Deep Plane Facelift Toronto
Unlike traditional facelifts that primarily place tension on the skin, a Deep Plane Facelift addresses the deeper structural anatomy responsible for facial aging. At Elements Toronto, double board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Ali Adibfar uses this advanced technique to deliver natural, long-lasting rejuvenation through Deep Plane Facelift Toronto.
During the procedure, the SMAS layer (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) and deeper facial soft tissues are carefully elevated and mobilized as a unified layer. Facial retaining ligaments are selectively released, allowing the descended cheek fat pads and midfacial tissues to be repositioned upward and slightly backward into a more youthful anatomical position.
Once the deeper structures are restored, the skin is softly redraped over the repositioned foundation with minimal tension. This approach avoids an overly tight or “pulled” appearance and instead creates results that feel refined, natural, and expressive — a hallmark of Dr. Adibfar’s technique at Elements Toronto.
A Modern Philosophy of Facial Rejuvenation
Modern facial rejuvenation is guided by a simple principle: lift the foundation, not the surface.
By restoring deeper structural support rather than relying on skin tension alone, a Deep Plane Facelift is able to achieve results that appear softer, more youthful, and remarkably natural. This is the approach preferred by Dr. Ali Adibfar at Elements Toronto, where the focus is always on refined, harmonious outcomes.
Importantly, the facial muscles themselves are typically preserved. The procedure focuses on mobilizing fascial and connective tissue planes while carefully protecting the delicate facial nerve anatomy — allowing patients to maintain natural expression after surgery.
The Procedure
The Deep Plane Facelift is performed under general anesthesia or IV sedation in a fully accredited surgical facility. At Elements Toronto, Dr. Ali Adibfar typically completes the procedure in 3 to 5 hours, depending on the extent of correction needed.
Key steps include:
Incisions are meticulously designed to follow the natural contours of the face and hairline, allowing scars to remain exceptionally discreet once healed.
The facelift incision typically begins within the temple or hairline region and continues along the natural crease in front of the ear — known as the preauricular incision. From there, it gently curves around the earlobe and extends behind the ear, allowing access to the jawline and neck tissues while remaining carefully concealed within natural folds and hair-bearing areas.
In some patients, the incision may extend slightly into the lower scalp or occipital hairline behind the ear to facilitate more comprehensive neck rejuvenation and soft tissue redraping.
A small submental incision beneath the chin may also be utilized when refining the neck. This allows for platysma muscle tightening, contouring of excess neck fullness, and enhancement of jawline definition — contributing to the natural, balanced results Dr. Adibfar is known for.
A submental incision provides access to the deeper structures of the central neck, including the platysma muscle, subplatysmal fat, and deeper neck compartments. It allows the surgeon to directly tighten the platysma and improve neck definition and cervicomental angle.
A preauricular incision is placed in the natural crease just in front of the ear and is commonly used in facelift surgery to access deeper facial structures. It allows repositioning of the SMAS layer while keeping the scar discreetly hidden within the ear’s natural contours.
The cheek fat pad is mobilized because it descends with age due to gravitational descent and ligamentous laxity, contributing to midface flattening and deepening folds. Releasing it allows for superior repositioning, restoring youthful midface volume and contour.
An occipital (posterior hairline) incision is used when additional access or skin redraping is needed in the lateral or posterior neck, typically in more extensive or revision facelifts. In less extensive cases, lifting can often be achieved with preauricular and postauricular incisions alone.
Releasing retaining ligaments refers to carefully dividing the fibrous attachments that anchor facial soft tissues to the underlying skeleton, which restrict natural tissue mobility. This allows the SMAS and overlying tissues to be repositioned more freely for a more natural and effective lift.
The SMAS is a fibromuscular support layer that connects the facial expression muscles to the skin, allowing facial movement while also providing structural support to the cheeks, jawline, lower face, and neck.
Recovery & Results
Recovery from a Deep Plane Facelift is slightly longer than a traditional facelift due to the deeper dissection, but most patients find the process very manageable under the care of Dr. Ali Adibfar at Elements Toronto.
First 5–7 days: Swelling and bruising are most noticeable. Rest with your head elevated is recommended.
1–2 weeks: Stitches are removed. Most patients feel comfortable returning to work using light makeup to camouflage any residual bruising.
3–4 weeks: You can resume social activities with confidence. Swelling continues to decrease rapidly.
3–6 months: Final results become fully visible as all swelling resolves and tissues settle into their new position.
Patients typically enjoy a refreshed, rested appearance with improved facial contours and skin tone. Results from a Deep Plane Facelift are long-lasting and continue to look natural as you age — one of the key reasons patients choose Dr. Adibfar for this advanced procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions
How should I prepare for my consultation?
Come prepared with a list of your current medications, any underlying health conditions, relevant medical history, and your post-surgical history. For procedures involving the jaw, brow bone, or forehead, you may also send our office any X-rays, scans, or imaging you have available before your appointment.
Can I have a virtual consultation?
Yes. Virtual consultations are offered. The team will obtain consent forms and photographs beforehand. In-person is preferred when possible.
Is there a fee for the consultation?
Yes. The consultation fee is $200. This amount is deducted from the surgical cost if you proceed with surgery. This fee may change over time.
Is my consultation confidential?
Entirely. Your information is protected under Ontario privacy legislation. Photos are never used without separate written consent.
What can I expect from my initial consultation?
A private one-on-one consultation with Dr. Adibfar to discuss your goals, perform an assessment, review recommendations, set realistic expectations, and show curated before-and-after photos when appropriate.
Can I choose the type of anesthesia I receive?
Anesthesia is planned with the anesthesiologist. Depending on the procedure, this may involve local anesthesia, deep sedation, or general anesthesia.
Where is my surgery performed?
Surgery is performed at the Elements Surgery Centre, a CPSO-accredited out-of-hospital premises (OHP).
What should I expect when it comes to scarring?
Any incision leaves a scar. Incisions are placed in natural folds whenever possible. Final scar appearance depends on the type of surgery, your individual healing, genetics, post-operative care, and whether you smoke or use nicotine products.
Is cosmetic surgery covered by OHIP or private insurance?
No. Elements Toronto does not perform OHIP-covered procedures. Purely cosmetic procedures are not covered by OHIP or private insurance.
Do you offer financing?
Yes. Financing is available through Medicard and Beautifi.
How do I reserve my surgery date?
A 30% deposit is required to reserve your surgery date. The remaining balance is due at your pre-operative appointment, approximately 4 weeks before surgery. The written quote is valid for 6 months.
What is your policy on revision surgery?
If a revision is necessary after 12 months of healing, additional fees may apply based on Dr. Adibfar’s evaluation.
How many follow-up appointments will I have?
Standard follow-ups are typically scheduled at 1 week, 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year, or according to your individual protocol. These are included in the surgical fees according to practice.
Who do I contact if something doesn’t feel right after surgery?
Contact the office at (416) 929-1288. Dr. Adibfar is available directly after hours for medical emergencies. For life-threatening emergencies, go to the nearest emergency department.
I live outside Toronto. How does that work?
Virtual consultations are available. After surgery, a stay in Toronto is required for initial post-operative monitoring. Depending on the procedure, this can range from a few days up to 3 weeks (and up to 2–4 weeks for more extensive facial procedures such as facial feminization surgery).
Do I need to stop smoking before surgery?
Yes. Smoking, vaping, and all nicotine products compromise healing and scar quality and must be stopped before surgery.
