What is the Weekend Lift?
The Weekend Lift is a selective deep plane procedure designed to correct early structural aging of the lower face and neck.
It is not a skin-tightening treatment or injectable substitute. The procedure repositions deeper facial tissues, refines the neck framework, and restores balance where early descent has begun.
Often described as a “starter facelift,” it is a limited deep plane face and neck restoration for patients who do not yet need a full facelift. The advantage is meaningful structural improvement with a more efficient recovery.
The Weekend Lift Before and After
is this procedure
Right for you?
- Early neck skin laxity
- Softening of the jawline
- Mild fullness beneath the chin
- Early platysma banding
- Subtle facial volume loss
- Improved jawline and neck definition
- Reduced neck laxity and banding
- Subtle restoration without distortion
- Natural movement and contour
- A refreshed, rested appearance
You may be a good candidate if you:
- Are in your 30s to early 60s
- Notice early jawline softening or neck laxity
- Have mild loose skin beneath the chin
- See early platysma banding
- Seeking structural improvement without a full facelift
Final candidacy is determined during consultation based on anatomy, tissue quality, and long-term goals.
Meet Dr. Daniel Gould
Dr. Daniel Gould is a plastic and reconstructive surgeon in Beverly Hills, CA, board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, specializing in deep-plane facelift and neck lift surgery. A physician-scientist with both MD and PhD training, his work combines surgical expertise with research in tissue biology and facial aging, with more than 170 peer-reviewed publications in aesthetic and reconstructive surgery. Patients throughout Los Angeles and beyond seek his expertise for facelift outcomes that restore facial structure and definition without tension or overcorrection.
Board-Certified Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon | Beverly Hills, CA
Explore
Included in This Transformation
Recovery Timeline
Hover over the timeline for details
Days 1 to 3
Week 1
Week 2
Week 4
Week 6
3 Months
6 Months
6 Months
Results are fully settled, maintaining a natural look while subtly resisting signs of aging. Expect stable contours, defined structure, no signs of surgery, and long-lasting, natural rejuvenation.
3 Months
Results are well established and natural, restoring definition without changing identity. Expect a refreshed appearance, defined contours, no visible recovery signs, and still looking like yourself.
Week 6
Most swelling has resolved, with results clearly visible and underlying structure providing support and definition. Expect minimal swelling, defined contours, natural movement, and feeling fully back to normal.
Week 4
Healing continues with increasingly visible, natural-looking results due to deeper structural correction. Expect reduced swelling, smoother contours, more defined features, a relaxed appearance, and full return to daily activities.
Week 2
Patients are often social-ready within one to two weeks, with clear improvement in definition and appearance. Expect mild swelling, natural movement, defined contours, return to normal routines, and a refreshed, natural look.
Week 1
Early healing phase with visible improvement as swelling decreases, supported by structured recovery protocols. Expect improving swelling, minimal bruising, comfortable mobility, returning definition, and looking more like themselves.
Days 1 to 3
Immediate post-op phase focused on healing and monitoring, with an efficient recovery due to deeper structural work. Expect mild to moderate swelling, minimal pain, light activity, compression as needed, and early contour improvements beneath swelling.
6 Months
Results are fully settled, maintaining a natural look while subtly resisting signs of aging. Expect stable contours, defined structure, no signs of surgery, and long-lasting, natural rejuvenation.
3 Months
Results are well established and natural, restoring definition without changing identity. Expect a refreshed appearance, defined contours, no visible recovery signs, and still looking like yourself.
Week 6
Most swelling has resolved, with results clearly visible and underlying structure providing support and definition. Expect minimal swelling, defined contours, natural movement, and feeling fully back to normal.
Week 4
Healing continues with increasingly visible, natural-looking results due to deeper structural correction. Expect reduced swelling, smoother contours, more defined features, a relaxed appearance, and full return to daily activities.
Week 2
Patients are often social-ready within one to two weeks, with clear improvement in definition and appearance. Expect mild swelling, natural movement, defined contours, return to normal routines, and a refreshed, natural look.
Week 1
Early healing phase with visible improvement as swelling decreases, supported by structured recovery protocols. Expect improving swelling, minimal bruising, comfortable mobility, returning definition, and looking more like themselves.
Days 1 to 3
Immediate post-op phase focused on healing and monitoring, with an efficient recovery due to deeper structural work. Expect mild to moderate swelling, minimal pain, light activity, compression as needed, and early contour improvements beneath swelling.
Insight: Weekend Lift
Insight: Weekend Lift
What Is The Weekend Lift?
In this episode, Dr. Daniel Gould explains what is often referred to as a “weekend lift” and how it differs from more advanced facelift techniques. While marketed as a quicker, less invasive option with shorter recovery, this approach typically involves limited lifting of the superficial layers rather than true structural repositioning. Dr. Gould discusses the trade-offs between convenience and longevity, and why procedures that do not address deeper anatomy may produce less comprehensive or shorter-lasting results. This conversation helps clarify common misconceptions and highlights the importance of choosing a technique based on anatomy, not marketing terminology.
Watch YouTube Video(opens in new window)Deep Dive on Crevasse Technique
In this episode, Dr. Daniel Gould takes a deep dive into the Crevasse Technique, an advanced approach to lower face and neck rejuvenation that focuses on structural repositioning rather than surface tightening. By working at the level of the platysma and deep fascial layers, this technique creates a more defined jawline and improved neck contour through precise, three-dimensional correction. Instead of relying on traditional suspension methods, the tissue is repositioned using stable anatomical anchor points, allowing for more natural, durable results. This discussion highlights how modern facelift surgery continues to evolve toward anatomy-driven, tension-free restoration of form and balance.
Watch YouTube Video(opens in new window)Frequently asked questions
Pricing varies based on anatomy, surgical scope, and whether additional procedures are performed. A personalized plan is developed during consultation, and exact pricing is reviewed in detail afterward with the surgical coordinator.
The Weekend Lift is designed for patients with early to moderate facial aging who are beginning to lose jawline definition but are not yet candidates for a full facelift. It is best suited for those seeking subtle structural improvement with less downtime. Candidacy is determined during consultation based on anatomy and long-term goals.
The Weekend Lift applies deep plane principles in a more limited, targeted way. It focuses on the lower face and jawline with less dissection, allowing for a shorter recovery. A full deep plane facelift addresses more advanced aging across the midface, jawline, and neck with a more comprehensive structural correction.
Incisions are placed behind the ear and within the hairline to maintain discretion. Dr. Gould uses tension-minimizing closure techniques and a structured aftercare protocol. When healing proceeds normally, scars are typically difficult to detect.
Most patients are socially presentable within 7 to 14 days. Early improvement is seen within the first week, with continued refinement as swelling resolves over the following weeks. A structured recovery protocol is used to support efficient healing.
Results typically last several years, depending on skin quality, aging patterns, and lifestyle. Because the procedure repositions deeper structures rather than tightening skin alone, outcomes are more durable than non-surgical treatments, while remaining less extensive than a full facelift.
Do you have additional questions?
Speak with our team to explore whether a tailored, The Weekend Lift anatomy-first approach is right for you.

