Face + Neck Episodes

A well-done facelift should hold for 10 to 12 years, sometimes 15 — but only if a surgeon steers a patient toward the right depth from the start. Here's how four surgeons actually make that call. Dr. John Smoot has a two-second move he runs in nearly every consultation: he tugs the skin back near a patient's temple and watches what happens next. If it bunches or pleats, a short-scar mini lift won't hold — full stop, no matter how badly someone wants the smaller procedure. Dr. Johan Brahme brea...

Filler is an easy first step — quick, pretty much reversible, affordable. But there’s a moment patients know well: you’ve been filling the same area for years, and something still isn’t quite right. Dr. Kiersten Riedler, facial plastic surgeon at La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Centre who operates and injects, walks us through the three most common filler-versus-surgery conversations she has in the consult room — chin implants, rhinoplasty revisions, and tear troughs, where filler and fat transfer ea...

After his César Awards appearance, the internet decided Jim Carrey might be a clone and honestly, the reaction wasn't totally unwarranted. Dr. Johan Brahme, a San Diego plastic surgeon who has helped well over one thousand people refresh their appearance with a facelift, walks us through what actually changed, what worked, and where things went a step too far. Find out why brow lift surgery on men almost always backfires, what a facelift can realistically do for the aging male face, and why th...

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...

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 looks like. Men and women often see changes in both the lower face and neck, so Dr. Riedler almost al...

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 acceptance of cosmetic procedures. He shares what’s surprised him, what’s stayed the same, and what he be...

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 facial plastic surgery, highlighting how precision, planning, and creativity are key in both. She al...

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 for confident decisions and a smooth journey, especially in a filter-happy world where beauty standa...

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. Kiersten Riedler explains why more people (including men) are choosing it, what recovery looks like,...

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 surgeon’s skill and artistic eye. It’s about loving your result, no matter how you got there. Forg...

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 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 deliver beautiful results for the right candidates, it’s important to have realistic expectations. It won...

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 opting for facelifts, and what happens when you dissolve all your fillers. Find out: Do fillers reall...

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 surgeon Dr. Diana Breister walks us through what to expect, from those early recovery days to final...

San Diego plastic surgeon Dr. Hector Salazar shares a new update on the T-Z Plasty, a targeted neck lift procedure with the potential to help a wider range of patients than he initially thought. This innovative surgery tackles the "turkey neck" directly, avoiding the extensive incisions of a full face and neck lift. Find out who can benefit from this unique neck lift surgery and how it works. Links Listen to our previous episode on T-Z Plasty and who it’s for View T-Z Plasty before and a...

By your 50’s, for most people the natural changes of age are noticeable. Plastic surgeon Dr. John Smoot shares the best procedures for combating aging and reversing the effects of gravity in your 50’s. From removing or replacing fallen breast implants to opening up tired eyes, hear Dr. Smoot’s expert advice for the best ways to tackle aging and be prepared for a smooth recovery in this decade. Links Meet San Diego plastic surgeon Dr. John Smoot Learn more about facelift , eyelid surgery...

Don’t let anything you hear about recovering from eyelid surgery scare you away. While some people may initially look like they took a punch to the face, it's not as bad as it looks. Specializing in all things facial plastic surgery, Dr. Kiersten Riedler shares the details on what to expect during eyelid surgery recovery. From how to take care of your incisions and when it’s safe to wear makeup again, to how long you’ll need to avoid driving or hitting the gym, she’s got you covered. From you...

As the co-host of San Diego’s favorite country morning show, Tammy wanted to look high-spirited and full of life, but her eyelids made her look tired or mad all the time and her neck made her look older than her age. Opening up about her reasons for getting eyelid surgery and a neck lift, Tammy shares why she wanted to improve upon the things that she felt were detrimental to her appearance. With no past experience having cosmetic surgery, Tammy recalls how Dr. Breister and her nurses helped h...

n this showcase episode, Monique highlights four small but mighty facial rejuvenation treatments you’ll want to add to your wish list. To showcase these powerful options, surgeons Dr. Kiersten Riedler, Dr. Johan Brahme, Dr. Jason Pozner, and Dr. Hector Salazar share their expertise covering eyelid surgery, endoscopic brow lift, Ellacor microcoring for skin tightening, the T-Z Plasty, and submental platysmaplasty (neck lift). With the right early interventions, you may end up delaying the need ...

Over a decade after Eric’s first visit to Dr. Johan Brahme to address his aging eyes, he returned to LJC to address his “turkey neck.” Back then, Eric discovered Dr. Brahme while looking to get rid of the bags under his eyes. When Dr. Brahme suggested addressing all of his concerns at once by combining his eyelid surgery with male breast reduction and liposuction to his flanks, he was all for it. Eric was so happy with his first experience at LJC that he recently came back to Dr. Brahme to add...

Although there are multiple options available for rejuvenating the neck, Dr. Salazar considers the T-Z Plasty to be the ultimate weapon against the “turkey gobbler.” For patients who specifically want to address excess skin and fat in their neck, but aren’t ready for a full face and neck lift, the T-Z Plasty is the preferred technique. Dr. Salazar answers our biggest questions about this not often discussed, yet powerful neck lift surgery, including: Who are the best candidates? Where are in...

Collagen and fat in the face disappear over time, and once menopause hits, aging causes facial bone loss. Luckily, Sculptra can improve all three of the effects of facial aging. LJC’s Amy Biggs, PA-C, joins us to explain what Sculptra is, how it is different from other fillers, and its many benefits. Along with some instant gratification as it restores lost volume, it continues to stimulate collagen over time and improve skin quality. Hyaluronic acid fillers break down over time, while Sculptra...

LJC facial plastic surgeon Dr. Kiersten Riedler outlines everything you need to know about facial fat transfer and injectable fillers. If volume loss in your face is starting to show your age and you’re exploring solutions to reverse it, the best method for restoring volume depends on your anatomy, age, and goals. For anyone wanting a permanent increase in facial volume along with some improvement in the quality of the skin, fat transfer is an excellent long-lasting option. If you’re wanting sh...

An update on Corey Dylan from San Diego’s KFBG BIG FM 100.7 as she’s living her best life in her lifted, tightened face after Ultherapy for her face and neck followed by Radiesse filler. Hear Parts 1 and 2 of our Ultherapy series More about Ultherapy at LJC Follow Corey on IG La Jolla Cosmetic is located just off the I-5 San Diego Freeway at 9850 Genesee Ave, Suite 130 in the Ximed building on the Scripps Memorial Hospital campus. To learn more, go to LJCSC.com or follow the team on I...