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Dr. David Stoker's Blog

The Latest COVID-19 News from Our Office

Posted on April 2, 2020 by David Stoker

In compliance with the Governor’s Shelter-in-Place order, we have temporarily suspended in-person appointments in favor of virtual sessions. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and ask for your support as we do our part to protect our patients and staff. We are operating remotely in order to: Respond to your email and phone calls Perform follow up visits with patients who have recently had surgery Conduct virtual consultations for those planning procedures for the near future Email us or call (310) 300-1779 to reach a member of our team. In the meantime, our office is hoping you and … Continue reading »

Cosmetic Surgery Trends for 2020

Posted on March 25, 2020 by David Stoker

Rapid technological advancements in aesthetics coupled with the spread of social media have led to an era of what seems like never-ending cosmetic trends. At our plastic surgery practice in Los Angeles, we often see patients who are interested in looks that have captured the public’s imagination. That’s fine, but we also counsel patients to have realistic expectations. A few years back when Kim Kardashian jump-started the buttock augmentation craze, I consulted with a number of women considering Brazilian butt lift surgery. I made sure they understood that enhancing their curves wouldn’t result in them looking like Kim. A few … Continue reading »

Why Facelift Surgery is Different for Men

Posted on March 16, 2020 by David Stoker

Without question, men in Southern California feel pressure to maintain a youthful appearance that communicates masculinity. Aging takes its toll on the face, etching wrinkles and creating jowls that can make you look much older than you feel. Facelift surgery is one answer for Los Angeles men when performed by an experienced plastic surgeon who understands that the techniques used for male facelifts are different than those for female patients. Not only can facelift surgery help men appear younger, research shows it can influence the way co-workers and acquaintances perceive them. In a first of its kind study, plastic surgeons … Continue reading »

Be Wary of Nonsurgical Neck Lift Promises

Posted on February 22, 2020 by David Stoker

A number of noninvasive or minimally invasive procedures promise improved neck contours: BOTOX® Cosmetic, KYBELLA®, liposuction, laser treatments, ultrasound energy treatments such as Ultherapy®, and the list goes on and on. Each procedure has unique benefits, and at my plastic surgery practice in Los Angeles, I can help determine if a nonsurgical treatment option is right for you. Even though these procedures are effective for the correct patients, I’ll explain in this blog post why only a surgical neck lift can address certain conditions. The neck is an area that often reveals signs of aging earlier than other facial features and … Continue reading »

Surprising Health Benefits of a Tummy Tuck

Posted on February 15, 2020 by David Stoker

Thinking about getting a tummy tuck? If so, you already know that the procedure improves the appearance of the abdomen by removing excess skin that often remains after pregnancy or other significant weight loss. But many tummy tuck patients at our plastic surgery practice in Los Angeles aren’t aware of the unexpected benefits of abdominoplasty. The primary benefits of tummy tuck surgery are well-known, including the repair of certain abdominal muscles that can be separated by pregnancy. But recent research now confirms other benefits that were once just anecdotal experiences of tummy tuck patients. Because abdominoplasty is already one of … Continue reading »

Arm Lift or Liposuction?

Posted on February 5, 2020 by David Stoker

As a body contouring specialist, I’ve performed many skin reduction procedures such as arm lift surgery at my Los Angeles practice for patients who have lost significant weight. Upper arm skin often sags after weight loss, and it can be quite frustrating for men and women who have dedicated themselves to losing weight. Not all patients with concerns about their upper arms, however, may need arm lift surgery. In some cases, liposuction alone can produce significant improvement in the arms’ appearance. Combining the 2 procedures is also recommended under certain circumstances. In this blog post, I’ll explain the different goals … Continue reading »

All the Nonsurgical Procedures Behind ‘Instagram Face’

Posted on January 28, 2020 by David Stoker

It’s the subject of hashtags on virtually every social media platform. If this is the first time you’ve heard of “Instagram face,” the phrase describes a specific look created by nonsurgical cosmetic treatments such as filler and BOTOX® injections. At my Los Angeles, CA, practice, I hear patients ask about what types of treatments are needed for different areas of the face to produce the sought-after appearance. In this blog post, I’ll provide some guidance for people interested in getting Instagram face by focusing on treatments for different features. What Is Instagram Face? Scroll through the Instagram accounts of certain celebrity “influencers,” and you’ll … Continue reading »

Get Answers to 5 Top Rhinoplasty Questions

Posted on January 17, 2020 by David Stoker

Patients considering rhinoplasty at my Los Angeles plastic surgery practice typically have quite a few questions about the procedure. That’s understandable because it is one of the more complex surgeries that plastic surgeons perform. Changing the size or shape of your nose—not to mention the possibility of addressing issues that make it difficult to breathe—is a significant decision, and we want to provide our patients with all of the answers they need to make an informed choice. In this blog post, I’ll address some of the most common questions I hear during consultations with rhinoplasty patients. What is the ideal age to get rhinoplasty? As with … Continue reading »

It’s 2020—A Lot Has Changed in 10 Years

Posted on January 5, 2020 by David Stoker

The aesthetics field is constantly changing with new techniques and treatments coming to the market. Our team at my Los Angeles plastic surgery practice takes pride in offering the latest, proven procedures that help patients look their best, often without surgery’s downtime. The past decade has been especially dynamic—particularly when it comes to nonsurgical rejuvenation procedures. It may be hard to believe, but the FDA approved the first JUVEDERM® filler to treat facial wrinkles and lines in 2010. KYBELLA® arrived only 5 years ago. Even techniques that date back hundreds of years, such as microneedling, seem new because of their enhanced popularity. One thing you can be sure … Continue reading »

5 Questions to Ask at Your Post-Weight-Loss Plastic Surgery Consultation

Posted on December 27, 2019 by David Stoker

When I consult with people about plastic surgery after weight loss here in Los Angeles, my goal is to answer any and all questions to make sure each person feels informed, empowered, and excited about their next steps. While no question is off-limits, there are a few key topics that are always worth bringing up during the conversation. Here are a few questions you may consider asking at your consultation to make sure you’re as prepared as possible for your experience. How much will my post-weight-loss surgery cost? Plastic surgery procedures performed after massive weight loss are highly customized, depending … Continue reading »