Deep Plane Facelift in Los Angeles, Orange County, and San Francisco
A deep plane facelift is an advanced facial rejuvenation surgery that lifts the face by releasing and repositioning the deeper SMAS layer and retaining ligaments as a single unit, rather than tightening skin alone. Because the deeper structures are freed before they are lifted, the result looks natural and unpulled and typically lasts 10 to 15 years. At Wave Plastic Surgery, the procedure is performed by board-certified surgeons led by founder Dr. Peter Lee, MD, FACS, across Los Angeles, Orange County, and San Francisco.
What it is: A deep plane facelift repositions deep facial tissue and ligaments — not just skin — for natural, long-lasting rejuvenation.
Who it suits: Healthy adults, generally 40s to 70s, with moderate to advanced sagging in the midface, jawline, and neck.
How long it lasts: Results commonly last 10 to 15 years, longer than skin-only or mini facelift techniques.
Why the surgeon matters: The deep plane is the most technically demanding facelift; outcomes vary significantly between surgeons, making credentials and experience critical.
Recovery: Most patients resume light daily activities within 1 to 2 weeks, with full results emerging over 3 to 6 months.
Most older facelift techniques lifted the skin and tightened the surface, which is what produced the over-tightened, “windswept” look people fear. The deep plane technique works in a deeper plane beneath the SMAS — the layer of muscle and connective tissue that supports the face — and releases the ligaments that anchor it before repositioning everything together.
This release-first approach is the core of how Dr. Peter Lee performs advanced facial lifting. As Dr. Lee explains in his surgical teaching, “the key to lifting is really releasing the muscle as much as possible.” He notes that if a surgeon pulls on the muscle without first releasing it, “it’s going to look unnatural because it’s been forcibly pulled” — and the result won’t last as long.
Releasing the deeper structures first is what allows the face to move as a unit, restore midface volume, and redefine the jawline without tension on the skin. It is also why the deep plane sits at the top of the facelift surgery family in both technical difficulty and longevity.
Facelift Procedure results on a real WAVE Patient. See more on our Before & After gallery!
Give us a call today to schedule a consultation with one of the plastic surgery experts at Wave Plastic Surgery to learn more about deep plane facelift procedure right for you.
Patients researching the deep plane facelift often want to know how it compares to the other lifting options Wave offers. The table below summarizes the practical differences across the techniques in our facelift program.
| Technique | What It Addresses | Tissue Layer Lifted | Typical Longevity | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deep Plane Facelift | Midface, jowls, jawline, deep folds | Deep plane — SMAS + ligaments released & lifted as a unit | 10–15 years | Moderate to advanced aging |
| High SMAS Face & Neck Lift | Full face + neck, jowls, sagging neck | SMAS and platysma repositioned | 10+ years | Advanced face and neck aging |
| Endoscopic Facelift (Wave Lift™) | Early midface descent, early jowls | Deep tissue via tiny hidden incisions | 7–10 years | Late 30s–early 50s, minimal sagging |
| Mini Facelift | Lower face, early jowls | Limited SMAS tightening, short incision | 5–8 years | Mild lower-face sagging |
| Traditional (skin-only) facelift | Surface laxity only | Skin only | 3–5 years | Rarely recommended today |
Not sure which technique fits your anatomy? Our guide to deep plane vs. SMAS facelift breaks down the trade-offs in detail.
Aging is natural, but sagging skin and deep folds don’t have to define how you look. Because the deep plane technique works below the surface, it delivers powerful correction while avoiding the telltale signs of surgery.
For a fuller picture of how modern techniques improved on older methods, see how facelifts got so much better.
Many patients tell us, “I still feel young, but my face doesn’t reflect that anymore.” A deep plane facelift is best suited to people whose aging has progressed beyond what non-surgical treatments can correct.
| Candidacy Factor | Ideal Profile |
|---|---|
| Age range | Generally 40s to 70s |
| Primary concern | Sagging midface, jowls, deep folds, loose neck |
| General health | Good health, non-smoker (or willing to stop) |
| Expectations | Realistic goals; wants natural, not “done” |
| Prior treatments | Often tried fillers, threads, or energy devices with diminishing returns |
If you’re earlier in the aging process, a less invasive option may be a better starting point — our piece on the best age for a facelift can help you weigh the timing.
Every deep plane facelift at Wave begins with a personalized surgical plan built around your facial structure and goals. The procedure itself follows three broad stages.
Step 1 — Consultation & Planning: Your surgeon assesses your facial anatomy, skin quality, and goals, then designs a customized plan.
Step 2 — Surgery: Performed under general anesthesia or IV sedation. Incisions are placed discreetly along the hairline and around the ear, the deep tissues and ligaments are released and repositioned, and any excess skin is removed before meticulous closure.
Step 3 — Recovery & Healing: A light dressing is worn briefly, sutures are removed within about two weeks, and results refine over the following months.
Many patients combine their lift with a neck lift for a more complete, balanced rejuvenation of the face and neck together.
Recovery is gradual, and knowing what to expect makes the process far less stressful. The timeline below reflects a typical, uncomplicated recovery.
| Timeframe | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Days 1–3 | Swelling and bruising peak; rest is essential |
| Week 1 | Light dressing removed; most patients feel comfortable resting at home |
| Week 2 | Sutures removed; many return to light daily activities |
| Weeks 3–4 | Swelling subsides noticeably; early results visible |
| Months 2–3 | Most swelling resolved; contour settles |
| 6 months–1 year | Final, natural results fully emerge and continue to refine |
For more detail on what the weeks ahead look like, read our full facelift recovery timeline.
Because the deep plane is the most technically demanding facelift, the surgeon’s training and experience matter more here than with any other facial procedure. Wave’s program is led by founder and Chief Surgeon Dr. Peter Lee, MD, FACS.
You can learn more about our surgeons on the Meet the Doctors page, or view real outcomes in our facelift before & after gallery.
A deep plane facelift is an investment in a result that lasts well over a decade, and cost varies significantly from patient to patient. Pricing depends heavily on complexity, the extent of correction, and — most of all — the experience and skill of the surgeon. As Wave’s pricing reflects, the more experienced and skilled a surgeon is, the higher the fee tends to be, because facelift outcomes vary significantly from one surgeon to the next.
| Procedure | Surgeon’s Fee Range* |
|---|---|
| Deep Plane Facelift | $8,000 – $25,000 or more |
| Deep Plane Face & Neck Lift (combined) | $13,000 – $40,000 or more |
| Add-on: Neck Lift | Varies by plan |
| Add-on: Fat Transfer | Varies by plan |
| Financing | Monthly plans via PatientFi |
*These figures are surgeon’s fees only. Operating room and anesthesia fees are billed separately and are not included above. Your exact quote is provided after an in-person evaluation.
Wave offers flexible financing through PatientFi and a Price Match Guarantee on qualifying procedures. For broader context on pricing, see our guide to how much a facelift costs.
Below are the questions patients ask most often when considering a deep plane facelift at Wave.
Is a deep plane facelift better than a SMAS facelift?
Neither is universally “better” — the right choice depends on your anatomy and goals. The deep plane releases the retaining ligaments for greater midface correction, while a high SMAS lift is excellent for combined face-and-neck aging. Your surgeon will recommend the best fit during consultation.
How long does a deep plane facelift last?
Results commonly last 10 to 15 years, longer than skin-only or mini facelift techniques, because the deeper structures are repositioned rather than the skin alone.
Is a deep plane facelift painful?
Most patients report tightness and swelling rather than significant pain. Discomfort is typically well managed with prescribed medication in the first several days.
How long is recovery?
Most patients return to light daily activities within 1 to 2 weeks. Swelling continues to subside over the following weeks, with final results emerging over 3 to 6 months.
Will a deep plane facelift look natural?
Yes — when performed correctly. Releasing the deep tissues before lifting is what avoids the over-pulled look, which is why surgeon experience matters so much with this technique.
What is the difference between a deep plane facelift and a mini facelift?
A mini facelift uses a shorter incision to address early lower-face sagging, while a deep plane facelift corrects more advanced, full-face aging and lasts considerably longer.
Can a deep plane facelift be combined with other procedures?
Yes. It is frequently combined with a neck lift, eyelid surgery, or fat transfer for comprehensive, balanced rejuvenation.
Are there non-surgical alternatives?
Non-surgical options like fillers and energy-based skin tightening can help in earlier stages, but they cannot replicate surgical results once sagging is moderate to advanced. Our article on whether you can reverse sagging jowls explores the options.
📸 View Real Before & After Photos – See how our patients achieve natural, long-lasting results.
Ready to restore a naturally youthful, refreshed appearance that lasts? Wave Plastic Surgery’s board-certified surgeons, led by Dr. Peter Lee, MD, FACS, specialize in advanced deep plane facelifts for patients in Los Angeles, Orange County, and San Francisco. During your consultation, you’ll review your facial anatomy, discuss your goals, and receive a personalized surgical plan and quote. Call (888) 674-3001 to schedule your consultation today.
Give us a call today to schedule a consultation with one of the plastic surgery experts at Wave Plastic Surgery to learn more about a Deep Plane Facelift.
Modern facelifts deliver more natural, longer-lasting results than older procedures because surgeons now reposition the deep tissues of the face rather than simply tightening skin.
A facelift is a surgical procedure that repositions sagging facial tissue to restore a more youthful, rested contour. The term covers a wide family of
A liquid facelift offers a non-surgical path to a refreshed, more youthful appearance, replacing lost volume and softening lines using a strategic combination of dermal
Proudly using his creativity to help patients regain a sense of wholeness and confidence, Dr. Ben Lee takes a very patient-centered approach to care.
