Saratoga (408) 741-9982 Redwood City (650) 227-9693
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Reveal a More Youthful You with Grace and Precision

At Cheng Plastic Surgery in San Jose/Saratoga, our Deep Plane Facelift goes beyond surface-level correction to restore deep structural support and youthful contour, without the tight, pulled look of traditional facelifts. With their expertise in facial anatomy and aesthetic balance, our double board-certified facial plastic surgeons, Drs. Elbert and Jacqueline Cheng offer a highly advanced solution for facial aging that looks natural, feels authentic, and lasts beautifully.

What Is a Deep Plane Facelift?

A Deep Plane Facelift is a sophisticated surgical procedure that lifts not just the skin, but the deeper layers of the face—known as the SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) and deeper facial ligaments. By releasing and repositioning these structural layers, we can restore youthful volume, redefine the jawline, and lift the cheeks with superior precision and longer-lasting results.

Unlike a traditional facelift, which often pulls the skin tighter without addressing the deeper tissues, a Deep Plane Facelift avoids surface tension and instead repositions the face naturally from its foundation. The result is a refreshed, revitalized appearance that looks authentically like you, just years younger. The deep plane facelift offers more effective lifting in the jowl and midface areas than mini-facelifts or SMAS facelifts, resulting in a noticeably superior rejuvenation in those regions.

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Who Is a Candidate?

You might be an ideal candidate for a Deep Plane Facelift if you:

  • Have moderate to advanced facial sagging, especially in the cheeks, jowls, and lower face
  • Notice deep nasolabial folds or marionette lines
  • Desire natural, comprehensive lifting with lasting results
  • Want to avoid the “over-pulled” or tight look of older facelift techniques
  • Are in good general health and have realistic expectations

During your private consultation, Dr. Cheng will evaluate your facial structure, skin quality, and aesthetic goals to determine if a Deep Plane Facelift is the most effective solution for your unique needs.

Benefits of a Deep Plane Facelift

  • Lifts the deeper facial structures, not just the skin
  • Rejuvenates midface, jawline, and lower face in one procedure
  • Offers a faster recovery time than mini-facelifts or SMAS facelifts
  • Longer-lasting results compared to traditional facelifts
  • Natural-looking outcomes with no visible tension on the skin
  • Enhances cheek volume and softens deep folds
  • Can be combined with neck lift, eyelid surgery, fat grafting, chemical peel/lasering of the skin for total rejuvenation
  • Minimal risk of skin thinning or irregularities
  • Ability to minimize the buccal fat protrusion, which commonly occurs with aging.

What to Expect During Your Procedure

Performed in our private, accredited surgical suite in Saratoga, your Deep Plane Facelift will be:

  • Conducted under IV sedation or general anesthesia
  • Carefully planned using your facial anatomy as a guide
  • Focused on freeing and repositioning the SMAS layer and releasing facial ligaments
  • Designed to reshape and elevate sagging tissues for the most natural contour
  • Closed with meticulous incisions hidden along the hairline and around the ears

Surgery typically takes 3-4 hours, depending on the extent of the lift and whether other procedures are being performed simultaneously.

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Recovery & Results

Downtime

Most patients take 10–14 days off to rest and recover

Swelling & Bruising

Common and expected, typically subsiding within 2 weeks

Discomfort

Mild to moderate, managed with prescription or OTC medication

Results

Initial improvements are visible within 2–3 weeks, with final results appearing as swelling fully resolves over 2–3 months

Because the deeper facial tissues are lifted directly, your skin isn’t under tension, which results in smoother healing, longer-lasting outcomes, and no “windblown” effect.

Why Choose Cheng Plastic Surgery?

At Cheng Plastic Surgery in San Jose, facial surgery is not just our specialty—it’s our art form. With a combined 22+ years of experience, Drs. Elbert and Jacqueline Cheng are leaders in the most advanced facelift techniques, including the Deep Plane Facelift. Our patients choose us because we offer:

  • Double board-certified facial plastic surgeons
  • A reputation for natural, elegant results
  • A luxury, patient-focused experience
  • In-depth consultation and custom planning
  • A high-tech, fully accredited private surgery center
  • Compassionate care that continues well after your procedure
  • Named the Bay Area’s Best Plastic Surgeons of 2025 by The Mercury News readers.

You have one face, why not trust it to the BEST?

Whether you’re looking to restore youthfulness for personal confidence or professional impact, we deliver surgical excellence tailored just for you.

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Let’s Redefine What Aging Gracefully Looks Like

You don’t have to settle for looking tired or drawn. With the Deep Plane Facelift at Cheng Plastic Surgery, you can achieve a refined, lifted, and rejuvenated appearance that feels as good as it looks. In the hands of skilled facial plastic surgeons, you can recapture the youthful contours of your face with a result that is refined, natural, and uniquely yours. Schedule your consultation in San Jose today to discover if this powerful technique is right for you.

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