Deep Plane Facelift

The deep plane facelift is an advanced plastic surgery procedure that improves upon the traditional facelift technique by creating a more natural, lasting facial rejuvenation. Where other facelift methods primarily address mild to moderate skin laxity at a surface level, the deep plane facelift focuses on deeper facial muscles and connective tissue to lift sagging jowls, cheeks, and neck areas for more comprehensive results.

At East Bay Aesthetic Surgery, Dr. Eric P. Bachelor and his team specialize in cosmetic enhancement procedures that vary in complexity, including the deep plane facelift. A board-certified plastic surgeon with decades of experience in aesthetic procedures, Dr. Bachelor approaches each procedure with an attention to precision and personalized care. If you would like to explore a deep plane facelift with Dr. Bachelor, contact East Bay Aesthetic Surgery online or call our office at (925) 462-3700 to schedule your consultation.

About Deep Plane Facelift

Aging and environmental factors naturally affect the face, causing skin, musculature, and fat pads to shift downward over time. ⁽¹⁾ While traditional facelifts focus on the surface-level appearance of the lower two-thirds of the face, the deep plane facelift also addresses sections of the midface beneath the SMAS, releasing ligaments and fascia to create a lasting lift to the midface, jawline, and neck area. The vertical release and repositioning beneath the skin surface avoids creating visible tension on the skin, which can sometimes create an overly tight appearance. ⁽²⁾

With the deep plane facelift, Dr. Bachelor aims to restore and rejuvenate, leaving a patient’s unique features and natural beauty fully intact while gently undoing the unwanted signs of aging.

Benefits

A deep place facelift rejuvenates the face more effectively than a traditional facelift, addressing the underlying causes of visible signs of aging and creating an overall smoother, better-toned, and more youthful appearance. Since the deep plane procedure does not rely on tightening the skin, it produces softer, more natural-looking results. During the procedure, Dr. Bachelor repositions facial fat pads, which naturally restores volume and the appearance of facial fullness in all the right areas. He also addresses sagging jowls and loose skin around the lower face and neck to create a firmer lower face and more defined jawline. Since the deep plane facelift addresses the underlying structure of the face, the results can last for years.

Candidates

Potential candidates for a deep plane facelift are individuals who wish to address their moderate to severe facial aging, particularly in the midface or jawline. Individuals who seek natural, long-lasting results as opposed to superficial or temporary fixes will benefit greatly from this procedure. Potential patients should have a full understanding of the deep plane facelift procedure and hold realistic expectations for the outcome, and they should be in overall good health.

Personal Consultation

During your personal consultation with Dr. Bachelor, he will inquire about your health history, pertinent lifestyle factors, as well as your goals and expectations for the deep plane facelift. He will assess your facial structure, skin elasticity, and aging effects to determine his approach to your treatment. This is also the perfect opportunity to discuss any questions or concerns you may have about the procedure, recovery process, expected results, and more. After engaging in a transparent, informed conversation, Dr. Bachelor will create a personalized treatment plan for your unique goals. You will feel empowered to schedule your procedure with a clear understanding of what’s to come.

To book your personal consultation with Dr. Bachelor, fill out our online contact form or call our office at (925) 462-3700.

Preparation

With your procedure date on the schedule, Dr. Bachelor and his team will provide detailed preoperative instructions to help support optimal treatment results. You may need to undergo pertinent lab tests and medical examinations prior to your procedure, as well as abstain from certain medications and supplements. It is also important to refrain from alcohol and nicotine products leading up to your appointment. Make travel arrangements to and from our surgical center for the day of your surgery, and schedule time off from work or other commitments so you can comfortably rest and recuperate at home after your procedure. Dr. Bachelor and his team will be available to address any questions you may have and ensure you are comfortable and well-prepared for your appointment.

Procedure

At your appointment, you will be given anesthesia to ensure you remain asleep and pain-free during the procedure. Dr. Bachelor will make meticulous incisions around the hairline and ears, carefully lifting the skin and SMAS layer from the underlying tissue, positioning it away from the tough lower level called the parotid-masseteric fascia. Here, he will release vital ligaments around the large jaw muscle.

Next, Dr. Bachelor will create a deeper dissection along the cheek and nasolabial folds to release tension and wrinkles around the midface. He corrects excessive jowling and then repositions the SMAS vertically. He will remove any loose or extraneous skin, and finally, he will delicately suture the incisions to promote a natural, lifted closure. After making the necessary adjustments and closing your incisions, Dr. Bachelor will apply antibiotic ointment and a compressive facelift dressing to protect incisions and promote healing.

Recovery

When you return home the day of your surgery, rest comfortably with your head elevated above your shoulders. Avoid strenuous activity in the early stages of your recovery, and follow any instructions laid out for you by your surgical team. Swelling and bruising may persist, but will gradually fade over the coming days and weeks.

Reduced tension on the skin lets the face heal well, and many patients are able to return to regular activities within a few weeks. Be sure to keep all follow-up appointments and inform Dr. Bachelor of your progress and any questions or concerns that may arise during your recovery.

Results

By repositioning deeper facial structures beneath the skin, the deep plane facelift erases jowls and deep facial creases, restores fullness to the midface, sharpens jaw definition, and rejuvenates the skin’s youthful texture for natural-looking results that can last for years. Patients can prolong their revitalization with adequate hydration, healthy skincare, and sun protection.

Corresponding Procedures

Dr. Bachelor offers a wide selection of corresponding procedures for patients who desire a more comprehensive aesthetic treatment plan. Be sure to consult with him about which procedures he would recommend in your case.

Neck Lift

A neck lift can help enhance and complement the results of your deep plane face lift by addressing sagging skin, muscle bands, and fat deposits beneath the chin and around the neck, creating a firmer, more defined jawline.

Brow Lift

A brow lift, also known as a forehead lift, smoothes creases and wrinkles around the brow line and forehead, creating a more youthful, energetic appearance, perfectly complementing the refreshed results of a deep plane facelift.

Fat Grafting

Facial fat grafting restores fullness to areas of the face that have lost volume, lending to a more youthful appearance that is in harmony with the smoothing, lifted effects of your deep plane facelift.

Cost of Deep Plane Facelift in Pleasanton and Danville

The total price of a deep plane facelift procedure depends on the specific surgical plan you and Dr. Bachelor choose. After establishing your treatment map, he will provide a comprehensive cost breakdown. Each patient’s path is unique, and it is crucial that you schedule a consultation to learn more about the deep plane facelift, including all associated costs. If you have any questions or prefer to schedule over the phone, please call our office at (925) 462-3700.

FAQ

References

1. Zekeriya Kul, Erhan Eryilmaz, Emre Özer. Transtemporal Endoscopic Deep Plane Face Lift. Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Global Open. 2025;13(1):e6461-e6461. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/gox.0000000000006461
2. Raggio BS, Patel BC. Deep Plane Facelift. [Updated 2023 Apr 3]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK545277/https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK545277/