Luke Swistun, MD
Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Luke Swistun is a board-certified plastic surgeon with a background in visual arts and medical military service. He’s known for his artistic approach to plastic surgery and for the close, supportive relationship he forms with every person he treats.
As a plastic surgeon, Dr. Swistun has years of general surgery and plastic surgery training. He attended medical school at the University of Illinois. He completed his general surgical training while in the navy and continued his Plastic and Reconstructive training at the University of Utah. After serving as a naval medical officer and deploying with the U.S. Marines during active conflicts, he completed his general surgery training, and subsequently focused on pursuing what he truly felt is his calling: reconstructive and plastic surgery.
251
July 21, 2026
Recovery: A Complete Guide to the Second Half of Your Surgery
Monique Ramsey gathers years of recovery answers into one guide that follows the whole arc — the mindset going in, the first hard days, and what healing actually feels like procedure by procedure. Along the way the LJCSC surgeons and team get specific: why a breast augmentation under the muscle aches more than one placed over it, how long eyelid swelling really lasts, when it's safe to drive again, what a 360 liposuction recovery involves with drains and compression, and the clean-sheets-and-no...
248
June 30, 2026
After the Skinny Shot: What to Do Next
The number on the scale went down, so why does everything still feel soft, loose, and unfinished? Monique Ramsey curates the best moments from conversations with the LJCSC team to answer the question that lands in consultations almost every day. Janelle Robinson, who leads the practice and has used the medication herself, explains who's actually showing up for the medical weight loss program at LJCSC — and it's not people with 50 pounds to lose. Dr. Gerald Haas educates us about what the medic...
245
June 9, 2026
What You’ll Actually Look Like After Explant: The Two-Year Timeline
A woman walks into the office holding her phone, points at a stranger’s before-and-after, and says she doesn’t want that result. Dr. Luke Swistun’s answer is almost always the same: that isn’t you. The photo shows someone with different tissue, different proportions, and usually a different surgery — none of which predicts where her own breasts will settle. Dr. Swistun is the explant expert at La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Centre, and women fly into San Diego from all over to see him. With hostess ...
Guest: Luke Swistun, MD
240
May 5, 2026
What “En Bloc” Really Means: Dr. Swistun on the Four Types of Capsulectomy
When breast implant illness support groups started telling each other to ask their plastic surgeon for an “en bloc capsulectomy,” they were borrowing a term from cancer surgery — and asking for something most surgeons knew was impossible. The plastic surgery community didn’t correct them. They listened, and then they renamed it. Dr. Luke Swistun walks hostess Monique Ramsey through the Breast Surgery Collaborative Community Consensus and the four types of capsulectomy that came out of it: total...
Guest: Luke Swistun, MD
235
March 31, 2026
Is the “Yoga Boob” Look Taking Over?
Bigger isn’t always better, and women are realizing it after living with breast implants. San Diego plastic surgeon Dr. Luke Swistun talks about the shift toward smaller, more natural-looking breasts. Everyone on social media is calling them “yoga...
Guest: Luke Swistun, MD
230
Feb. 24, 2026
Why Taking Breast Implants Out Can Cost More Than Putting Them In
Why does breast implant removal sometimes cost as much—or more—than getting implants in the first place? It sounds backwards… until you hear what actually goes into explant surgery. Explant surgery isn’t just about removing implants; it’s often about correcting the changes implants cause over time. While simple removal can be straightforward, adding capsule removal requires far more precision and time. San Diego plastic surgeon Dr. Luke Swistun explains what happens to the breasts after implan...
Guest: Luke Swistun, MD
219
Nov. 18, 2025
Fuller Breasts Using Your Own Tissue? Auto-Augmentation Explained
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...
Guest: Luke Swistun, MD
209
Sept. 2, 2025
How Removing Your Breast Implants Affects Your Mental Health
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....
Guests: Luke Swistun, MD , Dominika Swistun, MD
208
Aug. 27, 2025
“Holistic” Explant Surgery: Buzzword or Reality?
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...
Guest: Luke Swistun, MD
196
May 28, 2025
Age Is Just a Number, But Timing Is Everything
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 and how healthy habits can enhance results or even delay the need for certain treatments. Why put...
Guest: Luke Swistun, MD
190
April 9, 2025
Back Fat Busted! Why Workouts Won’t Cut It & What Actually Works
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...
Guest: Luke Swistun, MD
182
Jan. 30, 2025
What Other Plastic Surgeons Won’t Tell You About 360 Lipo
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...
Guest: Luke Swistun, MD
180
Jan. 14, 2025
What Really Happens to Your Breasts After Implant Removal
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 volume using your own natural tissue. For most women (about 80%), auto-augmentation is all that’s need...
Guest: Luke Swistun, MD
172
Nov. 7, 2024
The Truth About Awake Liposuction: Plastic Surgeon Explains
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...
Guest: Luke Swistun, MD
162
Aug. 13, 2024
Plastic Surgeon Clears Up Capsulectomy Confusion
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...
Guest: Luke Swistun, MD
160
July 30, 2024
Fat Transfer: What Can Go Wrong? Plastic Surgeon Explains
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...
Guest: Luke Swistun, MD
152
June 4, 2024
Life After 360 Lipo: What to Expect
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...
Guest: Luke Swistun, MD
130
Nov. 28, 2023
Are You Too Skinny for a BBL? Plastic Surgeon Explains
If you have a low body fat percentage, you might think the BBL is out of reach, or even worse – that you must first gain weight to make it possible. Neither is true! There is a backside-enhancing surgery that creates curves for those who don’t have much body fat to spare. Plastic surgeon Dr. Luke Swistun lets us in on how the popular “Skinny BBL” works, where he gets fat from thinner patients, how lumps and bumps are avoided, and reveals his super secret method for hiding lipo scars in plain s...
Guest: Luke Swistun, MD
106
June 13, 2023
Reversing the “Dad Bod”: Plastic Surgeon Explains Cosmetic Procedures for Men
No matter how many push-ups or sit-ups you do, you can’t stop your hair from falling out or your face from losing volume. LJC plastic surgeon (and dad) Dr. Luke Swistun takes us through the most popular cosmetic procedures for men. Aging typically results in a slower metabolism and weight gain in the wrong places, and the “dad bod” starts to appear. During liposculpture, or HD liposuction, fat is removed from unwanted areas and moved to the areas where men want more volume, like the pecs and ab...
Guest: Luke Swistun, MD
76
Nov. 15, 2022
Life After Breast Implant Removal: What to Expect
Plastic surgeon Dr. Luke Swistun has helped hundreds of women with breast implant removal and is deeply experienced with breast implant illness patients. In this podcast, we talk about what you might experience immediately after surgery, how much pain to expect, how long recovery might take and how complications are handled. If you have capsular contracture, implant rupture, or malpositioned implants, you’ll feel a huge difference when the implants are out. Many patients also mention less back ...
Guest: Luke Swistun, MD
54
June 9, 2022
I’m a Plastic Surgeon, I had Halo Laser Treatment and Here’s What Happened (Part 3 of 3)
We catch up with Dr. Luke Swistun a week after his broadband light (BBL) & Halo laser resurfacing treatment to hear about his treatment experience and recovery process. Dr. Swistun tells us about how his treatment experience compared to his expectations, describing the pain level as “tolerable pins and needles.” At LJC we offer ProNox to our patients, also known as laughing gas, and Dr. Swistun describes this feeling as surreal, because you can make conscious decisions while simultaneously bein...
Guest: Luke Swistun, MD
52
May 24, 2022
I’m a Plastic Surgeon, I had Halo Laser Treatment and Here’s What Happened (Part 1 of 3)
It’s not every day that the surgeon becomes the patient! Moments just before his broadband light (BBL) & Halo laser treatment, Dr. Luke Swistun shares what he thinks it will be like and gives insight into why he’s having laser resurfacing. We’ll be back with more in this 3 part mini-series, including a chat with Julia Jowett who’s treating Dr. Swistun, and a follow up to hear how he’s doing in a few weeks. Links Check out Dr. Swistun’s pre-treatment VISIA photos La Jolla Cosmetic is located j...
Guest: Luke Swistun, MD
34
Dec. 28, 2021
Meet the Team: Luke Swistun, MD, Plastic Surgeon
San Diego plastic surgeon Dr. Luke Swistun is known for being a thoughtful listener and artistic surgeon. Hear about the surprising 21st century way Dr. Swistun landed his dream job at LJC and his unique path from Poland, to Chicago, to the US Navy, to Beverly Hills, and now La Jolla. Find out which surgery is his favorite to do, the work that means the most to him, and what you can expect when you have a consultation either online or in-person. Follow Dr. Swistun on Instagram Read more abou...
Guest: Luke Swistun, MD
31
Dec. 7, 2021
How the “Skinny BBL” Works (Without Gaining Weight): Plastic Surgeon Explains
Dr. Luke Swistun lets us in on how the popular booty-enhancing procedure works to create curves for those who don’t have as much body fat to spare. If your BMI is less than 25, you might think the BBL isn’t for you or believe the myth that you must first gain weight to make it possible, neither of which is true. Dr. Swistun explains where he moves the fat from in thinner patients, how lumps and bumps are avoided, and reveals his super secret method for hiding lipo scars in plain sight. Read mo...
Guest: Luke Swistun, MD
23
Oct. 5, 2021
Is the Brazilian Butt Lift Dangerous? Plastic Surgeon Explains
You don’t have to look far to find scandalous headlines about the Brazilian Butt Lift. Catapulted to popularity by social media influencers, this booty-enhancing fat transfer procedure is no stranger to controversy and plastic surgeon Dr. Luke Swistun is here to set the record straight. Dr. Swistun walks us through how plastic surgeons banded together to improve outcomes and prevent patient deaths, outlining exactly how the BBL should be safely performed and what the risks are if someone decide...
Guest: Luke Swistun, MD
14
July 27, 2021
Plastic Surgeon Explains 360 Lipo: Snatched, Not Kidnapped
Dr. Luke Swistun explains the 360 Lipo technique for body contouring, who this full-circle approach is best for, and how it’s different from traditional liposuction. Hear how Dr. Swistun combines 360 Lipo with Renuvion to “shrink wrap” the skin by targeting the collagen and achieve beautiful results. Read more about 360 Lipo at LJC See our liposuction before and after photos La Jolla Cosmetic is located just off the I-5 San Diego Freeway at 9850 Genesee Ave, Suite 130 in the Ximed building ...
Guest: Luke Swistun, MD
10
June 29, 2021
Removing Breast Implants: Plastic Surgeon Explains Explant Surgery
As the en bloc capsulectomy procedure for removing breast implants becomes more common, many women have questions about their choices for implant removal or replacement. Plastic surgeon Dr. Luke Swistun takes us inside his unique specialty to help make sense of the challenging topics of capsular contracture, breast implant illness, and breast implant removal. Meet Dr. Luke Swistun Read more about breast implant removal See before and after photos La Jolla Cosmetic is located just off the I-...
Guest: Luke Swistun, MD