Facelift in Thousand Oaks and Westlake Village

Restore your natural contours and rebuild your confidence with a facelift in Thousand Oaks and Westlake Village. Dr. Stark’s customized procedures celebrate your authentic beauty and add subtle, effortless refinement to the face.

Rejuvenation That Highlights Your Beauty

As one of the leading board-certified female plastic surgeons in Thousand Oaks and Westlake Village, Dr. Stark understands how facial aging can affect your confidence and self-image. That’s why she designs every facelift to restore a youthful lift and fullness, helping you look and feel your best. Her outcomes emphasize harmony and symmetry to work with your features, not against them.

What Is a Facelift?

A facelift, or rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure designed to restore a more youthful, refreshed appearance to the face and neck. As we age, the skin loses elasticity, facial tissues descend, and deeper structural layers weaken, leading to jowls, deep folds, and loss of jawline definition.

Modern facelift techniques go beyond simply tightening the skin. Dr. Stark focuses on repositioning the deeper support structures of the face to create natural, long-lasting results that preserve your expression and identity.

A facelift can also be combined with other procedures, such as eyelid surgery, brow lift, or fat grafting, for more comprehensive facial rejuvenation.

What a Facelift Can Address

A facelift is designed to improve several common signs of facial aging, including:

Facial skin laxity: Loose, sagging skin along the cheeks and lower face
Jowls and jawline softening: Loss of definition along the jawline due to tissue descent
Deep nasolabial folds and marionette lines: Creases around the nose and mouth caused by volume loss and sagging
Neck laxity: Loose skin, vertical banding, or excess fullness beneath the chin

By addressing both the skin and underlying structures, Dr. Stark is able to restore smoother contours and more defined facial lines.

Understanding the SMAS Layer

A key component of modern facelift surgery is the SMAS layer, or superficial musculoaponeurotic system. This layer of connective tissue lies beneath the skin and provides structural support to the face. As aging occurs, the SMAS layer descends along with the skin.

Simply tightening the skin alone can create an unnatural, pulled appearance. By lifting and repositioning the SMAS layer, Dr. Stark is able to restore youthful contours while maintaining natural facial movement and expression.

Advanced Facelift Techniques

Dr. Stark utilizes a range of modern facelift techniques to tailor each procedure to the patient’s anatomy and goals.

SMAS Lift (SMAS Plication)

This technique repositions and tightens the SMAS layer using sutures to improve facial contour while minimizing tension on the skin. It is often ideal for patients with mild to moderate aging.

SMASectomy

In select cases, a portion of the SMAS layer is carefully reshaped and secured to achieve more defined contouring and structural support.

Deep Plane Facelift

The deep plane facelift is one of the most advanced techniques available. This approach lifts the deeper facial tissues as a single unit, allowing for:

More natural midface rejuvenation
Improved softening of nasolabial folds
Reduced tension on the skin
Long-lasting, balanced results

Dr. Stark will determine the most appropriate technique based on your anatomy, skin quality, and desired outcome.

Why Choose Dr. Stark for a Facelift in Thousand Oaks and Westlake Village?

Dr. Stark’s work is rooted in a core belief that everyone deserves to rediscover the joy of loving themselves. She focuses on subtle refinements that honor your anatomy and don’t look overdone or exaggerated. Every procedure is performed to restore your confidence and help you love what you see in the mirror.

In addition to extensive medical education and surgical experience, Dr. Stark received classical training in sculpture, painting, and drawing in her youth. Her study of light, form, and symmetry allows her to craft long-lasting, balanced results that look beautiful from every angle. She creates smooth transitions along the face to ensure patients are satisfied with their outcomes.

Next Steps Schedule A Consultation

Procedures Commonly Combined With a Facelift

Many patients choose to combine their facelift with additional treatments to achieve more comprehensive rejuvenation. These may include:

Upper and lower eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty)
Brow lift
Skin resurfacing lasers
Lip lift
Facial fat grafting

Combining procedures allows Dr. Stark to address multiple areas of aging in a single surgical plan for more harmonious results.

What to Expect From Your Facelift

A Personalized Consultation

Every patient’s journey begins with a comprehensive, one-on-one consultation with Dr. Stark. She’ll evaluate your facial structure, skin quality, aging patterns, and intended treatment areas to determine the best surgical plan for you.

Careful Facial Tissue Repositioning

Dr. Stark goes beyond skin tightening to lift and reposition fat pads underneath the skin. This approach prevents a pulled-back appearance and helps support your newly enhanced facial features for long-lasting stability. This deeper approach allows for more natural-looking results by restoring the underlying structure of the face rather than relying on skin tightening alone.

Refinement That Preserves Your Identity

Dr. Stark wants to enhance your natural beauty, not overpower it. She carefully removes and tightens excess skin to smooth your facial contours, preserving your expression, softness, and character.

Discreet Incision Placement

Dr. Stark understands that scarring is a significant concern for some patients ahead of surgery, so she carefully places her incisions to minimize the appearance of scars. She utilizes the natural creases of the face, including those around the jawline, ears, and hairline, to conceal incisions and create seamless transitions along your features.

Testimonials

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I highly recommend her to anyone seeking superior quality and outstanding results!

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“I had an amazing experience with Dr. Stark. At each appointment, I was always welcomed by smiles from everyone, particularly Sabrina, Dr. Stark's assistant. She is extremely kind and creates a comforting atmosphere. Dr. Stark is highly knowledgeable and compassionate. I felt anxious about my procedure, but she alleviated my concerns with her gentle nature, professionalism, and effective communication skills. Following my surgery, she consistently checked on my well-being, and I was amazed by the exceptional treatment and personal attention I received. My procedure went great, and I am extremely happy with the outcome. Dr. Stark is an exceptional surgeon who goes beyond expectations. I highly recommend her to anyone seeking superior quality and outstanding results!”

- T.W.

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Thank you, Dr Stark, for making my life HAPPIER!!

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“Dr Stark and her medical team are amazing. Went in to have an Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) and the care is excellent. Currently at 9 weeks post surgery, swollen a lot less, and loving my results so far. Going into surgery, I was nervous about the after-pain because I heard several horror stories of how painful it is. Surprisingly, my pain level was mild ( 1-10 I was at 2). My experience exceeded my expectations from the consultation, to surgery, to post op. Dr Stark, Sabrina Esquivel, and the whole team have been very caring and attentive, and delivered an A+ service. Thank you, Dr Stark, for making my life HAPPIER!!”

- A.Q.

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I cannot thank Dr. Stark enough.

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“Dr. Stark is not only a meticulous professional and at the top of her field, but she and her team are one of the warmest and most engaged treatment teams I have ever met. Dr. Stark and Sabrina walked me through every moment of the procedure and recovery, and they were attentive and responsive. Her nurses in recovery were incredibly kind and thorough. Dr. Stark’s sense of humor mixed with her attention to detail makes her truly exceptional, and she makes you feel understood. The results of my mini abdominoplasty with liposuction were beyond anything I would have imagined. I cannot thank Dr. Stark and the Schwartz Institute enough.”

- C.B.

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Dr. Stark is absolutely the best plastic surgeon.

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“Dr. Stark is outstanding! She is an artist and a perfectionist. For years, I questioned if my prophylactic mastectomy was worth it because I didn’t love the way I looked. I booked a consultation with Dr. Stark to correct an encapsulated breast implant. She was thorough and made me feel comfortable. The morning of my procedure, as she was marking me, I knew I was not going to regret the results I would be waking up to. I have never felt so confident and happy with my body as she has made me feel. From her pre-op routine and post op routine that helps your body heal quickly without any complications, to her amazing skill of injecting with Botox and Filler, Dr. Stark is absolutely the best plastic surgeon.”

- K.O.

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Start to finish, you will have no complaints guaranteed.

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“Dr Stark is an incredibly talented surgeon. I am an extremely happy patient of hers; she pays attention to everything! She listens to your concerns and is so thorough and detailed. She is also kind and trustworthy, and an artist. I cannot say enough about her. I trust her completely; consider yourself lucky if you're a patient of hers. Start to finish, you will have no complaints guaranteed.”

- M.V.

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Dr. Stark is a true artist.

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“Dr. Stark is a true artist. She takes her time to go over absolutely everything with you. She explains the surgery in full detail and makes you feel extremely comfortable. Her work mimics her bedside manner: it’s incredible. I hardly even notice my incisions, and it looks like I was just blessed with an amazing body, all thanks to her! I finally have my confidence back, and I have to thank it all to her! If you are looking for a surgeon, don’t look any further! Highly recommend!!”

- G.

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I would definitely go back to Dr. Stark in the future...

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“I highly recommend Dr. Stark! I had liposuction and excision of axillary breast tissue performed by Dr. Stark in October 2023. She is incredibly knowledgeable and explains every step in a clear, comforting manner. She does not push procedures and, in fact, recommended I hold off on several additions to my procedure that I was interested in. I had no problems with my healing and am incredibly pleased with the results so far. The nursing and administrative staff are also top-notch. They are all so friendly and responsive, and I never felt awkward about any part of the process. I would definitely go back to Dr. Stark in the future if I ever want to have anything else done.”

- H.F.

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If I were to ever have more work done, Dr. Stark is definitely my go-to.

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“It was an easy decision to choose Dr. Stark after my initial consultation, where she made me feel welcomed and excited to be a patient of hers. I’m so happy with my results, and everything turned out exactly as we had planned. Leading up to and even after my procedure, Dr. Stark proved to be very attentive with the most genuinely friendly bedside manner I’ve ever experienced with any doctor. Her assistant, Sabrina, was wonderful. She answered every email and question I had and was always welcoming with a smile. If I were to ever have more work done, Dr. Stark is definitely my go-to.”

- K.S

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Dr. Stark is the absolute BEST!

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“Dr. Stark is the absolute BEST! I was so grateful to have found someone that I could completely trust to handle my concerns. Through her surgical expertise, I have restored confidence and a new outlook on life. I was so pleased with my procedures and the experience that I have recommended friends.”

- M.H.

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I've already referred friends to Dr. Stark...

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“I can't say enough amazing things about Dr. Stark and her incredible team! From the moment I walked in, I felt completely at ease. Dr. Stark's attention to detail and patience throughout the entire process, especially during my recovery, were beyond impressive. Talking about my insecurities and vulnerabilities felt as comfortable as chatting with a close friend. The aftercare nurses were wonderful, and the entire facility was spotless. Everything went so smoothly from start to finish. I'm absolutely obsessed with my results and can't wait to return for more work in the future! I've already referred friends to Dr. Stark, and they are just as thrilled with her attentiveness and dedication to making them feel confident and beautiful. Highly recommend!”

- T.F.

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I am in love with my results!

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“Dr. Stark did my liposuction procedure! This was my first ever surgery, but Dr. Stark made me feel completely comfortable the entire time and answered all of my questions and concerns. I am in love with my results! Not only is she a great plastic surgeon, but she has a great bedside manner! I highly recommend her!”

- J.T.

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I am beyond grateful to Dr. Stark for completely transforming my life.

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“I am beyond grateful to Dr. Stark for completely transforming my life. The results are absolutely stunning. From my first consultation for my tubular breasts, Dr. Stark's expertise and reassuring manner immediately instilled confidence in me. Her exceptional professionalism, kindness, and unwavering artistry make her the perfect doctor for me. During my recovery, she consistently followed up to ensure my comfort and made herself available whenever needed. Thank you so much, Dr. Stark, you are a miracle worker! I love my breasts and my small waist!”

- H.C.

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I can’t say enough about how truly amazing Dr. Stark has been...

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“I can’t say enough about how truly amazing Dr. Stark has been through my surgical journey. I had two babies back to back and couldn’t get my body back to a place of feeling like me again. I met with her, and I knew right then and there that her vision was my vision. She saw exactly what I was saying and made me feel so comfortable making the decision to move forward with a Mommy Makeover procedure in her surgery center. She recommended a Breast Implant with a Lift, some Liposuction, and Upper and Lower Eyelids. She is a true artist. I am two weeks post-op and this experience is life-changing. I couldn’t be happier with how everything looks. I finally feel confident again, and just in time for summer. I one hundred percent recommend her to anyone who is looking to inquire about cosmetic surgery. You will not be disappointed. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, Dr. Stark!!!”

- D.M.

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Dr. Stark is extremely thorough and so supportive...

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“Dr. Stark performed an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) and some lipo to my bra line and flanks. To say my expectations were met is an understatement!! I am so thrilled with my results. After four children, I definitely noticed an overall lack of confidence in my body, and that confidence has been restored! Dr. Stark is extremely thorough and so supportive throughout the entire process. I have no regrets whatsoever and would highly recommend Dr. Stark for beautiful results.”

- T.M.

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I highly recommend Dr. Jennifer Stark!!

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“Dr. Stark performed an upper blepharoplasty for me, and I'm thrilled with the results!! It was a simple (virtually painless) procedure, and the recovery time was minor. Dr. Stark is brilliant, and she's a true artist. Not to mention she's so lovely along with her staff. I highly recommend Dr. Jennifer Stark!!”

- S.E.

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High-Touch, Patient-Focused Recovery

Recovery after a facelift in Thousand Oaks and Westlake Village typically involves mild soreness, swelling, tightness, and bruising immediately after your procedure.

Avoid clothing that is pulled over the head and reduce sun exposure as much as possible in the first few weeks. Some patients may require drains behind the ears to remove excess fluid and encourage healing.

Dr. Stark will send you home with detailed aftercare instructions, including guidance on which hair products and soaps are suitable for use during recovery. You may also receive a prescription for an antibiotic ointment to apply to your incisions. You’ll return to Dr. Stark’s office many times over the coming weeks for follow-up appointments, where she’ll monitor your progress and approve you for activities like exercise and makeup.

Results That Refresh Your Sense of Self

Your final facelift results will appear gradually as swelling subsides. Many patients notice improved jawline definition, softer folds and wrinkles, and a firmer, more youthful appearance. Facelift results typically last 10 years and are designed to age gracefully alongside you.

Facelift Frequently Asked Questions

Who is a good candidate for a facelift?

Ideal candidates for a facelift are individuals experiencing visible signs of facial aging, such as jowls, skin laxity, or neck changes. Patients should be in good overall health, have reasonable skin elasticity, and maintain realistic expectations about their results. Candidacy is based more on anatomy than age.

Does a facelift address sagging skin along the neck?

A facelift may improve the appearance of the jawline and upper neck, but it will not address sagging skin along the full length of the neck. You can combine your facelift with a neck lift to enhance both areas for a more comprehensive result.

What type of anesthesia is used for a facelift?

Facelifts are typically performed under general anesthesia to prioritize the patient's comfort and safety. If you are unsure, discuss your sedation options with Dr. Stark during your consultation.

Will a facelift affect my facial expressions?

No. Dr. Stark intentionally designs her facelifts to preserve natural expression and maintain the movement and sensitivity of your features.

How long does a facelift take?

Most facelifts take several hours, depending on the chosen treatment areas and if any other procedures are performed alongside it. Dr. Stark will walk you through the whole process on surgery day to ensure you’re fully informed and confident.

Schedule Your Consultation for a Facelift in Thousand Oaks and Westlake Village

Reclaim your confidence with a customized facelift by Dr. Jennifer Stark. Contact her offices today to schedule your consultation and begin your transformation.