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The DP Facelift Difference Before & After(s) Why Dr. Wasicek? Why Dr. Williams? What is a DP Facelift? Patient Testimonials

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.

Before & After

* Individual results may vary.

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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.

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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 Facelift
  • Deep Plane Neck Lift
  • Blepharoplasty
  • Browlift
  • Rhinoplasty
  • Lip Lift
  • Liposuction
  • Buccal Fat Removal
  • Laser Resurfacing
  • Fat Transfer
  • Ellacor
  • Skin Care Plans
  • Injectables
  • and more

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. 

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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