If you’ve been researching facial rejuvenation options, you’ve likely come across the deep plane facelift — widely regarded as one of the most comprehensive and long-lasting approaches to addressing facial aging. It’s a sophisticated procedure, and naturally, one of the first questions patients ask is: what does it cost?
The honest answer is that deep plane facelift pricing varies considerably. Understanding why requires looking at the full picture of what goes into pricing this type of surgery — from surgical complexity and technique to surgeon credentials and geographic location. This guide breaks it all down so you can approach your consultation with realistic expectations and the right questions.
What Is a Deep Plane Facelift?
Before discussing cost, it helps to understand what makes this procedure distinct. A deep plane facelift goes beyond lifting the skin’s surface. It releases and repositions the deeper facial structures — including the SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) and the ligaments that anchor the face — to restore volume and contour in a way that looks natural rather than pulled.
This is a meaningful departure from techniques that only tighten skin or perform more limited SMAS manipulation. Because the deep plane technique addresses the structural causes of facial aging rather than just the visible symptoms, results tend to be more dramatic and more durable. To learn how deep plane compares with other approaches, see our detailed breakdown: Deep Plane vs. SMAS Facelift.
How Much Does a Deep Plane Facelift Cost?
Surgeon fees for a deep plane facelift typically range from $8,000 to $25,000 or more, and in some cases — particularly when combined with a neck lift or performed by a highly sought-after specialist — the total can go higher.
It’s important to understand that these figures represent surgeon fees only. Operating room (OR) fees and anesthesia fees are billed separately and will add to the overall cost of your procedure.
Why such a wide range? Several factors drive pricing significantly:
Surgeon experience and skill level. A deep plane facelift is one of the most technically demanding procedures in facial plastic surgery. It requires an intimate understanding of facial anatomy, the ability to work safely within deeper tissue planes, and the artistic judgment to restore natural proportion. The more experienced and skilled the surgeon, the higher the fee is likely to be — and for good reason. Results can vary dramatically between surgeons on a procedure this complex.
Geographic location. Practices in major metropolitan areas like Los Angeles, Orange County, and San Francisco command higher fees than those in smaller markets, reflecting higher overhead costs and the concentration of top-tier surgical talent.
Procedure complexity. Some patients require more extensive correction, such as significant jowling, neck laxity, or prior surgical revisions. More complex cases take longer and demand greater precision, which is reflected in the price.
Whether a neck lift is included. Many patients benefit most from addressing the face and neck together. A combined face and neck lift typically ranges from $13,000 to $40,000 or more in surgeon fees. If you’re wondering whether the neck should be included in your treatment plan, your surgeon will evaluate your anatomy and goals during consultation.
What’s Included in the Total Cost?
When reviewing pricing for any facelift procedure, it’s essential to ask what the quoted fee actually covers. A complete cost picture typically includes:
- Surgeon’s fee — the fee quoted most often; does not include OR or anesthesia
- Anesthesia fee — typically billed by a separate anesthesiologist or CRNA
- Facility/OR fee — the cost of using the surgical suite and its staff
- Pre-operative testing — labs, medical clearance, or imaging if required
- Post-operative care — follow-up visits and any garments or medications
At Wave Plastic Surgery, our team provides transparent pricing and will walk you through the full cost breakdown during your consultation. We also offer a Price Match Guarantee — if you find a lower price at another board-certified practice in California, we’ll match it.
Deep Plane Facelift vs. Other Facelift Types: A Cost Comparison
Patients often compare the deep plane facelift against other procedures when evaluating their options. Here’s a general overview of how fees compare:
| Procedure | Surgeon Fee Range |
|---|---|
| Mini Facelift | $5,000 – $18,000+ |
| Full Facelift | $8,000 – $25,000+ |
| Deep Plane Facelift | $8,000 – $25,000+ |
| Face & Neck Lift | $13,000 – $40,000+ |
All figures represent surgeon fees only. OR and anesthesia fees are billed separately.
The deep plane facelift sits at the higher end of the facelift spectrum due to its technical complexity and the level of expertise required. For patients weighing a less invasive starting point, a mini facelift or the Wave Lift may be appropriate depending on the degree of aging present. For a deeper dive on pricing differences, see Cost of Mini Facelift vs. Full Facelift.
Why Surgeon Selection Matters More Than Cost
With a procedure as technically demanding as a deep plane facelift, the surgeon you choose matters more than nearly any other variable. The deep plane technique requires releasing retaining ligaments and working within deeper anatomical layers — a level of complexity that separates experienced facial specialists from general practitioners.
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and the American Board of Plastic Surgery both recommend selecting a board-certified plastic surgeon with documented experience in facelift procedures. Board certification ensures that your surgeon has completed rigorous training, passed comprehensive examinations, and operates under ongoing ethical and safety standards.
It’s also worth reviewing before-and-after photos and asking specifically about the surgeon’s volume of deep plane cases. The outcome of a facelift — particularly one operating at this depth — can vary significantly between providers. Choosing based on cost alone carries real risk with a procedure of this complexity.
At Wave Plastic Surgery, all facelift procedures are performed by board-certified surgeons with fellowship-trained expertise in facial rejuvenation. You can learn more about our team on the Meet the Doctors page.
Is a Deep Plane Facelift Covered by Insurance?
In nearly all cases, a deep plane facelift is considered an elective cosmetic procedure and is not covered by health insurance. Patients pay out of pocket for both the surgical fees and associated facility and anesthesia costs.
For patients concerned about affordability, Wave offers financing through PatientFi, which allows you to break the total cost into manageable monthly payments. Pre-qualification takes about one minute and does not impact your credit score, making it easy to explore your options before committing.
How to Get an Accurate Cost Estimate
Because deep plane facelift pricing depends so heavily on individual anatomy, the extent of correction needed, and the specific techniques your surgeon recommends, the only way to get an accurate number is through a personalized consultation.
During your consultation at Wave Plastic Surgery, your surgeon will assess your facial structure, discuss your goals, and outline an approach tailored to your needs — including a transparent breakdown of all associated fees. Patients considering whether the deep plane is right for them may also want to review What Is a High SMAS Facelift? and Deep Plane vs. SMAS Facelift to better understand how these techniques differ before their appointment.
If you’re early in your research and wondering whether you’re a candidate at all, Signs You Might Be Ready for a Facelift is a helpful starting point.
Schedule Your Personalized Consultation
Ready to find out if a deep plane facelift is right for you? The team at Wave Plastic Surgery serves patients throughout Los Angeles, Orange County, and San Francisco. Call us at (888) 674-3001 to schedule your consultation and receive a personalized cost estimate based on your goals and anatomy.
