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

You find yourself looking in the mirror after major weight loss and thinking, “Where do I even begin?” Loose skin on your stomach, thighs, arms, or butt feels overwhelming, and Googling “body lift” only adds to the confusion. Can you do it all at once? Should you? San Diego plastic surgeon Dr. Johan Brahme breaks down how to think about your treatment plan to match your goals, health, and lifestyl...

After surgery like facelifts, tummy tucks, liposuction, or BBLs, swelling and stiffness can stick around. Lymphatic drainage can make a big difference in your recovery.  Planning your post-op care ahead of time is just as important as choosing the right procedure, and not all lymphatic massages are the same.  To support healing, you need someone who truly understands the lymphatic system. A qualif...

With over 10 years of experience as a medical assistant, Cynthia wears many hats at LJCSC. Whether she’s at the front desk greeting patients, answering phone calls, helping with scheduling, or in the back assisting with rooming and follow-up procedures, she’s always ready to jump in wherever she’s needed. Cynthia knew right out of high school that she wanted to become a medical assistant. Over the...

Think you’re too young—or too old—for plastic surgery? You’re not alone. Whether you’re in your 20s and wondering if it’s “too soon” or in your 70s questioning if it’s “too late,” age alone shouldn’t be the deciding factor. Instead of waiting for the “perfect” age, it’s more helpful to focus on what you’d like to improve. Dr. Luke Swistun breaks down how age can influence plastic surgery decisions...

Juliana is often the first friendly face you’ll see after meeting with a coordinator. As a medical assistant, she loves being part of your journey and seeing your transformation from consult to post-op care. Juliana’s passion for plastic surgery and helping patients feel their best shines through in everything she does. Her background in urgent care gave her a wide range of medical experience, whi...

Not sure you even want plastic surgery because the whole recovery thing feels like a mystery? We totally get it, and we’re demystifying it for you. Knowing what to expect during recovery makes all the difference. The truth is, those final results you’re after can take weeks, months, or even longer to really be final.  San Diego plastic surgeon Dr. Hector Salazar breaks it down, from why swelling h...

Whether you're curious, planning a procedure, or just love staying in the know, this spring trends episode is full of surprises and a look at what’s shaping the future of plastic surgery. Assistant producer Hannah joins Monique for a chat about the biggest shifts happening now. Motiva breast implants are making waves for their ultra-natural feel and safety perks—plus, there’s a $250 rebate backed...

What’s life really like after cosmetic labiaplasty surgery? How do women feel about their results, and what’s the emotional journey like during recovery? Labiaplasty can be a life-changing boost for both confidence and comfort. San Diego plastic surgeon Dr. Diana Breister shares what the experience is really like, physically and emotionally, including the changes women notice before and after surg...

Motiva breast implants are now available at La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Centre! San Diego plastic surgeon Dr. Diana Breister explains what makes these breast implants such a game-changer. From the lower risk of capsular contracture and rupture to the cutting-edge science behind their design, there’s a lot to love. Curious about the difference between Motiva’s SmoothSilk Ergonomix (the “Ergo”) and Ro...

Over 1,200 beautifully refreshed faces speak for themselves. With his 30+ years of experience helping people achieve their dream facelift results, San Diego plastic surgeon Dr. Johan Brahme cuts through the marketing hype around mini, SMAS, and deep plane facelifts, explaining who they’re best for and what truly matters when choosing a procedure. It’s not about the type of facelift—it’s about the...

Avoiding two-piece swimsuits or open-back dresses? You’re not alone! It’s a common struggle, and San Diego plastic surgeon Dr. Luke Swistun is here to explain why it’s so hard to get rid of.  No matter how many workouts you do, back fat can be incredibly stubborn—and there’s a scientific reason for that. Dr. Swistun explains why liposuction is usually the most effective solution, how back lipo oft...

Men don’t always talk about plastic surgery, but social media has made it more accepted. San Diego plastic surgeon Dr. Hector Salazar breaks down the history of male cosmetic procedures, the most popular treatments, and how society perceives men who do them. For facial rejuvenation, Dr. Salazar highlights a high-impact combo for men who want to avoid facelift scars: eyelid surgery and the T-Z Plas...

A short scar facelift, often called a mini facelift, is perfect for those wanting a subtle, natural refresh without major surgery. But San Diego plastic surgeon Dr. John Smoot prefers to call it a “refresher” rather than a facelift. Dr. Smoot breaks down the differences between short scar and full facelifts, from techniques and scar placement to recovery and cost.  While a mini facelift can delive...

Amber, our talented medical photographer, is stepping in front of the camera for a change to introduce herself. She’s the friendly face behind your before-and-after photos and keeps track of your progress if you’re on our weight loss program. She has a natural way of making you feel comfortable, chatting with you to ease any nerves. She reassures everyone that privacy is a top priority at LJCSC. B...

If you’ve noticed that more people are stepping back from fillers, using them sparingly, or even dissolving them altogether, you’re seeing a trend called “filler fatigue.” After watching IMPACT x Nightline: Facelift: After Fillers? on Hulu, we had to get an expert’s take. San Diego plastic surgeon Dr. Diana Breister Ghosh joins us to break down the filler fatigue trend, why younger people are opti...

Losing your hair feels like a ticking clock, making you check the mirror constantly. Fears about hair transplant surgery might hold you back from taking action, but San Diego plastic surgeon Dr. Hector Salazar is here with the truth. He explains when it’s actually time to worry and how he creates a natural-looking hairline with modern hair transplant techniques. Using FUE technology, Dr. Salazar p...

A poolside photo of Amie’s backside from a trip to Mexico forced her to ask, “Where did my body go?” Then realizing how difficult it is to get rid of back fat once you’re over 40, she turned to San Diego plastic surgeon Dr. Luke Swistun who recommended 360 lipo to contour her back, sides, and abdomen, paired with Renuvion to tighten her skin.  Amie gives her tips for anyone considering 360 lipo, f...

360 lipo is a technique that targets the sides, front, and back for the most cinched waistline possible. But what makes plastic surgeon Dr. Luke Swistun’s transformations so incredible? It’s all about the difference between two positions and three. The typical approach to this liposuction technique usually involves just two position changes: starting on your front and then switching to your back,...

Imagine finally seeing the results of your weight loss journey without extra skin. Body lift surgery isn’t just about removing extra skin, it’s about finally seeing the finish line. San Diego plastic surgeon Dr. Johan Brahme explains how body lift surgery changes lives and shares emotional stories of real patients who finally feel at home in their skin. Find out: The areas most often in need of a...

Here’s the answer to the question every woman considering implant removal surgery asks: “What will my breasts look like after I remove my implants?” Achieving a beautiful shape after saying goodbye to implant volume takes a skilled surgeon. San Diego plastic surgeon Dr. Luke Swistun explains everything you need to know about breast auto-augmentation, a technique that restores breast shape and volu...

Getting the timing right for cosmetic surgery is already difficult, between taking time off and getting help with kids or covering daily responsibilities. If the time is right, but the cash isn’t quite there, there are payment combinations and zero interest plans that can make your dreams become real now.  Our COO Janelle shares actual scenarios from a few real patients of different ages and backg...

The goal of a facelift isn’t to rewind the clock 30 years—it’s to help you look like the best version of yourself.  Most people have a “What did I just do?!” moment after surgery. It’s totally normal. Recovery can feel like a rollercoaster at first, but your face will transform little by little every day. We’re here to guide you through each phase and help you trust the process. San Diego plastic...

Plastic surgeons adeptly minimize scarring with small, precisely hidden incisions, but there’s always a balance between scar visibility and achieving the best results.  San Diego plastic surgeon Dr. Hector Salazar-Reyes explains this balance, sharing insights on incision techniques, healing, and the importance of proper care before and after plastic surgery. Find out: How long it takes for scars t...

As our friendly and supportive patient coordinator for the Signature Skinny Shot weight loss program, Lauren is here to guide you every step of the way on your weight loss journey, ensuring you feel confident and cared for.  With her certification as a Certified Nursing Assistant, she brings solid medical knowledge to her role, making her a trusted resource.  Her background in psychology also give...

With some amazing members of the LJCSC Dream Team, Monique & friends chat about the heartwarming traditions, favorite dishes, and unforgettable memories that make the holidays so special. From putting up Christmas trees extra early to savoring unique family recipes, you’ll hear all about how the LJCSC team embraces the season with their families. They dive into everything from matching Christm...