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Deep Plane Facelift San Francisco, CA

Full Face Rejuvenation

Deep Plane Facelift

If moderate to severe facial aging is changing the way your face looks, a deep plane facelift in San Francisco offers an advanced surgical option to lift and reposition the deeper facial tissues that create jowls, sagging, and deep folds—restoring youthful contours with natural-looking, long-lasting results. At Wes Plastic Surgery in San Francisco, CA, we offer this procedure for healthy candidates with realistic expectations who want more comprehensive facial rejuvenation than skin tightening alone can provide.

As facial fat descends, skin loses elasticity, facial volume diminishes, and deeper lines and wrinkles become more noticeable. Rather than focusing only on loose skin, the deep plane technique addresses the deeper facial structures and the underlying facial framework responsible for many visible signs of the aging process.

Below, you’ll learn what a deep plane facelift is, how it compares with other facelift techniques and non-surgical options such as facial fillers, its benefits, who it is best suited for, what the procedure and recovery involve, what affects cost, whether it can be combined with other procedures, and how to choose the right surgeon in San Francisco.

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What is a Deep Plane Facelift?

A deep plane facelift lifts the face by working beneath the SMAS, the fibrous layer that envelops the facial muscles, rather than tightening it from above as most facelift techniques do. Working in this deeper plane allows the surgeon to fully release the retaining ligaments that hold the face in its aged position, including the zygomatic ligaments of the cheek and the masseteric ligaments along the jawline.

That full release is the entire point of the operation. As long as those ligaments remain attached, the tissues above them cannot truly move, which is why skin-tightening procedures fall short in the midface and jowls and why partially released lifts must pull harder to achieve less. Once the ligaments are completely released, the cheek and jawline glide back into their youthful position as a single composite unit of skin, fat, and muscle, without resistance and without tension.

A tension-free lift is what makes the result look natural. Because nothing is being stretched or pulled taut, the face appears rested rather than tight, expression and movement are fully preserved, and the incisions heal as fine lines hidden within the natural creases around the ear. It is also what makes the result last, since a repositioned deep layer holds where stretched skin would gradually give way.

The tradeoff is that this is a more technically demanding operation than a traditional facelift. The branches of the facial nerve travel in and near this plane, and achieving a complete release safely requires a detailed command of facial anatomy, which is the honest reason that not every surgeon offers the procedure.

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Deep Plane Facelift Quick Facts

  • Surgery Time: 4–6 hours (depending on the extent of surgery and whether additional procedures are performed)
  • Price: ~$30,000–$60,000
  • Recovery: Most patients return to light daily activities within 2 weeks, with residual swelling slowly subsiding over the next several months. Strenuous exercise can typically be resumed after 4 to 6 weeks.
  • Results: You’ll notice improvements as swelling gradually subsides, with your results continuing to refine over approximately 3 to 6 months. Results are considered long-lasting, although natural aging will continue over time.

What Are the Benefits of a Deep Plane Facelift?

Unlike facelift techniques that primarily tighten the skin, a deep plane facelift works below the facial skin to elevate descended tissue and address age-related sagging at its source. By restoring the underlying facial foundation rather than placing tension on the skin, this approach supports improving facial contours, natural facial movement, and long-lasting facial rejuvenation.

Benefits include:

  • Natural-looking results
  • Comprehensive facial rejuvenation results
  • Long-lasting results
  • Significant midface rejuvenation
  • Restores facial harmony by repositioning deeper tissues instead of simply tightening the skin.

The deep plane facelift addresses various areas of the face and common signs of facial aging. By repositioning deeper support layers, the operation can alter facial contours in the lower face and neck rather than simply tightening skin. A deep plane facelift can:

  • Lift and smooth sagging skin
  • Reduce the appearance of Jowls
  • Soften nasolabial folds
  • Improve the appearance of deep wrinkles and facial lines
  • Restore diminished facial contours

Who Are the Best Candidates for a Deep Plane Facelift?

A deep plane facelift may be an excellent option for patients seeking comprehensive facial rejuvenation rather than subtle improvement alone. Many candidates fall between 45 and 65, though patients in their 40s to 70s may also be appropriate depending on facial anatomy and aging pattern. During your consultation, Dr. Ari Wes carefully evaluates your facial anatomy, skin quality, degree of tissue descent, and aesthetic goals to determine whether a deep plane facelift is the most appropriate procedure for you. Some younger patients with earlier jowling or midface descent may be better suited to less extensive options such as mini facelift surgery rather than a full deep plane lift. Ideal candidates generally:

  • Have moderate to severe signs of facial aging
  • Have visible sagging around the cheeks and midface
  • Be in good overall health
  • Have good skin elasticity to support successful results
  • Have realistic expectations and goals
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How to Begin Your Deep Plane Facelift Journey

The first step is scheduling a personalized consultation with Dr. Wes at our San Francisco practice. During your visit, you’ll discuss your concerns, aesthetic goals, and what you hope to achieve with surgery.

Dr. Wes will carefully evaluate your facial anatomy, skin quality, and degree of facial aging to determine whether a deep plane facelift is the most appropriate option for you. He will also explain whether combining your facelift with procedures such as a neck lift, eyelid lift, brow lift, or facial fat grafting (fat transfer) may help achieve more comprehensive facial rejuvenation.

If you decide to move forward, you’ll receive a customized surgical plan along with detailed pre-operative instructions, including any recommended medical evaluations, medication adjustments, and steps to help you prepare for a safe recovery.

Real Patient Testimonial

  • “The results have exceeded my expectations. I look refreshed, natural, and like the best version of myself.” 

    – Patient RA

  • “He understood exactly what I wanted. I’m so in love with my results and so happy I chose Dr. Wes.” 

    – Patient TA

  • ‘Dr. Wes did a deep plane facelift on me and I couldn’t be more delighted. My result is better than I hoped for! I feel younger and better than ever – ready for the second half of life!”

    – Google Review

Patient Reviews
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5 Steps to Prepare for My Deep Plane Facelift with Dr. Wes

  1. Attend your pre-operative appointment: Before your surgery, you’ll meet with Dr. Wes to review your personalized surgical plan, discuss your medical history, and go over what to expect before, during, and after your deep plane facelift.
  2. Complete any required medical clearances: Dr. Wes may request lab work or clearance from your primary care physician.
  3. Adjust your medications and habits: You will need to avoid blood-thinning medications and supplements that may increase the risk of bleeding. Any nicotine products should be avoided, as using them prior to your surgery can cause complications.
  4. Prepare your home: Make sure you have extra pillows to help elevate your head. Have tops that button or zip up to make putting on and taking off clothing easier. Make sure to fill any prescriptions you may need
  5. Eat well and stay hydrated: Make sure your diet includes nutrient-rich foods with lots of fiber. Include healthy fats along with high-quality protein sources. Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated.

What to Expect On the Day of Deep Plane Facelift Surgery

Once you arrive at Wes Plastic Surgery in San Francisco, CA, our team will welcome you and begin preparing you for surgery. The deep plane facelift is an outpatient facelift surgical procedure performed under general anesthesia.

Incisions are carefully placed around the ears, within the hairline, and along natural skin creases to minimize visible scarring. Through these incisions, Dr. Wes releases key facial retaining ligaments and repositions the deeper facial tissues to elevate the midface and jawline rather than simply tightening the skin.

Excess skin is conservatively removed and redraped to maintain a natural appearance before the incisions are meticulously closed and a light dressing is applied.

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Combining Your Deep Plane Facelift with Other Procedures

A deep plane facelift can be combined with other facial procedures for more comprehensive rejuvenation that helps you reach your goals.

Neck Lift

For many patients, rejuvenating the face without addressing the neck can leave the overall result feeling incomplete. Combining a deep plane facelift with a neck lift allows Dr. Wes to refine the jawline, tighten underlying neck muscles when needed, and improve excess skin or fullness beneath the chin, creating a smoother transition between the face and neck for more balanced, natural-looking rejuvenation.

Eyelid Surgery

Sagging or puffy eyelids can detract from the results of a deep plane facelift. Eyelid surgery can refresh the eyes by removing excess skin or repositioning fat, creating a brighter, more youthful appearance that complements overall facial rejuvenation.

Brow Lift

A brow lift, sometimes called a forehead lift, can help improve heaviness and deep lines in the upper face, giving you a smooth, youthful appearance from your upper to lower face.

Facial Fat Grafting

Facial fat grafting, also known as fat transfer, restores volume lost with age by enhancing the cheeks, temples, or other areas where volume depletion contributes to facial aging. When combined with a deep plane facelift, fat grafting creates more comprehensive facial rejuvenation while maintaining natural facial proportions.

Deep Plane Facelift Recovery

Your Guide to Post-Deep Plane Facelift Care

You can expect swelling, bruising, tightness, numbness, and discomfort following your deep plane facelift surgery. Discomfort is typically greatest during the first several days after surgery and is usually well managed with prescribed medication.

Swelling and bruising commonly improve within about 10 days, and sutures are often removed between 7 and 10 days after surgery. Many patients are able to return to light daily activities after approximately 2 weeks, although healing varies from person to person. More strenuous exercise and activities are typically resumed after 4 to 6 weeks, based on Dr. Wes’s recommendations.

While many patients feel comfortable returning to their normal routines within a few weeks, subtle improvements continue as swelling resolves. Your results will continue to refine over the following months, with final healing progressing throughout the first year to support optimal healing.

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5 Tips for Recovering from a Deep Plane Facelift

  1. Prioritize resting during the first days of your recovery
  2. Keep your head elevated and make sure to sleep on your back
  3. Follow your post-operative instructions carefully
  4. Be patient. It takes time for swelling and bruising to subside
  5. Avoid direct sun exposure and do not place any unnecessary pressure on your face

How Much Does a Deep Plane Facelift Cost in San Francisco, CA?

The cost of deep plane facelift surgery in San Francisco varies based on the complexity of your procedure, whether additional facial rejuvenation procedures are performed, anesthesia, surgical facility fees, and your personalized treatment plan. Following your consultation, Dr. Wes will develop a customized surgical approach, and our team will provide a detailed quote based on your individual goals.

Why Choose Dr. Wes?

Dr. Ari Wes completed his plastic surgery training at the University of Pennsylvania, one of the oldest and most rigorous programs in the country, where he developed the deep familiarity with facial anatomy that this operation demands. He has authored more than 50 peer-reviewed publications and has received research funding from the NIH and NSF, a background that continues to shape how he evaluates evidence, plans procedures, and refines his technique.

That foundation matters because a deep plane facelift is fundamentally an exercise in applied anatomy, requiring precise knowledge of where the facial nerve branches run, which ligaments to release, and how far to carry the dissection for each individual patient. Since the anatomy of facial aging differs from person to person, Dr. Wes plans every facelift around the specific pattern of descent he sees in your face rather than applying a standard template.

His philosophy is one of restoration rather than alteration. The goal is your own face as it looked years ago, with movement and expression fully preserved, so that you look like yourself, simply more rested, and the people around you struggle to say exactly what changed.

Schedule Your

Deep Plane Facelift Consultation

If you’re considering a deep plane facelift in San Francisco, the first step is a personalized consultation with Dr. Ari Wes. During your visit, he will evaluate your facial anatomy, discuss your concerns and long-term goals, explain whether a deep plane facelift is the right procedure for you, and develop a customized surgical plan designed to restore natural facial balance and youthful contours. Contact Wes Plastic Surgery today to schedule a consultation.

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