Mini Facelift in Los Angeles


A mini facelift is a modified facelift technique that lifts and tightens loose skin in the cheeks and midface through shorter incisions, with a quicker recovery than a full facelift. At Stoker Plastic Surgery in Marina del Rey, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. David Stoker offers the Traceless Mini Facelift and short-scar facelift to patients in Los Angeles, Santa Monica, and beyond.

The best candidates are typically younger adults who haven’t yet reached their 50s or 60s, have good skin quality, and are noticing early sagging in the cheeks. A mini facelift costs less and requires less downtime than a full facelift, but it doesn’t correct jowls or neck laxity. Patients with more advanced aging usually see better results from a Traceless Facelift or Traceless Deep Plane Facelift.

Reviewed for clinical accuracy by Dr. David Stoker on November 9th, 2026.

Do I Need a Mini Facelift or a Traditional Facelift?

Dr. Stoker’s Traceless Mini Facelift is typically best for patients with earlier, less advanced signs of aging, such as mild sagging in the midface. Because this procedure doesn’t address the jowls or neck, it’s often chosen by younger patients or those looking for a smaller correction and a shorter recovery. Dr. Stoker offers a suite of Traceless Facelifts that also includes:

  • Facelift surgery is appropriate for those with volume loss and mild to moderate laxity in the cheeks, jawline, and neck. Results from this “traditional” approach are more noticeable and longer-lasting than a Traceless Mini Facelift.
  • Deep Plane Facelift addresses more significant skin laxity, deeper folds, and prominent jowls or neck banding. This more comprehensive deep plane facelift procedure allows for greater tightening and repositioning, producing longer-lasting and more dramatic results.

Regardless of technique, ideal candidates should be in good overall health with well-controlled blood pressure. Smokers should quit prior to surgery to promote optimal healing and the best outcome.

Mini Facelift
 Before & After Photos

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Before & After Mini Facelift Case 458 View #1 View in Los Angeles, CA
Case: 1 of 7

This 52-year-old woman desired facial rejuvenation. Dr. Stoker performed a facelift using his short scar technique. He also performed liposuction of the neck and chin augmentation. She is shown before and one month following her surgery.
Before & After Mini Facelift Case 830 View #1 View in Los Angeles, CA
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Before & After Mini Facelift Case 823 View #1 View in Los Angeles, CA
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Before & After Mini Facelift Case 817 View #1 View in Los Angeles, CA
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Before & After Mini Facelift Case 422 View #1 View in Los Angeles, CA
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This 52-year-old woman desired a softer and more youthful appearance. Dr. Stoker performed a facelift to help her achieve her goal. She is shown before and five years following her surgery.
Before & After Mini Facelift Case 254 View #1 View in Los Angeles, CA
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This 53-year-old woman was interested in taking a few years off of her appearance. She was mainly concerned with the skin along her jaw and the heavy, excess skin above her eyes. Knowing that a skilled cosmetic surgeon could subtly rejuvenate her face without making her look unnatural, she decided to contact Dr. Stoker's practice in Los Angel... Read More
Before & After Mini Facelift Case 250 View #1 View in Los Angeles, CA
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This 61-year-old woman came to Dr. Stoker's Practice because she wanted to shave a few years off of her appearance. She has been unhappy with the look of her neck, lower face and eyes for some time and decided to look for a Los Angles or Santa Monica plastic surgeon who could help her turn back the clock.When she came in for her consul... Read More

Keep in mind that each patient is unique and your results may vary.

Minimally Invasive Facelift Options

Dr. David Stoker uses the following primary techniques for younger patients seeking a facelift:

  • Traceless Mini Facelift: This technique addresses skin laxity in the cheek area. Incisions are usually made in front of and behind the ear, but not into the hairline behind the ear. Skin is lifted and secured in a more youthful position. Surgery takes a shorter amount of time than other facelift procedures.
  • Short scar facelift: The incision for a short scar facelift is similar to that of a mini facelift. The difference between the two procedures is that, in a short scar lift, muscles and fat are elevated and secured in a more youthful position. Then, the surface skin is lifted and re-draped with minimal tension. Patients see a marked improvement in cheek laxity, as well as a reduction in jowls and neck sagging.

Dr. Stoker conducts thorough personal consultations to review all available options. His years of experience working with thousands of facial rejuvenation patients enable him to recommend a surgical plan that fits your needs. Achieving a natural-looking result is always a primary goal.

Why choose Dr. Stoker?

The Dr. Stoker Difference

For Your Facelift:
He has performed thousands of cosmetic procedures to rejuvenate the face.
He is adept at all modern techniques and customizes surgery for each individual.
He is recognized nationally for research on the facial nerve and face lifts.
He has been a guest on the Dr. Phil show as an expert in facial surgery.

At What Age Should You Get a Traceless Mini Facelift?

Candidates for a Traceless Mini Facelift or a short scar facelift can be as young as in their 30s or well into their 70s and beyond. Many factors play a role in the aging process, including chronological age, sun exposure, environmental factors, and genetics. Dr. Stoker collaborates closely with patients during the consultation process to choose the procedure most likely to achieve the desired result.

Dr. David Stoker

Dr. David Stoker

Educated at some of the most elite institutions in the country, Dr. David Stoker uses his highly advanced knowledge to ensure that each patient achieves beautiful, harmonious results — whether it's through a simple non-surgical procedure or a more advanced surgical transformation. Learn more about his unique credentials and his approach to plastic surgery.

Why Choose Dr. Stoker
Professional Resume

How Much Does a Mini Facelift Cost in Los Angeles?

While exact pricing depends on individual treatment plans, a mini facelift typically costs less than a full facelift because it involves shorter incisions, a less extensive procedure, and a quicker recovery. Dr. Stoker provides a personalized quote tailored to the extent of each treatment. Many patients finance their procedure through CareCredit® or ALPHAEON Credit™. Visit our fees and financing page to learn more.

Liquid Facelift: A Non-Surgical Alternative

Some patients may be good candidates for a liquid facelift, a non-surgical technique that uses dermal fillers and BOTOX® Cosmetic for full-face rejuvenation. While results from this procedure are temporary and do not tighten the skin, a liquid facelift can restore youthful-looking contours and smooth wrinkles in patients who want a more subtle improvement or are not ready for surgery.

Traceless Mini Facelift Recovery

Traceless Mini Facelift and short scar facelift patients usually take a few days to a week off work. Most people look good within a few days, with most swelling gone by 6 weeks.

Traceless Mini Facelift Surgery Risks

Complications from facelift surgery have been uncommon in Dr. Stoker’s experience. Infection, bleeding, slow healing, and nerve damage are possible risks.

Mini Facelift FAQ
Where are the incisions for a mini facelift, and will the scars be visible?

Incisions are usually made in front of and behind the ear. Dr. Stoker’s Traceless technique keeps incision lines as inconspicious as possible.

How long do mini facelift results last?

Patients can enjoy their mini facelift results for several years, although longevity varies among individuals. A healthy lifestyle and quality skincare can help extend your results.

How is a mini facelift different from a full facelift?

A mini facelift addresses earlier signs of aging, such as mild sagging in the cheeks and midface, and is often a good fit for younger patients. It offers a shorter recovery and lower cost than a full facelift, though its results are more subtle and don’t last as long. A full facelift is better suited to deeper folds, prominent jowls, and neck laxity, while medical spa treatments can provide temporary improvement for patients who aren’t ready for surgery. Dr. Stoker will help you determine the technique that best fits your anatomy and goals during your consultation.

Start With a Consultation

Dr. Stoker is one of the best facial plastic surgery specialists in the Los Angeles area, and he’s happy to discuss your options for a Traceless Mini Facelift or a Traceless Facelift. Simply request a consultation online or call us at  (310) 300-1779 to schedule an appointment.

We have created a special page for patients traveling from Santa Barbara or Montecito for a mini facelift in Los Angeles. Visit our “To Our Neighbors” page for guidance on visiting us from the Central Coast. Visiting from outside of California? Check out Stoker Plastic Surgery’s fly-in program for more details.

A Reputation Built on Results

I had a wonderful experience and I’ll be coming back!
Going to Dr. Stoker’s office is always an exciting adventure - because I never know what is going to...
Top tier plastic surgeon. Wonderful staff. I highly recommend Dr. Stoker
Great process and super kind staff. Was able to do everything online until the day of surgery which...
Nonsurgical Procedure Treatment Planner

Non-Surgical Enhancement


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 November 9th, 2026.

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