The La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Podcast - With San Diego’s Most Loved Plastic Surgeons

The deep plane facelift is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after procedures in facial rejuvenation—and for good reason. Unlike traditional facelifts, it repositions the deeper layers of the face, delivering natural-looking results that last a decade or longer. Facial plastic surgeon Dr. Kiersten Riedler explains the ins and outs of this technique, from who it’s best for to what recovery lo...

Nearly 40 years, thousands of patients, and a career that started unexpectedly in a National Guard medical unit—Dr. John Smoot’s story is full of the wisdom, wins, and lessons you only get from a lifetime in plastic surgery. Dr. Smoot looks back on how the field has transformed since he first scrubbed in, from evolving techniques to the rise of natural, proportionate results and the growing accept...

Who says plastic surgeons can’t rock out after hours? For Dr. Johan Brahme, music isn’t just a hobby—it’s part of how he approaches life and surgery. He shares how growing up in a musical family inspired him to play bass in multiple bands throughout his life, perform for communities like assisted living homes, and even bring music aboard the USS Midway. Hear about the surprising parallels between...

I n this festive holiday episode, Monique chats with friends from the LJCSC Dream Team about all the little things that make Christmas feel special, from favorite songs and decorations to family traditions and must-have holiday foods.  We debate important issues like real vs. fake trees and white vs. multicolor lights, and share beloved family recipes like tamales, Feast of the Seven Fishes, pinea...

LJCSC’s expert baker Dr. Kiersten Riedler takes us into the cozy world of holiday baking, sharing her tips and tricks for making the perfect gingerbread cookies.  From rolling the dough just the right thickness to using fresh, fragrant spices, she reveals the details that make these cookies both delicious and festive. Along the way, Dr. Riedler draws fun parallels between baking and her work in fa...

Many women think implants are the only way to get fuller, perkier breasts, but there’s another option. Breast lift with auto-augmentation uses your own natural tissue to restore shape and lift, no implants needed. San Diego plastic surgeon Dr. Luke Swistun explains how this underused technique works, who it’s best for, and how his patients feel about their results so far. By reshaping and “restack...

With over a decade of experience in cosmetic surgery, Jillian combines professionalism with creativity and compassion to make every patient feel comfortable and confident. She believes that research and education are key to feeling empowered, and she’s always happy to help you navigate your options. She completed her associate’s in Visual Communications and bachelor’s in Multimedia in only three y...

Meet Gretchell, LJCSC’s talented video content specialist and the creative mind behind so many of the stories you see on our social media. She started here as a medical photographer, capturing before-and-after photos, but her knack for storytelling and video editing quickly stood out. With encouragement from Dr. Swistun, Dr. Salazar, and the team, Gretchell turned her passion for videography into...

Most plastic surgeons work alone, but Dr. Hector Salazar shares what it’s like to be part of something different: a six-surgeon practice built entirely on collaboration and patient-centered care. At LJCSC, individuality and artistry meet shared values and consistency, creating a team dynamic that’s as rare as it is rewarding. Dr. Salazar explains how this model benefits both surgeons and patients....

Lipedema is one of the most misunderstood conditions women face. It shows up as uneven fat in the lower body that doesn’t respond to diet or exercise, often leading to frustration, pain, and a feeling of being dismissed by healthcare providers.  Beyond the physical symptoms, the emotional toll is huge. Once treated, many women celebrate simple wins like finally zipping up a pair of boots. San Dieg...

Considering any kind of cosmetic change to your face is a deeply personal decision, and your nose is a complex feature right in the center of it.  San Diego facial plastic surgeon Dr. Kiersten Riedler knows this, which is why her rhinoplasty consultations always include a photo simulation, built from your own goals and her experience, to bridge the gap between hope and reality. That's her secret f...

Dr. Jerry Haas, director of our weight management program, is back with an update on the Signature Skinny Shot. After nearly two years, he and patient coordinator Lauren have fine-tuned the program with monthly check-ins, dose adjustments, and ongoing support. Dr. Haas explains how GLP-1 medications work and clears up TikTok myths with real medical data. He shares the benefits he’s seen in our pat...

Eyelid surgery just snagged the top spot as the world’s most popular plastic surgery procedure. And it makes sense: the eyes are usually the first place people notice signs of aging, often as early as their late 30’s and early 40’s.  From smoothing out droopy lids to improving vision, eyelid surgery isn’t just about looking refreshed—it can be functional too. San Diego facial plastic surgeon Dr. K...

After 21 years with implants, Jennifer has reached her limits  with the pain, scar tissue, and breasts that stretched far beyond what she ever imagined. What started as 420cc implants have grown from a D cup to triple Ds, leaving her hunched over with aching joints. At first, she considered swapping them out for smaller implants, but during her consultation, breast implant removal expert Dr. Luke...

You’ve stocked the fridge, cleared your calendar, and read every page of the pre-op packet. But a smooth plastic surgery recovery comes down to the little things you didn’t think of, like why your pets need to stay out of the room or how chores around the house can set you back. Monique and Kayla share the recovery hacks that don’t always make it into the official instructions—like why boxer brief...

Breast implants don’t just change your body. They can impact your mind too. For many women, removing implants brings unexpected relief: less anxiety, deeper sleep, clearer thinking, even a sense of liberation they didn’t realize they were missing. Patients often say, “I got my life back.” San Diego plastic surgeon Dr. Luke Swistun and his wife, clinical psychologist and sleep specialist Dr. Domini...

What if lowering your anxiety helps your body heal better? That’s exactly why Dr. Luke Swistun gives every patient his personal cell phone number. Knowing you can reach him anytime keeps worries from spiraling, so you can stay calm and focused on recovery. But that’s just one of the many ways he makes sure every patient feels heard, validated, and cared for from day one. He shares how his concierg...

When Jamie Lee Curtis called plastic surgery “the genocide of a generation of women,” it sparked backlash—and for good reason. It’s a strong, loaded word to use, and it misses the reality for so many people. Celebrity opinions like this can be damaging and fuel misconceptions about plastic surgery, feed harmful stereotypes, and erase the deeply personal reasons people choose it in the first place....

In 2019, Kayla joined the LJCSC dream team as a patient care coordinator and quickly grew into leadership roles thanks to her strong clinical background and deep empathy for patients. Today, she’s the Clinic Manager and Lead for Dr. Luke Swistun. Fun fact: before Kayla joined us, she was a patient of Dr. Swistun. Her firsthand experience as a former patient herself gives her a unique perspective t...

Sleep helps with beauty, but it’s doing way more behind the scenes. When you’re not sleeping well, you’re not just tired. You’re moody, unmotivated, and not fully you. Sleep affects everything from your mood and memory to your body’s ability to heal and stay healthy. Dr. Dominika Swistun, a clinical psychologist and sleep specialist (and Dr. Luke Swistun’s wife), shares why good sleep is non-negot...

With over 13 years in aesthetics, Ruthie has been helping people feel confident and cared for since she was just 21, and she’s loved every minute of it. From your very first inquiry to your final post-op visit, Ruthie is there to guide you through it all. She’ll help you understand what to expect, walk you through your options, and make pricing and financing as smooth as possible. Her goal is to c...

Since silicone gel breast implant ruptures are silent and don’t cause symptoms, they can go undetected for a very long time.  Even though an MRI is recommended to check for ruptures three years after surgery and every two years after that, most people don’t do it because MRIs are pricey and not exactly convenient.  High-definition ultrasound is a more accessible, affordable alternative to an MRI....

You’ve had the surgery, the swelling’s gone, and your results are settling in, but there’s one final detail that can really complete the transformation. Vanessa Dougherty is a tattoo artist who specializes in scar camouflage and restorative micropigmentation. She works closely with plastic surgeons to help patients take their results to the next level using color, care, and craft. Vanessa shares h...

For 79 years, Las Patronas has been one of San Diego’s most quietly powerful forces for good, fueling vital work in supporting the arts, people with disabilities, underserved youth, healthcare, and more. Rowena Treitler, president of Las Patronas, shares the story behind this all-women, all-volunteer organization. She shares how it started, how La Jolla Cosmetic is connected, and what’s coming up,...

Monique and Hannah take a walk down memory lane, reflecting on the moments that make this podcast so loved by our patients and listeners all over the world. For four years, we’ve shared real patient stories, expert insights, and clear, honest education about the procedures we do. In this celebratory 200th episode of the La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery podcast, hear our real-time reactions to 10 of our f...