Deep Plane Facelifts and Melanated Skin: Dr. Daniel Gould Featured in HelloBeautiful

Beverly Hills plastic surgeon Dr. Daniel Gould, MD, PhD was recently featured in HelloBeautiful discussing deep plane facelift surgery, how the technique differs from more traditional approaches, and the importance of understanding ethnic facial anatomy when treating patients with melanated skin.

A deep plane facelift is designed to address progressive soft tissue descent and laxity by repositioning deeper facial structures rather than relying primarily on tightening the skin. By releasing key retaining ligaments and mobilizing the deeper tissues of the face, the technique can provide more comprehensive rejuvenation of the mid-face, jawline, and neck while preserving the patient’s natural facial characteristics.

Dr. Gould explains that one of the important distinctions of the deep plane approach is that it lifts the underlying facial structure rather than placing excessive tension on the skin. This can help reduce biological triggers associated with scarring and hyperpigmentation, considerations that are particularly relevant when planning facial surgery for patients with melanated skin.

The article also addresses longstanding misconceptions surrounding advanced facial rejuvenation for Black patients. Dr. Gould notes that many traditional techniques were historically developed and taught using lighter skin types as the primary reference, contributing to outdated assumptions that procedures such as deep plane facelifts were inherently less appropriate for patients with darker skin.

According to Dr. Gould, the limitation was not the biology of melanated skin, but gaps in surgical education. A detailed understanding of ethnic facial anatomy, wound-healing biology, scar management, and culturally appropriate aesthetic goals allows surgeons to approach facial rejuvenation more thoughtfully across a diverse range of patients.

Ultimately, deep plane facelift surgery is not a one-size-fits-all procedure. Careful patient selection, advanced surgical expertise, and an understanding of the individual patient’s anatomy and goals are essential. Dr. Gould’s perspective reinforces an anatomy-first approach in which facial rejuvenation is designed to restore structure and balance while preserving the features that make each patient recognizable.