Stoker Plastic Surgery: David Stoker, MD
4640 Admiralty Way, Suite 1000
Marina del Rey, CA 90292
Phone: (310) 300-1779
Monday–Friday: 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m.
A facelift lifts and tightens sagging skin and tissues of the lower face and neck to soften jowls, restore a defined jawline, and create a refreshed, natural-looking appearance. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. David Stoker performs facelift surgery at Stoker Plastic Surgery in Marina del Rey, serving Los Angeles and Santa Monica patients with a suite of facelift options tailored to their degree of facial aging.
Reviewed for clinical accuracy by Dr. David Stoker on November 9th, 2026.
Modern facelift techniques emphasize creating results that look natural and avoiding the “windblown” look produced by simply pulling the skin tighter. As one of the best facial plastic surgeons in the Los Angeles area, David Stoker, MD, FACS achieves this goal by carefully evaluating the unique facial characteristics of each patient and then developing a customized surgical plan to address the patient’s specific concerns.
Traceless Facelift patients are typically men and women in their late 40s through 60s with significant skin laxity in the cheeks, neck, and jowls. It’s also a procedure sought by patients who have lost a significant amount of weight. Younger patients with less obvious facial aging can benefit from a mini facelift.
Patients should be in good overall health with their blood pressure under control. Candidates who smoke should stop before their procedure.
Unlike traditional facelift techniques that may involve longer or more visible incisions, the Traceless Facelift focuses on meticulous incision placement and advanced surgical planning to reduce visible scarring. While results are comparable to comprehensive facelift procedures, the defining feature of Dr. Stoker’s technique is expertly concealed, virtually invisible scars.
Keep in mind that each patient is unique and your results may vary.
Dr. Stoker chooses the facelift technique best suited to the patient’s concerns and facial aging. The face is typically divided into thirds—the upper face, mid face, and lower face.
Many people require a combination of facial rejuvenation procedures to attain the refreshed, natural look they desire.
Dr. Stoker personalizes each type of facelift to the patient’s unique needs and cosmetic goals.
Rejuvenates the lower face, jowls, and neck by elevating the skin and the underlying SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) layer.
Addresses moderate to significant laxity along the jawline, deeper folds near the mouth, and lax skin extending to the lower neck.
Tightens sagging skin in the mid-face/cheek area, but not the lower face, jowls, and neck. The incisions are shorter and results are more subtle.
Addresses laxity in the cheeks, jowls, and neck by elevating the facial muscles and fat to a more youthful position. The incisions are similar to a mini facelift.
Corrects or refines the results of a primary facelift or addresses age-related changes. Read Dr. Stoker’s blog post for details about revision facelifts.
As a facelift specialist who has performed thousands of facial rejuvenation procedures, Dr. Stoker created a suite of Traceless Facelift procedures to address a range of patient needs, desired recovery times, and finances.
*Experiences vary.
Dr. Stoker will recommend and customize the facelift technique based on your specific needs, cosmetic goals, and available recovery time after a thorough exam and co
A Traceless Facelift addresses the lower two-thirds of the face but not necessarily concerns you may have about your neck’s appearance. Some patients get a standalone neck lift to reduce the appearance of vertical neck bands or to tighten loose skin. In many cases, however, patients can benefit from combining a facelift with a neck lift. The results of the procedure appear more natural than having just one of the techniques performed.
Dr. Stoker uses a general anesthetic for Traceless Facelifts to ensure patients remain comfortable throughout the procedure. He begins the surgery by making discreet incisions concealed in the hairline in front of and behind the ear. Using these incisions, Dr. Stoker then elevates and repositions the underlying muscles and fat to a location that creates a more youthful appearance. He then carefully re-drapes the skin, removes any excess, and then closes the incision with minimal tension on the delicate tissues.
In most cases, Dr. Stoker also makes a small incision under the chin so he can tighten neck muscles and lift sagging skin. He may also use liposuction to remove excess neck fat and recommend inserting a chin implant to enhance the jawline’s definition.
These techniques can:
Dr. Stoker’s meticulous incision technique means the resulting scars are undetectable for most patients—a “traceless” facelift.
| For Your Facelift: |
|---|
| He is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS). |
| He has performed thousands of cosmetic procedures for facial rejuvenation. |
| He is recognized nationally for his research on the facial nerve as it relates to face lifts. |
| He specializes in a variety of facelift techniques, including short scar facelifts. |
| He has been featured on Dr. Phil for his skill and knowledge in facial surgery. |
| He has authored journal articles and textbook chapters and has taught courses at American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) annual meetings. |
| He co-authored “The Deep-Plane Demystified,” an early presentation on deep-plane facelift technique at Emerging Technologies in Plastic Surgery (2001). |
The cost of a facelift in Los Angeles depends on the technique, the extent of correction needed, and whether other procedures are combined. Dr. Stoker provides a personalized price quote during your consultation. Many patients finance their procedure through CareCredit® or ALPHAEON Credit™. Visit our financing page and learn more about financing your facelift.
People with early signs of aging or those who wish to avoid surgery may consider a non-surgical facelift alternative called a liquid facelift, which combines BOTOX® Cosmetic and dermal filler injections. Here is a comparison:
Addresses moderate to severe facial aging
Improves sagging due to loss of skin elasticity
Corrects jowls
Recovery about 2 weeks
Results last 10+ years
More expensive than a liquid facelift
Addresses mild to moderate facial aging
Best for patients with good skin elasticity
Does not correct jowls
Mild redness and swelling for about 24 hours
Temporary results (touch-ups every 4 to 12 months)
Less expensive than facelift surgery
For an in-depth comparison of surgical and non-surgical facelifts, read this blog post.
A Traceless Facelift addresses the lower two-thirds of the face, so many patients add facial rejuvenation procedures that refresh the eyes, brow, neck, or skin surface for a more complete result. In Dr. Stoker’s facelift before-and-after gallery, you’ll see that most patients chose one or more of these additions:
Procedures that are frequently combined with a Traceless Facelift include:
Dr. Stoker will help you decide which combination makes sense depending on your unique facial anatomy, concerns, and aesthetic goals.
Most of Dr. Stoker’s Traceless Facelift patients take about a week off from work if their jobs aren’t physically demanding. Bruising and swelling are most noticeable during the first week after surgery and then steadily disappear over the next several weeks. Learn more in this blog post.
Yes, Dr. Stoker often combines dermal fillers or fat grafting with facelift surgery for a more complete, longer-lasting facial rejuvenation. While a facelift repositions sagging tissues, dermal fillers can restore volume to the cheeks, temples, lips, under the eyes, and other areas, helping results last longer. Fillers can also provide additional contouring to the face in areas such as the cheeks, chin, or jawline. In the years after surgery, you can also have filler treatments to maintain results and address natural changes in facial volume over time.
Being in good overall health helps patients recover more quickly and minimizes the risk of complications. Your blood pressure should be under control, and if you smoke, you will need to quit several weeks before the surgery.
While most of Dr. Stoker’s facelift patients are in their late 40s to 60s, there is no specific “best” age for having the surgery. If you are bothered by facial aging that can’t be corrected with non-surgical treatments and procedures, it’s time for a personal consultation with Dr. Stoker. Learn more about the best age for a Traceless Facelift.
The “social recovery” time following a facelift generally takes at least 6 weeks to 2 months. How soon a patient feels comfortable going to a wedding or class reunion is highly personal. It’s important to begin consulting with plastic surgeons well before the event date because you may need to wait weeks or even months after choosing a surgeon to undergo the procedure.
Non-surgical skin tightening treatments, such as Ultherapy® and fractional CO2 laser skin resurfacing, may be helpful if you are just starting to notice lax skin along your jawline or neck.
Swelling and numbness can last for months after a facelift. Swelling tends to peak by the second week of the healing process and can take months to fully resolve. It’s normal for numbness to persist for up to 6 months, with sensation returning gradually to the face.
Most patients see their final facelift results at approximately 6 weeks after surgery, once initial swelling has largely resolved.
The lighting, distance, and angles of the photos taken before and after surgery should be consistent. The traditional views are a frontal view, profile views from each side, and a three-quarter view. The head should be in a neutral position, not tilted up, which can create a misleading look by stretching the skin.
Most patients find facelift discomfort milder than expected and manageable with medication. Many do not require anything stronger than acetaminophen (Tylenol®) after the first night of recovery.
Facelift surgery carries risks associated with other elective procedures, though complications are uncommon. Potential risks include bleeding, infection, delayed healing, and nerve injury, and patients are encouraged to contact Dr. Stoker with any concerns during recovery.
Dr. Stoker performs most facelift procedures at an outpatient surgical center in Marina del Rey, located across the street from his office.
Patients searching for the best facelift surgeon in Los Angeles often choose Dr. Stoker after meeting him in person and seeing the results in his impressive before-and-after gallery. You can use the online form to request a consultation at Stoker Plastic Surgery or call our office at (310) 300-1779 to schedule an appointment.
Patients visiting us from the Central Coast can find helpful information on our “To Our Neighbors” page, which includes dedicated guidance for facelift patients from Santa Barbara and Montecito. If you’re traveling from out of state, our fly-in program can help you plan for a smooth visit.
Our expertise extends beyond plastic surgery. We offer an extensive range of non-surgical treatments administered by our talented, experienced team of aesthetic providers under the guidance of board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. David Stoker.
If you have a treatment in mind, review our complete offering of non-surgical services. If you need a little help deciding, narrow down your options with our interactive treatment planner.
