Episodios

  • Reflections on 40 Years in Plastic Surgery and Service with Dr. John Smoot

    Reflections on 40 Years in Plastic Surgery and Service with Dr. John Smoot
    Jan 6 2026
    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 believes is coming next as less invasive treatments continue to take over.

    Hear why he’s always chased improvement, how he balances artistry with science, and the traits that he believes every great surgeon has to develop.

    Plus, he opens up about mentorship, the relationships that shaped his career, and the legacy he hopes to leave as he heads toward retirement.

    Links
    Meet San Diego plastic surgeon Dr. John Smoot

    Book a consultation with Dr. Smoot before he leaves

    Learn from the talented plastic surgeons inside La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Centre, the 12x winner of the San Diego’s Best Union-Tribune Readers Poll, global winner of the 2020 MyFaceMyBody Best Cosmetic/Plastic Surgery Practice, and the 2025 winner of Best Cosmetic Surgery Group in San Diego Magazine’s Best of San Diego Awards.

    Join hostess Monique Ramsey as she takes you inside LJCSC, where dreams become real. Featuring the unique expertise of San Diego’s most loved plastic surgeons, this podcast covers the latest trends in aesthetic surgery, including breast augmentation, breast implant removal, tummy tuck, mommy makeover, labiaplasty, facelifts and rhinoplasty.

    La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Centre 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 Instagram @LJCSC

    Watch the LJCSC Dream Team on YouTube @LaJollaCosmeticSurgeryCentre

    The La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Podcast is a production of The Axis: theaxis.io

    Theme music: Busy People, SOOP
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    29 m
  • From the Bass Guitar to the OR with San Diego Plastic Surgeon Dr. Johan Brahme

    From the Bass Guitar to the OR with San Diego Plastic Surgeon Dr. Johan Brahme
    Dec 16 2025
    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.

    Dr. Brahme also opens up about his interest in archaeology, Swedish comfort food, and his ideal slow Saturday away from the OR and the amp.

    Links

    Meet San Diego plastic surgeon Dr. Johan Brahme

    Schedule a meeting with Dr. Brahme’s patient coordinator

    Watch the trailer for Netflix’s Cave of Bones

    Learn from the talented plastic surgeons inside La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Centre, the 12x winner of the San Diego’s Best Union-Tribune Readers Poll, global winner of the 2020 MyFaceMyBody Best Cosmetic/Plastic Surgery Practice, and the 2025 winner of Best Cosmetic Surgery Group in San Diego Magazine’s Best of San Diego Awards.

    Join hostess Monique Ramsey as she takes you inside LJCSC, where dreams become real. Featuring the unique expertise of San Diego’s most loved plastic surgeons, this podcast covers the latest trends in aesthetic surgery, including breast augmentation, breast implant removal, tummy tuck, mommy makeover, labiaplasty, facelifts and rhinoplasty.

    La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Centre 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 Instagram @LJCSC

    Watch the LJCSC Dream Team on YouTube @LaJollaCosmeticSurgeryCentre

    The La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Podcast is a production of The Axis: theaxis.io

    Theme music: Busy People, SOOP
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    23 m
  • Monique’s Cozy Christmas Hangout with the LJCSC Dream Team

    Monique’s Cozy Christmas Hangout with the LJCSC Dream Team
    Dec 9 2025
    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 holiday spirit!

    Check out the book Monique referenced, The Autobiography of Santa Claus

    Watch Monique’s floofy kitty Noël take over the podcast on our previous episode with Dr. Riedler

    Hannah’s mom’s honey ham recipe:
    Ingredients:
    1. Boneless ham
    2. Canned pineapple in natural juice
    3. 1 cup of brown sugar
    4. 1/2 cup raw natural honey

    Steps:
    1. Grab your crockpot!
    2. Pour canned pineapple (all juice included!) and some brown sugar into the crockpot
    3. Place the ham into the crockpot
    4. Pour the honey over the ham
    5. Pour the rest of the brown sugar
    6. Leave in the crockpot on low all day or overnight. Most tender and moist after 7+ hours!

    Hannah’s mom’s no bake recipe:
    Ingredients:
    1. 2 cups sugar
    2. 1/2 cup milk
    3. 1 stick butter
    4. 3 T baking cocoa
    5. 1 t vanilla
    6. 3/4 c peanut butter
    7. 2 cups quick 1 min oats

    Instructions:
    Soften butter in the microwave and then put the first 4 all together into a pot over the stove. Bring to a boil. Boil for 3 minutes. Remove from heat and add 1 t vanilla, stir in 3/4 cup pb until melted then add 2 cups oats. Drop on foil or wax paper until set. If you just want peanut butter no bakes, leave out the baking cocoa!

    Learn from the talented plastic surgeons inside La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Centre, the 12x winner of the San Diego’s Best Union-Tribune Readers Poll, global winner of the 2020 MyFaceMyBody Best Cosmetic/Plastic Surgery Practice, and the 2025 winner of Best Cosmetic Surgery Group in San Diego Magazine’s Best of San Diego Awards.

    Join hostess Monique Ramsey as she takes you inside LJCSC, where dreams become real. Featuring the unique expertise of San Diego’s most loved plastic surgeons, this podcast covers the latest trends in aesthetic surgery, including breast augmentation, breast implant removal, tummy tuck, mommy makeover, labiaplasty, facelifts and rhinoplasty.

    La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Centre 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 Instagram @LJCSC

    Watch the LJCSC Dream Team on YouTube @LaJollaCosmeticSurgeryCentre

    The La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Podcast is a production of The Axis: theaxis.io

    Theme music: Busy People, SOOP
    Más Menos
    42 m
  • The Art of Perfect Gingerbread with Dr. Kiersten Riedler

    The Art of Perfect Gingerbread with Dr. Kiersten Riedler
    Dec 2 2025
    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 also shares the joy—and gentle pressure—of living up to friends and family expectations during the holidays.Dr. Riedler’s gingerbread cookies recipe:Ingredients:3 cups all-purpose flour¾ cup packed dark brown sugar1 Tbsp ground cinnamon1 Tbsp ground ginger¾ tsp baking soda½ tsp ground cloves½ tsp salt12 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted and cooled¾ cup molasses2 Tbsp milkInstructions:Process flour, sugar, cinnamon, ginger, baking soda, cloves, and salt in food processor until combined, about 10 seconds. Add melted butter, molasses, and milk and process until soft dough forms and no streaks of flour remain, about 20 seconds, scraping down sides of bowl as needed.Spray counter or silicone pastry mat lightly with baking spray with flour, transfer dough to counter, and knead until dough forms cohesive ball, about 20 seconds. Divide dough in half. Roll dough to ¼-inch thickness. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 24 hours.Heat oven to 350 degrees. Use cookie cutter to cut out cookies. Space cookies ¾ inch apart on rimmed baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Repeat rolling and cutting steps with dough scraps.Bake until cookies are puffy and just set around edges, 9 to 11 minutes, rotating sheets halfway through baking. Let cookies cool on sheets for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire rack and let cool completely before decorating and serving.LinksSee some of Dr. Riedler’s gorgeous Christmas cookies and watch her bake themListen to LJCSC’s festive holiday playlist to set the perfect mood while you bake, making your kitchen feel as magical as the season itself.Book a free 15-to-30-minute complimentary phone call with Dr. Riedler’s patient coordinatorMeet San Diego facial plastic surgeon Dr. Kiersten RiedlerLearn from the talented plastic surgeons inside La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Centre, the 12x winner of the San Diego’s Best Union-Tribune Readers Poll, global winner of the 2020 MyFaceMyBody Best Cosmetic/Plastic Surgery Practice, and the 2025 winner of Best Cosmetic Surgery Group in San Diego Magazine’s Best of San Diego Awards.Join hostess Monique Ramsey as she takes you inside LJCSC, where dreams become real. Featuring the unique expertise of San Diego’s most loved plastic surgeons, this podcast covers the latest trends in aesthetic surgery, including breast augmentation, breast implant removal, tummy tuck, mommy makeover, labiaplasty, facelifts and rhinoplasty.La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Centre 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 Instagram @LJCSCWatch the LJCSC Dream Team on YouTube @LaJollaCosmeticSurgeryCentreThe La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Podcast is a production of The Axis: theaxis.io Theme music: Busy People, SOOP
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    13 m
  • Fuller Breasts Using Your Own Tissue? Auto-Augmentation Explained

    Fuller Breasts Using Your Own Tissue? Auto-Augmentation Explained
    Nov 18 2025
    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 own.

    He also shares how auto-augmentation can improve symmetry, simplify recovery, and align with today’s trend toward natural, athletic results.

    Links

    Learn more about breast lift

    Read more about San Diego plastic surgeon Dr. Luke Swistun

    Book a free 15-to-30-minute complimentary phone call with Dr. Swistun’s patient coordinator

    Learn from the talented plastic surgeons inside La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Centre, the 12x winner of the San Diego’s Best Union-Tribune Readers Poll, global winner of the 2020 MyFaceMyBody Best Cosmetic/Plastic Surgery Practice, and the 2025 winner of Best Cosmetic Surgery Group in San Diego Magazine’s Best of San Diego Awards.

    Join hostess Monique Ramsey as she takes you inside LJCSC, where dreams become real. Featuring the unique expertise of San Diego’s most loved plastic surgeons, this podcast covers the latest trends in aesthetic surgery, including breast augmentation, breast implant removal, tummy tuck, mommy makeover, labiaplasty, facelifts and rhinoplasty.

    La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Centre 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 Instagram @LJCSC

    Watch the LJCSC Dream Team on YouTube @LaJollaCosmeticSurgeryCentre

    The La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Podcast is a production of The Axis: theaxis.io

    Theme music: Busy People, SOOP
    Más Menos
    33 m
  • Meet Jillian, Plastic Surgery Patient Care Coordinator

    Meet Jillian, Plastic Surgery Patient Care Coordinator
    Nov 11 2025
    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 to organize complex schedules and create memorable, stress-free experiences—something she brings to every patient she works with today.

    Links

    Learn more about Jillian

    Learn from the talented plastic surgeons inside La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Centre, the 12x winner of the San Diego’s Best Union-Tribune Readers Poll, global winner of the 2020 MyFaceMyBody Best Cosmetic/Plastic Surgery Practice, and the 2025 winner of Best Cosmetic Surgery Group in San Diego Magazine’s Best of San Diego Awards.

    Join hostess Monique Ramsey as she takes you inside LJCSC, where dreams become real. Featuring the unique expertise of San Diego’s most loved plastic surgeons, this podcast covers the latest trends in aesthetic surgery, including breast augmentation, breast implant removal, tummy tuck, mommy makeover, labiaplasty, facelifts and rhinoplasty.

    La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Centre 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 Instagram @LJCSC

    Watch the LJCSC Dream Team on YouTube @LaJollaCosmeticSurgeryCentre

    The La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Podcast is a production of The Axis: theaxis.io

    Theme music: Busy People, SOOP
    Más Menos
    11 m
  • Meet Gretchell, Visual Storyteller

    Meet Gretchell, Visual Storyteller
    Nov 4 2025
    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 camera-shy herself, Gretchell has a natural way of putting people at ease. She knows how it feels to be on the other side of the lens and uses that empathy to make patients feel comfortable, confident, and seen.

    Outside of LJCSC, she runs her own photography business and loves spending time on creative projects—especially fun arts and crafts with her daughter.

    Read more about Gretchell

    Subscribe to LJCSC on YouTube @LaJollaCosmeticSurgeryCentre and follow us on Instagram @LJCSC to view all of Gretchell’s lovely content

    Follow Gretchell’s photography account on Instagram @gmafongphotog

    Learn from the talented plastic surgeons inside La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Centre, the 12x winner of the San Diego’s Best Union-Tribune Readers Poll, global winner of the 2020 MyFaceMyBody Best Cosmetic/Plastic Surgery Practice, and the 2025 winner of Best Cosmetic Surgery Group in San Diego Magazine’s Best of San Diego Awards.

    Join hostess Monique Ramsey as she takes you inside LJCSC, where dreams become real. Featuring the unique expertise of San Diego’s most loved plastic surgeons, this podcast covers the latest trends in aesthetic surgery, including breast augmentation, breast implant removal, tummy tuck, mommy makeover, labiaplasty, facelifts and rhinoplasty.

    La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Centre 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 Instagram @LJCSC

    Watch the LJCSC Dream Team on YouTube @LaJollaCosmeticSurgeryCentre

    The La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Podcast is a production of The Axis: theaxis.io

    Theme music: Busy People, SOOP
    Más Menos
    29 m
  • What Happens When Plastic Surgeons Work Together Will Surprise You

    What Happens When Plastic Surgeons Work Together Will Surprise You
    Oct 28 2025
    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 excellence.

    You experience seamless care, even when a surgeon is unavailable, thanks to a trusted team and shared systems that keep communication smooth and results consistent. Behind the scenes, experienced nurses and staff anticipate each surgeon’s approach, ensuring you feel known, supported, and at home.

    Listen to learn how teamwork shapes better outcomes, and why LJCSC’s collaborative model sets a new standard in aesthetic care.

    Links

    Learn more about La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Centre

    Meet San Diego plastic surgeon Dr. Hector Salazar-Reyes

    Follow Dr. Salazar on Instagram @hectorsalazarmd

    Learn from the talented plastic surgeons inside La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Centre, the 12x winner of the San Diego’s Best Union-Tribune Readers Poll, global winner of the 2020 MyFaceMyBody Best Cosmetic/Plastic Surgery Practice, and the 2025 winner of Best Cosmetic Surgery Group in San Diego Magazine’s Best of San Diego Awards.

    Join hostess Monique Ramsey as she takes you inside LJCSC, where dreams become real. Featuring the unique expertise of San Diego’s most loved plastic surgeons, this podcast covers the latest trends in aesthetic surgery, including breast augmentation, breast implant removal, tummy tuck, mommy makeover, labiaplasty, facelifts and rhinoplasty.

    La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Centre 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 Instagram @LJCSC

    Watch the LJCSC Dream Team on YouTube @LaJollaCosmeticSurgeryCentre

    The La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Podcast is a production of The Axis: theaxis.io

    Theme music: Busy People, SOOP
    Más Menos
    25 m
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