Episodes

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 backgrounds who figured out their own ways to pay for breast augmentation, mommy makeover, and face lift....

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...

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 to mature and what the healing process looks like Tips for boosting healing and achieving your bes...

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 gives her a unique ability to connect with you on a deeper level, helping you feel understood and suppor...

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 Christmas pajamas and sentimental ornaments to the joy of giving and reflecting on the meaning of the holidays...

Picking the right place to recover after plastic surgery is key to a smooth, stress-free experience. Whether you're traveling from out of town or just need a peaceful spot away from home, Dr. Salazar talks through some of the best hotel options in La Jolla. He explains why staying close by can make a big difference in both comfort and safety. Find out: Which surgeries require a longer recovery time Helpful tips for planning both your procedure and stay Our top 3 nearby hotels for post-surge...

The timing of your surgery can make a big difference, and some seasons are just easier than others. Winter is often ideal for body contouring procedures. Why? For starters, you don’t have to worry about overheating in snug recovery garments, and by the time summer rolls around, you’ll be ready to show off your results. For Dr. Breister, the week between Christmas and New Year’s is one of the busiest times in the OR. It’s the perfect time to slow down, hide under cozy sweaters, and get a little...

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...

At La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Centre, we know your cosmetic journey is personal, and every step matters. That’s why we offer two options: the Signature and Concierge experiences. Think of them as business class and first class—both elevated and never ordinary. No matter which you choose, our award-winning care stays the same. With 36 years of experience and tens of thousands of 5-star reviews, find out what the LJCSC Signature Experience includes at no extra cost, from online tools to help you ...

Jessica’s philosophy is simple: if something bothers you and you can change it, why not? She loves seeing people’s confidence blossom after their procedures. As a Patient Care Coordinator, Jessica is the friendly voice you’ll hear first when you reach out to LJCSC. She’ll listen to your goals, answer your questions, and make sure you’re feeling great about your consultation. And she’ll be there every step of the way, guiding you through the process. Jessica joined LJC in 2014 when Dr. Smoot ca...

13 years after Danielle switched from saline to silicone breast implants, something felt off. When it felt like one of her implants was playing hide and seek during mammograms, she knew something needed to be done. When she met with Dr. Salazar, he found that her right implant shifted out of place and the crease under her breasts disappeared. He decided to swap out the old implants for new ones and give her a breast lift while he was at it. Safety was huge for Danielle, so she did her research...

Now that Regina and Alexis have each shared their individual before and after stories, they’re together to recap what happened and how their plastic surgery experiences continue to impact their lives. For anyone considering plastic surgery, hear firsthand how important it is to have someone in your corner throughout your whole aesthetic journey. Whether it’s a bestie, family member, or partner, having that support system can make a world of difference. And hear which plastic surgeon at LJC th...

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...

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...

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...

You can have a nipple or areola reduction on its own, but these procedures often go hand-in-hand with breast reductions, lifts, or implants. Dr. Salazar breaks down the difference between your nipples and areolas, how surgery can make them smaller, and what to expect with scars and aftercare. Find out if you can breastfeed after a nipple reduction, whether men can get these procedures, and what accessory nipples, supernumerary nipples, and ectopic nipples are and how we remove them. Learn mor...

The term “en bloc” floats around online in breast implant associated illness circles, but this actually refers to cancer surgery where healthy tissue around a tumor is removed. To update the terminology and clear up any confusion about capsulectomy, plastic surgeon Dr. Luke Swistun explains the definitions and differences between the specific explant procedures. For his usual breast implant removal procedure, “total intact" is the most accurate term, which involves carefully removing the entir...

After 8 years of living with 400cc silicone implants, Caroline started feeling differently about them. Later on, seeing coworkers rave about their explants inspired her to seriously consider removing hers. It wasn't an easy decision, as those implants had been part of her for a whole decade. Caroline shares the emotional rollercoaster leading up to her explant surgery and how she found support from Dr. Swistun and other women who had been through it. Find out what motivated Caroline to book he...

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...

Your 20’s are a time for adventures, not wrinkles. But we see plenty of young people wanting to enhance their natural beauty. Plastic surgeon Dr. Hector Salazar shares the best procedures for this age group. From breast implants to liposuction to addressing facial features that have always bugged you, hear Dr. Salazar’s expert advice for the best ways to love the skin you’re in during this decade. Links Meet San Diego plastic surgeon Dr. Hector Salazar-Reyes Listen to our episodes with Dr....

Amie had her first breast augmentation with saline implants at age 21 (back in 1998 when Pamela Anderson was the “it girl") and 13 years later switched to silicone. When unexplained symptoms emerged, she wondered if her breast implants were the cause. Feeling lost, she found an online community focused on breast implant illness (BII). It was in this group where she heard about LJC plastic surgeon Dr. Luke Swistun. After her capsulectomy & explant surgery, Amie learned from Dr. Swistun that her...

Complications from breast implant surgery are rare, and surgeons keep a close eye on patients to catch and prevent any issues. LJC plastic surgeon Dr. Hector Salazar takes us through the most common complications: capsular contracture, implant rupture or deflation, and the need for revision surgery. Dr. Salazar explains what these complications are, how to tell if they’re happening to you, and the steps he takes before, during, and after surgery to minimize risks. Find out if it’s safe to get...

Regardless of your motivation, it’s totally normal to think about cosmetic procedures but not know how to get started. Plastic surgeon Dr. Diana Breister gives us an overview of the most popular body procedures for women. Ideal body trends change over time, and so do our personal preferences. Women in their 20’s and 30’s tend to do liposuction and breast augmentation, while those in their 40’s and 50’s more often consider tummy tucks and breast lifts. Plastic surgery isn’t just about feeling m...

Like flying a plane, working in an operating room means you’re in charge of keeping other humans alive. The job is not just to complete your pre-op checklist, but to be prepared for every possible thing that could go wrong, as rare as it might be. For over 20 years, nurse Ruth has been the calming presence in the LJC operating room. From what to expect when you arrive for your surgery to waking up in the recovery room, hear what challenges she faces assisting our plastic surgeons with all sorts...