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.
The Traceless Facelift is a modern facelift technique that repositions sagging facial tissues to restore the cheeks, refine the jawline, and smooth the neck while avoiding visible scars or a pulled appearance. By lifting deeper structures rather than relying on skin tension alone, the procedure produces natural-looking rejuvenation with long-lasting results that often extend beyond 10 years. Developed over more than 20 years by board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. David Stoker, the Traceless Facelift draws patients from around the world to Stoker Plastic Surgery in Los Angeles for refined, authentic outcomes.
Keep in mind that each patient is unique and your results may vary.
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 50s and 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.
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. The incisions begin in the hairline by the temples and extend in front of and behind the ears. The resulting scars are typically unnoticeable.
Addresses moderate to significant laxity along the jawline, deeper folds near the mouth, and lax skin extending to the lower neck. Dr. Stoker performs this procedure with his Traceless techniques using similar incisions as the traditional facelift. He releases the ligaments that anchor the facial tissues and muscle, then elevates and repositions the skin and SMAS together.
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 than Traceless Facelifts. This option is best for younger patients with good skin quality.
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.
A traditional 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 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 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. |
People with early signs of aging or those who wish to avoid surgery may consider a nonsurgical 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 nonsurgical facelifts, read this blog post.
When you look at Dr. Stoker’s portfolio of facelift before-and-after photos, you will see that the patients typically combined their facelifts with other procedures. These combinations create the facial harmony that is the plastic surgeon’s goal. Performing a standalone facelift improves the lower two-thirds of the face but doesn’t address sagging in the eye area or rough, discolored skin.
Procedures that are frequently combined with a Traceless Facelift include:
To create comprehensive results, Dr. Stoker discusses a range of options with each patient depending on their specific concerns and aesthetic goals.
Most of Dr. Stoker’s 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, a facelift repositions sagging facial tissues, while dermal fillers or fat grafting restore lost volume in areas such as the cheeks, temples, lips, and under the eyes to enhance contour and support longer-lasting results. Dr. David Stoker frequently combines fillers or fat grafting with facelift surgery for comprehensive facial rejuvenation, and fillers may also be used years later to maintain results as natural facial volume changes over time.
One of the most advanced facelift techniques Dr. Stoker performs is the Traceless Deep Plane Facelift, which releases key retaining ligaments and lifts the skin and underlying SMAS as a single unit to achieve long-lasting results in correcting advanced facial aging. Patients who do not require this level of correction may still achieve meaningful rejuvenation with a SMAS facelift.
There is no single “best” age for a facelift, though most of Dr. Stoker’s patients are in their late 40s through 60s. The right time is when facial aging can no longer be effectively addressed with nonsurgical treatments, which is best determined through a personal consultation. Learn more about the best age for a traceless facelift.
Most patients need at least 6 weeks to 2 months of social recovery after a facelift, although comfort levels vary by individual. Because surgical scheduling may require weeks or months after choosing a surgeon, consultations should begin well in advance of any major event.
Some patients with early skin laxity along the jawline or neck may be candidates for non-surgical skin-tightening treatments such as Ultherapy® or fractional CO2 laser skin resurfacing. These options are generally most effective for mild laxity rather than advanced aging.
Swelling, bruising, tingling, and numbness are common after facelift surgery, with swelling and numbness typically peaking around the second week. While swelling may take several months to fully resolve, numbness can persist for up to six months as sensation gradually returns.
Most patients see their final facelift results at approximately 6 weeks after surgery, once initial swelling has largely resolved.
High-quality facelift before-and-after photos use consistent lighting, distance, and angles, including frontal, profile, and three-quarter views. The head should remain in a neutral position, as tilting upward can artificially stretch the skin and misrepresent results.
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.
Good overall health supports safer facelift surgery and a smoother recovery. Patients should have well-controlled blood pressure and must stop smoking several weeks before facelift surgery.
Men and women looking for the best facelift surgeon in Los Angeles choose Dr. Stoker after meeting with him personally and reviewing his patients’ before-and-after photos. You can use the online form to request a consultation with him or call our office at (310) 300-1779 to schedule an appointment.
If you are visiting us from the Central Coast, please visit our “To Our Neighbors” page. We offer dedicated guidance for facelift patients from Santa Barbara and Montecito. Traveling from outside of California? Our fly-in program was made for you.
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.
Reviewed for clinical accuracy by Dr. David Stoker on December 29th, 2025.
Bikini Body Lift™
Cellulite, sagging skin, and lower body laxity are some of the most stubborn concerns for women — especially after weight loss, pregnancy, or menopause. While skin tightening treatments and traditional thigh lifts often fall short, Dr. David Stoker’s Bikini Body Lift™ delivers natural, long-lasting results by lifting, tightening, and reshaping the thighs and buttocks to restore a youthful, smooth contour.
Traceless Deep Plane Facelift
For patients seeking facial rejuvenation, Dr. Stoker’s Traceless Deep Plane Facelift is designed to achieve powerful, natural-looking results without visible signs of surgery. This advanced technique repositions the deep facial layers to restore youthful volume and definition while ensuring incisions remain virtually invisible. The result is a refreshed, balanced appearance that looks entirely your own.
