Endoscopic Deep Plane Facelift in Thousand Oaks

An endoscopic deep plane facelift in Thousand Oaks elevates the underlying facial structures—not just the skin—to restore youthful contours with smaller incisions, reduced trauma, and more natural long-term results.

Expert Surgical Technique Rooted in Facial Anatomy

Our focus on the face and neck influences every decision we make. Dr. Kristina Tansavatdi is a double-board-certified, fellowship-trained facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon with over 15 years of exclusive experience in facial procedures, particularly in deep plane facelift surgery. Her expertise in facial anatomy, combined with an endoscopic camera-based visualization system, enables her to reposition deeper muscles, ligaments, and soft tissue with remarkable accuracy while minimizing visible scarring. This approach embodies our patient-first philosophy: meticulously planned, anatomically precise, and designed to produce results that appear refreshed, not operated on.

What Is an Endoscopic Deep Plane Facelift?

An endoscopic deep plane facelift is a modern surgical technique that elevates the deeper facial structures to restore a youthful contour and correct early to moderate facial descent.

The procedure focuses on the deep plane, the anatomical layer beneath the SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system), where the retaining ligaments need to be released to allow the fat pads responsible for midface and lower face sagging to be properly lifted.

By treating these foundational elements as a unified structure, the face is lifted in a way that appears natural, lasts longer, and maintains a healthy blood supply.

how the technique works

Endoscopic visualization: Through small incisions concealed within the hairline, a slender, illuminated camera provides a magnified, detailed view of facial anatomy for precise surgical maneuvers.
Deep plane elevation: Dr. Tansavatdi gently releases and elevates deeper layers—including the malar fat pad, and SMAS—without fully separating the skin, helping maintain robust circulation and reduce trauma.

Vertical repositioning: Lifting the tissues vertically restores cheek structure, softens nasolabial folds, and refines early jowling by returning descended tissues to their youthful anatomical position.
Tension-free skin redraping: Because the lift is achieved at the structural level, the skin is laid back smoothly without traction, avoiding the tight or “pulled” appearance associated with older facelift methods.

This approach combines easy access through endoscopy with enhanced structure and better blood vessel and nerve preservation. As a result, it produces subtle yet lasting improvements that align with current scientific understanding of facial aging and the best techniques for facelifts.

Endoscopic Deep Plane Facelift Benefits in Thousand Oaks

By addressing the deeper ligamentous and muscular layers, this approach restores the natural curve of the cheek and softens heaviness around the nasolabial region—an area that can be resistant to more superficial facelift techniques
Repositioning the deeper tissues creates clearer delineation along the jawline, addressing early jowling in a way that feels harmonious rather than pulled
Because the lift occurs beneath the SMAS and at the level of the true structural supports of the face, facial animation remains natural, preserving authentic expression
Maintaining the skin’s blood supply allows for healthier healing, improved texture, and reduced risk of skin thinning—outcomes supported in contemporary facelift literature
Small entry points within the hairline reduce visible scarring and allow many patients to wear their hair up soon after surgery
Endoscopic access and minimized skin undermining often lead to less postoperative bruising and swelling compared with more traditional facelift approaches
Because deeper layers are repositioned rather than tightened superficially, results tend to age gracefully, maintaining soft contours over time
Patients in their 40s to early 50s with early midface descent or subtle laxity often achieve significant benefit without the extent of surgery required in advanced aging

Are You a Good Candidate for an Endoscopic Deep Plane Facelift?

You may be a candidate if you:

Notice early to moderate cheek descent, deepening nasolabial folds, or mild jowling
Have good skin elasticity, but need structural lifting rather than skin excision
Are in overall good health, with no uncontrolled medical conditions that impair healing
Are non-smoking or willing to stop pre- and post-operatively

Patients with more advanced laxity, heavier neck bands, or significant skin excess may be better suited to an extended deep plane facelift and neck lift. Dr. Tansavatdi will guide you through a thorough and honest evaluation.

Schedule A Consultation

Why Choose Tansavatdi Facial Plastic Surgery?

Dr. Tansavatdi’s exclusive dedication to facial surgery ensures a level of focus that few surgeons can claim. She has been performing and refining her technique in deep plane facelift surgery for over a decade which has shaped her mastery of the deep planes of the face—knowledge that directly enhances patient safety and aesthetic outcomes.

Surgeries are performed at the Quad A (AAAASF)–accredited Westlake Premier Surgery Center, where board-certified anesthesiologists and strict protocols ensure hospital-level care in a private, serene environment. Patients benefit from individualized treatment plans and modern regenerative strategies for healing.

Dr. Tansavatdi| Thousand Oaks plastic Surgeon

What to Expect Before, During, and After

Consultation

Your consultation includes:

Facial structure analysis
Detailed discussion of surgical goals
Review of medical history and imaging, if needed
Assessment of candidacy for endoscopic vs. extended deep plane techniques

The cost varies depending on the complexity, extent of lifting, and whether complementary procedures are performed. Your cost will include OR Facility fees and anesthesia fees, preoperative vitamins and supplements, hyperbaric oxygen treatments in our state of the art 4-person solid shell hyperbaric oxygen chamber to enhance recovery, lymphatic drainage massage treatments to speed recovery, and postsurgery appointments up to 1 year. CareCredit financing is available.

Before the Procedure

You’ll meet with our nurse manager who will prepare you for your upcoming surgery with supplements and instructions so that you feel ready on the day of your surgery
At least 3 hyperbaric oxygen chamber treatments will be scheduled (recommended) before surgery to optimize recovery
Stop medications as instructed before surgery to minimize bruising and swelling
Pre-treatment with Botox to particular muscles that pull on the face and counter Dr. Tansavatdi’s lift
Hyaluronic acid fillers are dissolved to prepare the tissues for reduced postsurgical swelling. Learn more about Hyaluronic acid fillers.

Procedure

Small incisions are made within the hairline
The endoscope provides magnified visualization of deep facial structures
Dr. Tansavatdi releases ligaments, works around nerves and vessels, elevates the SMAS and deep plane, and repositions descended tissues
Skin is never elevated so there is no need for redraping and no tension observed
Surgery typically lasts 4-5 hours, depending on the extent of correction

Recovery & Results

Week 1: Swelling and mild tightness; sutures removed.
Weeks 2–3: Return to most social and work activities.
6 weeks: Most swelling resolved; definition emerging.
3–6 months: Final results reveal natural, refined contours. Deep plane facelifts are known for their greater longevity compared to superficial techniques, due to the structural repositioning they achieve.

Alternative or Related Procedures

Experience a Modern, Minimally Invasive Approach to Natural Facial Rejuvenation

If you’re beginning to notice facial descent or are seeking a sophisticated, less invasive approach to midface and jawline rejuvenation, an endoscopic deep plane facelift may offer the ideal balance of subtlety, longevity, and anatomical precision. We invite you to schedule your private consultation with Dr. Kristina Tansavatdi today to learn more.

Endoscopic Deep Plane Facelift FAQs

How is an endoscopic deep plane facelift in Thousand Oaks different from a traditional mini facelift?

A traditional mini facelift addresses more superficial layers and is best for early laxity along the jawline but often compromises longevity. An endoscopic deep plane facelift repositions deeper ligaments and midface structures, providing more substantial and longer-lasting improvement, especially in the cheeks and nasolabial folds.

Is the endoscopic approach suitable for patients who have never had facial surgery before?

Yes. This technique is excellent for first-time surgical rejuvenation because it repositions deeper structures through smaller incisions. It offers meaningful enhancement without the downtime associated with more extensive traditional facelift procedures.

How long do results typically last?

While natural aging continues, deep plane repositioning maintains youthful contour longer than skin-based lifts since deeper tissues age more slowly. Many patients enjoy results for 7–15 years, depending on genetics, lifestyle, and skin quality.

Will I still look like myself after the procedure?

Yes. Deep plane lifting restores youthful structural support rather than altering natural features. Because the lift occurs beneath the SMAS and ligamentous layers, results preserve authentic facial expressions and avoid an “operated” look.

How noticeable are the incisions?

Incisions are placed within the hairline and generally heal discreetly. The endoscopic approach requires minimal external access, making it ideal for patients concerned about visible scars.

What are the risks of an endoscopic deep plane facelift?

All facial surgeries carry risks, though an experienced surgeon greatly reduces complications. Potential risks include temporary numbness, bruising, swelling, hematoma, asymmetry, or nerve irritation. Serious complications such as nerve injury or infection are uncommon, especially with meticulous technique and clear endoscopic visualization.

When can I resume exercise and normal activities?

Light walking is encouraged early in recovery. Most patients resume low-impact exercise by 2–3 weeks and return to full activity, including strenuous workouts, around 4–6 weeks, depending on healing progress and the surgeon’s guidance.

Sources

Deep Plane Facelift | StatPearls
Deep plane face lifting for midface rejuvenation - PubMed
Midface Lift | StatPearls

Extended Deep Plane Facelift: Incorporating Facial Retaining Ligament Release and Composite Flap Shifts to Maximize Midface, Jawline and Neck Rejuvenation - PubMed
Changes in the facial skeleton with aging: implications and clinical applications in facial rejuvenation - PubMed
Endoscopic Techniques for Rejuvenation of The Midface