Ever wonder how quickly you’ll see a difference after a deep plane facelift—and follow those improvements as they refine over the next 30 days? Dr. Janet Chao, a fellowship-trained facial plastic surgeon at Restore SD Plastic Surgery in San Diego, recently shared a patient’s healing journey on Instagram: first at one week, then again at one month. These photos tell a powerful story of rapid recovery, refined transformation, and why the deep plane technique is her go-to for natural, long-lasting results.
Below, we break down what you’re seeing in those pics and what it means for anyone considering a facelift in San Diego.
A Quick Refresher: What Makes a Deep Plane Facelift Different?
Traditional facelifts tighten skin and the superficial musculo-aponeurotic system (SMAS) separately. A deep plane facelift releases and repositions the deeper ligaments and fat pads, moving everything as one harmonious unit. The payoff?
- More lift, less tension: Because deeper structures carry the weight, the skin isn’t pulled tight, so results look relaxed, not wind-swept.
- Longer-lasting definition: Repositioned deep tissues resist gravity better than surface-level tweaks.
- Smoother neck-jawline transition: By freeing deeper ligaments, the technique erases jowls and lax neck skin in a single sweep.
Our featured patient had a mini-lift over a decade ago; the deep plane approach offered the seamless, refreshed definition she wanted without the tell-tale “I just had surgery” look.
Related: Can a Facelift Change My Face Shape?
Even at the 1-week mark, Dr. Chao’s patient appears remarkably refined:
| What You See | What It Means |
| Minimal bruising | Thanks to the precise release of retaining ligaments and gentle tissue handling, she shows only faint yellowing along the jawline |
| Natural but defined contour | Swelling is present (that’s normal!), yet you can already see a cleaner neckline and crisper chin-to-cheek transition |
| Comfortable skin tension | She could make natural facial expressions; no “over‑pulled” cheeks |
| Incisions hiding in plain sight | Well-placed stitches around the ears are pink but flat, easily camouflaged under hair |
Many patients are confident running quick errands with their hair worn down just 7-10 days after a facelift at our San Diego plastic surgery center. You’ll still sleep propped upright, but you can shower, wash your hair, and video-chat without feeling self-conscious.
30-Day Update: Early Refinements Take Shape
Fast-forward three more weeks, and the transformation is stunning (and her facelift results will continue to improve!):
| What You See | What It Means |
| Less swelling & more refined contours | Cheekbones pop, jawline angles are sharp, and the neck shows elegant definition, all while retaining a feminine softness. |
| Incisions maturing nicely | Edges remain slightly pink (totally normal at this stage) but lie flush with surrounding skin; tinted sunscreen renders them invisible. |
| More youthful appearance restored | She looks like herself; just refreshed, rested, and radiant. |
By Week 3, many patients feel comfortable resuming their social calendar and start enjoying compliments about a new haircut or great skincare (but not surgery)—our favorite validation that facelift results look authentic.
“I can’t begin to describe how thrilled I am with the outcome of my deep plane face and neck lift with Dr. Janet Chao. She is an amazingly talented physician who utilizes the latest technologies for a flawless outcome. Her natural aesthetic gave me exactly the results I hoped for. My recovery was better than expected. I barely bruised and was out and about in a week. Choosing a facial plastic surgeon is a daunting decision and I am extremely grateful to have found Dr. Chao!”
—5-star Google review for Dr. Chao
Looking Ahead: What To Expect In Months Following Facelift Surgery
While every face heals at its own pace, most patients can anticipate the following milestones as their rejuvenation continues to refine:
- 3 Months: Residual swelling continues to subside, and incisions fade from pink to pearly.
- 6-12 Months: Collagen remodeling occurs; scars mature to slivers hidden in hairlines and natural creases.
- Years 5-10: Because deeper structures were moved, longevity surpasses traditional SMAS lifts.
Follow Dr. Chao on Instagram to see more updates on this patient and others!
Considering a Second Facelift?
Revision facelifts require an artist’s eye and meticulous surgical technique to navigate previous scar tissue. Dr. Chao’s patient demonstrates how a deep plane approach can elegantly refine earlier work without creating tension on already-treated tissues.
Dr. Chao’s elite facial plastic surgery training and remarkable attention to detail offers patients safe, natural-looking results. She will work closely with you to understand your goals and concerns to bring your aesthetic vision to life.
Trust your facelift to a caring, qualified expert
Whether you’re thinking about getting a first-time facelift or curious about refreshing a decade-old lift, San Diego facelift surgeon Dr. Janet Chao personalizes each surgery plan to prioritize natural beauty, swift recovery, and long-term satisfaction.
Meet with Dr. Chao in our La Jolla plastic surgery office to ask every question that comes to mind, view more before and after photos, and take the first step toward regaining the appearance you enjoyed years ago.
Book your consultation today at 858-224-2281 or request your appointment online.
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