Stoker Plastic Surgery: David Stoker, MD
4640 Admiralty Way #1000
Marina del Rey, CA 90292
Phone: (310) 300-1779
Monday–Friday: 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m.
Though there are many options to reduce the signs of aging, the facelift remains the most effective choice for rejuvenation. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. David Stoker customizes each facelift at his Los Angeles practice to address a patient’s specific concerns. Using techniques he has developed throughout his career, Dr. Stoker’s Traceless Facelift produces natural-looking results with virtually imperceptible incisions.
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. A top facial plastic surgeon such as Dr. Stoker 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.
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. |
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.
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.
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 nonsurgical treatments and procedures, it’s time for a personal consultation with Dr. Stoker. Learn more in this blog post.
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.
In some cases, a non-surgical approach called a liquid facelift—which combines dermal fillers and BOTOX® or Dysport® injections—can create a more youthful appearance.
Some women and men may be good candidates for non-surgical skin tightening alternatives, such as Ultherapy® or fractional CO2 laser skin resurfacing. These can be effective treatments for patients who are just starting to notice lax skin along their jawlines or necks.
Swelling and bruising, accompanied by a tingling sensation and numbness, are common facelift side effects. Even though swelling and numbness tend to peak by the second week of the healing process, it can take months for the swelling to fully resolve after facelift surgery. It’s also normal for the numbness to persist for up to 6 months, with the feeling gradually returning to the face.
Most patients see the final results of the procedure about 6 weeks after surgery.
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.
The amount of discomfort someone experiences following facelift surgery varies from person to person, but most patients discover that any pain they feel is much milder than expected and can be easily managed with medication. Patients often don’t need anything stronger than acetaminophen (Tylenol®) after the first night of recovery.
Risks are present during any elective procedure, but most patients don’t experience complications after facelift surgery. Bleeding, infection, delayed healing, and nerve damage are potential complications. Dr. Stoker encourages patients to contact him with any concerns or questions during their recovery.
He performs most facelift procedures in Marina del Rey at our outpatient surgical center across the street from our office.
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.
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.
Cellulite, sagging skin, and lower body laxity are among the most common yet stubborn concerns for women—especially after weight loss, pregnancy, or menopause. Despite the popularity of skin tightening treatments and traditional thigh lifts, very few procedures deliver long-lasting, natural-looking results in the lower body. That’s why board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. David Stoker developed the Bikini Body Lift™, a revolutionary procedure that lifts, tightens, and reshapes the thighs and buttocks to restore a youthful contour.
