4 days ago
Kris Jenner's new face and the rise of the deep plane facelift
Kris Jenner is believed to have gotten the deep plane facelift from U.S. surgeon Dr Steven Levine.
This lift restores natural volume to the cheeks, enhances the jawline and can cost up to R275 000.
Local doctors reveal South African cosmetic enhancement trends like fat grafting and platelet-rich plasma therapy.
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Everyone and their mother is talking about Kris Jenner's new face.
The famed momager to the A-list socialite family created a world of buzz when she stepped out in Paris looking like she'd just drunk from the fountain of youth.
Kris' procedure is believed to be a deep plane facelift. Locally, actor Khanyi Mbau's blepharoplasty also sparked a conversation about a major trend: the rise of natural-looking facelifts that don't scream 'surgery'.
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Professor Chrysis Sofianos, one of South Africa's top plastic surgeons and among the few in the country offering this specialised procedure, describes to TRUELOVE the deep plane facelift as 'the gold standard in facial rejuvenation'.
'Unlike traditional facelifts that pull on the skin, this technique repositions the deeper structures beneath the SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) layer. This vertical lift restores natural volume to the cheeks, enhances jawline definition and rejuvenates the neck – without distorting facial expression or creating a 'tight' look.'
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The Kardashian/Jenner clan has been no stranger to cosmetic surgery conversations but it seems as though they're more open and honest about procedures they've done.
People confirmed that Kris underwent cosmetic enhancement from New York City-based plastic surgeon Dr Steven Levine. The youngest of the family, Kylie Jenner, also gave some insight into her breast augmentation surgery, citing Beverley Hills plastic surgeon Dr Garth Fisher as the magician behind her and many of her family's procedures.
This came as a pleasant surprise from the former secretive approach Kylie took to keep her aesthetic enhancements under wraps.
not kylie jenner sharing her breast implant details in tiktok comment 😭
— 2000s (@PopCulture2000s) June 3, 2025
'Surgery is an art form and any surgery can look real or look false. There are many traditional facelifts and blepharoplasties patients who will look natural or like they have not had any plastic surgery done. What is different is that they are done by talented plastic surgeons,' says Johannesburg-based aesthetic doctor Dr Reza Mia.
Curious about what exactly goes in to getting this groundbreaking facial procedure? The experts have got you covered.
Specifics of the deep plane facelift
From pricing in South Africa to recovery time, Professor Chrysis shares some insight into the specifics of the deep plane facelift.
'In South Africa, a deep plane face and neck lift typically costs between R150 000 and R200 000, depending on surgical complexity and hospital setting. When combined with procedures like eyelid surgery, lip lifts or skin resurfacing, a full facial rejuvenation package can cost up to R275 000.
'Recovery is usually smoother than with older techniques. Initial swelling and bruising resolve within 10 to 14 days, with most patients returning to daily activities in two to three weeks. Full recovery takes a few months, with final results revealing a refreshed and natural appearance,' Professor Chrysis explains.
He also highlights that in the recovery phase after surgery, doctors will put together tailored recovery plans for each patient and do non-surgical treatments like Botox, laser resurfacing and derma fillers to maintain results and enhance the look.
Rising cosmetic surgery trends in South Africa
Many local stars have been vocal about their cosmetic procedures, whether the decision was based on a medical need or purely for confidence.
From Boity Thulo's breast reduction and Lalla Hiryama's implant removal to Sithelo Shozi and Gogo Skhotheni's Brazilian butt lifts (BBLs), local surgeons are seeing a definite rise in natural. subtle body and face rejuvenation procedures.
As a growing number of South Africans view cosmetic procedures as an investment in confidence and wellbeing, some medical institutions are now offering structured payment plans to make surgery more accessible.
Professor Chrysis Sofianos
Professor Chrysis reveals that he is seeing these trends in women in their 30s and 50s hoping to keep a youthful and refreshed appearance without looking overdone.
'The deep plane facelift, fat grafting and regenerative treatments like Morpheus8 and PRP (platelet-rich plasma) therapy are all in high demand among this group. These procedures offer refined, long-lasting results and can be tailored to the individual's anatomy and stage of ageing.'
He continues, 'At the same time, we've seen a steady increase in male patients, particularly professionals in their 40s and 50s, seeking subtle enhancements to reduce signs of stress and fatigue while maintaining a masculine appearance.'
Dr Reza echoes Professor Chrysis' findings and explains why PRP therapy is becoming so popular in Mzansi.
'The most exciting innovation we've seen in recent times is the platelets-rich evolution of platelets. It gives us an ability to give patience the universally attractive traits of healthy skin and a full head of hair at the same time we're able to make filler out of the actual blood.
'The patients don't need to rely on artificial hyaluronic acid fillers and its unfortunate side effects and we're able to then make great results, which are also stimulating the skin. It also it gives us something that could never be done before. We are able to inject into the breasts to make them bigger and more voluptuous all with the patient's own blood.'
