Cheng Plastic Surgery

09/10/2026

Why is a Deep Plane Facelift better than a mini facelift?

A mini facelift may sound appealing because it seems like a smaller, easier version of facelift surgery, but the biggest difference is what the procedure is actually able to address.

A mini facelift typically provides a more limited lift, focusing primarily on the lower face with less extensive release and repositioning of the deeper facial tissues. For patients looking for meaningful correction of jowling, facial descent, and loss of jawline definition, that limited approach may not create the degree or longevity of improvement they’re hoping for.

A Deep Plane Facelift takes a different approach. Rather than relying on pulling and tightening the skin, the deeper facial tissues are carefully released and repositioned. This allows the cheeks, lower face, and jawline to be restored in a way that follows the natural anatomy of the face with less tension placed on the skin itself.

The goal? A more comprehensive lift that looks refreshed rather than pulled, with results designed to age naturally over time.

This patient is shown three months after a Deep Plane Facelift with Fat Transfer performed by Dr. Elbert Cheng, a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon with more than 25 years of experience in facial rejuvenation surgery.

Her Fat Transfer was used alongside the Facelift to restore volume where aging had created hollowing and deflation. Instead of simply tightening the face, the combination addresses two major components of facial aging: tissue descent and volume loss.

So, Deep Plane Facelift vs. mini facelift: which is better? For patients seeking comprehensive facial rejuvenation, Dr. Cheng favors the Deep Plane approach because it allows him to address the deeper anatomy and create a more complete, natural-looking, and longer-lasting result.

Join the Cheng Gang! 👬👭 ⁠
📞Call us in Saratoga at (408) 255-3223 ⁠
📞Call us in Redwood City at (650) 935-6414 ⁠
📩Email us at [email protected] ⁠
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09/09/2026

Can Non-Incisional Asian Upper Blepharoplasty create a natural-looking eyelid crease without an external incision?

For the right candidate, yes! This patient had been using eyelid tape to create the natural crease she preferred, but she was ready for a more permanent solution.

Just 3 weeks after Non-Incisional Asian Upper Blepharoplasty, her new crease is already taking shape. At this early stage, some swelling and continued settling are completely expected, and the eyelids will continue to refine over the next several weeks and months.

Unlike traditional incisional Asian Upper Blepharoplasty, the non-incisional technique does not require a continuous external incision or skin removal. Instead, small openings are used to place sutures that create a connection between the eyelid skin and deeper structures. When the eye opens, this connection helps form a defined double-eyelid crease.

One of the biggest benefits of Non-Incisional Asian Upper Blepharoplasty is that it can create a subtle, natural-looking crease while preserving the individual character of the eyes. It may also involve less swelling and a shorter recovery period than an incisional approach.

However, not everyone is a candidate. Factors like eyelid anatomy, skin thickness, excess skin, fat distribution, existing crease pattern, and the desired amount of crease show all play a role in determining whether an incisional or non-incisional approach is most appropriate.

For this patient, the goal wasn't to create a different eye shape: it was to recreate the natural crease she had been achieving with eyelid tape, without having to tape her eyelids every day.

And at only three weeks post-op, her result is still just beginning to settle.

Join the Cheng Gang! 👬👭 ⁠
📞Call us in Saratoga at (408) 255-3223 ⁠
📞Call us in Redwood City at (650) 935-6414 ⁠
📩Email us at [email protected] ⁠
⁠

09/07/2026

Why doesn’t Dr. Elbert Cheng recommend a mini facelift?

It’s one of the most common questions patients ask when they’re considering facial rejuvenation. In this reel, Dr. Elbert Cheng explains why he prefers a Deep Plane Facelift over a Mini Facelift for patients who are ready for surgical correction.

While the idea of a “mini” facelift can sound appealing, the biggest difference comes down to what is actually being lifted.

A mini facelift typically addresses more superficial tissues and a more limited area of the lower face. A Deep Plane Facelift works beneath the SMAS layer, releasing and repositioning deeper facial tissues rather than relying primarily on pulling or tightening the skin.

For the right patient, this approach allows Dr. Cheng to address concerns like jowling, lower-face laxity, and loss of definition through the face and jawline while creating a result designed to look natural, not tight or “pulled.”

And if you have more questions about Deep Plane Facelift and Neck Lift surgery, we’re answering them LIVE.

Join double board-certified facial plastic surgeons Dr. Elbert Cheng and Dr. Jacqueline Cheng for our FREE Facelift Webinar:

Tuesday, September 9
5:30 PM
Free virtual webinar

They’ll be discussing facial aging, Deep Plane Facelifts, who may be a candidate, recovery, results, and the questions patients should ask when considering facial rejuvenation surgery.

Want to join us? Comment “I’M IN” below and we’ll send you the link to RSVP!

Join the Cheng Gang! 👬👭 ⁠
📞Call us in Saratoga at (408) 255-3223 ⁠
📞Call us in Redwood City at (650) 935-6414 ⁠
📩Email us at [email protected] ⁠
⁠

09/05/2026

At 5 months post-op, this patient’s results continue to evolve beautifully.⁠
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She originally came to us concerned about jowling and laxity through the neck, hoping for a result that felt refreshed, natural, and still completely her own. Dr. Elbert Cheng performed a customized combination of procedures including a Deep Plane Facelift & Neck Lift, Subnasal Lip Lift, Facial Fat Transfer, and CO2 resurfacing to the face and neck.⁠
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By this stage in healing, much of the deeper swelling has resolved, allowing the surgical refinement and skin quality improvements to fully emerge. The jawline appears more defined, the neck smoother and more sculpted, and the overall result feels effortless, balanced, and harmonious.⁠
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One of the most important things patients learn throughout this process is that healing doesn’t happen overnight. Results continue to soften, settle, and improve month after month.⁠
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•1 month: Definition starts to emerge and patients begin looking like themselves again, just more rested and refreshed.⁠
•5 months: Greater refinement, improved skin texture, and beautifully integrated results that feel effortless and enduring.⁠
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Beautiful outcomes are not just about surgery, they are about patience, healing, and thoughtful attention to every stage of the journey.⁠
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Join the Cheng Gang! 👬👭 ⁠
📞Call us in Saratoga at (408)255-3223 ⁠
📞Call us in Redwood City at (650)935-6414 ⁠
📩Email us at [email protected] ⁠
⁠

09/04/2026

Welcome back to Breakfast at Cheng’s!⁠
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In this series, the providers at Cheng Plastic Surgery gather around the breakfast table to cook, eat, and dive into the conversations most people avoid. From controversial topics to honest takes on aesthetics, medicine, and facial plastic surgery, nothing is off the menu.⁠
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In Episode 5, we’re making egg bites and sausage while talking all things Deep Plane Facelift with Dr. Elbert Cheng.⁠
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What actually makes a Deep Plane Facelift different from other facelift techniques? Is a Deep Plane Facelift really better? And how can facelift surgery create a meaningful change without leaving someone looking pulled, tight, or obviously “done”?⁠
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Dr. Elbert Cheng is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon and founder of Cheng Plastic Surgery with more than 25 years of experience in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery. In this episode, he breaks down the anatomy behind Deep Plane Facelift surgery and explains why working beneath the more superficial layers of the face can create comprehensive, natural-looking facial rejuvenation.⁠
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We’re talking about the cheeks, jowls, jawline, neck, longevity of facelift results, and some of the biggest misconceptions patients have when researching facial rejuvenation.⁠
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If you’ve been searching for answers about Deep Plane Facelift surgery, Deep Plane Facelift vs. traditional facelift, mini facelifts, facelift longevity, facelift recovery, natural-looking facelift results, or facial rejuvenation, this episode gives you a surgeon’s perspective on what really matters.⁠
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And, of course, we’re doing it over breakfast.⁠
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It’s expert insight, candid conversation, and egg bites with a side of sausage: served all in one. Full video available here:

Welcome back to Breakfast at Cheng’s!In this series, the provider...

09/02/2026

A balanced profile isn’t always about changing just one feature.

This before & after shows a patient 3 months after Rhinoplasty and Chin Augmentation with an implant, performed by Dr. Jacqueline Cheng.

This patient initially came to us concerned that her nose appeared crooked and was also experiencing some difficulty breathing. Her treatment plan was designed to address her individual nasal concerns while creating greater balance between the nose, chin, and overall facial profile.

Why combine Rhinoplasty and Chin Augmentation? The nose and chin play an important role in facial proportions. Rhinoplasty can refine the shape, alignment, and projection of the nose, while Chin Augmentation can add definition and projection to the chin. When appropriate for the patient, treating both areas together can create a more harmonious profile while maintaining natural-looking facial proportions.

Join the Cheng Gang! 👬👭 ⁠
📞Call us in Saratoga at (408) 255-3223 ⁠
📞Call us in Redwood City at (650) 935-6414 ⁠
📩Email us at [email protected] ⁠
⁠

08/31/2026

This patient came to us wanting to improve the prominent under-eye bags that were making his eyes look heavier and more tired. Dr. Elbert Cheng performed a Lower Blepharoplasty with Fat Repositioning and CO₂ laser resurfacing to create a smoother, more refreshed appearance while maintaining a natural result.

Why does lower eyelid fat repositioning work so well?

Under-eye bags are often caused by prominent fat pads in the lower eyelid. Simply removing that fat can reduce the bulge, but it may also leave a hollow or sunken appearance in some patients. With Fat Repositioning, Dr. Cheng strategically moves the existing lower eyelid fat into the hollow area along the tear trough. This helps address both sides of the contour problem at once: reducing the appearance of the eye bag while filling the depression beneath it.

The result is a smoother transition from the lower eyelid to the cheek, without relying on filler to camouflage the hollow.

CO₂ laser resurfacing can further improve the result by addressing fine lines, skin texture, and crepey lower eyelid skin.

For the right candidate, combining Lower Blepharoplasty, Fat Repositioning, and CO₂ laser resurfacing can create a rested, natural-looking improvement without changing the character of the eyes.

Join the Cheng Gang! 👬👭 ⁠
📞Call us in Saratoga at (408) 255-3223 ⁠
📞Call us in Redwood City at (650) 935-6414 ⁠
📩Email us at [email protected] ⁠
⁠

08/30/2026

Some people are medicine in human form.

Cheng Plastic Surgery is so lucky to have a team that brings so much care, kindness, and good energy into every day.

Join the Cheng Gang! 👬👭 ⁠
📞Call us in Saratoga at (408) 255-3223 ⁠
📞Call us in Redwood City at (650) 935-6414 ⁠
📩Email us at [email protected] ⁠
⁠

08/28/2026

Have you registered for your chance to talk with our double board certified facial plastic surgeons?
Join Dr. Jacqueline cheng and Dr. Elbert Cheng for the discussion of everything Deep Plane Facelift.

Wednesday September 9th @ 5:30pm
Free LIVE Online Session ⬇️ Register Here ⬇️
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/6417864894087/WN_O9YghUAFQviDD24UOvpnCg

08/27/2026

We first shared this patient’s results at 2 weeks, then again at 2 months following her comprehensive facial rejuvenation with Dr. Jacqueline Cheng. One month later, her results continue to settle, soften, and reveal greater refinement.⁠
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Her personalized surgical plan with Dr. Jacqueline Cheng included:⁠
• Deep Plane Face & Neck Lift⁠
• Upper & Lower Blepharoplasty⁠
• Temporal Brow Lift⁠
• Fat Grafting⁠
• CO₂ Laser Resurfacing⁠
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By thoughtfully combining procedures that address facial and neck laxity, the eye and brow area, volume, and skin quality, Dr. Cheng approached her rejuvenation comprehensively, creating a result that feels balanced and harmonious across the face and neck.⁠
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At 2 months, the transformation was already apparent, though residual swelling and tissue firmness were still part of the healing process.⁠
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Now at 3 months, swelling continues to diminish, the face and neck are becoming softer and more defined, and the surgical result is beginning to look increasingly settled and refined.⁠
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And healing continues. Following a deep plane facelift and neck lift, particularly when combined with eyelid surgery, fat grafting and laser resurfacing, the tissues can continue to settle and the overall result can continue to mature over the months ahead.⁠
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This progression from 2 to 3 months is an important reminder that a beautiful surgical result isn’t captured at a single moment. It reveals itself gradually throughout the healing process.⁠
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Join the Cheng Gang! 👬👭 ⁠
📞Call us in Saratoga at (408) 255-3223 ⁠
📞Call us in Redwood City at (650) 935-6414 ⁠
📩Email us at [email protected] ⁠
⁠