Faceology

Deep Plane Facelift in Newport Beach, CA

Conveniently Located to Service Newport Beach, Irvine, & Costa Mesa

Advanced Facial Rejuvenation Designed Around Your Unique Anatomy

Facial aging occurs beneath the surface long before wrinkles and loose skin become visible. Over time, the deeper support structures of the face gradually descend, causing the cheeks to flatten, folds around the nose and mouth to deepen, jowls to develop, and the jawline to lose definition.

A deep plane facelift is an advanced surgical technique designed to reposition these deeper facial structures rather than simply tightening the skin. At FaceologyMD, in Newport Beach, double board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Raymond Lee performs highly individualized facelift procedures using modern surgical techniques tailored to each patient’s anatomy and goals.

Rather than performing the same facelift for every patient, Dr. Lee believes successful facial rejuvenation begins with selecting the technique that will create the most natural-looking, balanced, and long-lasting result. For some patients, that may include deep plane facelift techniques as part of his signature FACEology LIFT®.

What Is a Deep Plane Facelift? Do the Results Look Natural?

A deep plane facelift is an advanced facelift technique that lifts and repositions the deeper facial tissues responsible for many visible signs of aging. Unlike earlier facelift methods that relied primarily on tightening the skin, a deep plane facelift releases key retaining ligaments and elevates the underlying facial support structures as a single unit.

By addressing the deeper foundation of the face, this approach allows the overlying skin to drape naturally with less tension. The result is facial rejuvenation that restores youthful contours while preserving normal facial movement and expression so that you look like a younger version of yourself.

What Concerns Can a Deep Plane Facelift Improve?

A deep plane facelift may improve many of the structural changes associated with facial aging, including:

  • Sagging cheeks 
  • Flattened midface contours 
  • Deep nasolabial folds 
  • Marionette lines 
  • Jowls 
  • Loss of jawline definition 
  • Mild to moderate neck laxity 
  • An overall tired or aged facial appearance 

Because facial aging affects everyone differently, treatment recommendations are always customized to the individual.

Deep Plane Facelift vs. SMAS Facelift

Patients researching facelift surgery often compare deep plane and SMAS facelift techniques. Both approaches address facial aging beneath the skin, but they differ in how the deeper tissues are elevated.

SMAS facelift surgery focuses on lifting and repositioning the superficial musculoaponeurotic system to restore facial support and improve contour.

Deep plane facelift goes a step further by releasing additional facial retaining ligaments, allowing the deeper tissues to be mobilized more comprehensively. In appropriately selected patients, this may provide greater improvement in the cheeks, midface, and deeper facial folds.

Rather than viewing one technique as universally superior, Dr. Lee believes the best facelift is the one that best matches each patient’s anatomy, degree of facial aging, and aesthetic goals.

The FACEology LIFT® Philosophy

The FACEology LIFT® reflects Dr. Lee’s philosophy that beautiful facelift results are achieved through thoughtful planning rather than a single surgical technique. Depending on your anatomy and treatment goals, your procedure may incorporate SMAS techniques, deep plane techniques, or other advanced methods designed to restore youthful facial contours while preserving facial identity.             

The focus is never on performing the newest trend or applying the same operation to every patient. Instead, Dr. Lee selects the surgical approach that best supports long-term facial harmony and natural-looking rejuvenation.

Am I a Candidate for a Deep Plane Facelift?

You may be a good candidate if you:

  • Have noticeable facial sagging 
  • Are bothered by jowls or loss of jawline definition 
  • Have deep folds around the nose and mouth 
  • Want long-lasting facial rejuvenation 
  • Desire natural-looking surgical results 
  • Are in good overall health 
  • Have realistic expectations 

The best way to determine whether a deep plane facelift is appropriate is through a personalized consultation with Dr. Lee.

What to Expect During Facelift Surgery 

Every facelift performed at FaceologyMD is customized to the individual patient.

Dr. Lee carefully evaluates your facial anatomy before creating a personalized surgical plan designed to restore youthful facial contours while preserving natural expression.

The FACEology LIFT® is typically performed as an outpatient procedure in our fully accredited surgical suite using IV twilight sedation rather than general anesthesia. This modern approach supports patient comfort while allowing for a smooth recovery experience.

Depending on your treatment plan, surgery may include repositioning the deeper facial tissues, improving jawline definition, refining the neck, and conservatively removing excess skin with meticulous attention to facial balance.

Recovery After a Deep Plane Facelift

Recovery varies depending on the extent of surgery and your individual healing process.

Most patients experience temporary swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort during the first week following surgery. As healing progresses, swelling gradually subsides and facial contours become more refined.

Many patients return to light daily activities in approximately two weeks, while more strenuous exercise is resumed after clearance from Dr. Lee.

As the tissues continue to heal over the following months, results become increasingly natural and continue to improve.

Why Choose FaceologyMD for a Deep Plane Facelift?

Advanced facelift surgery requires more than technical expertise—it requires an artistic understanding of facial anatomy, aging, and balance.

Patients choose Dr. Raymond Lee because of his:

  • Double board certification in facial plastic surgery and otolaryngology 
  • Fellowship training in aesthetic facial plastic surgery 
  • More than 4,000 facial rejuvenation procedures performed 
  • FACEology LIFT® signature facelift philosophy 
  • Individualized surgical planning 
  • Natural-looking aesthetic approach 
  • Fully accredited on-site surgical suite 
  • Personalized recovery protocols 

To learn more about Dr. Lee’s approach and the results he achieves, we encourage you to explore our Before & After Gallery featuring real patient outcomes and read Patient Reviews to hear about the experiences of individuals who have entrusted him with their care.

FAQ

FAQs About Deep Plane Facelift Surgery

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Is a deep plane facelift better than a SMAS facelift?

Not necessarily. Both are highly effective facelift techniques. The best approach depends on your facial anatomy, degree of aging, and treatment goals. During your consultation, Dr. Lee will recommend the technique best suited to your individual needs.

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Will I look pulled or overdone?

No. Dr. Lee's philosophy emphasizes restoring youthful facial contours while preserving your natural facial expression and unique appearance.

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Is a deep plane facelift more invasive?

A deep plane facelift involves working within deeper facial tissues and requires advanced surgical expertise. While the technique is more comprehensive, the goal remains natural-looking rejuvenation with careful attention to safety and long-term results.

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How long do deep plane facelift results last?

Although the natural aging process continues, most patients enjoy long-lasting improvement for many years. Healthy lifestyle habits and quality skincare can help maintain your results.

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Is recovery longer than other facelift techniques?

Recovery varies from patient to patient. Most individuals experience bruising and swelling during the first one to two weeks before gradually returning to normal daily activities as healing progresses.

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Can a deep plane facelift be combined with other procedures?

Yes. Depending on your goals, facelift surgery may be combined with eyelid surgery, brow lift, facial fat grafting, laser resurfacing, or medical-grade skincare treatments to create comprehensive facial rejuvenation.

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How much does a deep plane facelift cost?

Because every facelift is customized, pricing varies depending on your individualized surgical plan. Personalized pricing and financing options are discussed during your consultation.

Schedule Your Deep Plane Facelift Consultation in Newport Beach

Together with Dr. Lee, you’ll evaluate your facial anatomy, discuss your goals, and develop a customized treatment plan designed to achieve elegant, natural-looking facial rejuvenation.

Proudly serving patients in Newport Beach, Irvine, Costa Mesa and the nearby communities of Orange County, schedule a deep plane facelift consultation with Dr. Raymond Lee at FaceologyMD today.

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FACEOLOGYMD®

Decades of Expertise in Facial Aesthetics

Dr. Raymond Lee, Founder and Medical Director of FACEOLOGYMD®, brings over decades of experience in facial aesthetics to provide natural, personalized care. Specializing in facial rejuvenation under local anesthesia, Dr. Lee has performed over 5,000 procedures and is known for his signature deep plane FACEology® LIFT, offering natural results with minimal sedation and easy recovery. FACEOLOGYMD® has been voted the #1 Cosmetic Surgeon in Orange County and provides a range of surgical and non-surgical options to enhance your natural beauty. Experience beauty the most natural way with Dr. Lee’s expertise.

portrait of doctor raymond lee at faceology md

Meet the Team

Vanessa Severson

Practice Director

As the engine behind Faceology MD, Vanessa brings years of both administrative & clinical experience with a passion for leadership to her role as Practice Director. With a background as a Certified Surgical Technologist, she knows the ins and outs of the aesthetic world and leads with both heart and strategy...Read More

portrait of tabitha wilson at faceology md

Tabitha Wilson

Patient Care Coordinator

With a background as a certified makeup artist and a true passion for beauty, Tabitha brings a warm, stylish, and caring touch to every patient experience at Faceology MD. She’s the one helping you feel comfortable, confident, and a little bit glam from the moment you walk through the door...Read More

portrait of Cathy Castaneda at faceology md

Cathy Castaneda

Lead Medical Assistant

Cathy is the heart of the clinical team at Faceology MD. As Lead Medical Assistant, she supports patients every step of the way—from pre-op prep to post-op recovery—with calm confidence and a whole lot of compassion. Her favorite moments are seeing patients' emotional reactions after surgery, especially those happy tears...Read More

portrait of ashley canicosa at faceology md

Ashley Canicosa

Medical Assistant

Bio Coming Soon.

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