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What is a Deep Plane Facelift?

A deep plane facelift is an advanced facial rejuvenation technique that lifts and repositions the deeper structural layers of the face—not just the skin. By releasing key retaining ligaments and elevating the SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) as a unified composite layer with the skin, the face is lifted naturally as a whole, restoring youthful contours to the cheeks, jawline, and neck without creating a tight or “pulled” appearance.

Unlike skin-only techniques, the deep plane facelift approach addresses the true anatomical causes of facial aging—descent of the midface, jowling, and loss of jawline definition—allowing for more natural movement, longer-lasting results, and smoother transitions between the face and neck. The result is not a different face, but a refreshed, more youthful version of you, with improvements that age naturally over time.

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Bay Area Experts in Deep Plane Facelifts

Tri Valley Plastic Surgery is a highly respected Bay Area practice renowned for expertise in deep plane facelifts. Dr. Philip Wasicek, Double Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon, and Dr. Steven Williams, Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon and President Emeritus of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, are leaders in the field of aesthetic surgery with decades of experience. Located in Dublin, California, we serve patients across the Walnut Creek–Dublin corridor who seek elevated care and refined, natural results.

The Deep Plane Difference

Deep plane facelifts more effectively lift and improve the middle third of the face compared to other facelift techniques. This includes lifting and replenishing volume of the cheeks, improving the appearance of nasolabial folds, and lifting sagging tissue around the jawline to address jowling.


In a deep plane facelift, the lift is performed at the structural layer beneath the skin, allowing facial tissues to be repositioned and supported where aging actually occurs. Because the deeper layers carry the tension of the lift, the skin is redraped without being pulled tightly, which is one of the key reasons scars heal so favorably.

When tension is minimized at the skin level, incisions typically heal thinner, softer, and less visible, blending naturally along the hairline and around the ear. This structural approach not only creates more natural facial contours, but also optimizes scar quality—an important advantage of modern deep plane facelift techniques.

About Dr. Wasicek

Dr. Philip Wasicek is a double board-certified plastic surgeon with a dedicated focus specializing in facial aesthetic surgery, with particular expertise in advanced facelift techniques, including the deep plane facelift. His practice emphasizes natural, structurally based facial rejuvenation designed to restore youthful contours while preserving individual identity and facial expression.

Through extensive experience in facial procedures—including facelifts, neck lifts, rhinoplasty, and facial rejuvenation treatments—Dr. Wasicek applies a comprehensive approach that addresses both the underlying facial support structures and the overlying skin quality. This philosophy allows for refined, natural-looking outcomes that age gracefully over time. 

By considering and addressing every component of facial aging, the best results can be achieved. Patients seeking deep plane facelift surgery often choose Dr. Wasicek for his focus on natural results, meticulous surgical technique, and individualized facial analysis, ensuring that each treatment plan is tailored to the patient’s anatomy, goals, and long-term aesthetic vision.

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About Dr. Williams

Dr. Steven Williams is a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon, Past President of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), and founder of Tri Valley Plastic Surgery in Dublin, California. An alumnus of Dartmouth College and Yale School of Medicine, he is a nationally recognized leader whose influence spans clinical excellence, innovation, and advocacy within the specialty.

A pioneer for the greater agendas of plastic surgery with an unwavering commitment to patient safety and ethical standards, Dr. Williams is widely regarded as one of the most influential voices in plastic surgery today. His expertise is frequently sought by national media and industry leaders alike.

Beyond the operating room, Dr. Williams is deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of surgeons and expanding access and opportunity within the field. Patients and colleagues alike recognize him as a surgeon who blends technical mastery with a forward-looking vision for the field.

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Who is a Good Candidate for a Deep Plane Facelift?

A deep plane facelift is ideal for individuals who want meaningful facial rejuvenation while
maintaining a natural, unoperated appearance. The procedure is designed for patients
experiencing structural facial aging, particularly in the midface, jawline, and neck.

You may be a strong candidate if you:

  • Notice jowling or loss of jawline definition
  • Have midface descent or flattening of the cheeks
  • See loose skin or banding in the neck
  • Feel you look tired, heavy, or older than you feel
  • Want long-lasting, natural-looking results rather than temporary treatments
  • Are in good overall health and able to undergo elective surgery

Many patients considering a deep plane facelift have previously tried fillers, skin tightening
treatments, or other non-surgical options but are now seeking a more definitive structural
correction.

During consultation, facial anatomy, skin quality, and individual goals are carefully evaluated to
determine whether a deep plane facelift is the most appropriate approach or whether a
customized combination of procedures will provide the best result.

Personalized Facial Rejuvenation Plans

At Tri Valley Plastic Surgery, our goal is to help you achieve the best possible outcome from your facial surgery. During your consultation, our facial plastic surgeons will design a customized treatment plan that may combine surgical and non-surgical techniques to restore youthful structure and optimize skin quality. We simplify the process, eliminate guesswork, and help you navigate today’s advanced options.

This may include:

Deep Plane / Structural Neck Lift

Dr. Wasicek believes that it is critical for patients who are thinking about undergoing a facelift to understand and consider this additional procedure in order to tailor and optimize their results. Facial aging does not occur in isolation—changes in the neck often accompany descent of the jawline and lower face. For this reason, Dr. Philip Wasicek frequently performs deep plane (structural) neck lifting techniques in conjunction with a deep plane facelift to restore a smooth, youthful transition between the face and neck.

Rather than relying solely on skin tightening, a structural neck lift addresses the underlying muscle support (platysma), deeper soft tissues (subplatysmal fat, digastric muscles, and submandibular glands), and contour of the jawline, allowing the neck to be repositioned with minimal tension on the skin. This approach helps create more natural definition beneath the chin, improves neck banding and laxity, and produces longer-lasting results compared with skin-only methods.

By treating both the face and neck at the structural level, Dr. Philip Wasicek is able to achieve balanced, harmonious rejuvenation, ensuring that improvements in the jawline, lower face, and neck appear seamless and naturally proportioned. 

Deep Plane Facelift Recovery

Recovery after a deep plane facelift is a gradual process, with most patients returning to normal social activities within a few weeks and continuing to see refinement over the following months. Because the lift is performed at the deeper structural layers, the skin is redraped with minimal tension, which often contributes to smoother healing and more natural-looking results.

The First Week

During the first several days, swelling and bruising are expected, particularly around the cheeks, jawline, and neck. Mild tightness, numbness, and a sensation of facial fullness are normal as the tissues begin to heal. Dressings are typically removed early in the recovery period, and patients are encouraged to rest with their head elevated and avoid strenuous activity.

Weeks Two to Three

By the second and third weeks, most visible bruising has resolved and swelling continues to improve. Many patients feel comfortable returning to social activities, work, and light daily routines during this time, although subtle swelling may still be present.

Weeks Four to Eight

Swelling continues to decrease steadily, and facial contours become more refined. Incisions begin to mature and soften, and most normal activities, including exercise, can usually be resumed as directed.

Long-Term Healing

Final results develop gradually over several months as residual swelling resolves and tissues settle into their new position. Incision lines continue to fade over time, typically becoming thin and well concealed along the natural contours of the ear and hairline. 

Throughout the recovery process, careful post-operative guidance, skin care, and sun protection play an important role in optimizing healing and maintaining long-term results.

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Reviews

The results I experienced are subtle and natural, enhancing features in a way that aligned with my original look and structure.

Dr. Wasicek is a highly skilled surgeon (from both a restorative and aesthetic perspective) and incredibly clear in his communication of what can/cannot be expected. His incredibly empathetic and attentive manner is only rivaled by that of the other professionals and staff of Tri Valley.

Dr. Wasicek is truly an artist in the field of reconstructive surgery.

His genuine compassion and dedication to his patients are evident in every step of the process. He approaches his work with a sincere passion that goes far beyond technical skill, blending precision, artistry, and heartfelt care to achieve the best possible outcomes. From the first consultation to follow-up care, it’s clear that he treats each patient as a priority, listening attentively and ensuring every concern is addressed. His results speak for themselves, but what makes Dr. Wasicek truly exceptional is the way he makes his patients feel seen, heard, and cared for. I am deeply grateful for his expertise, artistry, and the love he puts into his work.

Dr. Wasicek and the Tri Valley Surgery team are amazing!

He makes sure to address the target area that you are most concerned about. I had an upper bleph with ptosis that other doctors had turned me away from. I am now four weeks post-op and healing well. I am so glad I chose Dr. Wasicek and the Tri Valley Surgery team! Everyone made the entire process seamless. Dr. Wasicek’s patient care is reflected in his artistry, precision, and practice, and I highly recommend him.

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Deep Plane Facelift FAQ:

What Are the Risks of a Deep Plane Facelift?

At what age should someone consider a deep plane facelift?

How long do deep plane facelift results last?

Will I look pulled or overdone?

When can I return to work and social activities?

Where are the scars located?

Where do you perform the surgery?

What Are the Risks of a Deep Plane Facelift?

A deep plane facelift is a highly effective and well-established procedure when performed by an experienced facial aesthetic surgeon, but like all surgical procedures, it carries potential risks. These may include bleeding, infection, delayed healing, temporary or rarely prolonged nerve weakness, fluid collections, scarring concerns, and asymmetry. Swelling, bruising, tightness, and temporary numbness are expected parts of the normal healing process and gradually improve as recovery progresses.

Careful surgical planning, meticulous technique, and close post-operative follow-up significantly reduce the likelihood of complications. During consultation, individual risk factors—including medical history, medications, skin quality, and healing tendencies—are reviewed to ensure the procedure can be performed as safely as possible.

At what age should someone consider a deep plane facelift?

There is no specific age requirement. Candidates are typically individuals who notice structural facial aging—such as jowling, midface descent, or neck laxity—and want a long-term surgical solution rather than temporary treatments.

How long do deep plane facelift results last?

Deep plane facelifts reposition the deeper structural layers of the face, allowing results to age naturally over time. While the face continues to age, many patients enjoy visible improvement for 10–15 years or longer, depending on skin quality, lifestyle, and maintenance treatments.

Will I look pulled or overdone?

The deep plane technique lifts the face at the structural level rather than tightening the skin, allowing facial movement and expression to remain natural. The goal is a refreshed version of you—not a different face.

When can I return to work and social activities?

Many patients feel comfortable returning to social activities in 2–3 weeks, with continued improvement in swelling and refinement over the following months.

Where are the scars located?

Incisions are typically hidden within the hairline and natural contours around the ear so they remain well concealed once healed.

Where do you perform the surgery?

Both our clinic and Quad-A accredited surgery center are centrally located in Dublin, California, serving patients along the Walnut Creek–Dublin corridor—including Danville, Alamo, and San Ramon—as well as patients who travel to us from beyond the Bay Area.

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We are leaders in cosmetic surgery, facial aesthetics, and medically supervised weight loss, serving the entire San Francisco Bay area. Whether you live in the Bay Area or are coming in from out of town, we’re happy to answer any questions you may have on your path to your new self. Book your cosmetic surgery intro call or Med Spa consultation today and take the first step towards realizing the look you’ve always wanted for yourself.

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