Choose a deep plane facelift surgeon who is on the GMC Specialist Register in Plastic Surgery, holds the FRCS (Plast) qualification, belongs to BAAPS or BAPRAS, operates in a CQC-registered hospital, and performs facial surgery regularly. Beyond credentials, look for an unhurried consultation, honest discussion of risks and limitations, and personal aftercare from the operating surgeon.
Why surgeon choice matters for a deep plane lift
The deep plane facelift involves dissection beneath the SMAS layer, close to the branches of the facial nerve that control expression. Safe, natural results depend on a detailed understanding of facial anatomy, careful judgement of how much to lift and in which direction, and experience in managing the face and neck together. It is a procedure where training and regular practice matter more than marketing.
Credentials to check
- GMC Specialist Register: in the UK any doctor can legally perform cosmetic surgery. Check the GMC online register to confirm the surgeon is listed as a specialist in Plastic Surgery.
- FRCS (Plast): the intercollegiate specialty qualification gained at the end of UK plastic surgery training.
- BAAPS or BAPRAS: membership of the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons or the British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons signals commitment to standards and audit.
- CQC-registered hospital: surgery should take place in a hospital regulated by the Care Quality Commission, with overnight nursing care and a consultant anaesthetist.
What a good consultation looks like
You should meet the surgeon, not only a coordinator. Expect a full medical history, a careful examination of the face, jawline and neck, photographs and a clear explanation of why a deep plane lift is, or is not, the right option for you. The surgeon should discuss scars, recovery, risks and alternatives such as a mini facelift or neck lift, and give you a written quote. You should never feel rushed, and a second consultation before booking is good practice.
Looking at results
Reviewing a surgeon’s own before-and-after photographs, shared with patient consent, can help you judge whether their style suits you. Look for natural jawlines and necks, well-hidden scars and earlobes that sit normally. Remember that published examples illustrate outcomes for other people and are not a prediction of your own result. Reviews can be useful but should be read alongside credentials.
Red flags to avoid
- Pressure selling: discounts for booking quickly, deposits taken on the day or time-limited offers.
- Cheap packages abroad: low prices often exclude proper aftercare; flying early increases clot risk and complications may have to be managed elsewhere.
- No aftercare plan: unclear follow-up, no out-of-hours contact or reviews by someone other than the surgeon.
- Unclear credentials: vague titles or reluctance to share registration and qualifications.
- Unrealistic promises: claims of quick, painless recovery or results that never fade.
About Mr Nassab
Mr Reza Nassab is a Consultant Plastic Surgeon on the GMC Specialist Register (GMC 4704243) with the FRCS (Plast) qualification. He is a BAAPS Council member and Chair of the ISAPS Social Media Working Group. He consults in Manchester, Knutsford and London, performs surgery in CQC-registered hospitals and sees patients personally throughout their recovery.
Next steps
Prepare a list of questions, using the questions to ask guide, and bring details of your medical history and any previous facial treatments. A deep plane face and neck lift with Mr Nassab costs from £18,500 with the £150 consultation separate. When comparing surgeons, compare what is included in each quote rather than the headline figure alone, and make sure you understand who will carry out your follow-up and how to reach the team out of hours. Cosmetic surgery is for adults aged 18 and over.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can a surgeon’s registration be checked?
Search the surgeon’s name on the GMC online register and confirm they are on the Specialist Register for Plastic Surgery.
Is FRCS (Plast) important?
It shows the surgeon has completed specialist training and assessment in plastic surgery in the UK.
Do all cosmetic surgeons have plastic surgery training?
No. In the UK, cosmetic surgery is not restricted to plastic surgeons, which is why checking registration matters.
Should the surgeon see patients after surgery personally?
Yes. Ideally the operating surgeon should review you at follow-up and be contactable if concerns arise.
How many surgeons should be consulted?
There is no fixed number, but many people find it helpful to see more than one surgeon before deciding. Compare the quality of the assessment and explanation, not just the price.
Is surgery abroad a false economy?
It can be. Aftercare, travel risks and the cost of treating complications at home can outweigh the initial saving.
