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 years are a smart way to stay ahead of any issues with your breast implants, and yearly follow-ups offer extra peace of mind. 

San Diego plastic surgeon Dr. Hector Salazar helps us understand what breast ultrasounds can (and can’t) reveal, how to know if your implant is ruptured, and what to do if something’s not right. 

Links

Learn more about Breast Implant Ultrasound Imaging

Watch our virtual event, Adding Breast Fullness: A Masterclass on Breast Implants, Natural Fat Transfers, and Everything In Between!

Request a breast implant ultrasound appointment with Dr. Salazar

Meet San Diego plastic surgeon Dr. Hector Salazar-Reyes

Learn from the talented plastic surgeons inside La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Centre, the 12x winner of the Best of San Diego and global winner of the 2020 MyFaceMyBody Best Cosmetic/Plastic Surgery Practice.

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 

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, why technique and color matching matter so much, and how every procedure has to be tailored to the individual. It’s not just about hiding scars; it’s about understanding skin tone, selecting the right pigments, and applying them with expert precision.

Timing is important. You’ll usually want to wait about a year post-surgery before starting, and expect at least two sessions, plus a possible touch-up later. Results can last anywhere from two to five years.

Aftercare is also a big deal. You can’t get a tattoo and head straight to the beach! Proper healing makes all the difference in how the pigment holds up.

From recreating nipples after mastectomy to blending facelift or breast lift scars, Vanessa sees how this final step transforms not just the body, but how people carry themselves.

Find out what to expect in terms of pain, cost, and results—plus how to find a truly qualified medical tattoo artist, and why she believes this should be part of the standard aftercare plan for surgical patients.

Links

Learn more about Restorative Permanent Makeup

Follow Vanessa on Instagram @restorativepmu and TikTok @restorativepmu

Subscribe to Vanessa’s YouTube channel @restorativepermanentmakeup 

Learn from the talented plastic surgeons inside La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Centre, the 12x winner of the Best of San Diego and global winner of the 2020 MyFaceMyBody Best Cosmetic/Plastic Surgery Practice.

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 

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 the year: the Jewel Ball.

Each year, Las Patronas aims to raise $1 million for local nonprofits. Since 1946, they’ve raised over $27 million and supported more than a thousand organizations.

The 79th annual Jewel Ball is set for August 2, with the theme “Back En Pointe”—a dreamy mix of ballet and Paris flair. Behind the glamour is a night with real purpose, raising funds for five standout nonprofits making a big difference in the community.

For Las Patronas, it’s a labor of love. Their team plans, fundraises, and gives back all year long, quietly, passionately, and with a commitment to lasting impact.

Links

Learn how to support Las Patronas

Purchase tickets for the 79th annual Jewel Ball

Read more about how LJCSC gives back by supporting Las Patronas and other San Diego organizations

Learn from the talented plastic surgeons inside La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Centre, the 20x winner of the Best of San Diego and global winner of the 2020 MyFaceMyBody Best Cosmetic/Plastic Surgery Practice.

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

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 Monique’s last-minute duct tape recording setups to that episode where Dr. Swistun went viral on YouTube, and our talk with LJC’s founder, Dr. Merrel Olesen just three weeks before he passed away. 

Links

We love hearing patient stories and would be thrilled to have you on to share your LJCSC plastic surgery journey. Interested? Message us through the contact form on thelajollacosmeticpodcast.com.

Get the surgery (or surgeries!) you want when you want them. Apply for financing with PatientFi

Book a concierge call with one of our patient care coordinators

Check out Monique’s hotel room podcast recording setup

Follow Kaylie on Instagram @theskinnybbl and TikTok @theskinnybbl

Episodes featured:

The 1 Thing You Shouldn’t Let Hold You Back from Making Your Dreams Become Real

How Alexis Conquered Her Panic Attacks & Biggest Insecurities: A Mommy Makeover Story

Facelift Marketing Hype: Fact or Fiction?

Patient Kaylie: My Skinny BBL Experience + Tips For Fast Recovery

Mini or Full Facelift? How Plastic Surgeons Choose What’s Best for Your Face

What Really Happens to Your Breasts After Implant Removal

Life After Facelift: What to Expect

Fat Transfer vs. Fillers: How to Choose

T-Z Plasty Update: Tightening Necklines for Men & Women

Celebrating 100 Episodes with Dr. Merrel Olesen and Marie Olesen

Learn from the talented plastic surgeons inside La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Centre, the 20x winner of the Best of San Diego and global winner of the 2020 MyFaceMyBody Best Cosmetic/Plastic Surgery Practice.

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

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 affect other areas, Dr. Brahme often starts with the stomach and saves the thigh lift for last due to the tougher recovery. A strategic combination of procedures can cut down on cost and recovery time, but not everyone is a candidate for everything at once.

Recovery depends on the procedures you choose, but expect compression garments, limited activity for a few months, and possibly surgical drains. Lymphatic massage can also help reduce swelling and support healing.

From arm lifts to thigh lifts, Dr. Brahme explains what to expect, how long results take, how long to be at a stable weight before surgery, and why well-placed scars are a worthwhile trade for better contour.

Links

Check out our ballpark estimates of cosmetic surgery prices at LJCSC

Follow massage therapist and lymphedema expert Kathleen Lisson on Instagram @kathleenlisson

Apply for financing with PatientFi

Listen to our episode on lymphatic drainage massage, Swollen, Bloated, and Puffy with Kathleen Lisson


Learn from the talented plastic surgeons inside La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Centre, the 20x winner of the Best of San Diego and global winner of the 2020 MyFaceMyBody Best Cosmetic/Plastic Surgery Practice.

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

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 can help you recover safely and more effectively.

Many people claim to be lymphatic specialists but lack proper credentials. Board-certified massage therapist and lymphedema expert Kathleen Lisson explains how to find the right lymphatic drainage therapist and what to ask before letting someone treat you.

Kathleen explains why surgeons and therapists need to work together during recovery, and she sets the record straight on home massages and lymphatic therapy devices.

Links

Follow Kathleen on Instagram @kathleenlisson


Purchase Kathleen’s Plastic Surgery Recovery Handbook

Subscribe to Kathleen’s YouTube @KathleenHelenLisson

Learn from the talented plastic surgeons inside La Jolla Cosmetic, the 20x winner of the Best of San Diego and global winner of the 2020 MyFaceMyBody Best Cosmetic/Plastic Surgery Practice.

Join hostess Monique Ramsey as she takes you inside La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Centre, 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 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 @LaJollaCosmetic

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

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 settings—from chiropractors’ offices to family health centers, even with veterans. Now, she’s found her passion in the world of aesthetics.

What she loves most about aesthetic medicine is that it’s all about boosting confidence, not just treating illness. Surrounded by beauty and positivity every day, Cynthia says it’s good for her soul.
From the moment patients walk in before surgery to the glow they radiate afterward, she loves seeing how the experience uplifts them inside and out.


Learn from the talented plastic surgeons inside La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Centre, the 20x winner of the Best of San Diego and global winner of the 2020 MyFaceMyBody Best Cosmetic/Plastic Surgery Practice.

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

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 off a change that could improve your confidence, especially if addressing it earlier lets you enjoy the benefits longer? Dr. Swistun shares how milestones like pregnancy can shape timing and offers expert insights for older patients exploring their options.

Hear inspiring stories about real patients of all ages who reclaimed their confidence, and learn why a personalized consultation is the best way to make informed, empowered choices, no matter your age.

Links

Hear Dr. Swistun’s breast implant removal patient Amie share her story Flat is Kind of Cool: Amie’s Breast Implant Removal

Hear Janelle’s breast implant removal story Patient Janelle: Why I had my breast implants removed after 22 years

Hear Caroline’s breast implant removal story I Broke Up With My Breast Implants: Caroline’s Explant Experience

Read more about San Diego plastic surgeon Dr. Luke Swistun and schedule your complimentary consultation


Learn from the talented plastic surgeons inside La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Centre, the 20x winner of the Best of San Diego and global winner of the 2020 MyFaceMyBody Best Cosmetic/Plastic Surgery Practice.

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

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 interaction.

She’s always happy to help you feel confident and informed, so don’t hold back on the questions! Whether it’s during your consultation or after, Juliana encourages you to reach out anytime.

Learn from the talented plastic surgeons inside La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Centre, the 20x winner of the Best of San Diego and global winner of the 2020 MyFaceMyBody Best Cosmetic/Plastic Surgery Practice.

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

Not sure you even want plastic surgery because the whole recovery thing feels like a mystery? We totally get it, and we’re demystifying it for you.

Knowing what to expect during recovery makes all the difference. The truth is, those final results you’re after can take weeks, months, or even longer to really be final. 

San Diego plastic surgeon Dr. Hector Salazar breaks it down, from why swelling happens, to the importance of lymphatic drainage, compression garments, drains, and why getting up and moving after surgery is more important than you might think.

He also covers what you shouldn’t do while healing, like drinking, smoking, sunbathing, or hitting the gym too soon, and how meds help manage discomfort and inflammation.

Thinking about traveling for your procedure? There’s extra planning involved, and Dr. Salazar shares what you need to know to keep your recovery on track and drama-free.

Links

Check out our podcast episode, Top 3 San Diego Hotels for Cosmetic Surgery Recovery

Meet San Diego plastic surgeon Dr. Hector Salazar-Reyes

Read our Plastic Surgery Recovery Guide


Learn from the talented plastic surgeons inside La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Centre, the 20x winner of the Best of San Diego and global winner of the 2020 MyFaceMyBody Best Cosmetic/Plastic Surgery Practice.

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