Dr. Michael Sundine, FACS, FAAP

Dr. Michael Sundine approaches the deep plane facelift by working beneath the SMAS layer to reposition facial tissue at its structural foundation. This method contrasts with older techniques that pull only on the skin, which can create a tightened appearance over time.

The SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) is a sheet of muscle and connective tissue that sits between the skin and the deeper facial structures. In a deep plane facelift, the surgeon releases the ligaments holding this layer down.

Dr. Michael Sundine is listed as board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, a credential that indicates completion of accredited residency training and rigorous examination in plastic and reconstructive surgery. This certification is a meaningful marker for patients evaluating facelift surgeons.

He completed his medical education at the University of California, Irvine, a respected academic medical center in Southern California. His profile also references the designations FACS and FAAP, reflecting fellowship standing in surgical and pediatric professional bodies.

According to 90 Google reviews, Dr. Michael Sundine holds an average rating of 4.6 out of 5, reflecting a substantial body of patient feedback gathered over years of practice. This volume offers useful insight into the patient experience.

Among the cached reviews available, all five were written in English, suggesting a primarily local and domestic patient base in the Newport Beach area. Recurring themes emerge clearly across these accounts.

Dr. Michael Sundine is among the experienced facial surgeons practicing in Newport Beach, a market recognized for its concentration of skilled plastic surgeons. His more than 20 years in practice places him at the upper end of experience within the local community.

Newport Beach is home to roughly two dozen deep plane facelift surgeons, with an average of about 19 years of experience across the group. Dr. Sundine's tenure sits slightly above this local average, reflecting a long and sustained career.

The cost of a deep plane facelift in Newport Beach reflects the area's status as a premium market for facial surgery. Reported pricing across the local surgeon community ranges widely, from roughly $8,000 to as much as $77,500, depending on the complexity and scope of the procedure.

Several factors drive this range. A surgeon's experience, the extent of the surgery, whether a neck lift or fat grafting is combined, and the facility and anesthesia costs all influence the final figure.

Newport Beach offers a discreet, upscale setting for patients considering a deep plane facelift in Southern California. This Orange County coastal city is known for its harbor, its affluent residential neighborhoods, and a culture that values privacy and refinement.

The city sits roughly an hour south of Los Angeles and is served by John Wayne Airport, one of the most convenient regional airports in California. Los Angeles International Airport provides broader connections for those traveling longer distances.

Recovery from a deep plane facelift with Dr. Michael Sundine typically unfolds over several months, with the most visible changes concentrated in the first few weeks. Understanding this timeline helps patients plan realistically.

During the first one to two weeks, swelling and bruising are most pronounced. Most patients rest at home, keep the head elevated, and follow specific instructions on wound care and gentle movement during this early phase.

International patients considering Dr. Michael Sundine in Newport Beach should plan for a stay of at least two to three weeks to accommodate consultation, surgery, and initial follow-up. Careful advance planning makes the journey smoother.

Visitors from outside the United States typically require a valid visa or an approved ESTA authorization under the Visa Waiver Program, depending on their country of citizenship. Confirming travel documentation well ahead of surgery is essential.

A consultation with Dr. Michael Sundine typically begins with a discussion of your goals, medical history, and the pattern of facial aging you wish to address. This conversation shapes whether a deep plane facelift or another approach best suits you.

Helpful questions to ask include how the deep plane technique applies to your anatomy, what recovery will involve, how neck and midface concerns will be handled, and what results are realistic for your face and skin quality.