Facelift (Deep Plane Facelift)
Natural Facial Rejuvenation in Newport Beach & Beverly Hills
Aging affects more than just the skin. Over time, the deep tissues of the face begin to descend, leading to sagging cheeks, deep nasolabial folds, jowls, and loss of jawline definition.
A facelift (rhytidectomy) restores youthful facial contours by repositioning deeper facial structures and removing excess skin.
Dr. Monica Kieu performs natural-looking facelifts in Newport Beach and Beverly Hills, with a focus on the deep plane facelift technique, which lifts the deeper facial tissues as a single unit for more natural and long-lasting rejuvenation.
The goal is not to change how you look, but to restore a refreshed, youthful version of yourself.
What Is a Deep Plane Facelift?
A deep plane facelift is an advanced facelift technique that lifts and repositions the deeper layers of the face, including the SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) and the underlying facial ligaments.
Unlike traditional facelifts that primarily tighten skin or lift the SMAS layer separately, the deep plane facelift releases key retaining ligaments and lifts the skin and underlying tissue together as a composite layer.
This approach allows for:
more natural facial movement
smoother transitions between facial regions
improved midface lifting
reduced tension on the skin
By addressing the deeper structural causes of facial aging, a deep plane facelift can provide more natural and longer-lasting results.
Areas Improved With a Deep Plane Facelift
Facelift surgery primarily addresses aging in the lower two-thirds of the face, while the deep plane technique also provides improvement in the midface.
Common concerns treated include:
Sagging cheeks
Deep nasolabial folds
Jowls
Marionette lines
Loss of jawline definition
Loose skin in the lower face
Because facial aging affects multiple structures, many patients combine facelift surgery with procedures such as:
neck lift
eyelid surgery
facial fat grafting
rhinoplasty
to achieve balanced facial rejuvenation.
Benefits of a Deep Plane Facelift
Patients seeking facelift surgery in Newport Beach and Beverly Hills often choose the deep plane technique for several reasons.
Natural-Looking Results
Because the deeper tissues are repositioned rather than the skin being pulled tight, results appear more natural and expressive.
Improved Midface Rejuvenation
The deep plane facelift lifts the cheeks and softens nasolabial folds more effectively than traditional techniques.
Reduced Skin Tension
By lifting deeper layers, the skin is redraped without excessive tension, which helps create softer scars and a more natural appearance.
Long-Lasting Results
A facelift addresses the structural causes of facial aging, allowing results to last many years.
Facelift vs. Non-Surgical Treatments
Non-surgical treatments such as fillers, Botox, and energy-based skin tightening can provide modest improvement but cannot fully correct tissue descent.
Non-Surgical Treatments
• Temporary improvement
• Limited lifting effect
• Best for early aging changes
Facelift Surgery
• Repositions deeper facial structures
• Improves moderate to advanced aging
• Provides long-lasting rejuvenation
Many patients consider facelift surgery when they want a more definitive and lasting solution for facial aging.
The Deep Plane Facelift Procedure
Facelift surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia or deep sedation.
Incisions are carefully placed along the hairline and natural contours around the ears, allowing access to the deeper facial layers while keeping scars discreet.
During a deep plane facelift:
Key facial retaining ligaments are released.
The skin and deeper tissues are lifted together as a composite layer.
The facial structures are repositioned to restore youthful contours.
Excess skin is redraped naturally and removed.
Dr. Kieu’s surgical approach emphasizes precision, natural facial balance, and preservation of individual facial identity.
Recovery After Facelift Surgery
Recovery from facelift surgery varies between patients but typically follows this general timeline.
Patients may experience:
swelling
bruising
mild tightness in the face
Most patients return to social activities within 2–3 weeks, while residual swelling continues to improve over several months.
As healing progresses, the face gradually reveals a refreshed and natural appearance.
Facelift Results
A deep plane facelift restores youthful facial contours by addressing the underlying structural changes that occur with aging.
Results may include:
smoother jawline
improved cheek contour
reduction of jowls
softer nasolabial folds
more defined facial shape
While a facelift does not stop the aging process, it can restore a more youthful foundation that ages naturally over time.
Results often last 10 years or longer, depending on individual aging patterns and lifestyle factors.
Who Is a Good Candidate for a Facelift?
You may be a candidate for facelift surgery in Newport Beach or Beverly Hills if you:
have sagging skin in the lower face
notice jowls or loss of jawline definition
have deep nasolabial folds
want long-lasting facial rejuvenation
are in good general health
A consultation with Dr. Kieu will determine whether a deep plane facelift is the most appropriate treatment for your facial anatomy and goals.
Facelift FAQ
What is the difference between a deep plane facelift and a traditional facelift?
A deep plane facelift lifts the skin and underlying tissues together, releasing key ligaments to allow the entire facial structure to be repositioned more naturally.
How long do facelift results last?
Results often last 10 years or longer, though the natural aging process continues.
Will my facelift look natural?
Modern techniques such as the deep plane facelift focus on repositioning facial structures rather than tightening skin, which helps create natural-looking results.
Is a facelift painful?
Most patients experience mild to moderate discomfort in the first few days, which is typically well controlled with medication.
Can a facelift be combined with other procedures?
Yes. Many patients combine facelift surgery with neck lift, eyelid surgery, or facial fat grafting for more comprehensive facial rejuvenation.
Schedule a Consultation
If you are considering a deep plane facelift in Newport Beach or Beverly Hills, a consultation with Dr. Monica Kieu can help determine the best approach for your facial rejuvenation goals.
Contact our office today to schedule your consultation.