Episodes

You get a full pre-op booklet and a nurse walks you through every detail, but when surgery day is getting close, it’s easy for things to go in one ear and out the other. To help make sense of it all, Jocelyn, one of our trusted LVNs, walks through the parts patients tend to skim: stopping certain meds, what anesthesia does to your body, why you need a responsible adult after surgery, and how simple things like pets, sleep position, and meal prep can make or break your recovery. You’ll also lea...

Meet Jocelyn, a clinical nurse at La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Centre who helps guide patients through surgery and recovery. With more than 16 years of experience, Jocelyn has a calming, confident presence that instantly puts people at ease. From pre-op prep to post-op check-ins, she’s right there making sure you feel safe, supported, and truly heard. Before joining LJCSC, she worked in compliance overseeing dozens of clinics, but she quickly realized her heart belongs at the bedside, building re...

Are Motiva breast implants living up to the hype? When San Diego plastic surgeon Dr. Diana Breister first started using them, they were brand new to her. Now that they’ve become part of her regular go-to, she’s back to share the results. She talks about what makes Motiva implants different, from their softer, more natural feel to the innovative Monobloc technology that helps them move and settle more like real breast tissue. Hear how patients are responding so far, how she chooses between Moti...

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...

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 performing on stage and in the OR, and why he soundtracks surgeries from classical to heavy metal....

In 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, pineapple honey ham, and generations of cookie-baking. Listen to LJCSC’s festive playlist to get into the...

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...

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 “restacking” existing tissue, he creates long-lasting, natural results that look and feel completely your o...

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 years, all while working as an event coordinator and booking manager. That experience taught her how...

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 a full-time role, helping bring our patients’ journeys to life in a fresh, authentic way. A bit ca...

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. Each doctor brings a unique perspective, yet all share the same foundation of safety, ethics, and ...

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...

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...

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 patients so far, from better energy and healthier blood sugar levels to being able to enjoy exercise a...

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,...

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 Swistun reassured her that she had plenty of natural tissue to work with. Simply downsizing would m...

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 briefs beat fancy underwear after a tummy tuck, how wedge pillows can save your sleep, and why that post...

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....

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...

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...

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...

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...