What Is a Deep Plane Facelift?
A deep plane facelift repositions the SMAS and deeper facial support structures as a single unit rather than tightening skin alone.
Traditional facelifts rely heavily on skin tension. While improvement can be visible, tension becomes the mechanism of lift and it does not age well.
In a deep plane approach, the skin and SMAS are elevated as a single unit, retaining ligaments are released, and the tissue is repositioned to its anatomically appropriate position. When structure is restored properly, the skin redrapes without strain, preserving natural movement and avoiding an over-tightened appearance.
Deep Plane Facelift Before and After
is this procedure
Right for you?
The neck often determines whether a facelift appears refined or incomplete.
As part of my approach, I use the Crevasse Technique to refine the neck and jawline by addressing posterior neck contour and structural depth.
This method releases deep tension and restores support to improve jawline definition, sharpen the cervicomental angle, and create balanced neck contours.
The goal is structural neck restoration based on anatomy, not simply tightening the platysma.
- Facial sagging and midface descent
- Jowls and loss of jawline definition
- Deep nasolabial folds
- Neck laxity or “turkey neck”
- Downward migration of facial volume
- In good overall health
- Non-smoker or nicotine-free
- Facial or neck sagging not correctable non-surgically
- Seeking durable, structurally grounded results
- Medically cleared after detailed evaluation
- Sharper, more defined jawline
- Restored facial contours
- Smoother face-to-neck transition
- Structural restoration without tension
- Enhanced facial definition
Meet Dr. Daniel Gould
Dr. Daniel Gould is a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon in Beverly Hills, CA, 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 120 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
Recovery Timeline
Hover over the timeline for details
Day 1 -3
Week 1
Week 2
Week 4
Week 6
3 Months
6 Months
6 Months
Results are now settled and natural, with continued subtle improvements as healing progresses. Expect a stable appearance, refined contour, no visible recovery signs, and feeling comfortable and confident.
3 Months
Final healing phase where results look fully natural and integrated, with most recovery complete and ready for major events. Expect a refreshed appearance, minimal swelling, well-hidden scars, and feeling fully recovered.
Week 6
Advanced recovery stage with most swelling resolved and results clearly visible, ready for travel or events. Expect minimal swelling, refined contour, natural appearance, and full return to normal routines.
Week 4
Healing continues with most normal activities resumed, and results becoming more visible though still refining. Expect improving swelling, well-concealed incisions, natural movement returning, and normal day-to-day function.
Week 2
Recovery is progressing well, with improved swelling and a return to normal activities like work and light exercise. Expect mild swelling, minimal bruising, increased social activity, and feeling more comfortable and confident.
Week 1
Early healing phase with lower complication risk, focused on follow-ups to assess swelling, skin healing, and stitch removal. Expect some swelling and bruising, healing incisions, reduced compression, and increased movement while recovering at home.
Day 1 -3
Immediate post-op phase focused on safety and monitoring for complications, with close supervision for early intervention. Expect swelling, tightness, mild discomfort, compression garments, limited movement, and elevated rest while healing.
Insight: Facelift
Insight: Facelift
Modern Facelift Science Explained
In this in-depth discussion, Dr. Daniel Gould explores why modern facelift surgery cannot be reduced to a single “perfect” technique or angle. Drawing from research published in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal, he explains how true facial rejuvenation depends on individualized anatomy, tissue behavior, and real-time surgical feedback. By addressing asymmetry, layer-specific movement, and the unique structure of each face, the deep plane approach allows for precise, tension-free correction that restores natural position without distortion. This episode offers a data-driven perspective on why the most effective facelifts are not standardized, but thoughtfully customized to each patient.
Listen to Podcast(opens in new window)Bioengineering the Facelift: Structure, Regeneration, and the Next Era of Plastic Surgery
In this episode, Dr. Daniel Gould explores the evolution of facelift surgery through the lens of structural anatomy and regenerative science. Rather than focusing on skin tightening, modern facial rejuvenation is centered on restoring underlying architecture using deep plane techniques, ligament-based repositioning, and advanced fat grafting. He explains how approaches like nanofat, structural fat transfer, and emerging regenerative therapies contribute to more natural, longer-lasting outcomes. This discussion highlights a shift toward precision, preservation, and biologic optimization, offering insight into how bioengineering principles are shaping the future of aesthetic surgery.
Listen to Podcast(opens in new window)In the Media
Deep Plane Facelift Transformation: Dr. Daniel Gould Featured in The Daily Beast
Frequently asked questions
Do you have additional questions?
Speak with our team to explore whether a tailored, Deep Plane Facelift anatomy-first approach is right for you.