Our best selling plastic surgery program of all time, Deep Plane Facelift by Dr.BEN
Deep Plane Facelift: The Gold Standard in Facial Rejuvenation | Complete Guide 2026
When it comes to facial rejuvenation surgery, not all facelifts are created equal. The Deep Plane Facelift represents the pinnacle of modern plastic surgery technique a procedure that goes beyond simply tightening skin to restore the natural structure and volume of your face.
At Med Harbour Thailand, the Deep Plane Facelift is Dr. Benjawan Klankrong M.D.'s signature procedure. Over hundreds of successful surgeries, she has refined this technique to deliver results that look natural, feel authentic, and last significantly longer than traditional facelift options.
If you're considering facial rejuvenation, this comprehensive guide will help you understand exactly why the Deep Plane Facelift has become the gold standard and whether it's right for you.
What Is a Deep Plane Facelift? Understanding the Science
The Anatomy Behind the Technique
Your face has multiple layers:
- Skin (epidermis and dermis)
- Superficial fat (subcutaneous tissue)
- SMAS layer (Superficial Musculo-Aponeurotic System) a continuous layer of muscle and connective tissue that supports your face and neck
- Deep structures (bone, ligaments, deeper fat compartments)
Traditional facelifts typically work on the skin and superficial fat layers like lifting the surface of a tablecloth. The Deep Plane Facelift works at the SMAS level and below lifting the entire underlying structure, similar to resetting the tablecloth's foundation.
Why This Matters for Your Results
When Dr. Ben performs a Deep Plane Facelift, she:
- Repositions the SMAS layer the muscle and connective tissue that supports your face
- Restores natural volume by lifting deeper structures rather than stretching skin
- Addresses the jawline creating definition that looks like your face at 35, not pulled or overdone
- Improves the neck smoothing laxity in the jawline and neck simultaneously
- Creates lasting results because the foundation is reset, not just the surface tightened
The result? A facelift that looks like you just refreshed. Not pulled. Not frozen. Just naturally restored.
Deep Plane Facelift vs. Traditional Facelift: What's the Difference?
Traditional SMAS Facelift
| Aspect | Traditional SMAS Facelift | Deep Plane Facelift |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | Tightens the skin and SMAS layer together | Repositions SMAS AND deeper facial structures |
| Results visibility | Visible improvement immediately | More dramatic, natural transformation |
| Longevity | Results fade over 7-10 years | Results last 10-15 years or longer |
| Appearance | Can sometimes look "pulled" if over-tightened | Looks refreshed, not operated-on |
| Recovery | 2-3 weeks visible recovery | 3-4 weeks for most swelling |
| Cost | AUD $6,000 - $8,500 | AUD $9,950 (includes neck lift) |
Why the Extra Cost Is Worth It
Many patients ask: "Why is a Deep Plane Facelift more expensive?"
The answer is in the value of longevity and naturalness:
Real example: A patient spending AUD $9,950 on a Deep Plane Facelift that lasts 15 years spends approximately AUD $663/year. A patient spending AUD $7,000 on a traditional facelift every 10 years spends approximately AUD $700/year and the traditional facelift often requires revision sooner.
The investment in Deep Plane? You're paying for years of confidence and natural-looking results.
The Deep Plane Facelift Procedure: What to Expect
Before Your Surgery
Your consultation with Dr. Benjawan includes:
- Facial analysis and assessment of tissue quality
- Discussion of realistic goals
- Virtual imaging (3D preview of potential results)
- Detailed explanation of the Deep Plane technique
- Recovery expectations and timeline
- Post-operative care plan
Dr. Ben takes time to understand your vision for how you want to look not how magazines think you should look.
The Surgery Itself (3-4 hours)
- Anesthesia General anesthesia with experienced anesthesiologist monitoring throughout
- Incisions Typically hidden behind ears and into hairline
- Skin elevation Careful separation of skin from underlying tissue
- SMAS repositioning The core of the Deep Plane technique, where Dr. Ben lifts and repositions the facial support system
- Volume restoration Often combined with fat transfer to restore natural contours
- Neck lift component Addressing laxity in the platysma (neck muscle)
- Optional brow lift Endoscopic technique for additional rejuvenation
- Closure Meticulous closure with absorbable sutures and skin adhesive
Throughout the procedure, Dr. Ben makes thousands of micro-decisions based on her advanced training and experience, ensuring symmetry and natural proportion.
Deep Plane Facelift Recovery: The Timeline
Days 1-3 (Immediate Post-Op)
- Significant swelling (this is normal and expected)
- Moderate discomfort (well-controlled with medication)
- Surgical drains in place (removed typically by day 2-3)
- Compression garment worn continuously
- Limited mobility and rest
- Private recovery suite
- 24/7 nursing staff
- Pain management protocol
- Compression and drainage care
- Daily check-in from Dr. Ben
Days 4-7 (First Week)
- Swelling at peak (but beginning to decrease)
- Bruising develops fully
- Sutures removed around day 7
- Can begin gentle activities
- Most patients start taking short walks
- No heavy lifting
- No vigorous exercise
- Limited facial movement
- Avoid extreme temperatures
Weeks 2-3 (Second & Third Week)
What to expect:
- Swelling noticeably reduced
- Bruising fades (makeup can cover easily)
- Good visibility of the result shape
- Most patients return to light social activities
- Sleeping with head elevated
News flash: This is when many patients become emotional because they can suddenly see the transformation. You'll look 50-60% of the final result, but recognizably improved.
Weeks 4-6 (One Month to Six Weeks)
What to expect:
- Most swelling resolved
- Return to normal social activities
- Return to light exercise (walking, gentle yoga)
- Return to work for most desk jobs
- Continue sun protection
The result visible now: 80% of final result, and you'll look genuinely refreshed not like you had surgery.
Months 2-3 (2-3 Months)
What to expect:
- Subtle improvements continuing
- Fine lines continue to soften
- Full return to exercise
- Final result becoming apparent
- Result continues to improve as swelling fully resolves
Months 3-6 (Three to Six Months)
What to expect:
- Final result visible
- Scars mature and fade (continue to fade for 1-2 years)
- You're likely feeling 100% like yourself just the refreshed version
- All restrictions lifted
The Deep Plane difference: The result continues to improve over the full 6 months, unlike traditional facelifts which plateau earlier.
Deep Plane Facelift Candidates: Is It Right for You?
You might be an ideal candidate for a Deep Plane Facelift if:
- Age range: Typically 45-70 (though outside this range can work)
- Concerns: Sagging skin, jowls, neck laxity, loss of jawline definition, midface volume loss
- Skin quality: You have decent skin elasticity (Deep Plane works best when skin can redrape well)
- Health: You're in good overall health with no major contraindications
- Realistic expectations: You understand this is rejuvenation, not transformation into someone else
- Recovery time: You can commit 6-8 weeks away from demanding activities
- Commitment: You're willing to follow post-operative care instructions
You may want to consider alternatives if:
- You have unrealistic expectations
- You cannot take time for recovery
- You have significant health concerns
- You want dramatic transformation (consider multiple procedures)
- You have very thin skin or severe skin laxity (may require different approach)
Deep Plane Facelift Combined Procedures
Many patients choose to combine their Deep Plane Facelift with other procedures for comprehensive facial rejuvenation:
Deep Plane Facelift + Endoscopic Brow Lift
- Raises eyebrows
- Opens eye area
- Smooths forehead lines
- Hidden incisions in hairline
- Results last as long as the facelift
Deep Plane Facelift + Fat Transfer
- Restores volume to cheeks, temples, and under eyes
- Softens lines naturally
- Creates fuller, younger appearance
- Uses your own fat cells (no synthetic material)
Deep Plane Facelift + Neck Lift
- Tightens neck skin and muscle
- Defines jawline
- Eliminates turkey neck appearance
- Completes the rejuvenation (included in Med Harbour packages)
Deep Plane Facelift + Rhinoplasty Revision
- Refines nose shape
- Improves facial harmony
- Often done simultaneously to balance results
Why combine: Multiple procedures address the entire aging face, creating better overall balance and results that last longer.
Deep Plane Facelift Cost Breakdown
Med Harbour Thailand Pricing (AUD)
| Procedure | Cost |
|---|---|
| Deep Plane Facelift | AUD $9,950 |
| Includes: Neck lift, anesthesia, surgeon, facility | |
| Optional: Endoscopic Brow Lift | + AUD $2,000 |
| Optional: Fat Transfer | + AUD $1,500 |
What's included:
- Pre-operative consultation and imaging
- Surgery with Dr. Benjawan Klankrong M.D.
- Anesthesia and monitoring
- Surgical facility
- Recovery suite (first 1-2 nights)
- Post-operative medications
- Drain removal and suture care
- 24/7 WhatsApp support during recovery
- Post-operative follow-up care
What's not included (typically covered separately):
- International flights
- Accommodation beyond recovery suite
- Meals
- Sightseeing/tourism
Cost Comparison with Other Countries
| Country | Procedure Cost | Surgeon Expertise | Recovery Support |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | AUD $15,000 - $22,000 | Excellent | Limited |
| USA | AUD $18,000 - $28,000 | Excellent | Limited |
| Thailand (Med Harbour) | AUD $9,950 | Excellent (Dr. Ben) | Comprehensive |
The real savings: Not just in cost, but in value you get world-class surgery plus comprehensive recovery support for less.
Why Choose Med Harbour Thailand for Your Deep Plane Facelift?
Dr. Benjawan Klankrong M.D. Your Surgeon
Dr. Benjawan is considered Thailand's leading specialist in Deep Plane Facelift surgery. Her qualifications include:
- MD, specializing in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
- Advanced training in Deep Plane techniques
- Hundreds of successful facelift procedures
- Personal approach Dr. Ben meets with every patient personally
- Innovation Continuously refining technique based on latest international standards
- Published work Research and case studies in plastic surgery journals
The Med Harbour Difference
Good natural results come from good surgery AND good post-operative care this is Med Harbour's philosophy.
At Med Harbour, you're not just getting surgery. You're getting:
- Comprehensive consultation Not rushed, personalized to your goals
- Advanced surgical technique Deep Plane expertise specific to your facial anatomy
- World-class facility Modern operating room with state-of-the-art equipment
- Experienced anesthesia team Safety is paramount
- Dedicated recovery care Professional nursing 24/7
- Personal coordinator One dedicated person handles your entire journey
- Post-operative excellence Dr. Ben sees you regularly, adjusts care based on your healing
- Ongoing support Even after you return home, WhatsApp support available
- Patients from around the world Your experience is one of hundreds of international patients
Frequently Asked Questions About Deep Plane Facelifts
Yes, especially with the Deep Plane technique. Because Dr. Ben works with the deeper structures, the result looks like restoration rather than alteration. You'll look like yourself just refreshed and rejuvenated.
Results from a Deep Plane Facelift typically last 10-15 years or longer. Some patients enjoy results for 20 years. This is significantly longer than traditional facelifts (7-10 years).
No. The Deep Plane technique specifically avoids the "pulled" appearance that sometimes occurred with older techniques. Results look natural because the entire supporting structure is lifted, not just skin.
Incisions are placed behind the ear and into the hairline where they're hidden. Scars fade over 12-24 months and become virtually invisible with proper care.
Yes. Many patients combine facelift with brow lift, fat transfer, or minor procedures like CO2 laser. Combining procedures creates better overall balance.
Revision facelifts are rare with Deep Plane technique (less than 5% of cases), but if needed, they can be performed. Your satisfaction is important.
Absolutely. Dr. Ben performs facelifts for men, with attention to masculine features and natural appearance.
Most people can return to desk work at 3-4 weeks. If your work is physically demanding, plan for 4-6 weeks. Final result visible at 3-6 months.
Your Next Steps: Getting Started
Ready to explore whether a Deep Plane Facelift is right for you?
Step 1: Schedule Your Consultation
Contact Med Harbour Thailand for a confidential, personalized consultation with Dr. Benjawan.
- WhatsApp: [Your WhatsApp number]
- Email: [Your email]
- Website: [Your website link]
Step 2: Virtual Consultation Available
Live in Australia or the USA? Schedule a virtual consultation via Zoom. Dr. Ben will discuss your goals, show you potential results, and answer all your questions.
Step 3: Receive Your Personalized Quote
Based on your goals and examination, receive a detailed quote including all services, recovery arrangements, and post-operative care.
Step 4: Plan Your Journey
Our patient coordinator will help arrange flights, accommodation, and recovery logistics.
Ready to Feel Your Best?
Schedule your consultation with Dr. Benjawan Klankrong M.D. today.
Because confidence isn't about changing who you are it's about becoming the best version of yourself.
Book Your Consultation Now
