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Deep Plane Facelift

Deep Plane Facelift In Berkeley, CA

Deep Rejuvenation. Natural Results.

Expert Deep Plane Facelift
In Berkeley, CA

Over time, the jawline becomes less defined, cheeks may sag, and the neck can lose its shape.

A deep plane facelift in Berkeley is a surgical procedure that offers a more lasting solution for these changes. Unlike traditional facelifts, it targets deeper facial tissues, lifting and restoring the deeper support layers that have shifted with age, rather than only surface tightening.

At Redwood Facial Plastic Surgery in Berkeley, Dr. David Chou performs deep-plane facelift surgery for patients in Berkeley, San Francisco, and throughout the Bay Area who want natural results and a more youthful appearance. Below, you’ll find what the procedure involves, who it suits best, the benefits, recovery, cost, options for combining it with other facial surgeries, and why many patients choose Dr. Chou for this approach to facial rejuvenation.

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What is a Deep Plane Facelift?

A deep plane facelift is a surgical procedure that lifts and releases facial retaining ligaments and repositions the deeper layers of the face, not just the skin. It works through the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) and related underlying structures that shape your facial features.

By working below the SMAS, Dr. Chou can address the structural causes of aging with a deep-plane approach, repositioning multiple layers of facial tissue rather than only the superficial layer. The surgery targets:

  • Midface descent (flattened cheeks), helping restore volume to the mid-face and improve sagging cheeks
  • Jawline laxity
  • Jowling
  • Deep folds around the mouth, including deep nasolabial folds, smile lines, and deep wrinkles

According to a 2026 study published in Aesthetic Surgery Journal Open Forum, researchers reviewed the outcomes of 956 deep plane facelifts performed over a 30-year period, demonstrating the procedure’s long history and consistent use.1

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What Sets Dr. Chou Apart as Berkeley, CA’s Premier Deep Plane Facelift Practice?

  • He focuses exclusively on surgery of the face, head, and neck, which gives him specialized expertise in treating facial aging and rejuvenation.
  • Completed extensive medical education and years of surgical residency training specifically in Head and Neck Surgery before pursuing an advanced fellowship in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
  • Double Board-Certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ABFPRS) and the American Board of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery (ABO-HNS), and a member of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS) and the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS).
  • He uses an advanced technique that requires a highly skilled surgeon and repositions the deeper facial structures rather than simply tightening skin. This is designed to create a natural appearance and results that last longer.
  • He creates a custom surgical plan for each patient, based on their facial features, concerns, and long-term goals.

Deep Plane Facelift Quick Facts

  • Surgery Time: Approximately 4 to 6 hours, depending on additional treatment areas.
  • Price: ~$20,000–$40,000+ (For an accurate cost, please ask during your consultation).
  • Recovery: About 2 weeks for the initial recovery period, though full healing continues longer.
  • Results: Deep plane facelift results often last 10 to 15 years and can leave patients with a more defined jawline and neck, even though the procedure does not stop the aging process.

Combining My Deep Plane Facelift with Other Procedures

A deep plane facelift is often performed alongside complementary facial rejuvenation procedures to provide a more complete facial refresh and improve overall facial harmony, especially if aging has affected several areas of your face.

A neck lift treats loose skin and muscle bands in the neck. It can also address prominent muscle tissue or salivary glands if needed. When combined with a deep plane facelift, it helps create a smooth, natural line from your jaw to your neck.

Who Are the Best Candidates for a Deep Plane Facelift?

Most of Dr. Chou’s patients considering a deep plane facelift are not trying to look like someone else, but rather a younger version of themselves, with realistic expectations about what surgery can achieve.

Good candidates often include:

  • Individuals with moderate to advanced skin laxity in the midface or jawline
  • Patients noticing deeper facial folds or jowling, many of whom are in their mid-40s to mid-60s and in good overall health.
  • People who feel their face looks tired or aged compared to how they feel
  • Patients looking for longer-term correction that can help them look 10 to 15 years younger rather than relying on temporary treatments
  • Non-smokers

What Are the Benefits of a Deep Plane Facelift?

Many people choose a deep plane facelift when they feel that aging has affected more than just their skin, including sagging skin and skin laxity.

Benefits may include:

  • Restores facial contours by returning the cheeks and midface to a more youthful position
  • Improves jawline definition and reduces jowling
  • Softens deep folds around the mouth by addressing deeper support layers, including sagging muscles
  • Creates a refreshed appearance and a youthful appearance without looking overly tight
  • Provides longer-lasting results via targeting deeper facial structures; this transformative procedure can support facial rejuvenation and, for appropriate candidates, may help them look 10 to 15 years younger.
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How to Begin Your Deep Plane Facelift Journey

The first step is to meet Dr. Chou for a consultation at Redwood Facial Plastic Surgery in Berkeley. During your visit, you will:

  • Share the areas of your face and neck that you’d like to improve.
  • Receive an examination of your facial anatomy, facial skin, facial contours, and the deeper support layers that influence your plan.
  • Review your medical history, medications, and any previous cosmetic procedures.
  • Learn about the deep plane facelift technique, recovery schedule, and expected results as Dr. Chou explains how it differs from other facelift techniques.
  • Receive a customized deep-plane facelift treatment plan, along with a detailed cost estimate, based on your goals.

5 Steps to Prepare for My Deep Plane Facelift with Dr. Chou

Getting ready for your deep plane facelift can make your surgery and recovery smoother. Dr. Chou will give you detailed instructions for your plan, but in general, you should:

  1. Stop smoking at least 2 months before surgery to support healthy healing
  2. Avoid blood-thinning medications and supplements as instructed
  3. Keep your health stable with good nutrition and hydration
  4. Arrange for someone to take care of you after surgery
  5. Prepare a recovery space at home so you can rest comfortably
  6. Follow all pre-operative instructions provided by Dr. Chou

6 Tips for Recovery From Deep Plane Facelift

A quick recovery begins by giving your body enough time to heal and avoiding sun exposure during recovery and after healing to help protect skin quality and results. If you follow Dr. Chou’s instructions, you can reduce swelling and get the best results. He will recommend that you:

  1. Keep your head elevated, especially while sleeping
  2. Avoid intense exercise for at least 3 to 4 weeks
  3. Avoid dramatic head movements
  4. Eat a healthy, protein-rich diet
  5. Stay well hydrated to support healing
  6. Avoid alcohol and smoking during recovery
  7. Be patient with swelling, especially in the midface and jawline
  8. Give your body time instead of rushing the healing process

What to Expect On the Day of Deep Plane Facelift Surgery

For your deep plane facelift, you will meet Dr. Chou and the anesthesia team before surgery.

After you receive anesthesia, your surgery will be done through small incisions around your ears and hairline, as well as under your chin to address the neck. The deeper support layers of the deep plane face will be gently lifted and moved beneath the skin to restore shape in the midface and jawline while reducing scar tension.​

The skin will then be smoothed back into place without pulling it tight, which reduces skin tension, helps avoid a pulled or overly tight look, and preserves natural results.

After surgery, you will be sent to the recovery area before going home.

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Deep Plane Facelift Recovery

Your Guide to Post-Deep Plane Facelift Care

Recovery is a process that unfolds in stages and varies from person to person, but most will experience some swelling and bruising in the first week or two as the body heals over several months. Pain and swelling usually subside significantly by day 5, and most swelling improves within about two weeks.

Most deep plane facelift clients can expect the initial recovery period to last about 2 weeks, and many feel ready to return to light activities or social outings in weeks 2 to 3.

Sutures are commonly removed within the first 7 days, depending on how healing is progressing.

Full healing takes a few months as the deeper tissues adjust to their new position. Compared with SMAS facelifts, the deep plane technique is often associated with less bruising and swelling as healing continues, and following post-operative care closely helps support natural-looking results over time.

According to a 2025 systematic review published in Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, patients who underwent a deep plane facelift reported a 94.4% satisfaction rate, compared with 87.8% for SMAS facelifts.2

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

The price of a deep plane facelift in Berkeley and the greater San Francisco area depends on how complex the surgery is, the type of anesthesia, and if you have other procedures at the same time.

Since each face is different, pricing is finalized only after a consultation with Dr. Chou.

Why Choose Dr. Chou?

Dr. David Chou is a facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon who works exclusively on the face, head, and neck. His background in Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery gives him a strong knowledge of both how the face works and how it looks, which is important for advanced facelifts like the deep plane technique.

He is Board-Certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery (ABO-HNS), Board-Certified with the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ABFPRS), and a member of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS) and the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS).

Deep Plane Facelift FAQ’S

Sources

  • Levin M, Frankel A. Thirty Years of Deep Plane Facelifts: Characterizing Outcomes and Longevity. Aesthetic Surgery Journal Open Forum. 2026. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/26893614261422044
  • Khoury S, Almubarak Z, Khan H, et al. The Deep Plane versus SMAS Facelift: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. 2025. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40801931/

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