Home | Blog

Dr. David Stoker's Blog

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 »

How Soon After Giving Birth Can I Get a Mommy Makeover?

Posted on May 16, 2019 by David Stoker

Stories about celebrity moms “bouncing back” from pregnancy and wearing bikinis weeks after delivery put unrealistic pressure on women who have recently had children. Many of these non-celebrity moms exercise and eat right, but can’t regain their pre-pregnancy shapes within just a few months. That’s because it’s one thing to lose weight gained during pregnancy, but other physical changes such as excess abdominal skin and saggy breasts can only be corrected with surgery. Enter the Mommy Makeover. At my Los Angeles plastic surgery practice, I offer women the option of combining multiple procedures in a single operation that addresses the … Continue reading »

Is There a Season for Facelift Surgery?

Posted on May 4, 2019 by David Stoker

People considering facelifts in Los Angeles may not think it matters what time of year you get a facelift. The optimal time for facial plastic surgery depends primarily on your lifestyle and preferences, but there are some reasons why women and men schedule their surgeries during certain seasons. In this blog post, I’ll explain why getting a facelift when the weather is normally mild is a good idea. Summer Facelifts? It seems like a convenient time for many patients, some of whom may have time off from work during the summer months. But if you live away from the coast … Continue reading »

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 »