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Dr. David Stoker's Blog

What to Know Before You Get Breast Augmentation

Posted on April 30, 2019 by David Stoker

Even though breast augmentation patients at my Los Angeles practice ultimately love their results, the initial changes after surgery can sometimes take them by surprise. The results they see in the first few days of recovery often don’t reflect the vision they had in mind, which can take a few weeks to fully develop. It’s important for breast augmentation patients to be aware of what they can expect after the procedure. I do my best to eliminate any surprises when it comes to plastic surgery, and that includes setting clear expectations for the recovery period. In this blog post, I’ll outline … Continue reading »

Post-Weight Loss Surgery: Effective Treatment Options & Recovery

Posted on April 24, 2019 by David Stoker

Losing weight is a major life change, and it can be frustrating to put in all that hard work—only for your slimmer shape to be hidden under a lot of loose skin. Surgery after weight loss at my Los Angeles practice helps patients put the “finishing touches” on their new bodies to complement their hard-earned results. In this blog post, I’ll answer a few of the questions I most commonly receive from prospective patients about post-weight loss surgery recovery, limitations, and possibilities. What are the different types of post-weight loss surgery? Patients considering plastic surgery after weight loss are often … Continue reading »

Which Type of Liposuction Procedure Is Right for You?

Posted on April 17, 2019 by David Stoker

Since the use of tumescent solution revolutionized modern liposuction in the 1980s, technology has been steadily advancing and producing new ways to make the body contouring procedure less invasive and more effective. Patients considering liposuction at my Los Angeles practice may be surprised to learn how many varied approaches to the procedure exist today. Each patient’s concerns and goals lend themselves to different methods. Choosing which technique to use requires artistic vision and close collaboration between surgeon and patient, but the right approach can make all the difference. In this blog post, I’ll review some options to help you reach … Continue reading »

The Dangers of DIY Injectables

Posted on March 29, 2019 by David Stoker

Everyone loves a good do-it-yourself project, especially one that saves money. However, there are some things you should never do yourself. When it comes to injectables or a “liquid facelift” in Los Angeles, it’s best to leave it to the plastic surgeons. At the end of the day, these “projects” are serious medical procedures, and treating them as anything else can have dire, permanent consequences. In this blog post, we’ll go over the dangers of attempting at-home injectable treatments and explain why it’s so important to choose a qualified, experienced doctor to perform your procedure. The DIY Doctor Trend Injectables … Continue reading »

Are Nonsurgical Alternatives the New Facelift ? (Spoiler Alert: No)

Posted on March 18, 2019 by David Stoker

One of the most common questions I hear from patients considering a facelift at my Los Angeles plastic surgery practice is whether nonsurgical alternatives can provide the same benefits as a full surgical procedure. With the rise of injectable treatments such as BOTOX® Cosmetic and dermal fillers, patients are getting more and more excited about achieving a rejuvenated appearance through a minimally invasive approach. Injectables are wonderful and I recommend them for a wide variety of uses, but there are some results only a surgical facelift can deliver. There are several good reasons why the tried-and-true procedure hasn’t become obsolete—despite … Continue reading »

Tummy Tuck: Recovery Timeline and Tips

Posted on March 8, 2019 by David Stoker

When I consult with patients considering a tummy tuck at my Los Angeles practice, they’re looking for the best plastic surgeons who can offer great results with as short a recuperation period as possible. Recovery time is one of the most common concerns regarding this surgery. Recovering from a tummy tuck can be and generally is a smooth and comfortable experience, as long as you know what to expect. My goal is to take care of you from the initial consultation to your follow-up appointments, helping you stay healthy, optimistic, and in love with your results. In this blog post, … Continue reading »

It’s Called a Panniculus, and You Can’t Remove It by Working Out

Posted on February 26, 2019 by David Stoker

Abdominal skin stretched by pregnancy rarely snaps back into place after having children. It can happen, especially for younger mothers whose skin still retains most of its elasticity. For most women, however, that loose skin remains even for people who dedicate themselves to eating right and working out. For some patients, I recommend a modified form of a tummy tuck called a panniculectomy at my Los Angeles-area practice. The panniculus is the apron of excess abdominal skin that hangs over the waist after weight loss, and surgery is really the only solution for people who feel self-conscious about their appearance. … Continue reading »

Knowing When It’s Time for a Facelift

Posted on February 13, 2019 by David Stoker

Years ago, I answered a question from someone on the RealSelf.com website asking why plastic surgeons opposed performing facelift surgery on younger patients. That’s similar to questions I hear from people considering a facelift at my Los Angeles practice. I can’t answer for all plastic surgeons, but my goal is to create results that look natural. The skin of younger patients typically doesn’t warrant getting a facelift, and it would be difficult to preserve their natural appearance. So, how do you know when you’re ready for a facelift? That question can be increasingly difficult to answer as the availability of … Continue reading »

Surgery After Weight Loss: Which Procedures Are Right for You?

Posted on February 4, 2019 by David Stoker

The physical transformation that occurs after losing a massive amount of weight can sometimes include an unpleasant downside: loose skin. Losing significant weight either through lifestyle changes or bariatric surgery is a wonderful accomplishment with many health benefits, but patients who choose to get plastic surgery after weight loss in Los Angeles are sometimes overwhelmed that cosmetic surgery is needed to remove excess skin. Because each patient who comes to our office has unique concerns, there is no single surgical procedure or combination of procedures that are right for everyone. Most patients over the age of 30 who have bariatric surgery … Continue reading »

Common Reasons Why Women—and Men—Undergo Breast Reduction

Posted on January 25, 2019 by David Stoker

While large breasts are desirable for many women, breasts that are too large can be uncomfortable and even embarrassing. Men can also be affected by unwanted breast tissue, whether as the result of obesity, illness, medication, or for no discernible reason at all. At my plastic surgery practice near Los Angeles, I see people from all walks of life who are interested in reducing the size of their breasts—and they have a lot of different reasons. Pain Physical discomfort and chronic pain are big motivators for women who see me for breast reduction. Breasts that are disproportionately large and heavy can … Continue reading »