Deep Plane Facelift in San Diego
The deep plane facelift releases and repositions the deeper layers of the face for a more complete, natural, and long-lasting lift of the midface, jawline, and neck.
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- Advanced deep plane technique
- Natural, long-lasting results
- Board-certified cosmetic surgeon
- In-person & virtual consultations
Diplomate, American Board of Cosmetic Surgery · Accredited private surgical practice
Prefer to talk? Call (619) 435-5880
Meet Dr. Wael Kouli
The surgeon you choose is your most important decision. Dr. Wael Kouli brings renowned skill, extensive training, and decades of experience to every procedure — focused on safely delivering natural-looking results that fit each patient.
When cosmetic surgery is done well, it subtly enhances your appearance rather than announcing itself. Dr. Kouli identifies the essence of your natural features and builds on them — for an outcome that looks like you, at your best.
- Diplomate, American Board of Cosmetic Surgery
- Board-certified in surgery, American Board of Surgery
- Fellow, American College of Surgeons
- Accredited private surgical practice in Coronado
Care that feels personal
Dr. Kouli is the best and has an amazing team! I couldn’t be happier with my results.
Read more patient stories on Esthetica’s official website
Testimonials reflect individual experiences and are not a guarantee of results. Your experience and outcome will be unique to you.
Is a Deep Plane Facelift right for you?
A good consultation is as much about whether a procedure fits as how it's done. Here's a candid starting point.
You may be a good fit if
- You have midface flattening along with jowls and neck laxity
- You want the longest-lasting, most natural surgical result
- Previous non-surgical treatments are no longer enough
- You're in good general health and a non-smoker (or willing to quit)
Another option may suit you better if
If your laxity is mild or limited to the lower face, a SMAS or short-scar facelift may achieve your goals with a shorter recovery. We'll be candid about which technique truly fits.
Best discussed at your consultation
- Whether the deep plane technique is right for your anatomy
- How the midface, jawline, and neck are addressed together
- Recovery expectations versus a traditional facelift
What deep plane facelift can do for you
The deep plane approach works beneath the muscle layer, lifting the face as a single unit rather than pulling on skin.
What it treats
- Midface flattening and deep nasolabial folds
- Jowls and a blunted jawline
- Laxity and banding in the neck
- An overall heavy, aged lower face
Why this approach
By releasing the ligaments that tether the deeper tissue, Dr. Kouli repositions the midface and neck together with no tension on the skin. The result is a natural lift that tends to last longer than skin- or SMAS-only techniques.
What it won't do
- Improve skin surface, tone, or pigment by itself
- Address the brow or eyelids
- Halt future aging
Deep plane vs. traditional facelift
The difference is the layer that's lifted — and that's what drives how natural and durable the result is.
Traditional / SMAS lift
Tightens the muscle layer and trims skin. Effective for jowls, with a well-established track record.
Deep plane lift
Releases deeper ligaments to reposition the midface and neck as a unit — more complete, with no skin tension.
Why it matters
Lifting deep tissue instead of skin is what avoids a 'pulled' look and helps the result last longer.
What happens after you reach out
A clear, no-pressure path from first contact to your procedure.
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Request your consultation
Share your goals through the form or by phone — in person or virtually.
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Discuss your goals
A private conversation about what you'd like to change and what's realistic for you.
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Exam & photos
Dr. Kouli evaluates your anatomy and reviews relevant before/after cases.
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Your custom plan + quote
A personalized surgical plan with transparent pricing and financing options.
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Schedule your procedure
Choose a date that works for you, with clear pre- and post-op guidance.
What recovery looks like
A general guide — your exact timeline is reviewed at your consultation. Individual recovery varies.
- Days 1–3
Rest with the head elevated. Swelling and bruising peak; discomfort is typically mild to moderate.
- Week 1
Sutures checked; swelling begins to settle. Most bruising becomes camouflageable toward the end of the week.
- Weeks 2–3
Many patients return to work and light social activity as the face continues to settle.
- 2–3 months
Deeper swelling fully resolves and the natural, lifted contour emerges and refines.
Flexible financing & virtual consultations
Plan your procedure around your budget with low monthly payment options, and start with a private in-person or virtual consultation — no obligation.
Deep Plane Facelift FAQs
How is a deep plane facelift different?
It lifts the deeper tissue layer and releases the ligaments holding the face down, repositioning the midface and neck without tension on the skin — for a more natural, durable result.
Is recovery longer than a traditional facelift?
Early recovery is similar, though deeper swelling can take a few months to fully resolve. Your specific expectations are reviewed at your consultation.
Will it look natural?
Because the lift comes from deep tissue rather than skin, results avoid the over-tight look. Individual results vary.
Am I a candidate?
The deep plane technique suits patients with midface and neck laxity who want the most complete result. A consultation confirms whether it's right for you.
Take the first step today
Schedule a private, no-obligation consultation with Dr. Wael Kouli — in person at our Coronado office or virtually — and get a personalized deep plane facelift plan built around your goals.
Prefer to talk now? Call (619) 435-5880
Esthetica San Diego120 C Avenue, Suite 130
Coronado, CA 92118
Request your consultation
A patient coordinator will call to schedule.