What Is a Deep Plane Facelift?
A deep plane facelift repositions the SMAS and deeper facial support structures as a single unit rather than tightening skin alone.
Traditional facelifts rely heavily on skin tension. While improvement can be visible, tension becomes the mechanism of lift and it does not age well.
In a deep plane approach, the skin and SMAS are elevated as a single unit, retaining ligaments are released, and the tissue is repositioned to its anatomically appropriate position. When structure is restored properly, the skin redrapes without strain, preserving natural movement and avoiding an over-tightened appearance.
is this procedure
Right for you?
The neck often determines whether a facelift appears refined or incomplete.
As part of Dr. Gould's approach, he uses the Crevasse Technique to refine the neck and jawline by addressing posterior neck contour and structural depth. This method releases deep tension and restores support to improve jawline definition, sharpen the cervicomental angle, and create balanced neck contours.
The goal is structural neck restoration based on anatomy, not simply tightening the platysma.
In many patients, fullness under the jawline is not simply skin or fat. It is driven by deeper structures, most notably the submandibular gland.
Dr. Gould’s approach includes direct evaluation of the deep neck. When indicated, he will contour or partially excise the gland while addressing the underlying muscle and deep fat compartments under direct visualization.
This level of treatment is not routinely performed, but it is often what separates an improved result from a complete one.
- Facial sagging and midface descent
- Jowls and loss of jawline definition
- Deep nasolabial folds
- Neck laxity or “turkey neck”
- Downward migration of facial volume
- In good overall health
- Non-smoker or nicotine-free
- Facial or neck sagging not correctable non-surgically
- Seeking durable, structurally grounded results
- Medically cleared after detailed evaluation
- Sharper, more defined jawline
- Restored facial contours
- Smoother face-to-neck transition
- Structural restoration without tension
- A more youthful, rejuvenated appearance
Meet Dr. Daniel Gould
Board-Certified Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon | Beverly Hills, CA
Recovery Timeline
Hover over the timeline for details
Day 1 -3
Week 1
Week 2
Week 4
Week 6
3 Months
6 Months
6 Months
Results are now settled and natural, with continued subtle improvements as healing progresses. Expect a stable appearance, refined contour, no visible recovery signs, and feeling comfortable and confident.
3 Months
Final healing phase where results look fully natural and integrated, with most recovery complete and ready for major events. Expect a refreshed appearance, minimal swelling, well-hidden scars, and feeling fully recovered.
Week 6
Advanced recovery stage with most swelling resolved and results clearly visible, ready for travel or events. Expect minimal swelling, refined contour, natural appearance, and full return to normal routines.
Week 4
Healing continues with most normal activities resumed, and results becoming more visible though still refining. Expect improving swelling, well-concealed incisions, natural movement returning, and normal day-to-day function.
Week 2
Recovery is progressing well, with improved swelling and a return to normal activities like work and light exercise. Expect mild swelling, minimal bruising, increased social activity, and feeling more comfortable and confident.
Week 1
Early healing phase with lower complication risk, focused on follow-ups to assess swelling, skin healing, and stitch removal. Expect some swelling and bruising, healing incisions, reduced compression, and increased movement while recovering at home.
Day 1 -3
Immediate post-op phase focused on safety and monitoring for complications, with close supervision for early intervention. Expect swelling, tightness, mild discomfort, compression garments, limited movement, and elevated rest while healing.
6 Months
Results are now settled and natural, with continued subtle improvements as healing progresses. Expect a stable appearance, refined contour, no visible recovery signs, and feeling comfortable and confident.
3 Months
Final healing phase where results look fully natural and integrated, with most recovery complete and ready for major events. Expect a refreshed appearance, minimal swelling, well-hidden scars, and feeling fully recovered.
Week 6
Advanced recovery stage with most swelling resolved and results clearly visible, ready for travel or events. Expect minimal swelling, refined contour, natural appearance, and full return to normal routines.
Week 4
Healing continues with most normal activities resumed, and results becoming more visible though still refining. Expect improving swelling, well-concealed incisions, natural movement returning, and normal day-to-day function.
Week 2
Recovery is progressing well, with improved swelling and a return to normal activities like work and light exercise. Expect mild swelling, minimal bruising, increased social activity, and feeling more comfortable and confident.
Week 1
Early healing phase with lower complication risk, focused on follow-ups to assess swelling, skin healing, and stitch removal. Expect some swelling and bruising, healing incisions, reduced compression, and increased movement while recovering at home.
Day 1 -3
Immediate post-op phase focused on safety and monitoring for complications, with close supervision for early intervention. Expect swelling, tightness, mild discomfort, compression garments, limited movement, and elevated rest while healing.
Insight: Facelift
Insight: Facelift
Modern Facelift Science Explained
In this in-depth discussion, Dr. Daniel Gould explores why modern facelift surgery cannot be reduced to a single “perfect” technique or angle. Drawing from research published in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal, he explains how true facial rejuvenation depends on individualized anatomy, tissue behavior, and real-time surgical feedback. By addressing asymmetry, layer-specific movement, and the unique structure of each face, the deep plane approach allows for precise, tension-free correction that restores natural position without distortion. This episode offers a data-driven perspective on why the most effective facelifts are not standardized, but thoughtfully customized to each patient.
Listen to Podcast(opens in new window)Bioengineering the Facelift: Structure, Regeneration, and the Next Era of Plastic Surgery
In this episode, Dr. Daniel Gould explores the evolution of facelift surgery through the lens of structural anatomy and regenerative science. Rather than focusing on skin tightening, modern facial rejuvenation is centered on restoring underlying architecture using deep plane techniques, ligament-based repositioning, and advanced fat grafting. He explains how approaches like nanofat, structural fat transfer, and emerging regenerative therapies contribute to more natural, longer-lasting outcomes. This discussion highlights a shift toward precision, preservation, and biologic optimization, offering insight into how bioengineering principles are shaping the future of aesthetic surgery.
Listen to Podcast(opens in new window)In the Media
Deep Plane Facelift Transformation: Dr. Daniel Gould Featured in The Daily Beast
Testimonials
What are patients saying
Fixed nearly issue I’ve had
Brian N.
Not enough stars for this review
Nune K.
Younger, but still completely yourself.
Leah G.
No scarring
Dawn W.
The recovery was beyond my expectations.
Claire M.
Barely visible incisions
Roya A.
Made me look 20 years younger
Mercedes A.
Natural Looking Results
Amadea B.
Attention to Detail
Nune K.
Beyond happy with results
Paulette M.
Meets the Gold Standard
Dee S.
Took 10 years off my life
Joani S.
Fixed nearly issue I’ve had
Brian N.
Not enough stars for this review
Nune K.
Younger, but still completely yourself.
Leah G.
No scarring
Dawn W.
The recovery was beyond my expectations.
Claire M.
Barely visible incisions
Roya A.
Made me look 20 years younger
Mercedes A.
Natural Looking Results
Amadea B.
Attention to Detail
Nune K.
Beyond happy with results
Paulette M.
Meets the Gold Standard
Dee S.
Took 10 years off my life
Joani S.
Frequently asked questions
Traditional facelifts rely primarily on skin tension. A deep plane facelift works by releasing the retaining ligaments and repositioning the SMAS and deeper support structures as one unit. This restores the anatomy rather than simply tightening the skin, helping avoid a pulled or over-tightened appearance.
Ideal candidates are in good overall health, nicotine-free, have facial or neck laxity that can no longer be corrected with nonsurgical treatments, and are looking for long-lasting, anatomy-based results. Final candidacy is determined after a comprehensive consultation and medical evaluation.
The procedure addresses midface descent, jowls, loss of jawline definition, deep nasolabial folds, neck laxity, and the downward migration of facial volume that occurs with aging.
Most patients plan for 10 to 14 days of social downtime. Swelling and bruising improve steadily over the following weeks. Most patients look very natural by about 3 months, with continued refinement through approximately 6 months.
Pricing is customized based on your anatomy, surgical plan, and whether additional procedures are recommended. Exact pricing is provided after your consultation.
As with any operation, risks include bleeding, infection, delayed healing, temporary changes in sensation or facial nerve function, and fluid collections. Permanent nerve injury is uncommon. Your individual anatomy and risk profile are reviewed in detail during consultation.
A well-defined neck and jawline are essential to a natural facelift result. Dr. Gould uses the Crevasse Technique to release deep areas of tethering and restore structural support beneath the jawline. When indicated, he also performs deep neck contouring under direct visualization, including treatment of the deep fat, anterior digastric muscles, and when appropriate, the submandibular glands. The goal is a sharper jawline and a more defined cervicomental angle.
There is no ideal age. The decision is based on your anatomy and the degree of facial aging rather than a specific number. Some patients benefit from surgery in their 40s, while others may not need treatment until much later.
Not once significant facial descent has occurred. Injectable treatments can restore volume and improve skin quality, but they cannot reposition the deeper facial support structures. When tissue laxity becomes more advanced, surgery is often the most effective way to restore facial anatomy.
Yes. By restoring the deeper structures and allowing the skin to redrape without tension, the result preserves natural facial movement and expression while avoiding an over-tightened appearance.
Incisions are carefully placed around the ear and within the hairline to remain as discreet as possible. Because the lift is supported by the deeper tissues rather than the skin, tension on the incision is minimized. When healing proceeds normally, scars are typically difficult to detect.
Do you have additional questions?
Speak with our team to explore whether a tailored, Deep Plane Facelift anatomy-first approach is right for you.