✨ ezGEL Special: Liquid Gold ✨
Book Now

A Sleek, Sculpted Jawline

A well-defined jawline and neck have a profound impact on beauty, helping to frame and highlight the face. While traditional neck lift techniques primarily address the upper layers of tissue, a deep plane neck lift works at a more advanced level—refining the underlying muscles, reducing deeper fat, and even contouring select glands to create a more sculpted, youthful neckline. By addressing more than just loose skin, this advanced technique can benefit patients across a range of ages who are bothered by loss of jawline definition or fullness beneath the chin, and are seeking results that are both dramatic and elegantly natural.

Before & After Bay Area Experts Procedure Recovery FAQ

Deep Plane Neck Lift Before & After

View Gallery

Bay Area Experts in Deep Plane Neck Lifts

Tri Valley Plastic Surgery  is a highly respected Bay Area practice renowned for expertise in deep plane techniques. 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—including Danville, Alamo, and San Ramon—who seek elevated care and refined, natural results.

What is a Deep Plane / Structural Neck Lift?

Loose skin, excess subcutaneous fat, and weak and/or separated platysma muscle are some of the problems addressed in a traditional neck lift; however, for many patients this is not the full story. In order to get maximal improvement and best results in neck contour, deeper structures frequently need to be addressed.

A deep plane neck lift reshapes and corrects the fullness in the neck potentially caused by 1) sub-platysmal fat; 2) anterior belly of the digastric muscle; and 3) submandibular gland. A deep plane (structural) neck lift corrects the underlying anatomy and serves as a powerful foundation for long-term facial balance and harmony.

The deeper issues addressed by a deep plane neck lift frequently occur with the effects of aging, but in some cases it is genetic or structural. Some patients have never had a defined chin or jawline. Patients even as early as in their 20s and 30s can be affected by the fullness of these deeper structures in their neck, and are good candidates.

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.

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.

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 deep plane neck lifts and advanced neck and jawline contouring techniques. 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 neck lift 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.

Doctor credentials
Doctor credentials
Doctor credentials
Doctor credentials
Doctor credentials
Doctor credentials

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. 

Doctor credentials
Doctor credentials
Doctor credentials
Doctor credentials
Doctor credentials
Doctor credentials

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 Neck Lift Recovery

Recovery after a deep plane structural neck lift is progressive, not instantaneous. While many patients feel comfortable being seen socially within a few weeks, refinement continues for several months as swelling resolves and tissues settle into their new position.

Week 1: Early Healing Phase

  • Swelling, tightness, and bruising are expected
  • A feeling of firmness or fullness under the chin is common
  • Light walking is encouraged, but strenuous activity is restricted
  • Most patients rest at home and focus on recovery

You may not feel “camera ready” yet, but this phase is temporary and expected.

Weeks 2–3: Social Recovery

  • Bruising significantly improves
  • Swelling begins to decrease
  • Most patients feel comfortable returning to work and social activities
  • Neck contours start to emerge, though refinement continues

This is when many patients feel they look “like themselves again”—just refreshed.

Weeks 4–6: Continued Refinement

  • Residual swelling continues to soften
  • Neck definition becomes more noticeable
  • Light exercise is gradually resumed as cleared by your surgeon

At this stage, results appear natural and balanced, not tight or overcorrected.

3–6 Months: Final Contour

  • Subtle swelling fully resolves
  • Tissues settle into their long-term position
  • The neck and jawline achieve their final shape

This is when patients see the true outcome of a structural neck lift—smooth, defined, and
proportionate.

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.

My recent experience with Dr. Wasicek has been nothing short of amazing.

He is so talented, and his attention to balance and symmetry is just incredible! He always took the time to answer all of my questions, and his follow up care was exceptional. The Med Spa is fantastic! I have had nothing but excellent results there. Between the wonderful staff and the modern, beautiful decor, I can honestly say that this is my ‘happy place’.

Reviews media

Deep Plane Neck Lift FAQ:

How long do the results of a deep plane neck lift last?

I have had a prior neck lift or liposuction but am unhappy and want additional improvement in the contour and definition of my neck. Will a deep plane neck lift help?

Will my scars be visible?

How is this different from a traditional neck lift?

When will I see my final result?

Why choose a surgeon experienced in deep plane neck techniques?

Where do you perform the surgery?

How long do the results of a deep plane neck lift last?

While the longevity of results varies based on genetics, lifestyle, skin quality and skincare (including sun protection), deep plane neck lift results are typically very durable. In most patients, the area beneath the chin does not require deep structural reshaping again.

I have had a prior neck lift or liposuction but am unhappy and want additional improvement in the contour and definition of my neck. Will a deep plane neck lift help?

In many cases a deep plane neck lift may be the only/best option to achieve significant improvement in the neck.

Will my scars be visible?

If skin is not removed or addressed, only an incision (short scar) underneath your chin is necessary. This is well hidden and generally not visible. If you have excess skin that needs to be addressed, incisions near your ears may be necessary. These scars are hidden around your ear and generally heal exceptionally well.

How is this different from a traditional neck lift?

Traditional neck lifts primarily tighten skin, remove subcutaneous fat, and may rely on superficial muscle plication. These maneuvers are frequently also performed in a deep plane neck lift.

A deep plane neck lift also addresses multiple structures that are deep to the platysma muscle including the subplatysmal fat, anterior belly of the digastric muscle, and the submandibular glands. By reducing the volume of these structures, dramatic improvements can be obtained in neck contour.

When will I see my final result?

Initial improvements are visible within weeks, but swelling can take several months to fully resolve. The final contour and definition typically continue to improve over time.

Patience is key to appreciating the full benefit of a structural neck lift.

Why choose a surgeon experienced in deep plane neck techniques?

The deep plane structural neck lift is technically demanding and requires a detailed understanding of facial anatomy. Experience with advanced facial techniques is essential to achieve safe, natural, and durable results.

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.

Great ResultsMinimal Downtime

Book Now

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.

Contact us media
Accessibility: If you are vision-impaired or have some other impairment covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act or a similar law, and you wish to discuss potential accommodations related to using this website, please contact our Accessibility Manager at (925) 217-8953.
Book Now Contact Us