Dr Stefano Cotrufo is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon in London Harley Street with over 15 years’ experience as a plastic surgery and reconstructive microsurgery specialist.
A deep-plane facelift in London is an advanced facial rejuvenation procedure that addresses the visible signs of skin ageing by lifting all layers of soft tissues, from fat to muscle, and achieve the most discrete scars because “there is never tension on the skin sutures”. Dr. Cotrufo is known for his personalised approach, precision-driven techniques, and beautiful results at his Harley Street clinic. This transformative treatment targets sagging skin, deep wrinkles, and loss of facial volume. Unlike traditional facelift techniques that address only the superficial layers, Dr Cotrufo’s deep-plane approach works beneath the muscle and fat layers to achieve comprehensive, natural-looking results that truly defy the signs of ageing.
With over 15 years of experience in plastic and reconstructive surgery, Dr. Cotrufo is known for his personalised approach and beautiful natural outcomes. Trained in Italy and Spain first, then – since 2015 – in New York by the world master of deep plane facelifts, Dr Andrew Jacono, Dr Cotrufo has mastered this pinnacle technique in facial rejuvenation. Born in Naples to a family of surgeons and trained across Europe and the USA, he brings both technical excellence and compassionate care to every procedure. If you’re looking for expert facelift surgery in London, Dr Stefano Cotrufo could be your perfect solution.
A deep-plane facelift, also known as ‘rhytidectomy’ and ‘rhytoplasty’, is the most advanced and comprehensive approach to facial rejuvenation available today. This transformative procedure extends beyond the superficial layers, targeting deeper facial structures to achieve remarkable, natural-looking results. During a deep-plane facelift in London, Dr Cotrufo carefully lifts and repositions both the muscle and fat layers (the SMAS), rather than simply pulling the skin tight.
This sophisticated technique not only addresses sagging skin and wrinkles but also restores volume and contours for a more youthful appearance. The effects of ageing are often most pronounced on the face, where the impact of sun exposure, gravity, and other stresses can be seen in deep creases and lines around the eyes, nose, and mouth. Folds of fat may appear around your neck as the jawline slackens, creating jowls and an aged appearance.
One of the most impressive improvements achieved thanks to the deep plane approach to facelift surgery is that the incisions are sutured with “no tension” at all. For this reason, the scars are hardly visible within a few months after surgery. Dr Cotrufo ensures that each patient undergoes a tailored experience, achieving remarkable yet natural enhancements that restore a naturally youthful appearance without the “overdone” look that can result from traditional facelift techniques.
Dr Cotrufo performs deep-plane facelifts, placing him at the forefront of innovative plastic surgery procedures in Harley Street, London, and making this technique the pinnacle of facial rejuvenation. Dr Cotrufo learnt this transformative technique in New York from the world master of deep-plane facelifts, Dr Andrew Jacono, who has published the most extensive collection of scientific data in plastic surgery journals. Dr Cotrufo achieved consistently outstanding results in facelift surgery.
“My target when performing facelifting surgery is “to bring people to a place where they have already been 15-20 years ago, not to any new place they might have to adapt to”. For this reason I invite patients to bring over pictures of their youth, when they enjoyed their appearance the most. This is what i call a gracious rejuvenation”.
Patients seeking a facelift in London chose Dr. Cotrufo because of his meticulous attention to detail, comprehensive understanding of facial anatomy, and ability to achieve results that look naturally refreshed rather than artificially “tight.” His calm, honest, and expert approach ensures you feel safe, heard, and truly looked after throughout your entire journey. With impressive surgical training spanning across Italy, London, Glasgow, Brazil, and the USA, Dr Cotrufo is fully registered with the General Medical Council (GMC) and is a fellow of the European Board of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery (EBOPRAS).
The deep-plane facelift technique stands as the benchmark for facial rejuvenation surgery. By working at a deeper anatomical level, Dr Cotrufo can achieve more dramatic and longer-lasting results while maintaining a completely natural appearance. Traditional facelift techniques often address only the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS), but the deep-plane approach allows comprehensive repositioning of facial tissues to a more youthful position.
Dr Cotrufo has meticulously perfected his deep-plane facelift technique after training with the world’s leading authorities in advanced facelift surgery. This extensive training ensures he brings you a combination of the best techniques, cutting-edge safety protocols, and artistic vision to every procedure. The deep plane method also allows for better blood supply to the lifted tissues, promoting faster healing and reducing the risk of complications.
Several cosmetic procedures complement a facelift to provide comprehensive facial rejuvenation. These can include Botox to reduce movement-related wrinkles, dermal fillers to add volume, Profhilo to improve skin quality, thread lifts for slight to moderate lifting, or non-surgical options that focus on specific areas. Dr Cotrufo will be able to advise which procedure or procedures will best allow you to target particular areas and achieve your aesthetic goals.
Whether you choose a single procedure or a combination, feeling relaxed and comfortable about your facelift surgery starts with positive communication between you and your surgeon. This relationship begins with your consultation, during which Dr. Cotrufo will listen carefully to your concerns, assess your facial structure, and develop a personal treatment plan tailored specifically to your needs and desired
A deep-plane facelift in London is an advanced surgical procedure that addresses the visible signs of facial ageing by lifting and repositioning deeper facial structures “where they belong”. Dr Stefano Cotrufo uses sophisticated techniques to lift the muscle and fat layers beneath the skin, creating natural-looking rejuvenation that restores youthful contours without the “pulled” appearance of traditional face lifts.
Dr Cotrufo trained in New York with Dr Andrew Jacono, the world’s leading authority on deep-plane facelift surgery. Dr Cotrufo is specialise in Plastic Surgery but most of his scientific work (clinical and experimental) is published on facial plastic surgery. Dr Cotrufo worked as maxillofacial consultant at the University College Hospital of London for several years. With over 15 years of experience, comprehensive training across Europe and the USA, and registration with the GMC and EBOPRAS, Dr Cotrufo brings unparalleled expertise to every procedure. His patients describe him as calm, attentive, and naturally gifted, with an ability to achieve beautifully natural results.
You might be asked to stay in the clinic for 1 night after your facelift surgery, during which time you may have a drip fitted to your arm to help keep you hydrated. It’s also common to use small drainage tubes to draw fluid away from the surgical site. When you are ready to leave, we recommend that a friend or relative drive you home and assist you with your facelift recovery during the first few days.
You may be a suitable candidate if you have moderate to significant facial sagging, deep wrinkles or creases, loss of jawline definition, jowls, or sagging in the midface and lower face. Ideal candidates are in good overall health, have realistic expectations, and are seeking long-lasting facial rejuvenation. Dr Cotrufo will assess your facial structure during a consultation and recommend the best approach for your goals.
A deep plane facelift in London can restore youthful facial contours, eliminate jowls and sagging, smooth deep wrinkles and folds, redefine the jawline, lift sagging cheeks, and create a naturally refreshed appearance. The results are comprehensive and long-lasting, typically enduring 10–15 years. Dr Cotrufo’s technique ensures results look natural, not “overdone”.
During your consultation, Dr Cotrufo will listen carefully to your concerns and aesthetic goals, examine your facial structure and skin quality, discuss the deep-plane facelift technique and what it can achieve for you, review your medical history, explain the procedure timeline and recovery process, and answer all your questions. This is your opportunity to ensure you feel completely comfortable and informed before proceeding. The consultation process is based on at least two meetings before proceeding with surgery: this is to ensure that all questions are answered before meeting in the hospital.
A deep-plane facelift in London typically takes 4-5 hours, depending on the extent of correction needed and whether it’s combined with other procedures, such as a neck lift, brow lift, or eyelid surgery. All procedures are performed by Dr Cotrufo personally or under his direct supervision, ensuring the highest standards of care and safety.
Most patients stay in the clinic for 1 night following surgery. Swelling and bruising are normal and peak around days 2-3, then gradually subside over 2-3 weeks. Most patients return to work and social activities within 2–3 weeks. Dr Cotrufo provides detailed aftercare instructions and regular follow-ups, with phone access for any post-op concerns. His support continues throughout your recovery journey.
You’ll notice an immediate improvement in facial contours, though initial swelling will mask some results. Swelling begins to reduce significantly after 2 weeks, and the most visible swelling resolves within 4-6 weeks. Final results are typically apparent within 3-6 months as all tissues settle. The results of a deep-plane facelift are long-lasting, with most patients enjoying their rejuvenated appearance for 10-15 years.
Dr. Cotrufo also provides non-surgical ways to refresh your face, such as Botox for wrinkles, dermal fillers to add volume, Profhilo to improve skin quality, VASER liposuction for moderate lifting, and customised combination treatments. During your consultation, Dr Cotrufo will discuss all options and recommend the approach best suited to achieving your goals.
Yes. When performed by an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr Cotrufo, facelift surgery is safe. Dr Cotrufo follows the highest safety standards and is registered with the GMC, EBOPRAS, CAPSCO, BAHNO, and SICPRE. The deep plane technique also promotes better blood supply to tissues, reducing the risk of complications. Choosing an experienced facelift surgeon in London, like Dr Cotrufo, ensures both your safety and beautiful, natural results.
Dr Cotrufo was top of his class in medical school and trained across some of the world’s most renowned surgical units in Italy, London, Glasgow, Brazil, and New York. He learnt the deep-plane facelift technique directly from Dr Andrew Jacono, who has published the most extensive research on this advanced method. Dr Cotrufo is a published researcher and speaker at surgical conferences and dedicates time to performing charitable surgery for children in Africa. His blend of technical mastery, emotional intelligence, and human compassion has earned him a reputation for trust and excellence among patients seeking facelift surgery in London.

The cost of a deep plane facelift depends on the complexity of your procedure, the extent of correction needed, and any combined procedures such as neck lifts or eyelid surgery. Dr Cotrufo will provide a detailed, transparent quote by the end of your consultation. All pricing “includes” comprehensive aftercare, follow-up appointments, and Dr Cotrufo’s personal attention throughout your journey.
Yes: depending on the individual facial features your facial plastic surgery can combine several approaches including:
With proper skincare and a healthy lifestyle, the results of a deep plane facelift are long-lasting. Most patients enjoy a rejuvenated appearance for 10–15 years. While the natural ageing process continues, you will always look younger than you would have without the procedure. The deep plane technique provides more durable results than traditional facelift methods because it addresses deeper facial structures.
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© 2025 Dr Stefano Cotrufo | All rights reserved
© 2025 Dr Stefano Cotrufo | All rights reserved