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Dr. David Stoker's Blog

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 »

Is the Facelift Obsolete? (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: Your Recovery Guide

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 »

Choosing the Right Practice for Your Liposuction

Posted on January 15, 2019 by David Stoker

Sometimes, selecting a provider for your plastic surgery procedure can be as challenging as planning the procedure itself. This is especially true of liposuction here in Los Angeles, where it seems like there’s a specialist on every corner. While liposuction may seem like a relatively simple option in the world of plastic surgery, it’s still important to choose a practitioner with extensive experience and skill. Liposuction requires a high degree of technical expertise in order to create results that look smooth and pleasing. It’s so much more than just suctioning away fat! So how do you determine a surgeon’s skill … Continue reading »

Let’s Lose the Mommy Makeover Stigma

Posted on January 2, 2019 by David Stoker

Pregnancy changes a woman’s body in an array of surprising and often unpredictable ways. After your baby is born and the glow has worn off a bit, you might be left feeling bothered by many of these changes. Even after you go back to your old eating and exercise routine, it can be very hard to restore your body to its original shape. Plastic surgery is the preferred option for many moms who need help lifting and firming up certain areas after pregnancy, but unfortunately, there’s a stigma attached to it. If you’re thinking of any type of plastic surgery, … Continue reading »