Plastic surgery in South Africa is having a major moment. Gone are the days when going under the knife was a whispered secret.
These days, talking openly about cosmetic procedures is not only accepted but also encouraged. From the glitzy streets of Sandton to Instagram feeds across Cape Town, more South Africans are embracing facial rejuvenation as an essential part of their lifestyle, not just a hush-hush fix.
Let’s face it: celebrity culture plays a huge role in shaping our beauty aspirations.
Take Kris Jenner, for example. Her “new face” has sparked endless speculation, with many experts pointing to the deep plane facelift as her secret weapon for looking refreshed yet natural.
Closer to home, South Africa’s own Khanyi Mbau is no stranger to the spotlight or to breaking the internet with her ever-evolving look.
But it’s not just for celebrities anymore. Every day, South Africans are seeking out cosmetic surgery to look and feel their best, with searches for “facelift South Africa” and “plastic surgery trends” at an all-time high, according to Google Trends data from 2023.
One major driver is the global weight loss craze, especially the popularity of new medications originally designed for diabetes.
While these drugs have helped many achieve their dream bodies, they’ve also led to the rise of the “weight loss face”, that hollowed, saggy look that can make people appear older than they feel.
Professor Chrysis Sofianos, a leading Gauteng-based plastic surgeon and an expert in deep plane facelifts, explains that, “One of the most common complaints I hear from patients is, ‘I finally have the body I wanted, but my face looks 10 years older.’”
According to the Gauteng plastic surgeon guru, he’s seen a surge in consultations from people who have lost weight rapidly, only to find that their faces have lost volume and firmness.
The deep plane facelift
So, what’s the secret to reversing the “weight loss face” and other signs of ageing?
According to Sofianos, it’s all about going deeper literally. The deep plane facelift isn’t just another beauty trend; it’s being called the gold standard for natural, long-lasting results.
Unlike traditional facelifts, which tighten only the skin, the deep plane facelift repositions the deeper layers of facial tissue. This technique gives a lift where it matters most, restoring youthful contours without the “pulled” or “wind tunnel” look so many people fear.
“This is just one instance where the deep plane facelift truly shines,” says Professor Sofianos. It restores natural facial harmony by lifting and repositioning deep tissues, not just tightening the skin.
“The results are subtle and timeless, people will notice you look fantastic, not that you’ve had work done.”
He also uses the Vertical Restore method, which lifts facial tissues vertically, counteracting the effects of gravity and ageing on the midface, jawline, neck, and brow. The result? A holistic transformation that looks and feels completely natural.
Why more South Africans should be choosing deep-plane facelifts to counter the Ozempic face
Sofianos outlines some key advantages:
- Long-lasting, natural results: By addressing the deeper structures of the face, patients enjoy youthful looks for longer.
- No “plastic” appearance: The face remains expressive, soft, and completely you.
- Comprehensive rejuvenation: From sagging jowls to hollow cheeks and neck laxity, this procedure tackles multiple concerns at once. South African patients are increasingly drawn to these benefits.
According to the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, demand for facelifts in South Africa rose by over 20% in the last two years, with “natural results” and “minimal downtime” being top priorities for clients.
As more people achieve their weight goals, the need for effective facial rejuvenation will only grow. Plastic surgeons like Sofianos are at the forefront of this cultural shift, offering advanced techniques that respect both science and artistry.
“This trend has created both challenges and opportunities for plastic surgeons, and in many ways is reshaping our field in real-time,” he notes.
“We’re at the beginning of a new chapter in aesthetic medicine where sophisticated surgical techniques and personalised aftercare are helping people achieve natural-looking transformations that truly turn back the clock.”
One of the key features of his facelift packages is the inclusion of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT). Within 7–10 days after surgery, HBOT improves oxygen delivery to tissues, speeds up wound healing, reduces bruising and swelling, and significantly speeds up overall recovery.
If you’re considering a facelift or other cosmetic procedure, look for a qualified surgeon who understands the latest techniques and prioritises your unique features.
For those seeking a discreet yet powerful way to restore their youthful glow, the deep plane facelift is quickly becoming the go-to solution delivered with care and expertise by top specialists like Sofianos.
