, but something much more subtle: to regain firmness and facial freshness without losing their expression or identifying features.
Dr. Gustavo Sordo approaches the deep plane facelift from a holistic perspective of facial aging. Each case is studied individually, analyzing the relationship between the deep planes of the face, neck, and jawline, to achieve a harmonious result that is consistent with the patient's identity.
Detailed planning, the choice of the appropriate technique, and postoperative follow-up are what most determine the duration of the result.
If you would like more information, request your first assessment and receive a personalized study of your case.
×Dr. Gustavo Sordo
Specialist in Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery. Member No. 28/58125.
Content clinically reviewed by Dr. Gustavo Sordo. Last review: September 8, 2026.
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