Home | Blog

Dr. David Stoker's Blog

What You Should Know Before a Body Lift

Posted on August 20, 2019 by David Stoker

Getting plastic surgery to remove excess skin after massive weight loss is a physically and emotionally significant step that often includes more than one operation. As a specialist in plastic surgery after weight loss in Los Angeles, I understand the multiple issues that body lift patients encounter both before and after surgery. I believe that patients should be fully informed about what’s involved in body contouring procedures after losing significant weight, as well as what they can expect during their recoveries. In this blog post, I’ll address some of the general issues that patients should know about before scheduling their … Continue reading »

The C-Tuck: Is it a Thing?

Posted on August 14, 2019 by David Stoker

There is never a shortage of trends when it comes to the aesthetics field, and often the ones that get the most buzz are those that seem too good to be true. One such example is the so-called “C-tuck,” which involves having a cesarean section immediately followed by a tummy tuck. At my Los Angeles practice, I have fielded questions about this combination, but I don’t recommend it (or perform it). In this blog post, I’ll explain why. An OB-GYN Isn’t a Plastic Surgeon A tummy tuck is a complicated procedure and plastic surgeons are uniquely qualified to perform this … Continue reading »

The Fall and Rise of the Facelift

Posted on August 6, 2019 by David Stoker

Even as nonsurgical skin tightening treatments, the latest fillers, and BOTOX® Cosmetic continue to dominate headlines in the beauty world, there has been a resurgence of facial plastic surgery procedures, especially facelift. My Los Angeles patients choose facelift for the natural, yet remarkable results that newer surgical techniques achieve. In the 1980s and 1990s, women and men concerned about sagging facial skin had only one option—a facelift. This was true even for patients with minimal skin laxity. Unfortunately, the traditional “skin-only” techniques used by plastic surgeons tended to produce an unnaturally tight, pulled appearance, often with visible scars. Today, plastic surgeons … Continue reading »

When Is a Mini Tummy Tuck Worth It?

Posted on July 20, 2019 by David Stoker

Many potential tummy tuck patients are intrigued by the idea of having a less invasive surgery with a smaller scar. It’s no surprise the mini tummy tuck is a tempting option—but it’s not right for everyone. How can you determine the best tummy tuck approach for you? At my Los Angeles-area practice, I consult closely with patients to help them select the most effective and least invasive approach for their unique goals. Read on to learn about the differences between these procedures and what you should keep in mind as you consider your options. Full Tummy Tuck vs. Mini … Continue reading »

All Your Post-Weight Loss Surgery Questions Answered

Posted on July 14, 2019 by David Stoker

If you’re considering post-weight loss plastic surgery here in the Los Angeles area, you probably have quite a few questions about your exciting next step. As a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in plastic surgery after weight loss, I’m more than happy to help any prospective patients learn as much about their options as possible. It’s an essential part of the process, and it starts long before you walk through my practice doors. In this blog post, I’ll be answering a few commonly asked questions about post-weight loss surgery, from scar locations to age restrictions to what you should look … Continue reading »

How Will a Body Lift Affect Your Tattoos?

Posted on July 7, 2019 by David Stoker

It’s not uncommon for body lift patients to have questions about tattoos when they visit my plastic surgery practice in the Los Angeles area. After all, body lifts do involve expansive areas of skin, and regions like the abdomen, hips, and thighs are popular spots for tattoos. What happens to this ink during the procedure? In today’s blog post, I’ll explain what you can expect. Body Lift Options There are 2 types of body lifts commonly chosen by post-weight loss patients: Lower body lift: This procedure typically combines a tummy tuck, buttock lift, and thigh lift. Upper body lift: This … Continue reading »

What Happens to Your Belly Button During a Tummy Tuck?

Posted on June 20, 2019 by David Stoker

Tummy tucks are well-known for their ability to produce a toned, contoured stomach. But moving the skin and tightening muscle can have an unintended side effect: changing how your belly button looks. One of the easiest ways to spot a low-quality tummy tuck is an unnatural-looking bellybutton. Without attentive care and proper techniques, it can become weirdly shaped or seem “misplaced” on the body. My tummy tuck patients in Los Angeles know they can trust me to create a flattering, natural-looking belly button. But how exactly does a belly button “change?” And what does the process involve? What exactly happens … Continue reading »

The Benefits of Combining Injectables With a Neck Lift

Posted on June 15, 2019 by David Stoker

Not all areas of the face show signs of aging uniformly. For many people, the neck is the first area they notice wrinkles and saggy skin. A neck lift can provide an alternative to a full facelift at my Los Angeles practice for patients whose facial skin still retains much of its elasticity. Even then, however, combining a neck lift with strategically targeted injectables, including fillers, can create a comprehensive facial rejuvenation without the extensive facial plastic surgery. If you’re searching for a facial rejuvenation option that provides transformative results with a shorter recovery, consider a neck lift with injectables. … Continue reading »

Choosing a Mommy Makeover Before Reaching Your Goal Weight

Posted on June 5, 2019 by David Stoker

Pregnancy and weight gain can take a physical toll that can be difficult to overcome. The pressure to “bounce back” physically after having kids frustrates many women. When they learn about the mommy makeover, they are excited to get back their pre-baby body. This combination of popular procedures (such as a breast lift and a tummy tuck) has produced great results for my Los Angeles patients. Even though a mommy makeover can transform your body, there are a few questions to ask before scheduling an appointment. Most doctors recommend being at your “ideal weight” before undergoing surgery. But why is … Continue reading »

Let’s Face It: The Realities of Facelift Recovery

Posted on May 27, 2019 by David Stoker

When facelift patients at my Los Angeles practice ask about the recovery process, many are concerned about the amount of discomfort involved and they’re pleasantly surprised when I say it’s relatively painless for most people. What I believe is more important is the timing of their procedures, especially if they’re planning to attend a social event. Recovery following a facelift varies from patient to patient, and the most important factor influencing the timeline is the quality of a person’s skin before the surgery. Also important is the extent of the procedure. All facelifts aren’t created equal. I use several different techniques to … Continue reading »