Best Deep Plane Neck Lift (Platysmaplasty) in Turkey | 2025 Cost, Reviews and Before & After Results

The deep plane neck lift (platysmaplasty) is an advanced surgical approach that addresses the signs of aging in the neck region at their root. Rather than merely tightening the superficial skin, this procedure focuses on the platysma muscle and the deep supportive tissues beneath it—the true source of laxity. The primary goal is to release these loosened structures and return them to their anatomically correct positions. In this way, the jawline sharpens, the submental (double chin) area is tightened, and the neck profile is rejuvenated more naturally and durably.

Why do the neck and jawline sag as we age?

When aging is mentioned, most of us first think of wrinkles and sagging skin. But that is only the tip of the iceberg. The real changes occur much deeper, within the layers that form the architecture of our face and neck. Over the years, the relentless pull of gravity, volume loss in the tissues, and the weakening of the support systems that carry these tissues lead to visible sagging. The jowls—those drooping cheek pouches along the jawline—stubborn fat accumulating under the chin, vertical lines (bands) appearing in the neck, and the loss of a once-sharp jawline… All of these are outward reflections of a structural deterioration in the deeper layers. Therefore, achieving a true and lasting rejuvenation is not possible by merely pulling and tightening the skin. The solution lies in repairing the deep foundational structures.

Why are ‘SMAS’ and ‘platysma’ so important in deep plane surgery?

These two terms are effectively the cornerstones of modern face and neck rejuvenation surgery. The ‘SMAS’ is a deep supportive layer that envelops our facial expression muscles like a mesh, supports them, and gives the skin structural integrity. It is the primary load-bearing system of the face. The ‘platysma’ is the broad, thin muscular layer in the neck that is the continuation of this SMAS layer.

In other words, the facial SMAS and the neck platysma are not two separate parts, but one continuous muscle–fascia layer that extends from the cheek to the collarbone. This continuity is surgically vital. The lower face and the neck are aesthetically one unit. Laxity in one area directly affects the other. For example, when the SMAS layer in the cheeks loosens and descends, it creates that undesirable jowl appearance. This sagging disrupts the jawline and interrupts the smooth transition to the neck.

That is why approaches that try to treat only the neck or only the face—handling these structures separately—often produce insufficient or “done”/artificial-looking outcomes; they overlook this anatomical reality. The deep plane philosophy, on the other hand, treats the SMAS and platysma as a single block and repositions this integrated structure to its anatomically correct location. This provides a harmonious, smooth, and natural rejuvenation between the face and the neck.

How are the ‘anchors’ that hold our face in place released in a deep plane neck lift?

The soft tissues of our face do not rest loosely on the bony skeleton. They are effectively “anchored” to deeper tissues and bones by strong, fibrous structures called retaining ligaments. These ligaments are our primary support system that holds the skin and the crucial SMAS layer beneath it in place.

One of the main reasons for aging is that these ligaments weaken, stretch, and succumb to gravity over time. When these “anchors” loosen, the mobile soft tissues they support begin to descend. The clinical consequences are very familiar. Loosening of the ligaments in the cheek region causes the malar fat pads to fall, the midface to flatten, and the nasolabial folds to deepen. Weakening of the ligaments along the jawline allows mobile tissues to droop below the mandibular border, directly causing jowling.

These ligaments are also the main obstacle to surgical rejuvenation. If they are not released during surgery, no matter how much tension is applied, they will continue to hold the tissues in their sagging position. Therefore, the “keystone” of the deep plane technique is the complete surgical release of these retaining ligaments. This maneuver frees the descended tissues and allows them to be moved—without tension—to their proper, more youthful, higher positions. It represents a fundamental shift from “pulling” to “releasing and repositioning.”

Which signs of aging does a deep plane neck lift correct?

A successful deep plane neck lift does not focus on a single issue; it addresses, simultaneously, all the anatomical components that drive aging in the neck and lower face. The primary targets of this approach are:

• Platysma bands (turkey neck appearance)
• Submental fat accumulation (double chin)
• Superficial subcutaneous fat
• Submuscular (deep) fat
• Ptotic salivary glands (SMG)
• Loss of jawline definition (jowling)
• Midface descent

What does the ‘deep plane’ technique mean?

‘Deep plane’ refers, in facelift surgery, to a specific anatomical space—a glide plane. This plane lies immediately beneath the aforementioned SMAS–platysma muscle–fascia complex and just above more fixed structures, such as the muscles responsible for facial expression:

This plane is not an area arbitrarily created by the surgeon; it is an embryologically existent, relatively vessel-poor, natural “sliding plane.” Entered correctly, it allows the surgeon to perform safe and comprehensive tissue release with minimal bleeding and trauma.

Operating in this plane provides direct access to the deep surface of the SMAS–platysma and, more importantly, to the “anchors” (retaining ligaments) that tether this layer to deeper structures. This direct access enables precise and complete release of those ligaments, which is necessary for maximal mobilization of descended tissues.

What advantages does the ‘composite’ or ‘one-piece’ approach of deep plane surgery offer?

One of the defining features of the deep plane technique is elevating the tissues as a “composite,” that is, as a single “one-piece” flap. In this approach, the skin, the subcutaneous fat, and the underlying SMAS–platysma layer are not separated from each other; they are elevated and moved together as one integrated unit. This is the fundamental difference from traditional methods that treat the skin and the underlying layer as separate planes.

This “single-block” elevation offers patients clear benefits:

• Better blood supply
• Faster recovery
• Less bruising and swelling
• More natural facial expression
• Reduced risk of a “stiff” or “mask-like” appearance

Why does a deep plane neck lift yield more effective and natural results?

The effectiveness of this technique rests on two core principles: the “release” of tissues and the “direction of repositioning” (vector). Traditional techniques often focus on “pulling” tissues laterally or posteriorly toward the ears. This can lead to flattened cheeks, mouth corners pulled sideways, and an unnatural “wind-tunnel” or “over-tightened” look.

The deep plane approach operates on a completely different logic. The aim is not “pulling” but “repositioning.” First, all the retaining ligaments (anchors) that cause downward descent are released. Once the tissues are freed, they are moved—without tension—predominantly in a vertical direction (against gravity), back to where they originally belonged.

This vertical elevation directly counteracts the downward effects of aging. It not only redefines the jawline by lifting the jowls, but also returns the descended malar fat pad to its rightful position, effectively restoring youthful volume and contour to the cheek area. The goal is not to tighten tissues, but to return the patient’s own natural volume to its original anatomical location.

How are the ‘stubborn’ deep fats under the chin addressed with a deep plane neck lift?

In many individuals—especially those who are structurally “full” in the neck—a significant portion of submental fullness arises from the deep fat compartment located beneath the platysma muscle. This deep fat lies over the floor-of-mouth muscles and cannot be reached with standard liposuction, which only removes superficial subcutaneous fat.

For these patients, liposuction alone will yield an incomplete and unsatisfying result because the true source of the problem lies deeper. During a deep plane neck lift, direct access to this deep space is typically achieved through a small incision (submental incision) concealed in the natural crease under the chin. The platysma is separated along the midline to enter the submuscular plane. Under direct visualization, this deep fat can be carefully and surgically excised. Directly debulking this deep fat compartment is one of the most critical steps in creating a flat submental area and achieving a sharp cervicomental angle in patients with a pronounced double chin.

Does deep plane surgery offer a solution for sagging salivary glands (SMG) in the neck?

The submandibular glands (SMG) are salivary glands located just beneath the jawbone, deep to the platysma. With age and laxity of the supporting fascia, these glands can descend. This sagging produces a visible bulge or nut-like prominence, particularly along the jawline.

After a standard neck lift, when the overlying skin and muscle are tightened, these sagging glands may become even more apparent, leading to an unsatisfactory contour. A comprehensive deep neck contouring must therefore address this issue as well. Depending on severity, two main techniques are used:

• Partial gland resection (reduction)
• Suture suspension (platysma hammock)

What is done in deep plane surgery for the vertical neck bands (turkey neck)?

The vertical “cords” or “bands” on the front of the neck, which become especially prominent when clenching the chin, result from diastasis (separation) and laxity of the right and left edges of the platysma muscle at the midline. This “turkey neck” appearance is among the most bothersome aesthetic concerns for many people.

To resolve this issue, a deep plane neck lift is often combined with a technique called “corset platysmaplasty.” Through the submental incision, the separated edges of the two muscle flaps are identified. Much like closing a corset or a zipper, these free muscle edges are sutured together along the midline—from the chin tip down to the lower neck—using specialized stitches.

This maneuver recreates a single, continuous, and taut muscular layer across the anterior neck. This “corset” tightens the submental region from within, completely eliminates the vertical bands, and creates a robust supportive platform for the other deep structures (fat and glands) under the chin. When combined with the lateral deep plane lift, it provides a 360-degree improvement in neck contour.

Who are good candidates for a deep plane neck lift?

The ideal candidate for a deep plane face and neck lift is typically someone between 45 and 70 years of age, in good general health, with moderate to advanced signs of aging affecting the lower two-thirds of the face and the neck. The decision to operate is based on the presence of specific anatomical indicators best addressed with this structural, deep plane approach.

The key features sought in a good candidate include:

• Moderate to severe jowling
• Loss of jawline definition
• Descent of the malar (cheek) fat pads
• Midface flattening and deep nasolabial folds
• Visible vertical platysma bands (turkey neck)
• Both superficial and “deep” submental fat
• Prominent sagging salivary gland (SMG)
• Still good to moderate skin elasticity
• Realistic expectations

What should be considered before a deep plane neck lift?

For a safe and successful operation, certain conditions require special attention. There are important factors that can increase surgical risk or hinder a good outcome. These issues are carefully reviewed during the preoperative evaluation.

• Active smoking or nicotine use (the most significant contraindication)
• Uncontrolled hypertension
• Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus
• Bleeding or coagulation disorders
• Use of certain blood thinners (aspirin, warfarin, etc.)
• Certain herbal supplements (vitamin E, fish oil, ginseng)
• Severe heart or lung disease
• Unrealistic expectations

What is the recovery like after a deep plane neck lift?

The postoperative period is at least as important as the surgery itself, and following instructions is essential for a good result. Recovery is a journey, and knowing what to expect at each stage reduces anxiety.

• First 24–48 hours: drains and a snug dressing are applied.
• First 3 days: swelling and bruising are at their peak.
• First 1–2 weeks: the head should be kept elevated continuously (with two pillows).
• Days 5–7: some or all sutures in front of the ear and under the chin are removed.
• Days 7–14: most bruising resolves; swelling significantly decreases.
• Days 10–14: return to social life or desk work is possible.
• Weeks 3–4: light exercise (such as walking) may begin.
• Months 2–4: residual fine swelling (especially under the chin) resolves.
• Month 6 – Year 1: the period when the final result and contours settle.

What are the risks and complications of a deep plane neck lift?

As with any major surgical procedure, a deep plane neck lift carries some inherent risks. These risks are minimized with appropriate patient selection, meticulous surgical technique, and good postoperative care.

• Hematoma: the most common early postoperative complication. It is a collection of blood under the skin. Risk factors include male patients, uncontrolled hypertension, and use of blood thinners. A large hematoma may require urgent intervention.
• Infection: a rare complication (under 1%). Prophylactic antibiotics reduce the risk.
• Skin loss (necrosis): very rare but serious. It involves compromised blood flow to the skin edges. The greatest risk factor is smoking, which constricts blood vessels.
• Nerve injury: the most feared complication. The facial nerve lies close to the deep plane dissection area. The risk of permanent nerve damage is extremely low (well under 1%). However, temporary weakness (for example, mild asymmetry at the corner of the mouth) can occur due to traction or “stunning” (neuropraxia) of the nerve during surgery. Although slightly more common with deep plane techniques than with superficial methods, it is overwhelmingly temporary and resolves spontaneously over weeks to months as the nerve heals.
• Sensory loss: temporary numbness of the earlobe and cheeks is very common and expected. This sensation returns over months as the nerves regenerate.

How long-lasting are the results of a deep plane neck lift?

One of the major advantages of the deep plane approach is the longevity of its results. Unlike methods that tighten only the skin, this technique produces a much more stable and durable correction by repairing and repositioning the face’s deep structural support layer (the SMAS–platysma complex).

Clinical experience and follow-up show that the aesthetic benefits of deep plane face and neck lifting can last 10 to 15 years—and sometimes even longer. Of course, this surgery does not stop the aging process. But it “turns the clock back” effectively, and after surgery, patients continue to age naturally from a much younger and refreshed starting point. Unlike superficial pull-only procedures, this is a structural repair that does not “fall” over time.