The Deep Plane approach transformed facial surgery by repositioning the face's deeper structures, rather than treating the skin alone.
Developed by Dr. Marcelo Olivan, the Microlift preserves these principles through his own approach to the Deep Plane technique, with surgical planning aimed at minimizing incisions.
With a PhD in Plastic Surgery from the University of São Paulo, board certification from the Sociedade Brasileira de Cirurgia Plástica and ISAPS (International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery), and over two decades of experience, Dr. Olivan has dedicated his practice to facial surgery.
His background combines research, medical training, and experience in complex reconstructions — a foundation that shaped the development of his own approach to the Deep Plane technique: the Microlift.
Every surgery is planned individually, with attention to anatomy, scar discretion, and the preservation of each patient's features.
View Full CV ↗For many years, facelifts were associated with the fear of a "pulled" appearance. That perception emerged at a time when many techniques focused mainly on the skin.
As facial surgery evolved, the Deep Plane technique began repositioning the face's deeper structures, respecting its anatomy and reducing the need for excessive tension on the skin.
Developed by Dr. Marcelo Olivan, the Microlift preserves these principles through his own approach to the Deep Plane technique, with surgical planning aimed at minimizing incisions.
Each case shows the surgical planning, the recovery process, and the results achieved.





The surgical indication is individualized and may involve different areas of the face, depending on each patient's features, concerns, and goals.

Indicated for the temporal and midface regions, repositioning the upper face's deeper tissues. The goal is to restore support to the cheeks and soften the nasolabial fold. Incisions are discreetly placed within the hairline.

Indicated for loss of jawline definition and sagging in the lower face and/or neck. Incisions are placed starting at the earlobe and run discreetly behind the ear.

Treats excess skin on the upper eyelids and fat pockets or sagging on the lower eyelids, aiming to refresh the eyes without altering their expression.

Repositions the tail of the eyebrow through incisions placed within the hairline, aiming to lift and open the eyes. Can be performed alone or combined with the Microlift or Blepharoplasty.

Combines, in a single surgical plan, the repositioning of the upper and lower face's deeper tissues with structural treatment of the neck.
With an exclusive focus on facial surgery, Instituto Olivan brings together the infrastructure, team, and protocols built specifically for this field.
This dedication allows for the continuous refinement of surgical techniques and the development of original approaches, such as the Microlift.
View Treatments →No. In the Microlift, "micro" refers to the planning of access points and incisions — not to the depth of the surgery.
The technique works at the Deep Plane, repositioning the face's deeper tissues according to each patient's needs.
Access points vary depending on the areas treated.
In the upper face, incisions are placed within the hairline. For the lower face and neck, they begin at the earlobe and run discreetly behind it, avoiding the traditional incision in front of the ear.
When needed, neck treatment may also include a small incision beneath the chin.
Recovery varies depending on the areas treated and each patient's individual characteristics.
In general, the initial recovery period takes place in the first 7 to 10 days. After about 15 days, most of the swelling has typically subsided.
Tissues continue to settle gradually, and the final result is usually assessed after approximately three months.
Most procedures can be performed at Instituto Olivan's own surgical center, under local anesthesia with sedation, with same-day discharge.
Depending on the indication, clinical condition, combination with other procedures, or patient preference, surgery may also be performed at a hospital.
Initial planning can be done remotely, allowing the evaluation, surgery, and follow-up care to be organized before your trip.
For patients coming from another city or country, we generally recommend a stay of 4 to 7 days in São Paulo for initial post-operative follow-up, with continued support after you return home.
For patients coming from abroad, care begins before the trip. Planning can be done remotely, with bilingual support to organize your evaluation, surgery, accommodations, transportation, and initial post-operative follow-up.
Depending on the individual plan, this journey may include private airport transfer, surgery at Instituto Olivan's private surgical center, in-hotel nursing support, prescribed medications, photobiomodulation sessions, and facial lymphatic drainage.
For patients returning on international flights, we generally recommend a stay of approximately seven days in São Paulo. Medical clearance to travel is determined by the care team based on the procedure performed in each case.
Every case is evaluated individually. A consultation with Dr. Marcelo is the way to understand whether surgery is indicated, and what it would involve.
Our Virtual Concierge can answer questions about the Microlift, recovery, scarring, pricing, and care for patients from other cities or countries.
She can also walk you through the available consultation formats and start the booking process in just a few steps.