Dr. Mario Yco, FACS

Dr. Mario Yco approaches the deep plane facelift as a repositioning of deeper facial tissue rather than a tightening of the skin alone, which is the defining feature of the technique. His practice materials list the deep plane facelift as a signature procedure alongside mid-facelift and neck lift options.

The foundation of this method is work beneath the SMAS layer — the superficial musculoaponeurotic system, a continuous sheet of muscle and connective tissue that lies under the skin and above deeper structures. In a deep plane approach, the surgeon releases and lifts this layer as a unit.

Dr. Mario Yco is listed as board-certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ABFPRS), a certification specific to surgeons who concentrate on the face and neck. This board focus is directly relevant to patients researching facelift surgery.

His medical education is associated with the University of California, one of the larger academic medical systems in the United States. Prospective patients may wish to confirm the specific campus and training details directly with the practice.

According to 3 Google reviews, Dr. Mario Yco holds an aggregate rating of 4.0 out of 5, drawn from a small sample of patients writing in English. The limited number of reviews means each carries significant weight and should be read individually rather than as a broad statistical trend.

Across the cached reviews, the strongest recurring theme is Dr. Yco's manner with patients. One reviewer, who awarded five stars, described him as sweet and noted that he never pushes procedures, a comment that speaks to a non-aggressive, consultative style.

Dr. Mario Yco practices within a San Diego market of 16 listed deep plane facelift surgeons, placing him among a competitive and experienced regional field. His 12-plus years of practice sit somewhat below the local average of roughly 15 years, though still firmly within the established range for the procedure.

The San Diego market is notable for its depth. With every listed surgeon maintaining an Instagram presence and an average regional standing that is high, patients here benefit from a mature, transparent field of options for facial rejuvenation.

Deep plane facelift pricing in San Diego spans a wide range, with listed surgeons in the region falling between roughly 8,000 and 77,500 US dollars. This spread reflects real differences in surgeon experience, technique complexity, facility type, and the scope of the procedure.

Dr. Mario Yco's specific fees are not published here, and patients should obtain a personalized quote directly from his practice. Any facelift estimate should clarify exactly what is included.

San Diego offers a well-developed market for deep plane facelift surgery, with 16 surgeons in the region listed as performing the procedure. This concentration reflects Southern California's long-standing aesthetic surgery culture.

The city itself carries a relaxed, coastal persona — a place where recovery unfolds against mild weather and a slower rhythm than larger metropolitan hubs. For patients traveling in, this environment suits the quiet weeks that follow facial surgery.

Recovery from a deep plane facelift with Dr. Mario Yco unfolds over months rather than weeks, with the most visible healing concentrated in the first two weeks. Because the technique repositions deeper tissue beneath the SMAS layer, initial swelling can be significant but settles predictably.

During the first week to ten days, patients typically experience swelling, bruising, and tightness across the face and neck. Sutures are generally removed within this window, and rest with the head elevated is emphasized.

International patients traveling to San Diego for surgery with Dr. Mario Yco should plan carefully around visa, language, and logistics, as the local market historically has not been oriented toward international patients. Early direct contact with the practice is essential to confirm arrangements.

Most visitors from visa-waiver countries enter the United States on an ESTA authorization, while others require a B-2 visitor visa; medical travelers should confirm requirements well in advance. Consultation appointments and surgical scheduling should align with the approved stay period.

A consultation with Dr. Mario Yco typically begins with a discussion of your goals, a review of your medical history, and an examination of your facial anatomy, skin quality, and areas of volume loss. This assessment guides whether a deep plane facelift, a more limited lift, or a combined approach best fits your face.

Come prepared with questions. Ask how many deep plane facelift procedures the surgeon performs, what technique he recommends for your anatomy, where incisions will sit, and what your realistic recovery timeline looks like.