The combination of a deep plane facelift and autologous grafting aims to lift and refill the face for balanced results. This approach repositions underlying tissues beneath the SMAS and adds volume to areas that look hollow. Patients often notice a more natural contour than with a lift alone.
The technique involves harvesting small fat parcels from the body, refining them, and placing them into the cheeks, temples, and under-eye area. Surgeons may use microfat for bulk and nanofat for skin quality to smooth transitions and improve texture. Some reabsorption is normal, so realistic expectations about long-term results are important.
This introduction previews what follows: how the deep plane approach differs from skin-only lifts, why restoring volume matters to overall facial rejuvenation, what the procedure and recovery look like, and which outcomes patients can expect as swelling resolves.
Key Takeaways
- Combining lifting with grafting creates a more complete facial rejuvenation than either method alone.
- The deep plane approach repositions deeper tissues for a natural lift.
- Microfat adds volume; nanofat can improve skin quality.
- Some graft loss occurs; final results depend on technique and healing.
- Next sections cover differences from skin-only lifts, target areas, and recovery milestones.
How a Deep Plane Facelift Rejuvenates the Face Beyond Skin Tightening
Surgeons work beneath superficial layers to move structural tissues back to their youthful positions. This technique addresses the root cause of sagging by mobilizing the support under the skin rather than relying only on surface tension.
What “deep plane” means and how it works beneath the SMAS
The procedure releases and repositions the SMAS and adjacent muscles so underlying tissues sit higher and firmer. By targeting these support layers, the result often looks more natural than skin-only approaches.
Why structural repositioning avoids an over‑pulled look
When only skin is tightened, faces can appear windswept or overly tight. Structural lifting restores contours while preserving normal facial movement and expression.
Primary improvements: cheeks, jawline, and neck
This method typically improves midface projection, reduces jowling, and smooths neck transitions. Patients gain contour and balance without dramatic change to identity.
Questions to ask a facial plastic surgeon: which layers they will move, expected contour changes, and where the lift will create the most impact. For patient reports and related experiences, see this note on cheek position: cheeks too high experience.
| Area | Primary Change | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Midface / Cheeks | Higher projection | Restores youthful fullness and reduces under-eye hollows |
| Jawline / Jowls | Sharper definition | Improves lower-face transitions and profile |
| Neck | Smoother contour | Blends lower face with neck for harmony |
Why Volume Loss Still Shows After Lifting: The Missing Piece in Facial Rejuvenation
Restoring position alone can’t fully mask the volume that aging removes from key facial zones. A lift moves tissues back into place, but visible hollows and sharper folds often remain. These signs point to underlying volume loss rather than misplaced skin.
How aging thins cheek and temple support
Age causes steady reduction and redistribution of soft tissue. This leads to hollow cheeks, sunken temples, and under-eye shadows that lifting does not refill. Such changes create sharper transitions and more prominent lines around the mouth.
Why lifting changes position, not fill
A surgical reposition lifts sagging layers but does not recreate the lost substance that once rounded facial planes. Without added volume, some contours still look hollow even when lifted.
How restoring volume softens folds and balances the face
Targeted replenishment smooths nasolabial and marionette lines and blends transitions for a more natural result. Patients with noticeable deflation, weight-loss history, or temple and tear-trough hollowing often benefit most from combined planning.
- Visual markers that persist: hollow cheeks, under-eye shadows, and deep mouth folds.
- Why it happens: age-related loss and movement of facial fat compartments.
- What helps: subtle volume restoration for balanced contours and refreshed look.
For many, using the patient’s own tissue feels most natural. Learn about facial fat grafting as the next step in balanced rejuvenation planning.
Fat transfer after a deep plane facelift?
Combining structural lifting with subtle grafting restores both contour and soft fullness for a more harmonious face. The lift repositions support; targeted volume rebuilds rounded planes so transitions look smooth and natural.
How grafting complements surgical rejuvenation
This approach pairs tissue repositioning with grafting to refill hollows. Patients gain softer under-eye areas, less hollow temples, and gentler nasolabial folds. Surgeons aim for balanced, natural results rather than dramatic change.
Key benefits patients seek
- Smoother contour transitions.
- Reduced under-eye and temple hollows.
- Softer mouth and cheek folds for a refreshed look.
Survival, integration, and expectations
Fat survival means some transferred cells establish blood supply and become lasting tissue, while others are reabsorbed. Typical integration ranges around 50–70%, so surgeons often modestly overcorrect to predict final results.
| Topic | What to expect | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Integration rate | About 50–70% survival | Guides volume planning and long-term results |
| Technique | Small passes, careful processing | Improves predictability and reduces irregularities |
| Consultation focus | Areas, volume, micro vs. nano options | Sets realistic goals and individualized plan |
For those curious about removal or revision experience, this discussion helps frame what to cover in consultation with a board-certified surgeon.
How Facial Fat Transfer Works Using the Patient’s Own Fat Cells
The workflow is straightforward and surgical teams usually complete it during the same session when appropriate. First, gentle liposuction collects donor tissue from common body zones such as the abdomen, flanks, or thighs. These sites yield enough harvestable material through small incisions with low scarring risk.
Purifying and preparing the graft
Next, the sample is processed to remove excess fluid, oils, and blood. Purification keeps healthier cells and improves graft survival. This step helps the surgeon predict how much lasting volume will remain and shapes the treatment plan.
Precise placement for natural contour
Reinjection uses tiny parcels placed across multiple layers. Surgeons deposit small amounts in the cheeks, temples, tear troughs, and jawline to rebuild shape gradually. The goal is harmony, not simple fullness.
Using the patient’s own tissue reduces allergy risk and usually blends well with native tissues. Surgeons avoid overfilling to protect natural balance and plan volumes based on expected survival rates.
For details about related procedures and planning, see this resource on breast procedures at Revitalize Turkey.
Microfat vs. Nanofat Grafting: Choosing the Right Approach for Results
Microfat and nanofat serve distinct roles: one rebuilds form, the other nurtures the skin’s surface. Choosing the right option shapes expectations and final appearance.
Microfat grafting for structural volume
Microfat means small, structurally supportive parcels placed deeper to restore contour. Surgeons use it in cheeks, temples, and deeper folds where shape matters most.
This approach supports midface projection and softens heavy transitions. It aims for natural-looking results rather than obvious fullness.
Nanofat for skin quality and texture
Nanofat is highly refined and behaves like a regenerative serum rather than a filler. It is placed more superficially to help collagen support, improve texture, and soften fine lines.
Patients notice smoother skin and subtle improvement in crepey areas, not major volume change.
Combining microfat and nanofat for multi-layer rejuvenation
Surgeons often blend both grafting types in one plan. The lift restores structure, microfat rebuilds shape, and nanofat finishes with skin-quality enhancement.
Decision factors include the area treated, degree of volume loss, and skin condition. Patients should ask which method best suits cheeks versus under-eyes and why.
| Graft Type | Main Use | Typical Areas | Expected Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| Microfat | Structural volume | Cheeks, temples, deeper folds | Restored contour, subtle fullness |
| Nanofat | Skin quality | Superficial under-eye, crepey skin, texture | Improved texture, fine-line softening |
| Combined approach | Multi-layer rejuvenation | Midface plus superficial skin zones | Balanced shape and refined skin finish |
Target Areas That Benefit Most from Fat Grafting After a Deep Plane Lift
Surgeons map the face and add small volumes where tissue loss leaves shadows or flat planes. This targeted plan refines contours that resettling tissues alone cannot fully correct.
Midface and cheeks
Restoring cheek fullness supports a smoother transition from lower eyelid to cheek. Subtle volume rebuilds midface balance and improves overall facial volume.
Under-eye hollows
Small, conservative grafts reduce tear-trough shadows that make patients look tired. Careful placement keeps results natural and avoids overcorrection.
Nasolabial folds and marionette lines
Adding support beside these lines softens depth by lifting nearby tissue. The goal is improved lower-face transitions, not erasing every line.
Temples, jawline, chin, and lips
Temple filling rebalances the upper face and stops a pinched look. Enhancement to the jawline and chin sharpens definition for facial harmony. Lips may receive subtle augmentation when proportion and goals align.
Customization matters: the surgeon tailors which areas to treat based on anatomy and patient goals. For details on the surgical lift that pairs with grafting, see the deep plane approach.
Timing, Recovery, and What to Expect as Results Settle Over Time
Choosing when to add volume shapes both short-term healing and final results. Many patients opt for the same operation to combine the lift and graft in one session. This single-session plan means one anesthesia event, coordinated contouring, and a unified recovery schedule.
Single-session vs. staged plans
One-session treatment saves time and lets the surgeon balance repositioning with volume in real time.
Some surgeons recommend staging procedures to assess how tissues settle and to add conservative volume later. Staged care can reduce swelling risk and refine the final look.
Typical healing milestones
Early bruising and swelling are normal. Most visible bruises fade within 2–3 weeks.
Broader recovery spans roughly 4–8 weeks when both lift and grafting are done together. The graft portion alone may take about 30–60 minutes during the session, adding modest procedure time.
How results evolve in the first month
Initial fullness often looks greater from swelling. As tissues calm and some grafted cells reabsorb, the shape refines.
Many patients see noticeable improvement by two weeks and more stable contour and texture by the end of the first month.
Supporting long-term outcomes
To protect results, follow surgeon directions, avoid heavy exertion early, and attend follow-ups. Healthy weight, good nutrition, sun protection, and limiting alcohol help preserve contour and skin health.
| Stage | When | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Early | 0–2 weeks | Swelling, bruising, first visible improvement |
| Intermediate | 2–4 weeks | Reduced bruising, refining contours, return to many activities |
| Stable | 4–8 weeks | More predictable results and clearer long-term appearance |
For personalized planning, patients should discuss timing and goals with an experienced facial plastic surgeon. To learn more or to schedule consultation, visit schedule consultation for next steps and candidacy review.
Conclusion
Restoring both support and substance gives patients a balanced, long-lasting rejuvenation.
The combined plan pairs structural lifting with targeted fat transfer to address contour and skin quality. This approach aims for faces that look lifted, not tight, and fuller, not overdone.
Microfat rebuilds shape while nanofat refines texture. Some grafted volume will reabsorb, so final results appear as swelling settles and surviving cells integrate.
Ideal plans depend on each patient’s anatomy and goals. A consult with an experienced surgeon clarifies candidacy, expected recovery, timeline, and steps to maintain the appearance.
