The Weekend Lift

The Weekend Lift

Early Structural Restoration of the Lower Face

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.

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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.

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Dr. Daniel Gould portrait – board-certified plastic surgeon in professional setting

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

Face Lift - Advanced Facial Rejuvenation for a Lifted, Youthful Appearance

Deep Plane Facelift

Restoring Facial Architecture Through Structural Precision

Learn more
Direct Neck Lift - Targeted Neck Rejuvenation for a Defined Jawline and Smoother Neck Contour

Direct Neck Lift

Structural Restoration for Jawline Definition

Learn more
Fat transfer – smooth abdominal contour with natural volume and skin quality enhancement

Fat Transfer

Restoring Volume and Contour Using Your Own Tissue

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CO2 laser skin resurfacing – smoother skin tone and refined facial texture close-up portrait

CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing

Precision Skin Resurfacing for Structural Renewal

Learn more
RF microneedling with Morpheus – improved skin firmness and texture close-up side profile

RF Microneedling with Morpheus8

Deep Collagen Remodeling for Structural Skin Renewal

Learn more

Recovery Timeline

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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

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)
What Is The Weekend Lift?

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.

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Deep Dive on Crevasse Technique

Journal Article

Deep Plane Neck Lift Anatomy (ASJ 2024)

Deep Plane Neck Lift Anatomy (ASJ 2024)

Journal Article

Smasectomy Facelift Complications Study (PRS GO 2023)

Smasectomy Facelift Complications Study (PRS GO 2023)
Weekend lift procedure – refreshed facial appearance with smoother skin close-up portrait

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.