Body Episodes

There's a reason a lean, sculpted chest can still carry a stubborn bit of fullness right behind the nipple — and it's the one spot a thousand reps will never flatten. Dr. Hector Salazar-Reyes explains why glandular breast tissue in men sits exactly where it's hardest to hide, and why building up the muscle around it can make it stand out even more. Across the conversation with hostess Monique Ramsey, Dr. Salazar walks through the “polo shirt test” that tells most men whether they're a candidate...

Dr. Diana Breister, a board-certified plastic surgeon who has done mommy makeovers in San Diego for over twenty years, joins us to talk about everything that happens after the six-week post-op visit. You can do planks, but no crunches for at least a year. The rectus muscles she stitches back together during a tummy tuck stay hyperactive long after the skin looks healed, and trying to fire them up too early can send them straight into spasm. Scars are still maturing for up to two years. Future ...

Six months after her breast implants came out, a young woman handed Dr. Luke Swistun a full, untouched bottle of Xanax — the same prescription she had been burning through at three to four pills a day before the explant. Stories like hers are why Monique Ramsey is marking 230 episodes and five years of the La Jolla Cosmetic Podcast by going back to the archive. Monique counts down one moment from each of the five LJCSC surgeons — Dr. Johan Brahme on why a brow lift feminizes women but makes me...

Lipo or tummy tuck—how do you know which one you need? San Diego plastic surgeon Dr. Hector Salazar and Monique talk through the difference between liposuction and a tummy tuck, and why the right choice isn’t always obvious. Skin quality, muscle...

Dr. Salazar returns to share how HD Lipo has evolved over the last five years and why realistic expectations are just as important as technology. Learn about HD Lipo recovery timelines, the importance of compression, how long it takes to see results, and why choosing an experienced plastic surgeon is critical for outcomes that look natural. From candidate selection to long-term maintenance, hear Dr. Salazar’s honest look at what HD lipo can and can’t do. Links Read more about San Diego plasti...

Fat might not be the first thing you think of when it comes to looking younger, but in the world of facial rejuvenation, it’s basically gold. According to Dr. Johan Brahme, it’s one of the most powerful tools we have for restoring youthful volume in a way that looks soft, natural, and unmistakably you. He explains what areas of your body he takes the fat from, why your own fat is such a valuable resource, and how modern techniques have made fat transfer safer, more predictable, and longer lasti...

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 Diego plastic surgeon Dr. Hector Salazar and massage therapist Linda-Anne Kahn explain what lipedema re...

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 concierge-style approach goes far beyond surgery. From blocking out extra-long consultations so no questio...

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...

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 qualified therapist with the right training can help you recover safely and more effectively. Many people...

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 surgery, everyday activities that become easier, and how it can improve daily life. Learn about the la...

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 often turns into 360 lipo, and why incision placement makes all the difference for smooth, natural-look...

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 Plasty. This technique tightens the central neck (goodbye, turkey gobbler) without a long incision. He ...

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...

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, but Dr. Swistun swears by a three-position, side-side-back approach which gives better access to th...

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 lift after weight loss What procedures are typically involved to reshape your body Why m...

There’s a ton of buzz around awake liposuction, but is it really a good idea? Being comfortable during the procedure is absolutely essential for the best results. Although less expensive, Dr. Swistun warns that awake lipo has its downsides and saving money upfront could cost you more in complications. Dr. Swistun shares what you need to know about awake lipo: Risks of awake liposuction, especially if you don’t have much fat to begin with Differences in recovery between general anesthesia and...

After losing 70 pounds, Alexis decided to take her body transformation to the next level with a tummy tuck, arm lift, 360 lipo, and chin lipo. Arms were always Alexis’ biggest insecurity. Finding clothes that fit around them was a nightmare. Now, she wears long sleeves and sexy dresses comfortably and confidently. Anxious by nature, her mom's bad surgery experience with another doctor hung over her head. Hear how she faced her fears and is absolutely loving her new body. Find out why she chos...

Regina had a nightmare experience after her first tummy tuck and liposuction with an unqualified surgeon elsewhere, landing in the hospital for two weeks with an abscess followed by home nursing, and then requiring a walker and cane to get around. When it came time to fix the mess, she was understandably worried. LJCSC plastic surgeon Dr. Swistun removed her dog ears, tightened and smoothed out her skin, and redid her incisions to be barely noticeable. She’s thrilled to finally be able to look...

Successfully moving fat requires finding the sweet spot – not too much, not too little. Dr. Swistun explains the art of transferring fat: you want enough fat to stick after healing, but not too much that it causes issues. Dr. Swistun explains the patient-specific and surgeon-specific factors in getting the right amount, what can happen if too much fat is used, and post-op care tips to avoid complications. Find out what can go wrong with fat transfer, how we prevent these complications, and how...

360 liposuction, often paired with a BBL, is a major transformation that requires a demanding recovery, both physically and emotionally. Dr. Luke Swistun breaks down what to expect and how to bounce back after 360 lipo. Make sure you have everything from child care to time off work set up and your support system ready ahead of time to avoid extra stress during recovery. Find out what’s normal to experience as you heal, when you can return to work and the gym, how lymphatic massages and garment...

Before having a tummy tuck, one of the biggest worries our patients have is “what is my belly button going to look like?” No one wants an ugly belly button, or for it to be a dead giveaway that they had work done. Because so much extra skin is removed during tummy tuck surgery, the original belly button often goes away with it. But during a tummy tuck using the BellaButton technique, Dr. Salazar creates a beautiful, natural-looking belly button. As the pioneer of this technique, Dr. Salazar ex...

Sharing his unique expertise with HD Lipo, Dr. Hector Salazar explains how this technique eliminates stubborn areas of fat, and highlights your natural muscle definition. Combining his artistic eye with his rich knowledge of anatomy, Dr. Salazar uses this specialized liposuction technique to precisely sculpt your body following the natural lines of your musculature. Find out all there is to know about the HD lipo experience, including best candidates and BMI requirements, how VASER liposuctio...

Many women, often after having children, seek ways to make sexual intercourse more comfortable for themselves and their partners. Dr. Johan Brahme answers all the questions women have about vaginoplasty to demystify this procedure. Often included in a mommy makeover, the pelvic floor is one of the main areas that needs rejuvenating after childbirth. Kegels can strengthen muscles, but a vaginoplasty tightens the gap between those muscles. Find out all you need to know about this “hush hush” yet...