Dr. David Stoker's Blog

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 »

Why Pinterest Weight Loss Remedies Might Actually Be a Tummy Tuck

Posted on December 20, 2018 by David Stoker

Pinterest was originally created as a social media platform that lets you visually bookmark (or “pin”) the things you find beautiful or interesting—like yummy recipes or intriguing home renovations. But in recent years, it’s become overrun with gimmicky spam pins promoting alternative remedies and junk science, plus many quick and fast “results” for weight loss. As with nearly anything else, if it looks too good to be true on Pinterest, it probably is. So what can you do to avoid getting fleeced by convincing weight loss posts on social media? What to Look For Look out for pins and posts … Continue reading »

What to Know Before Getting Dermal Fillers

Posted on December 11, 2018 by David Stoker

Injectable dermal fillers continue to see a rise in popularity around the country, largely thanks to their versatility and consistently positive results. Fillers have a well-established reputation for smoothing wrinkles, but many people are pleased to learn that these innovative products can do more. In recent years, new fillers have been introduced to add volume to the cheeks and lips and even sculpt tricky firm areas like the chin or nose. It seems like there’s nearly no limit to what fillers can do. If you’ve never tried these innovative products before, take a look at our tips to help you … Continue reading »

When Is It OK to Have a Massage After Breast Augmentation?

Posted on December 5, 2018 by David Stoker

Do you love your regular massage appointments? Or perhaps you’re in the mood for 1 after spending time on the couch while you recover from breast augmentation? Either way, you might be surprised to learn that activity restrictions after plastic surgery aren’t limited to exercise and other heart-pounding hobbies. It’s also important to modify or postpone your massage for some time after your breast augmentation. Staying off the massage table for several weeks after surgery can be tough, especially if you’re accustomed to having massages on a regular basis. But I tell my breast augmentation patients in and around Los … Continue reading »

What Is the Dr. Stoker Difference?

Posted on November 28, 2018 by David Stoker

Throughout our website, you’ll find a feature on various pages that showcases the “Dr. Stoker Difference.” There we outline the reasons why Dr. Stoker is considered one of the best plastic surgeons in Los Angeles, where some of the most accomplished cosmetic surgeons in the world practice. In this blog post, we want to expand on who Dr. Stoker is and what sets him apart from other plastic surgeons throughout Southern California. We’ll also offer some tips about what to look for when choosing a plastic surgeon. Who Is Dr. Stoker? Many patients recognize Dr. Stoker from his appearances on … Continue reading »

Getting Surgery? Read These Tips So You’re Prepared

Posted on November 13, 2018 by David Stoker

The decision to get cosmetic plastic surgery is exciting, but it’s natural to become a bit nervous as the surgery date gets closer. At my plastic surgery practice in Los Angeles, we’re dedicated to helping our patients prepare for their procedures and the recovery period that follows. To help you feel more confident, below I provide a timeline that includes tips on how to prepare so that your recovery goes as smoothly as possible. Additionally, I provide all patients with detailed pre-op and post-op instructions that should always be followed carefully. 3 Weeks Before Surgery If you’re a smoker, you’ll … Continue reading »

Body Contouring Surgery After Weight Loss: 5 Things to Know

Posted on November 3, 2018 by David Stoker

Some of the most satisfying surgical procedures I perform involve body contouring, especially after patients have lost a significant amount of weight. Their dedication to making a personal transformation often includes consulting with some of the best plastic surgeons in Los Angeles, and I’m honored they choose me for this final step. Patients lose significant weight in different ways. Some change their lifestyles and lose the weight through diet and exercise. Weight loss surgery, such as gastric bypass or banding procedures, is another way to lose the extra pounds. Whichever path patients chose to lose weight, they are often left with … Continue reading »

EMSculpt® Nonsurgical Fat Reduction: How Does It Compare to Liposuction?

Posted on October 26, 2018 by David Stoker

If you haven’t heard of EMSculpt yet, give it a few months. This nonsurgical body contouring option is turning heads in aesthetic medicine because it claims to build muscle, something completely new in the world of aesthetic enhancement. As a leader in body contouring (I’ve taught courses for both of the major plastic surgery societies for more than a decade, and I’ve also written extensively on the topic for both academic and media outlets), I’m watching how EMSculpt is being used and the results it’s producing. Before you rush to try this new treatment, take a closer look, especially with … Continue reading »

Your Guide to Plastic Surgery After Weight Loss

Posted on October 17, 2018 by David Stoker

No matter how you achieve your significant weight loss, it’s an accomplishment to be proud of. But many people who lose a large amount of weight, especially if it happens rapidly, end up with excess, loose skin that’s tough to get rid of. While many topical products and even exercise regimens promise tighter skin, the truth is that significant skin tightening—the type that’s needed after a large weight loss—is only possible with surgical intervention. The best plastic surgeons here in Los Angeles know that there isn’t any one prescribed approach to contouring the body after a significant weight loss. Instead, … Continue reading »