The La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Podcast - With San Diego’s Most Loved Plastic Surgeons

The La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Podcast - With San Diego’s Most Loved Plastic Surgeons

Go beyond the surface with insights from the plastic surgery experts at La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Centre. Dive deep into the latest advancements, patient stories, and the artistry behind cosmetic surgery from a globally recognized practice, the 12x winner of the San Diego’s Best Union-Tribune Readers Poll, and the 2025 winner of Best Cosmetic Surgery Group in San Diego Magazine’s Best of San Diego Awards. With your hostess Monique Ramsey, we take you inside LJCSC, the place where dreams become real, featuring San Diego’s most loved plastic surgeons as our cosmetic surgery experts. Johan Brahme, MD, Plastic Surgeon: Practicing at La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Centre since 2004, Dr. Brahme is a double board certified plastic surgeon with a stellar reputation for his kind bedside manner, commitment to safety, and beautiful aesthetic surgery results. Dr. Brahme is a past president of the San Diego Plastic Surgery Society and a member of both the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and The Aesthetic Society (formerly ASAPS). John Smoot, MD, Plastic Surgeon: During his 30+ years as a board certified plastic surgeon in San Diego, Dr. John Smoot has earned a reputation for providing excellent care & beautiful cosmetic surgery results. With an extraordinary depth of skill and experience in plastic surgery, he well-known for advanced scar-reducing techniques with breast lift surgery and the highly effective internal bra technique for revision breast surgery. Dr. Smoot is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and served as Chief of Plastic Surgery at Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla, where he is also on staff. He’s a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, and the California Society of Plastic Surgeons. Hector Salazar-Reyes, MD, Plastic Surgeon: As a board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Hector Salazar-Reyes has a passion and respect for the field of cosmetic surgery and is well-regarded known for his exceptional patient care. Dr. Salazar completed his general and plastic surgery residencies at the world-renowned Houston Methodist Hospital, where the first silicone breast implants were developed. During this time, Dr. Salazar served as chief resident in both specialties and was recognized with service and most professional resident awards from Houston Methodist Hospital. He is proud to be certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the Board of Plastic Surgery of Mexico—and to be a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS). 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. He is known nationally and internationally for his expertise in breast implant removal and his compassionate approach to patients experiencing breast implant illness. Kiersten Riedler, MD, Facial Plastic Surgeon: San Diego native Dr. Riedler brings dedication to all she does here at La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Centre. Double board certified in otolaryngology – head and neck surgery by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) and in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery by the American Board of Facial Plastic Surgery, she prioritizes communication, trust, and building relationships with everyone she treats. Diana Breister-Ghosh, MD, Plastic Surgeon: A board-certified plastic surgeon and San Diego native, Dr. Breister Ghosh delivers exceptional results and care to local women and men. She is known for the personal relationships she builds with her patients and her work to empower women through confidence-building plastic surgery.Though skilled at several types of procedures, she is most known for excellence in performing face and neck lifts, eyelid surgery, feminine rejuvenation, breast augmentation, breast lift, and tummy tucks. With a specialization in loose skin removal, Dr. Breister is passionate about helping people who have lost weight become less self-conscious about the loose skin left over. Send us a voicemail! We’ll answer your question on the podcast. Send us your message at thelajollacosmeticpodcast.com To learn more, go to ljcsc.com or follow @ljcsc on Instagram

Episodes

October 7, 2025 15 mins
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 j...
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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...
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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 peo...
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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 p...
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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...
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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. Patients often say, “I got my life back.”

San Diego plastic surgeon Dr. Luke Swistun and his wife, clinical psychologist and sleep specialist Dr. Dominika Swistun, explain how implants can ...
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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 surg...
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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 damaging and fuel misconceptions about plastic surgery, feed harmful stereotypes, and erase the deeply personal reasons people choose it in the first place.

Most people aren’t chasing Hollywood ...
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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 fact: before Kayla joined us, she was a patient of Dr. Swistun. Her firsthand experience as a former patient herself gives her a unique perspective that patients instantly connect with.

...
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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 and stay healthy.

Dr. Dominika Swistun, a clinical psychologist and sleep specialist (and Dr. Luke Swistun’s wife), shares why good sleep is non-negotiable and how to actually get it.

She ...
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With over 13 years in aesthetics, Ruthie has been helping people feel confident and cared for since she was just 21, and she’s loved every minute of it.

From your very first inquiry to your final post-op visit, Ruthie is there to guide you through it all. She’ll help you understand what to expect, walk you through your options, and make pricing and financing as smooth as possible.

Her goal is to create a space where you feel welcome,...
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Since silicone gel breast implant ruptures are silent and don’t cause symptoms, they can go undetected for a very long time. 

Even though an MRI is recommended to check for ruptures three years after surgery and every two years after that, most people don’t do it because MRIs are pricey and not exactly convenient. 

High-definition ultrasound is a more accessible, affordable alternative to an MRI. Routine ultrasounds every 2 to 3 year...
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You’ve had the surgery, the swelling’s gone, and your results are settling in, but there’s one final detail that can really complete the transformation.

Vanessa Dougherty is a tattoo artist who specializes in scar camouflage and restorative micropigmentation. She works closely with plastic surgeons to help patients take their results to the next level using color, care, and craft.

Vanessa shares how she got into medical tattooing, wh...
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For 79 years, Las Patronas has been one of San Diego’s most quietly powerful forces for good, fueling vital work in supporting the arts, people with disabilities, underserved youth, healthcare, and more.

Rowena Treitler, president of Las Patronas, shares the story behind this all-women, all-volunteer organization. She shares how it started, how La Jolla Cosmetic is connected, and what’s coming up, including their biggest event of th...
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Monique and Hannah take a walk down memory lane, reflecting on the moments that make this podcast so loved by our patients and listeners all over the world.

For four years, we’ve shared real patient stories, expert insights, and clear, honest education about the procedures we do.

In this celebratory 200th episode of the La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery podcast, hear our real-time reactions to 10 of our favorite moments… everything from Moni...
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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 once? Should you?

San Diego plastic surgeon Dr. Johan Brahme breaks down how to think about your treatment plan to match your goals, health, and lifestyle.

Since losing more weight can still ...
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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...
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With over 10 years of experience as a medical assistant, Cynthia wears many hats at LJCSC. Whether she’s at the front desk greeting patients, answering phone calls, helping with scheduling, or in the back assisting with rooming and follow-up procedures, she’s always ready to jump in wherever she’s needed.

Cynthia knew right out of high school that she wanted to become a medical assistant. Over the years, she’s worked in a variety of...
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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 ...
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Juliana is often the first friendly face you’ll see after meeting with a coordinator. As a medical assistant, she loves being part of your journey and seeing your transformation from consult to post-op care.

Juliana’s passion for plastic surgery and helping patients feel their best shines through in everything she does. Her background in urgent care gave her a wide range of medical experience, which she brings to every patient inter...
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