Is a Deep Plane Facelift Painful?

Discomfort is typically minimal and well-managed with prescribed medication. Most patients describe the sensation as tightness rather than pain.

How Many Appointments Will I Need?

You’ll have a pre-operative consultation, the surgery itself, and a few follow-up visits to monitor healing and results.

How Long Until I See Results?

Initial improvements are visible within a few weeks, with final results appearing over several months as swelling fully resolves.

Can I Combine a Deep Plane Facelift With Other Procedures?

Yes, many patients combine their facelift with a neck lift , eyelid surgery , or skin treatments for more comprehensive results.

What Are the Risks Associated With a Deep Plane Facelift?

As with any surgical procedure, risks include bruising, swelling, and scarring, as well as rare complications such as infection or nerve injury. These will be reviewed during your consultation.

Deep Plane Facelift

In Orange County

Introduction

Introduction to Deep Plane Facelift

At FAC Centers for Aesthetic Medicine in Orange County, we offer advanced deep-plane facelift surgery for patients in San Clemente, Aliso Viejo, and Rancho Santa Margarita seeking to restore a more youthful appearance. This technique is ideal for individuals with more pronounced signs of facial aging who seek dramatic, yet natural-looking results.

Performed by our double board-certified facial plastic surgeons—Dr. Bryan Brandon and Dr. Richard Gangnes—this procedure addresses aging in the mid-to-lower face, including sagging cheeks, jowls, and deep folds around the mouth. Unlike traditional facelift methods, the Deep Plane Facelift repositions not only the skin but also the underlying muscles and connective tissues for longer-lasting, more harmonious rejuvenation.

Close-up of a woman with long, windblown dark brown hair against a clear blue sky. Her eyes are closed, and her expression is serene. She has light tan skin with subtle sunlit highlights on her nose and cheeks. The vibrant blue sky provides a contrasting backdrop. - Diamond Glow in San Clamente, Aliso Viejo and Rancho Santa Margarita, CA

What is a Deep Plane Facelift?

A deep plane facelift is a specialized surgical procedure that lifts and repositions the deeper layers of the face, specifically the SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) and facial fat pad, rather than just tightening the skin. This approach allows for more natural-looking results and avoids the overly tight or “windswept” appearance that can sometimes occur with older facelift techniques.

This facelift technique is especially effective at improving sagging in the midface, deep nasolabial folds, jowls, and loss of definition along the jawline. By releasing and elevating the underlying facial structures, it restores youthful contours in a way that simply can’t be achieved with skin-only procedures. To learn more about the traditional facelift, please view our full page on the procedure.

What Are the Benefits of a Deep Plane Facelift?

Benefits of a deep plane facelift include:

More natural-looking results with no overly pulled appearance
Improved midface volume and cheek contour
Better definition along the jawline and reduction of jowls
Longer-lasting results compared to traditional facelift surgery
Enhanced correction of deep folds around the nose and mouth

Because the deeper tissues are lifted and supported, the skin can drape more smoothly, resulting in a softer and more refreshed appearance. Many of our Deep Plane Facelift patients feel more confident and report that their appearance better reflects how youthful they feel on the inside.

Who Are the Best Candidates For a Deep Plane Facelift?

The best candidates for a deep plane facelift are typically individuals in their 40s to 70s who are beginning to see moderate to advanced signs of facial aging. This includes sagging in the midface, jowls, deep nasolabial folds, and loose skin along the jawline and neck.

You may be a good candidate if you:

Are in overall good health with no major medical concerns
Do not smoke or are willing to quit prior to surgery and throughout recovery
Have realistic expectations about what the procedure can achieve
Are you looking for long-lasting facial rejuvenation with natural results
Have not achieved your desired results from non-surgical treatments

During your private consultation at FAC Centers for Aesthetic Medicine in Orange County, our board-certified surgeons will assess your facial anatomy and cosmetic goals to determine if a deep plane facelift is the right choice for you.

Youthfulness awaits

What’s the First Step?

The first step is to schedule a consultation at FAC Centers for Aesthetic Medicine. During this initial meeting, you’ll discuss your aesthetic goals and concerns, which will help determine the best facelift option for you—a traditional facelift, mini-facelift, deep plane facelift, or non-surgical facelift.

Your facial structure and skin quality will be comprehensively assessed, and your surgeon will be able to explain the different techniques and what to expect from each. This is also a great time to ask questions about the procedure, recovery, and potential outcomes.

What to Expect on the Day of Deep Plane Facelift Surgery

Your deep plane facelift will take place at our fully accredited surgical facility in Orange County. Before the procedure begins, your surgeon will review the plan with you and make any necessary markings to guide the surgery.

The procedure is performed using appropriate anesthesia to ensure your comfort. Surgery time may vary depending on your unique anatomy and surgical goals, but our team will be with you every step of the way to ensure a smooth experience.

After the procedure, you’ll be monitored for a short time before heading to our overnight recovery suite or home with a trusted adult. You’ll receive detailed instructions and care guidelines to help you begin the recovery process with confidence.

Deep Plane Facelift Recovery

Recovery from a deep plane facelift is typically longer than that of other facelift techniques due to the deeper level of tissue repositioning; however, many patients find the results well worth the downtime. You can expect some initial swelling, bruising, and tightness in the treated areas, especially during the first week.

Most patients take about two weeks off from work and social activities. While some visible swelling may linger, it gradually subsides over the following weeks. Keeping your head elevated and following all post-op instructions will help reduce swelling and support proper healing.

Our team at FAC Centers for Aesthetic Medicine closely monitors your progress and provides guidance throughout your recovery. By the six-week mark, most patients begin to enjoy their rejuvenated appearance, with final results continuing to refine over the next few months.

Understand The Costs

How Much Does a Deep Plane Facelift Cost in Orange County, CA?

Deep plane facelift pricing in Orange County varies based on your surgical plan, but most procedures start in the several-thousand-dollar range. Final costs will depend on factors like anesthesia, facility fees, and whether additional treatments are combined.

At FAC Centers for Aesthetic Medicine, you’ll receive a detailed quote during your consultation. We offer flexible financing options to help make your procedure more affordable.

Why Choose FAC Centers for Aesthetic Medicine?

Since 1980, FAC Centers for Aesthetic Medicine has been a trusted name in cosmetic surgery in Orange County and the Los Angeles area. We specialize in delivering top-notch procedures, including facelifts, microlifts, and rhinoplasty.

FAC founder Dr. Richard A. Gangnes has over 30 years of experience in facial plastic surgery. He is a dual board-certified facial plastic surgeon, holding certifications from both the American Board of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery (ABO-HNS) and the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ABFPRS), as well as being a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS).

Dr. Bryan Brandon, our other lead surgeon, brings a wealth of experience and education to our practice. He graduated as valedictorian in high school, earned his degree in biomedical engineering from California Polytechnic University, and completed his medical training at the University of California, Irvine. He refined his expertise during a prestigious fellowship under Dr. Vito Quatela in New York.

With an artistic touch, Dr. Brandon is dedicated to achieving natural-looking results while ensuring a comfortable and collaborative experience for every patient.

Deep Plane Facelift FAQ’S

Schedule Your Consultation

If you’re ready to explore the benefits of a deep plane facelift in Orange County, the first step is scheduling your private consultation at FAC Centers for Aesthetic Medicine. During this visit, we’ll discuss your goals, evaluate your facial anatomy, and create a customized treatment plan tailored specifically to you.

We welcome patients at all three of our convenient locations—San Clemente, Aliso Viejo, and Rancho Santa Margarita. Our knowledgeable team is here to answer your questions and guide you through the process from start to finish.