Introduction
Your face tells your story. Every smile, conversation, and expression reflects a lifetime of experiences. Over time, gravity, changes in skin elasticity, loss of facial volume, and the natural aging process gradually alter the contours of the face and neck. The cheeks descend, the jawline loses definition, jowls develop, and loose skin appears along the neck.
Although these changes are a natural part of aging, many people feel that their reflection no longer represents the energy, vitality, and confidence they still feel inside.
A Deep Plane Face & Neck Lift is one of the most advanced facial rejuvenation procedures available today. Rather than simply tightening loose skin, it repositions the deeper facial support structures responsible for age-related descent.
Unlike traditional facelifts that rely primarily on skin tension, the Deep Plane approach releases and repositions the deeper facial tissues as a single unit. This allows the cheeks, jawline, and neck to be rejuvenated together, creating smooth, natural transitions and balanced contours that continue to look authentic both at rest and during facial expression.
Most patients are not trying to become someone else or erase every sign of aging. They simply want their appearance to reflect how they feel—healthy, confident, and well rested. The goal is not dramatic transformation. It is subtle rejuvenation that preserves the features that make you uniquely you.
At Cabo Plastic Surgery, every Deep Plane Face & Neck Lift is individually planned and personally performed by Dr. Roberto López Konschot. Rather than following a standardized operation, he carefully evaluates your facial anatomy, skin quality, volume distribution, skeletal structure, aging pattern, lifestyle, and long-term goals before recommending the approach that offers the greatest balance of safety, longevity, and natural-looking results.
Our philosophy is simple: beautiful results should never announce themselves.
Patients from Mexico, the United States, Canada, and around the world travel to Los Cabos seeking advanced facial rejuvenation in a practice where meticulous surgical technique, honest recommendations, personalized care, and long-term follow-up receive equal attention.
The following section provides a concise overview of the procedure, recovery, and what you can expect throughout your facial rejuvenation journey.
Deep Plane Face & Neck Lift at a Glance
| Procedure | Deep Plane Face & Neck Lift |
|---|
| Purpose | Reposition the deeper facial support structures to restore the cheeks, jawline, and neck while preserving natural facial expression. |
|---|
| Anesthesia | General anesthesia with a board-certified physician anesthesiologist. |
|---|
| Where | AAAASF-accredited hospital in Los Cabos. |
|---|
| Surgery Time | Typically 4–6 hours, depending on anatomy and any complementary procedures. |
|---|
| Hospital Stay | Most patients stay overnight; the overnight stay is included in the hospital surgical package. |
|---|
| Back to Work | Most patients return to office-based work within 2–3 weeks. |
|---|
| Exercise | Gradual return to full exercise at 4–6 weeks, after medical clearance. |
|---|
| Stay in Los Cabos | Approximately 10–14 days after surgery for follow-up before traveling home. |
|---|
| Final Result | Develops over 6–12 months as swelling resolves and tissues settle. |
|---|
| Longevity | Most patients enjoy their results for 10 years or more. |
|---|
| Medical Team Fee | From $11,000 USD, typically $11,000–$13,500 USD. Hospital expenses quoted separately. |
|---|
The following section explains the cost of a Deep Plane Face & Neck Lift and the factors that influence your personalized treatment plan.
Cost & Your Personalized Quote
Choosing a Deep Plane Face & Neck Lift is an investment in your appearance, confidence, and long-term well-being. At Cabo Plastic Surgery, we believe the financial aspect of surgery should be transparent, straightforward, and free of surprises.
| Item | Cabo Plastic Surgery |
|---|
| Medical Team Fee (from) | $11,000 USD |
| Typical Range by Complexity | $11,000–$13,500 USD |
| Hospital Expenses | Quoted separately |
Most patients invest between $11,000 and $13,500 USD, depending on the complexity of the procedure and whether complementary facial rejuvenation procedures are performed during the same operation.
What Is Included
Your medical team fee includes:
- Dr. Roberto López Konschot’s surgical fee
- Board-certified physician anesthesiologist’s fee
- First assistant’s fee
- All scheduled follow-up visits with Dr. López Konschot and routine post-operative care provided by the Cabo Plastic Surgery team
Should an unexpected complication require additional hospitalization, emergency surgery, or treatment by outside providers, any associated hospital or third-party fees are not included.
Hospital expenses—including operating room fees, medications, and overnight hospitalization—are quoted separately because they vary according to your individualized surgical plan.
How Much Can You Save?
Many patients choose Los Cabos because they can receive advanced facial rejuvenation while benefiting from substantial savings compared with the United States. On average, patients save approximately:
- 55–63% compared with the average cost of a Deep Plane Face & Neck Lift in the United States.
- 61–69% compared with average pricing in California.
These comparisons are based on publicly available pricing from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), RealSelf, and current market data from experienced board-certified plastic surgeons in the United States.
Your Personalized Quote
Every face is unique, and your treatment plan should be too. During your consultation, Dr. Roberto López Konschot will evaluate your facial anatomy, discuss your goals, and recommend the procedures best suited to your needs. You will then receive a detailed written quotation outlining the recommended treatment plan and its associated costs, allowing you to make an informed decision with confidence.
Benefits of a Deep Plane Face & Neck Lift
A Deep Plane Face & Neck Lift offers far more than tighter skin. By restoring the deeper facial support structures to a more youthful position, the procedure rejuvenates the face and neck while preserving your natural facial expressions and individual features.
Because every patient ages differently, the specific improvements vary. However, the following benefits are commonly achieved with a properly performed Deep Plane Face & Neck Lift.
Benefits at a glance
- Rejuvenates the cheeks, jawline, and neck in a single procedure.
- Restores youthful facial contours by repositioning deeper facial tissues.
- Preserves natural facial movement and expression.
- Improves jawline definition while reducing jowls.
- Creates a smoother, more youthful neck contour.
- Softens deep facial folds caused by tissue descent.
- Produces long-lasting, natural-looking results.
- Can be combined with complementary facial rejuvenation procedures for more comprehensive results.
Restores Youthful Facial Contours
One of the earliest signs of facial aging is the gradual descent of the cheeks and lower face. As the deeper tissues lose support, the face can appear heavier, flatter, and less defined. A Deep Plane Face & Neck Lift restores these tissues to a more youthful position, recreating natural facial contours without changing the features that make you uniquely you.
Improves Jawline Definition
As facial tissues descend, the distinction between the jawline and neck gradually softens, allowing jowls to develop. By repositioning the deeper facial tissues, the procedure restores a cleaner, more defined jawline while maintaining balanced facial proportions.
Rejuvenates the Neck
Because the face and neck age together, treating them together often creates the most harmonious result. A Deep Plane Face & Neck Lift commonly improves:
- Loose neck skin
- Platysmal banding
- Softness beneath the jawline
- Neck contour
- Cervicomental angle definition
Softens Deep Facial Folds
As the cheeks descend, folds around the nose and mouth often become more noticeable. Rather than simply filling these areas, a Deep Plane Face & Neck Lift restores the cheeks to a more youthful position, naturally softening these folds while preserving normal facial character.
Preserves Natural Facial Expression
One of the most common concerns patients have is looking “pulled” or obviously operated on. Because the deeper facial tissues—not the skin—are repositioned, facial movement remains soft, balanced, and expressive. The goal is for people to notice that you look refreshed—not that you have had surgery.
Long-Lasting Improvement
Although the aging process continues naturally, repositioning the deeper facial support structures generally provides results that remain attractive for many years. Most patients continue to look younger than they would have without surgery and enjoy their rejuvenation for a decade or longer.
How the Deep Plane Face & Neck Lift Works
To understand why a Deep Plane Face & Neck Lift produces such natural-looking results, it helps to understand how the face ages.
Facial aging is not caused by loose skin alone. Over time, the deeper tissues that support the cheeks, jawline, and neck gradually descend due to gravity, changes in tissue elasticity, and the natural aging process. At the same time, facial volume decreases and skin quality changes, contributing to jowls, deeper facial folds, loss of jawline definition, and loose skin beneath the chin and neck.
Repositioning the deeper tissues, not the skin
Unlike traditional facelift techniques that primarily tighten the skin or make limited adjustments to the tissues beneath it, the Deep Plane Face & Neck Lift carefully releases and repositions the deeper facial support structures as a single unit. This restores the cheeks, jawline, and neck together while minimizing tension on the skin.
Why it matters Because the lift is supported by the deeper tissues rather than the skin, facial movement and expression remain natural. For appropriately selected patients, this approach often provides more comprehensive, natural-looking, and longer-lasting rejuvenation.
Deep Plane vs. Traditional Facelift Techniques
The key difference between a Deep Plane Face & Neck Lift and more traditional facelift techniques is where the lift occurs.
| Technique | Where the lift occurs |
|---|
| Skin-only facelift | Tightens the skin but does not fully address the deeper structural changes responsible for facial aging. |
| Traditional SMAS facelift | Repositions the tissue layer beneath the skin, but many retaining ligaments remain intact, limiting how naturally the tissues can be repositioned. |
| Deep Plane Face & Neck Lift | Releases the retaining ligaments and repositions the deeper facial tissues as a single unit, creating a more comprehensive and natural rejuvenation. |
For appropriately selected patients, the deep plane approach may provide:
- More natural facial movement and expression
- Better restoration of cheek volume
- Improved jawline definition
- More effective neck rejuvenation
- Less tension on the skin
- Long-lasting, natural-looking results
Treating the Face and Neck as One Unit
The face and neck age together and should be evaluated together. A youthful jawline depends not only on lifting the cheeks but also on restoring the neck. Likewise, treating the neck without addressing facial descent may create imbalance between the upper and lower face.
By rejuvenating both regions simultaneously, a Deep Plane Face & Neck Lift creates smooth transitions from the cheeks to the jawline and from the jawline into the neck, producing a balanced, natural appearance.
Every Face Ages Differently
Although facial aging follows common patterns, no two patients age in exactly the same way. During your consultation, Dr. Roberto López Konschot evaluates facial bone structure, skin quality and elasticity, distribution of facial fat, degree of ligament laxity, neck anatomy, platysmal muscle position, facial symmetry, hairline and incision planning, previous facial procedures, and your personal goals and expectations.
This comprehensive evaluation allows every surgical plan to be customized to your anatomy rather than following a standardized operation.
A Comprehensive Facial Rejuvenation Plan
Although a Deep Plane Face & Neck Lift is one of the most effective procedures for restoring youthful facial contours, it is often only one component of facial rejuvenation. Depending on your anatomy and goals, Dr. Roberto López Konschot may recommend combining your facelift with complementary procedures such as upper or lower blepharoplasty, facial fat grafting, brow lift, lip lift, laser skin resurfacing, neuromodulator treatments, or hyaluronic acid fillers.
Every recommendation is individualized. Procedures are recommended only when they contribute to a more balanced, natural, and harmonious result—not as part of a routine surgical plan.
Choosing the Right Facelift Technique
One of the most common questions patients ask is: “Which facelift technique is best?” The answer is simple: there is no single procedure that is right for everyone.
The most appropriate technique depends on your facial anatomy, degree of skin laxity, facial volume, neck contour, skin quality, and long-term goals. Choosing the right operation is just as important as performing it well.
Skin-Only Facelift. This older technique improves facial contours by tightening the skin without significantly repositioning the deeper facial support structures. Although it may provide temporary improvement in carefully selected patients, the results are generally less durable, and excessive skin tension may create an unnatural appearance. For these reasons, skin-only facelifts are rarely recommended in modern facial rejuvenation.
SMAS Facelift. The SMAS (Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System) facelift repositions the tissue layer beneath the skin, providing more durable support than skin-only techniques. It remains an excellent option for many patients with mild to moderate facial aging and can produce natural, attractive results when appropriately indicated.
Deep Plane Face & Neck Lift. The Deep Plane Face & Neck Lift repositions the deeper facial support structures as a single unit, restoring the cheeks, jawline, and neck while minimizing tension on the skin. By correcting the underlying tissue descent rather than simply tightening the skin, it often provides more comprehensive and longer-lasting rejuvenation for patients with moderate to advanced facial aging.
Why Dr. López Konschot often recommends the deep plane technique
- Repositions the deeper facial tissues responsible for age-related descent.
- Restores youthful cheek contours and jawline definition.
- Improves neck contours as part of a comprehensive facial rejuvenation.
- Preserves natural facial movement and expression.
- Minimizes tension on the skin.
- Provides long-lasting, natural-looking results.
A Deep Plane Face & Neck Lift is an excellent option for many patients—but not for everyone. Some individuals achieve outstanding results with a mini facelift, an isolated neck lift, eyelid surgery, facial fat grafting, or selected non-surgical treatments. In other cases, the most appropriate recommendation may be to postpone surgery until facial aging progresses further.
Our philosophy is simple: recommend the procedure that best matches your anatomy—not the most extensive operation.
Is a Deep Plane Face & Neck Lift Right for Me?
Choosing facial rejuvenation is a personal decision. The ideal candidate is not simply someone who looks older—it is someone whose anatomy, overall health, and goals make surgery likely to provide a safe procedure and a satisfying long-term outcome.
During your consultation, Dr. Roberto López Konschot will evaluate your facial anatomy, skin quality, degree of tissue descent, neck contour, medical history, lifestyle, and expectations to determine whether a Deep Plane Face & Neck Lift is the most appropriate treatment for you.
You may be a good candidate if you have
- Moderate to advanced facial skin laxity.
- Sagging cheeks with loss of youthful facial contours.
- Jowls that soften the definition of the jawline.
- Loose skin or muscle banding beneath the chin and neck.
- Deep facial folds caused primarily by tissue descent.
- Facial aging following significant weight loss.
- Good overall health and a stable weight.
- Realistic expectations about what surgery can—and cannot—achieve.
Many patients first explore Botox®, fillers, skin-tightening devices, or laser treatments. While these treatments can improve early signs of aging, they cannot reposition the deeper facial support structures responsible for more advanced facial aging.
More Than Facial Aging
Being an appropriate candidate involves more than the appearance of your face. The most predictable outcomes are achieved by patients who are medically healthy, emotionally prepared, and understand both the benefits and limitations of surgery. A Deep Plane Face & Neck Lift restores youthful facial contours, but it does not stop the natural aging process or create perfection.
Healthy Skin Matters
Although a Deep Plane Face & Neck Lift corrects tissue descent, skin quality also influences your final result. When appropriate, Dr. Roberto López Konschot may recommend complementary treatments—such as laser skin resurfacing or physician-directed skincare—to further optimize your results. Our goal is comprehensive facial rejuvenation—not simply lifting the face.
Good Health Matters
The safest surgical candidates are medically healthy and emotionally prepared for surgery. During your consultation, Dr. López Konschot will review your medical history, previous facial procedures, current medications and supplements, smoking or nicotine use, allergies, previous anesthesia history, general health, lifestyle, and recovery expectations.
Depending on your medical history, laboratory studies, medical clearance, or additional evaluations may be recommended before surgery. Patient safety always comes before cosmetic improvement.
Who Is Not a Good Candidate?
Surgery may need to be postponed, or may not be recommended, if you
- Smoke or use nicotine products.
- Have uncontrolled medical conditions that increase surgical risk.
- Are experiencing significant weight fluctuations.
- Have an active skin infection or untreated facial condition.
- Are not medically cleared for anesthesia.
- Have unrealistic expectations about what surgery can achieve.
One of the most important responsibilities of a plastic surgeon is knowing when not to operate. At Cabo Plastic Surgery, honest recommendations are every bit as important as surgical skill. If Dr. Roberto López Konschot believes another procedure, additional preparation, or simply waiting will provide a better long-term outcome, he will discuss those recommendations openly and honestly.
Our Philosophy
At Cabo Plastic Surgery, we believe exceptional facial rejuvenation begins long before surgery. It begins with careful evaluation, honest communication, and a treatment plan designed around the individual—not around a procedure.
Every recommendation made by Dr. Roberto López Konschot is guided by one simple question: what is truly in this patient’s best interest?
For some patients, that may be a Deep Plane Face & Neck Lift. For others, a less extensive procedure, a combination of treatments, or even postponing surgery may provide the better long-term outcome. Our responsibility is not to recommend the most extensive operation—it is to recommend the one that best matches your anatomy, goals, and long-term interests.
Every Face Is Different
No two faces age in exactly the same way. Every consultation includes a comprehensive evaluation of your facial anatomy, skin quality, facial proportions, degree of tissue descent, neck contour, medical history, lifestyle, and personal goals. This allows Dr. López Konschot to recommend the procedure—or combination of procedures—that best fits your individual needs.
Safety Before Surgery
A successful facelift is measured by more than its appearance. Patient safety is the foundation of every recommendation we make. If a medical condition, nicotine use, unstable weight, unrealistic expectations, or another factor increases surgical risk or compromises the quality of your outcome, those concerns should be addressed before surgery is recommended.
Sometimes the best decision is to proceed with surgery. Sometimes the best decision is to wait. Knowing the difference is one of the most important responsibilities of a plastic surgeon.
Restoring, Never Replacing
The purpose of facial rejuvenation is not to create a new face. It is to restore the face that has gradually changed over time. Our goal is to restore youthful facial contours while preserving your natural facial expressions, facial character, and the features that make you uniquely you.
The most successful results blend naturally with your existing features. Friends and family may notice that you look healthier, more rested, or simply refreshed—but they should not notice the surgery itself.
A Partnership Built on Trust
Choosing facial rejuvenation requires trust. From your first consultation through your final follow-up visit, the Cabo Plastic Surgery team is committed to providing education, personalized support, and an exceptional patient experience, while Dr. López Konschot personally oversees every medical decision, every procedure, and every stage of your recovery.
Our responsibility extends beyond performing an excellent operation. It is to help you make the right decision—and to support you every step of the way.
Your Surgical Journey
A Deep Plane Face & Neck Lift is more than a single operation—it is a carefully planned process designed to achieve the safest recovery and the most natural, long-lasting results. Although every treatment plan is personalized, your experience generally follows the stages below.
Consultation & Preparation
Your consultation is about far more than discussing surgery. It is an opportunity for Dr. Roberto López Konschot to understand your concerns, evaluate your facial anatomy, and determine whether a Deep Plane Face & Neck Lift is the most appropriate treatment to help you achieve your goals.
Your evaluation typically includes Medical history and current medications; facial proportions, skin quality, and facial volume; evaluation of the cheeks, jawline, neck, and overall facial balance; previous facial procedures and non-surgical treatments; lifestyle, recovery expectations, and long-term goals; and standardized clinical photographs for surgical planning.
Day of Surgery
A Deep Plane Face & Neck Lift is performed under general anesthesia and typically requires 4 to 6 hours, depending on your anatomy and whether complementary procedures are performed at the same time. Throughout the procedure, Dr. López Konschot carefully repositions the deeper facial support structures to restore youthful facial contours while preserving natural facial movement and expression.
Before and after surgery You will arrive at the AAAASF-accredited hospital after fasting for at least 8 hours, meet Dr. López Konschot and your anesthesiologist, and complete pre-operative photographs and markings. Afterwards you recover in a monitored area; most patients stay overnight, with the overnight stay included in the hospital surgical package.
Recovery & Aftercare
During the first several days it is normal to experience swelling, bruising, facial tightness, mild discomfort, and temporary numbness around the cheeks, ears, and neck. These changes improve steadily over the following weeks. Most patients describe recovery as a feeling of tightness or pressure rather than significant pain.
During your recovery Keep your head elevated while resting; take all medications exactly as prescribed; stay well hydrated and eat well; walk several times each day; avoid heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, and activities that raise blood pressure; and protect your incisions following all wound-care instructions.
Virtual Consultations
For patients traveling from outside Los Cabos, a virtual consultation offers a convenient way to begin planning facial rejuvenation before making travel arrangements. You will speak directly with Dr. Roberto López Konschot, discuss your concerns and aesthetic goals, review your medical history, and submit photographs for a preliminary facial evaluation. Your final surgical plan is confirmed after your in-person examination.
Preparing for Surgery
Once your surgical plan is finalized, you will receive detailed written instructions explaining how to prepare for surgery. Depending on your medical history, preparation may include laboratory testing and medical clearance; temporarily discontinuing medications or supplements that may increase bleeding, under the guidance of your prescribing physician; stopping all nicotine products before and after surgery; maintaining good nutrition and hydration; arranging transportation after surgery and assistance during your initial recovery; and preparing comfortable accommodations if you are traveling to Los Cabos.
If You Are Traveling to Los Cabos
Many of our patients travel from the United States, Canada, and other countries for surgery. The Cabo Plastic Surgery team will assist you with recommended arrival dates, length of stay, hotel recommendations, transportation, pre-operative appointments, the post-operative follow-up schedule, and return travel recommendations.
We generally recommend arriving several days before surgery to complete your pre-operative evaluation and remaining in Los Cabos for approximately 10 to 14 days afterward so Dr. López Konschot can personally monitor your recovery before you travel home. Patients undergoing multiple facial procedures may be advised to stay slightly longer.
Follow-Up Care
Your care does not end when you leave the hospital. Follow-up visits allow Dr. Roberto López Konschot to monitor your healing, remove sutures when appropriate, answer your questions, and confirm that your recovery is progressing as expected. Never hesitate to contact the Cabo Plastic Surgery team if you have questions or concerns during your recovery—early communication often helps prevent minor issues from becoming more significant problems.
Although you will notice improvement early, swelling continues to decrease and facial tissues continue to soften over the following months. Allowing this process to unfold naturally is an important part of achieving a refined, long-lasting result.
Your Recovery Timeline
Most patients follow a predictable pattern of recovery, although individual healing times vary. Think of this timeline as a general guide; Dr. Roberto López Konschot will personalize your recommendations based on your progress.
First 24–48 hours
- Moderate swelling and bruising.
- Facial tightness or a feeling of pressure.
- Mild discomfort, well controlled with prescribed medication.
- Temporary numbness around the cheeks, ears, and neck.
- Rest with your head elevated, begin short walks, and stay well hydrated.
First week
- Swelling generally reaches its peak before gradually beginning to improve.
- Rest, gentle walking, good nutrition and hydration.
- Protecting your incisions and sleeping with the head elevated.
- Depending on your healing, the first sutures may be removed during this period.
Weeks 2–3
- Bruising has largely resolved and swelling continues to improve.
- Many patients return to office-based work, dine out, and see family and friends.
- Makeup can be worn once approved.
- Although some swelling remains, most people simply notice that you look refreshed.
Weeks 4–6
- Facial contours continue to refine as swelling decreases.
- Gradual return to regular daily activities.
- More vigorous exercise after medical clearance.
Months 2–3
- The cheeks soften, the jawline becomes more defined, and neck contours continue to improve.
- Most patients feel completely comfortable in professional and social settings.
Months 3–6
- Residual swelling continues to resolve while the tissues settle into their new position.
- Facial movement feels completely natural and results become increasingly refined.
One year
- Healing is considered complete.
- Scars have matured significantly and facial tissues have fully settled.
- Your Deep Plane Face & Neck Lift has reached its long-term result.
These timeframes are general guidelines. Recovery varies from patient to patient, and Dr. Roberto López Konschot will provide recommendations based on your individual healing.
Life After a Deep Plane Face & Neck Lift
A Deep Plane Face & Neck Lift is not intended to change who you are. Its purpose is to restore a more youthful appearance while preserving the facial features and expressions that make you uniquely you.
As healing progresses, most patients spend less time thinking about surgery and more time simply enjoying everyday life. Looking in the mirror feels natural again, photographs become more enjoyable, and your appearance once again reflects the energy and confidence you feel inside.
Maintaining Your Results
Although a Deep Plane Face & Neck Lift restores youthful facial contours, the natural aging process continues. Healthy lifestyle habits can help preserve your results for many years:
- Daily broad-spectrum sunscreen.
- A consistent physician-directed skincare program.
- Maintaining a stable weight.
- Avoiding smoking and nicotine products.
- Regular exercise and balanced nutrition.
- Staying well hydrated.
Complementary Treatments
As your face continues to age naturally, selected non-surgical treatments may help maintain your results. Depending on your needs, Dr. Roberto López Konschot may recommend neuromodulators to soften dynamic wrinkles, hyaluronic acid fillers for selective volume restoration, laser skin resurfacing, IPL or other skin rejuvenation treatments, medical-grade skincare, or Sofwave® skin tightening. These treatments complement—but do not replace—the structural improvements achieved with a Deep Plane Face & Neck Lift.
Aging After Surgery
A facelift does not stop the aging process. Instead, it restores your facial tissues to a more youthful position, allowing you to continue aging naturally from that point forward. Most patients continue to look younger than they would have without surgery while enjoying their results for many years.
The greatest compliment is when people notice that you look refreshed—not that you have had surgery.
Results
A successful Deep Plane Face & Neck Lift restores youthful facial contours while preserving the facial features and expressions that make you uniquely you. Every result is influenced by your facial anatomy, skin quality, healing, lifestyle, and the natural aging process.
What Improvements Can You Expect?
- Sagging cheeks
- Jowls
- Loss of jawline definition
- Loose skin and muscle banding of the neck
- Deep facial folds caused by tissue descent
- Overall facial contour and facial balance
When Will I See My Results?
Although you will notice improvement immediately after surgery, swelling temporarily obscures your final appearance. Most patients notice significant improvement within the first month as swelling decreases. By approximately 6 to 12 months, healing is essentially complete and your final result has fully developed.
How Long Do Results Last?
One of the greatest advantages of the Deep Plane Face & Neck Lift is its longevity. Although the natural aging process continues, most patients enjoy their results for 10 years or more. Healthy lifestyle habits—including daily sun protection, physician-directed skincare, maintaining a stable weight, regular exercise, and avoiding nicotine—can help preserve your rejuvenated appearance for many years.
What Defines an Excellent Result?
At Cabo Plastic Surgery, success is measured by more than photographs. An excellent result is one that looks natural in every expression, preserves your facial identity, restores balanced facial proportions, ages gracefully over time, and enhances confidence without drawing attention to the procedure.
The best facelift is not the one that creates the greatest change. It is the one that allows you to look like yourself—simply refreshed.
Why Patients Choose Cabo Plastic Surgery
Choosing where to have facial rejuvenation is just as important as choosing the procedure itself. A successful Deep Plane Face & Neck Lift depends on thoughtful patient selection, meticulous surgical technique, attentive post-operative care, and a team committed to supporting you throughout every stage of your experience.
Patients from Mexico, the United States, Canada, and around the world travel to Cabo Plastic Surgery because they value exceptional surgical care, personalized attention, and honest recommendations based on their individual needs. Our practice is distinguished by:
- Board-certified plastic surgeon with more than 20 years of surgical experience.
- Advanced training in facial aesthetics and craniofacial surgery.
- Personalized surgical planning based on your anatomy and aesthetic goals.
- Surgery performed exclusively in an AAAASF-accredited hospital.
- Direct care from Dr. Roberto López Konschot throughout your treatment and recovery.
- Comprehensive follow-up care for both local and international patients.
- Honest recommendations based on your long-term best interests.
- Personalized support from the Cabo Plastic Surgery team.
- Transparent communication throughout every stage of your care.
Your Privacy Matters
We understand that facial rejuvenation is a deeply personal decision. Every consultation, medical record, clinical photograph, and treatment plan is handled with the highest level of professionalism, discretion, and confidentiality. Clinical photographs are never shared without your explicit written consent.
Our Commitment
Every patient deserves honest recommendations, meticulous surgical care, and personalized attention. Our commitment is to recommend only the procedures that are appropriate for you, create a personalized surgical plan based on your anatomy and long-term goals, perform every operation with meticulous attention to detail, personally oversee your recovery, and support you before, during, and long after your surgery.
Risks & Potential Complications
Every surgical procedure carries some degree of risk. Fortunately, serious complications following a Deep Plane Face & Neck Lift are uncommon, and the overwhelming majority of patients recover without significant problems.
Safe surgery begins long before the first incision. Careful patient selection, meticulous surgical technique, comprehensive planning, and closely following your post-operative instructions all contribute to reducing risk and achieving the best possible outcome.
Although uncommon, potential complications may include:
- Bleeding (hematoma)
- Infection
- Delayed wound healing
- Temporary or prolonged swelling
- Temporary numbness
- Temporary facial nerve weakness
- Facial asymmetry
- Fluid collection (seroma)
- Hair thinning around the incision sites
- Noticeable scarring
- Skin healing problems, particularly in smokers or nicotine users
- Risks associated with anesthesia
- The possible need for a secondary procedure or revision surgery
How You Can Reduce Your Risk
- Stop all nicotine products before and after surgery.
- Follow all medication and supplement instructions.
- Attend every scheduled follow-up appointment.
- Keep your head elevated during the early stages of recovery.
- Avoid strenuous activity until medically cleared.
- Contact our office promptly if you have any questions or concerns during healing.
Your procedure is performed in an AAAASF-accredited hospital with a board-certified physician anesthesiologist, experienced operating room personnel, and carefully established safety protocols. If surgery is not in your best interest—or if additional preparation is needed before proceeding—you will be advised accordingly.
Myths & Facts
Misconceptions about facelift surgery are common and often discourage people from seeking accurate information. The following address the questions and concerns we hear most frequently during consultations.
MythA facelift will make me look unnatural.
FactA properly performed Deep Plane Face & Neck Lift should never make you look like a different person. By repositioning the deeper facial tissues rather than simply tightening the skin, the procedure is designed to preserve your natural facial expressions and individual features.
Takeaway: the goal is to help you look like yourself—simply refreshed.
MythA facelift only tightens the skin.
FactModern facelift techniques do much more than tighten loose skin. A Deep Plane Face & Neck Lift repositions the deeper facial support structures responsible for age-related tissue descent, allowing the cheeks, jawline, and neck to be rejuvenated together.
Takeaway: facial rejuvenation comes from restoring deeper tissues—not simply tightening the skin.
MythI am either too young or too old for a facelift.
FactAge alone does not determine candidacy. The decision is based on your facial anatomy, degree of aging, overall health, and personal goals. Some patients benefit from surgery in their forties, while others may not need or qualify for surgery until much later.
Takeaway: the right time for surgery depends on the individual—not on a specific age.
MythA facelift stops the aging process.
FactA facelift restores the face to a more youthful position, but it does not stop natural aging. Most patients continue to look younger than they would have without surgery while aging naturally over time.
Takeaway: a facelift turns back the clock—it does not stop it.
MythRecovery is extremely painful.
FactMost patients describe recovery as a feeling of tightness, pressure, or soreness rather than severe pain. Discomfort is typically well controlled with prescribed medication during the first few days after surgery.
Takeaway: recovery is usually much more comfortable than most patients expect.
MythNon-surgical treatments can replace a facelift.
FactInjectables, laser treatments, skin-tightening devices, and medical-grade skincare can improve early signs of aging but cannot reposition descended facial tissues. Once significant tissue laxity develops, surgery often provides the most comprehensive and long-lasting improvement.
Takeaway: non-surgical treatments complement a facelift—they cannot replace it when tissue descent is significant.
MythScars will be obvious.
FactFacelift incisions are carefully planned so they are typically concealed within the hairline and around the natural contours of the ear. As healing progresses, scars generally become less noticeable.
Takeaway: well-placed incisions are designed to become discreet over time.
MythI will look good immediately after surgery.
FactAlthough improvement is visible early, swelling and bruising temporarily obscure the final result. Your appearance continues to refine over the following months, with final results developing gradually.
Takeaway: patience is an important part of achieving the best possible outcome.
Questions Answered
Choosing facial rejuvenation is an important decision, and it is natural to have questions. Below are answers to the questions patients ask most often before, during, and after a Deep Plane Face & Neck Lift.
Before Surgery
Am I a good candidate for a Deep Plane Face & Neck Lift?
The best candidates are men and women with moderate to advanced facial aging who want to restore a more youthful appearance while preserving their natural facial expressions and identity. You may be a good candidate if you have sagging cheeks, jowls, loss of jawline definition, loose neck skin, or deep facial folds caused by tissue descent. Good overall health, realistic expectations, and a willingness to follow post-operative instructions are also essential.
At what age should I consider a facelift?
There is no ideal age for a facelift. Some patients benefit from surgery in their forties, while others may not need facial rejuvenation until their sixties or seventies. The decision depends on your facial anatomy, degree of tissue descent, skin quality, and personal goals—not your age alone.
Can I combine my facelift with other procedures?
Yes. During your consultation, Dr. Roberto López Konschot will recommend only those procedures that are appropriate for your anatomy and aesthetic goals.
How should I prepare for surgery?
Preparing for surgery begins several weeks before your procedure. Depending on your medical history, Dr. Roberto López Konschot may recommend laboratory testing, medical clearance, or adjustments to certain medications and supplements. If you smoke or use nicotine products, you will need to stop before and after surgery, as nicotine significantly increases the risk of healing complications. You will also receive detailed written instructions explaining how to prepare, what to bring on the day of surgery, and how to arrange your recovery, transportation, and follow-up care.
Surgery & Recovery
Is a Deep Plane Face & Neck Lift painful?
Most patients describe recovery as a feeling of tightness, pressure, or soreness rather than significant pain. You will receive prescription medication to keep you comfortable during the first few days after surgery, and discomfort generally improves steadily as healing progresses.
How long does surgery take?
A Deep Plane Face & Neck Lift typically takes 4 to 6 hours, depending on your facial anatomy and whether additional procedures are performed at the same time. If procedures such as blepharoplasty, facial fat grafting, or laser skin resurfacing are combined with your facelift, surgery may take longer.
What is recovery like?
Recovery is gradual, and every patient heals at a slightly different pace. During the first several days, it is normal to experience swelling, bruising, facial tightness, and temporary numbness. Most patients return to non-strenuous work within 2 to 3 weeks, while final refinement continues over several months.
When can I return to work?
Most patients feel comfortable returning to office-based or non-strenuous work within 2 to 3 weeks after surgery. If your work involves heavy physical activity, lifting, or strenuous exercise, additional recovery time may be necessary.
When can I exercise again?
Light walking is encouraged soon after surgery because it promotes healthy circulation and supports recovery. More strenuous activities—including weight training, running, swimming, and contact sports—should be postponed until you are medically cleared. Most patients gradually return to full exercise 4 to 6 weeks after surgery.
When can I fly home?
Most patients can safely fly home 10 to 14 days after surgery, provided they are healing normally and have been cleared by Dr. Roberto López Konschot. During your flight, we recommend staying well hydrated, walking periodically, and avoiding heavy lifting. Patients who undergo multiple facial procedures may be advised to remain in Los Cabos a little longer.
Results
When will I see my final results?
Most patients see significant improvement within the first month as swelling decreases. Final results typically develop over 6 to 12 months, allowing the tissues to settle completely and scars to mature.
How long do results last?
Although the natural aging process continues, most patients enjoy their results for 10 years or more. Healthy lifestyle habits—including daily sun protection, physician-directed skincare, maintaining a stable weight, and avoiding nicotine—can help preserve your rejuvenated appearance for many years.
Will people be able to tell I had a facelift?
When a Deep Plane Face & Neck Lift is carefully planned and meticulously performed, the goal is not to make you look like a different person. Most patients simply look healthier, more rested, and more refreshed. Friends, family, and colleagues often notice that you look well without realizing you have had surgery.
Will I still look like myself?
Yes. A well-performed Deep Plane Face & Neck Lift restores youthful facial contours while preserving your natural facial expressions and individual features. The goal is never to change your identity or erase every sign of aging.
Will I have visible scars?
Facelift incisions are carefully planned so they are typically concealed within the hairline and around the natural contours of the ears. As healing progresses, scars generally become less noticeable and continue to mature over the following months. Dr. Roberto López Konschot will provide detailed scar care instructions and monitor your healing during each follow-up visit.
Long-Term Care
Will I ever need another facelift?
Not necessarily. Most patients enjoy the benefits of a Deep Plane Face & Neck Lift for 10 years or more. However, the natural aging process continues, and some patients choose additional facial rejuvenation procedures many years later.
Can I maintain my results without surgery?
Healthy lifestyle habits can help preserve your results for many years. Daily sun protection, physician-directed skincare, maintaining a stable weight, regular exercise, good nutrition, and avoiding nicotine all contribute to healthier skin and longer-lasting results. Selected non-surgical treatments may also help maintain your rejuvenated appearance.
What happens if I lose weight after surgery?
Significant weight loss after a facelift can affect facial volume and alter your overall appearance. Whenever possible, it is best to reach and maintain a stable weight before surgery. If you are planning a major weight-loss program, discuss it with Dr. Roberto López Konschot during your consultation so your surgical plan can be tailored accordingly.
Cost & Travel
How much does a Deep Plane Face & Neck Lift cost?
The cost varies depending on your anatomy, the complexity of your procedure, and whether additional facial rejuvenation procedures are performed at the same time. Following your consultation, you will receive a personalized treatment plan with a detailed quotation outlining all recommended procedures and associated costs.
Why can I not see before-and-after photographs online?
Patient privacy is one of our highest priorities. Many of our patients are professionals, public figures, or simply value their confidentiality. For that reason, we do not publish identifiable before-and-after photographs online without the patient’s explicit written consent. During your consultation, Dr. Roberto López Konschot may share photographs of previous patients who have specifically authorized their use for educational purposes.
If your question was not answered here, Dr. Roberto López Konschot and the Cabo Plastic Surgery team will be happy to discuss it during your consultation.
Facial aging rarely affects only one area of the face. For many patients, combining complementary procedures with a Deep Plane Face & Neck Lift creates more harmonious and comprehensive facial rejuvenation while allowing a single recovery period.
Removes excess upper eyelid skin that contributes to a tired or heavy appearance.
Reduces under-eye bags and excess skin, restoring a more refreshed look.
Facial Fat Grafting
Restores age-related volume loss using your own purified fat to enhance facial balance.
Brow Lift
Elevates the brows when forehead descent contributes to a tired appearance.
Lip Lift
Improves upper lip proportions in carefully selected patients.
Enhances skin texture, tone, and fine lines while complementing the structural improvements achieved through surgery.
Following recovery, non-surgical maintenance treatments such as neuromodulators, hyaluronic acid fillers, physician-directed skincare, and selected skin rejuvenation procedures may help maintain your results as the natural aging process continues.
Not every patient benefits from combining procedures. Our recommendations are always based on achieving balanced, natural facial rejuvenation—not performing more treatment than necessary.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you are considering a Deep Plane Face & Neck Lift, the first step is a personalized consultation with Dr. Roberto López Konschot. You will receive a comprehensive facial evaluation, discuss your goals and concerns, and learn whether a Deep Plane Face & Neck Lift—or another facial rejuvenation procedure—is the most appropriate option for your needs.
Whether you live in Los Cabos or are traveling from elsewhere in Mexico, the United States, Canada, or another country, the Cabo Plastic Surgery team will guide you through every step of the process—from your initial consultation to your final follow-up.
Schedule a Consultation
References
The information presented on this page is based on established principles of aesthetic plastic surgery, peer-reviewed scientific literature, and the clinical experience of Dr. Roberto López Konschot. Because aesthetic plastic surgery continues to evolve, our patient education materials are reviewed periodically to reflect current scientific evidence, advances in surgical techniques, and best practices in facial rejuvenation.
Professional Organizations
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)
- The Aesthetic Society
- American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS)
- American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA)
Foundational References
- Hamra ST. The Deep Plane Rhytidectomy. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 1990.
- Hamra ST. Composite Rhytidectomy.
- Nahai F. The Art of Aesthetic Surgery: Principles and Techniques.
- Baker DC. Facelift Surgery: Principles and Techniques.
- Aston SJ, Steinbrech DS, Walden JL. Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.
Recent Scientific Literature
- Ackerman BM, Savalia NB. Systematic Approach to Deep Plane Facelift. Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. 2025.
- Khoury S, Almubarak Z, Khan H, et al. The Deep Plane versus SMAS Facelift: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. 2025.
- Gandra G, Silva BS, Horta R, et al. Facelift Surgery and Nerve Injury: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. 2025.
- Vayalapra S, Guerrero DN, Sandhu V, et al. Comparing the Safety and Efficacy of SMAS and Deep Plane Facelift Techniques: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Annals of Plastic Surgery. 2025.
Cost Information Sources
Estimated pricing information is based on the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), current market pricing from experienced board-certified plastic surgeons in the United States, RealSelf national pricing trends, and Cabo Plastic Surgery consultation and treatment data.
Disclaimer
The information provided in this guide is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice or a substitute for a personal consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon.
Every patient is unique. Recommendations regarding Deep Plane Face & Neck Lift surgery should always be based on an individual evaluation, medical history, facial anatomy, skin quality, and personal goals. Surgical techniques, recovery, and results vary from patient to patient.
Because medical knowledge continues to evolve, the information presented here reflects current evidence and accepted practices at the time of publication.
Last Updated: September 2026
Medically Reviewed by: Dr. Roberto López Konschot, Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
