John D. Smoot, MD

I am first of all sharing this story in gratitude for the women before me who were not afraid of showing the good, the bad and everything in between. So many people I know are afraid to talk about the "work" they have had done. I did my research and chose Dr Smoot from the La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Centre. I am less than 3 weeks out and already seeing the healing process begin to show the results, although I know it will be months to a year before the final effect comes through. I am 57, and felt like my sagging jowl line was making me look older than I felt. I had a few consultations, and when I met Dr Smoot and visited the LJCSC, I knew I found where I wanted to have my procedure done. The first visit was a virtual video visit due to Covid. After that my in person visit, where we finalized the plan of lower facelift, fat transfer, Upper blepharoplasty and lower eye fat removal. I also had some earlobe reshape/reduction. From the first visit all the way through the procedure I trusted the team explicitly. Everyone was very thorough. The day of surgery I went in and was marked up, and sent home with full bandages (even over my eyes). The next day I went in and had the bandages removed. A week later I went back in for a suture removal. I have a 3 week follow up tomorrow. The biggest fear for me were the scars around my ears before the surgery-I just felt they would be very obvious. It's too early to tell how they will finish healing, but I've been pleasantly surprised. I can't believe what a difference in vision the upper eyes had; it feels like going from a 25" TV to a 50" TV; my field of vision really improved although before the surgery I didn't realize what I had lost. I have a great group of supportive and inquisitive girlfriends who supported me throughout, as well as an amazing husband who took excellent care of me after the procedure. I will keep updating over the next couple of months.

Updated on 9 Jan 2021:
I am 7 weeks post op, and could not be happier with the results. I've had a few people tell me that they don't really see too much of a difference-I take that as a huge compliment because I didn't want to look different, only better and more refreshed. The sides of my face along my ear line is still numb, as are my eyelids and eyelashes. When I put mascara on it's such a weird sensation. I'm not sure if all of my fat transfers held, or if the swelling has just gone down a little. The surgeon warned me the fat transfers do not always hold. I preferred the transfer to the fillers I've had in the past.

Updated on 3 Apr 2021:
I am now 19 weeks post op. I had a Halo laser treatment a few weeks ago as a final touch to even out my sunspots and sun damage. I am so happy with my lower facelift. I feel like I no longer look tired all the time. My eyelids are no longer numb, and most of the feeling on the sides of my face has returned. Since I chose a conservative lower lift, I know there will be more surgery in my future, but I prefer to do just small steps at at time. I am so happy I had this surgery!

Updated on 17 May 2021:
It's been six months since my lower facelift with upper blepharoplasty and fat transfer. I could not be happier with the results from my lower facelift. If you are on the fence, I would recommend this procedure. I went to Palm Springs for a girls getaway last weekend (lots of sunscreen!) and my friends said I was "glowing". I am so happy not to look tired all the time. Although I didn't have a neck lift (I'm saving that for the future) my jawline looks much improved as do my eyes. My scars, while slightly visible at the tops of my ears, don't keep me from wearing my hair back or pulling it into a ponytail, they are very light and barely noticeable.

Updated on 30 Aug 2021:
I am at 9 months post up, and would still recommend this surgery. I have received many compliments from my friends who know about my surgery on how well it turned out. I am very happy with the results and how natural the surgery turned out. Pre-surgery, my biggest concern was the scars by my ears. They are just barely visible at the very of the ears if you look closely. I am comfortable wearing my hair back or tucked behind my ears and am not self conscious about what little of the scar does show. I did end up getting some v-beam lasers on the scars to help them heal a bit more. All the feeling is back in the sides of my face and my eyelids. Every once is a while, just on the left side, I can feel a little dissolvable stitch come to the surface but I can scrub it off. I don't know how to describe it, but you can feel it under the skin a bit and then it goes away once it breaks the surface. I haven't had any complications or things I'm disappointed about 9 mos out.

I chose Dr. Smoot because of the results from previous patients. They were very natural, and exactly the look I was going for. After talking with him I was comfortable with my decision to move forward, and didn't feel the need to consult with other surgeons. The entire process at LJCSC was organized and explained well. I definitely recommend Dr. Smoot and LJSCS.

I had such a great experience working with Dr. Smoot. He's very easy to talk to and answered all of my questions. He does tend to go a little conservative but he listens to what you truly wants while taking into consideration your body & what will look best. His nurse Carmen is amazing. She is so friendly and caring. All of the staff at La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Centre have been great to work with. Karla was my patient care coordinator and even checked in on me after my surgery. Cant say enough good things about Dr. Smoot & his team.

I had my surgery done on the 21st. I was bandaged going home but I after 7 hours I panicked and I had to remove the bandage. Could not stand it anymore, I am a little claustrophobic. I was already bruised which surprised me. So i started with ice compresses right away, went to sleen sitting on my sofa around midnight but did not get good sleep. Second day was worse as far as the swelling and bruising. I went for a check up, doctor said everyrhing looks good, so back home to do more icing. I also take Arnica and I hope ut will help because Chrstmas dinner is around the corner and I don't want to scare my little grandkids. I will most likely wear sunglasses because loking at me right now is kind of scarry even to myself ! Lol.

Updated on 24 Dec 2016:
I still look bad. One of my eyes is very swallen and red. I hope It will get better soon.

Updated on 25 Dec 2016:
Today i look much better. Bruises are starting to turn yellow so i think in 2-3 days I will look good enough to go outside. The only worry I have that my right lower eyelid is drooping a bit..like it is being pulled down. I hope that will return to normal after the swelling goes down. I cant wait for my stitches to get out next Tuesday.

Breast surgery journey I'm 64 yrs old I've had four children and this is not my first Breast implant surgery.
Now Bear with me this is long but will be very helpful for those whom are considering breast implants. If you are willing to maintain your breasts and realize it's a life long process then continued to read on..One thing to understand if you decide to get implants it's not a one time and be done surgery . Almost every 10-15 years they will probably need replacing they are not meant to last forever even if the warranty says lifetime, our bodies change due to gravity, illnesses accidents, cancer or aging our skin loosens and thins out as we age. I figure over the course of my journey I have spent at least $80,000 maybe more replacing due to one issue or another. However not all women experience what I have but more than not will have to have replacement/revisions at some point.
1983 decided to get silicone breast implants. This was the beginning of many complications over the course of 33 years. I have had a total of 11 breast surgeries a good portion due to malfunctions and other issues. This is not the norm but it can occur.

So after many issues and several failed implants and after several years my skin had stretched out and rather than have a lift the correct way because of the tremendous costs and a limited budget I opted To just go bigger to fill up space of the stretched loose skin. I simply didn't not have the several thousands of dollars to do it the correct way. Ironically at the time of the complications I learned the implants were from a manufacturer called "Mentor" in the early/mid 90s the whole industry were having Legal issues with silicone implants there were many class action lawsuits and although I was not part of them, they were eventually temporarily banned from the market Until the FDA defamed the implants as safe, so I had to settle with saline. A few years later the left saline implant had ruptured. It was under the muscle. Fortunately for me the legal ban on silicone implants were getting approved
But the only way I was able to qualify for the silicone implant again was if I joined a study from Mentor, this was the only way I was able to qualify and afford the newly designed silicon implants by becoming part of a study so the new silicone devises were placed back in my breasts. Unfortunately I was never followed and I fell through the cracks of the study but as far as I knew I was not having implant issues. That I could tell but. Now 13 years later the skin has loosened again the implants droop they feel like they're starting to Be uncomfortable and causing back pain. I can feel ripples and they are painful. I made an appt for a monogram concerned it could be cancer but all was normal however the breast center suggested That I seek,advice from a plastic surgeon.after all my complications we went through all my options I did not want to have no breasts so we decided to implant new silicone and much smaller to possible avoid the same issues with larger implants.

After much research decided to go with Dr. John Smoot M.D.,F.A.C.S at Lajolla Cosmetic Surgery Centre, Lajolla Calif.
He was honest and straightforward and suggested I remove the 600cc and reduce me to anywhere between 250cc-400cc I gave him the go ahead to proceed with the surgery Dr. Smoot also suggested I go with a fairly new procedure called strattice dermal grafts it was not required but this product is highly successful for patients with my extensive problems he felt it would give me optimum results. . I Also a had a lift, with alot of excess skin removed with my nipple revised and areola made a bit smaller I have 425cc smooth Silicone memory, moderate profile,under the muscle. Basically "this was not an easy surgery imusedmall,of my skills and am confident yiu will be happy with the outcome "The before after photos show the tremendous work done but I believe I will have a fantastic result. Here are Before and after photos and I will continue to post updates. Thank you please excuse any typos. I am not a writer.
My new breast size are appropriate for my body and

Updated on 16 Oct 2016:


Updated on 16 Oct 2016:
Gosh I hope these photos are not turned sideways but hopefully you get the idea 600cc they are heavy I wore a 32G uugh to heavy for me

Updated on 16 Oct 2016:
They don't even look like my breasts they are 425cc but I think I'm going to like them I already feel better ????

Updated on 28 Oct 2016:
Hi All,
16 days very little pain but burning sensation I hear is normal.
The Doctor said I do t have to massage because of the strattice dermal graft placed inside p. That alone was worth the extra $3,000 I've had so many issues with my breast I finally feel like I have what I've always wanted but had to wait till I was 64.... I feel like that should be a song...lol haha anyway, here are a couple of pics p. I have tape on them but in a few days I'll post some pics without the tape. The scars are amazing, the brusing is almost gone and the size is perfect for my body...looks like I'm going to have to shop for shirts that fit now and in all the right places....woo hoo

I am so excited for my BA! Something I've been talking about doing since I realized I wasn't as blessed as all of the other girls. I never thought I'd actually do it until now. I scheduled my surgery for September 9 after doing extensive research for weeks. I had a ton of consultations and met with lots of doctors (always a good idea to shop around!) I finally settled on one and I'm so excited. He had phenomenal reviews online and then when I met him I just knew I wanted him to do my surgery. Even though I did a ton of research, I am no expert on what would look good on my body and what is proportional. I originally wanted 450cc silicone implants but my PS told me the biggest he could go on me was 425cc for silicone and didn't advise we go any bigger. I appreciate his guidance as I honestly don't know enough!

My pre op appt is August 24th. Does anyone know if that's when we finalize the size? Definitely pick a PS who does sizing appointments at the consultation. The first PS I met with said doing that is pointless. Honestly it was so fun. Not only did you get to see what you're going to look like but you also get to feel the weight of your new boobs. I know it's probably not 100% but I'm sure it's close.

My PS gave me a range of 385cc to 425cc silicone, smooth, moderate plus profile. My only concern with mod plus is I definitely want cleavage but I also want a more natural look. Will I get a good amount of cleavage with mod plus?

I'll update more later!

Updated on 8 Sep 2015:
It's finally here! Tomorrow is the day I'm getting my BA. I'm so incredibly excited and nervous all at the same time. I took a million pictures of myself to update you all afterwards. The only part I'm worried about is my surgery isn't until 4PM tomorrow and I can't really eat or drink anything all day starting tonight at midnight. I'm going to be a very cranky girl! I'll see you all on the other side! :)

Updated on 9 Sep 2015:
They are finally here!!! Surgery went super easy, was out in about an hour. I ended up with a Moderate High Profile (which i didn't even know existed) It's a happy medium between Mod Plus and High Profile. Seintra Implant, 405cc in the left and 375cc in the right! I'm in a good amount of pain right now. Just had the surgery 4 hours ago. My boyfriend is pampering me like crazy. Thank goodness for him!! Just took a sneak peak at my boobs and they are definitely looking like torpedo boobs! haha. Enjoy the pics.

Updated on 10 Sep 2015:


Updated on 11 Sep 2015:


Updated on 12 Sep 2015:
Finally fluffing out a bit

Updated on 12 Sep 2015:


Updated on 14 Sep 2015:


Updated on 18 Nov 2015:
Hello, I know I haven't updated you in a while! I've been so busy loving life and feeling beautiful. :)

It's been 2 months since my BA surgery and wow do I feel great. I'm so happy with the size and look. *Just a reminder I got a Moderate-High Profile. I don't feel any pain except if I push a car door closed weirdly or something like that, I'll get a strange feeling but other than that I feel normal. I had my 6 week post op appt two weeks ago and it went great. Dr. Smoot said they were soft, looked great and healed perfectly. One is still taking its sweet time dropping but it's almost there! I still do my massages twice a day (I'm just doing a simple push upward motion). It was a very smooth recovery.

I'm so happy I made the decision to do this. I never in a million years thought this would actually happen and I couldn't be happier. Attaching some before and after pictures, enjoy!

Wanted a new start! Hated my genetic neck fat and small boobies were not in proportion with my curves. My awesome PS offered a discount with multiple procedures so I went for it all! Love working out and was looking for some body sculpting in those hard to sculpt areas! I took my neck wrap off day one and was amazed at the change!!!!! My body looks do sculpted and I love my boobs! Went with 435 sientra mod plus round smooth. I am 5'5" 145-150.

Updated on 24 Jul 2015:
Looking forward to more softness!

I have been thinking about breast augmentation for about 10years now. My stats 5'7" 143lbs large 36b deflated 36-28-36 measurements, the largest part of my boobs measures 40in. Had a baby gained 62lbs and lost baby weight and then some (he's 3 now). I've met my PS Dr. Smoot in May 2014 first Dr. And happened to be the right match for me. Booked my surgery date dec. 19, 2014 $500 deposit. My pre-op was today Dec. 1st 2014 went well had all my questions answered. I'm having a BA, BL and areola reduction. I've chosen sientra silicone gel texture, at least 450cc, 45:55ratio, Under muscle. Now the count down really begins 18days!!!

Updated on 7 Dec 2014:
Just wanted to post the 45:55 ratio. This is what I'm getting as in the shape and I can't wait! pretty set on 450cc. I am super excited my BF is very supportive which is making it easier. But I am still very anxious 12 more days!!! 2 more Fridays! I'll post my before and after, after I get them done :)

Updated on 16 Dec 2014:
Can't wait! I'm all set ready to go! Thursday I'll find out my Time for Friday surgery! Then I'll post before and afters. So excited!

Updated on 18 Dec 2014:
Omg! Suuuuuper excited!!! Got the phone call I'm the first up tomorrow! Check in time 630a!! Omg yay!!! I will post before and afters, after I get done. My bf and mom have been very supportive and very thankful for that. Not sure what my sons gona do, he likes to cuddle. Oh boy can't wait!!

Updated on 19 Dec 2014:
All went well. Pain and tightness taking meds no nausea yet. Will post pics soon... Love my PS so sweet and kind!! 485cc sientra,round, texture, lollipop lift.

Updated on 20 Dec 2014:
I feel much better than yesterday, I was really tight and felt like I had an elephant sitting on my chest. Today I feel better they don't hurt as much and I'm able to go longer without taking pain meds and Valium. No nausea at all. I am able to eat. They don't feel big but my BF says they look big. My PS called me last night to check up on me make sure how I was doing. He said surgery went really well and I was able to get the size I wanted which was 485cc sientra, texture, lollipop lift, areola reduction. I have not been able to see them yet. My PS said I could take a quick shower tomorrow if I wanted to but I could wait until Monday and have them change my dressings. Which I think I will wait till Monday. My boobs feel tight but it comes and goes. My BF and mom have been real attentive to me which I have to get use to. I want to do things but the PS said take it easy. I'm not sure if I got HP or Mod+. I'll ask Monday. I love my PS he is so awesome and nice I can't say enough good things about him.

Updated on 21 Dec 2014:
Feeling much much better. I'm hoping to get off my pain meds today or at least get weened off of it. I know my body needs to heal and I need my rest. We'll see how today goes. I see my PS Monday. I'm still swollen. Haven't gotten to look at my tatas yet cause of the bandages I'd rather keep on until I see my PS.

Updated on 21 Dec 2014:
Here is a before and after

Updated on 21 Dec 2014:
Here's another pic, they change by the hour, feel like it any way. Boy oh boy am I bloated ugh

Updated on 22 Dec 2014:
Dr. Smoot said I'm healing great. I got 485cc, mod +, unders, lollipop lift, areola reduction. Take it easy for the next few weeks. No laundry, dishes etc. He's going to check my sutures on Friday dec 26. That's about it for.

Updated on 23 Dec 2014:
So I'm really bored because I can't do much, for good reason, so I can heal. Found out Percocet makes me itchy so I had to stop taking that and got a prescription for Vicodin in case I need it for pain. I feel like a million bucks, but know I can't do anything for two weeks. I am so happy with my results even though I'm not fully healed yet. They look better everyday. And following exactly what dr. Smoot says. I want to have the best results.

Updated on 26 Dec 2014:
Omg! Just saw Dr. Smoot he is so amazing. I had my stitches taken out, he said I am healing fantastic! One more week of taking it easy and I can start light cardio! Everything is fabulous, I am so happy!!! I'm pretty much the size I'm gona be! Little brusing but totally normal !!! Omg I so happy!!! And dr. Smoot is really really happy with the results! Hands down recommend him for breast augmentation!!! Love him and my tatas!!!

Updated on 27 Dec 2014:
1 week visit done. Dr. Smoot is extremely happy with my results!! I got my stitches out! No more compression bra yay!! So I went to nordstrom 36DDD they didn't have a good selection on no underwire bra so my BF and I went to VS and measured 36DDD so I got a sports bra and a no underwire but one get one 50% off not bad for the time being. Merry Christmas and hope all are doing good!!

Updated on 29 Dec 2014:
Healing really good. Taking my protien shakes, 1000mg vitamin C, multivitamin, swelling and water retention from surgery finally subsiding weighed 150 I'm back down to 141 thank god! But that's with my 485cc. My measurements band width 35.5in, breast fullest part 42in. Still have to take it easy till this Friday and that'll be two weeks and Dr. Smoot said I can do light exercise but listen to my body. I went off the pain meds 1 week after my surgery and now taking 1000mg extra strength Tylenol which works. Went to VS and nordstrom measured 36DDD. Went to the sight linda the bra lady and measured 38FF/38G. Some bruising but feel good, they're starting to get squishy which is nice.

Updated on 6 Jan 2015:
Feeling really good this week. Dr. Smoot cleared me for light cardio jan. 2nd and Jan. 3rd I walked 5 miles in an 1hr 9min. Felt really good to exercise. Fingers crossed I get cleared to go back to kickboxing Feb. 3rd at my 6 wk check up appt! No Tylenol today first day no painkiller type thing. I get occasional sharp pains in my left boob like twice now and I was told by my PS totally normal, it's the nerves waking up again. Which is good. The strips stay on until they come off by themselves. I use coconut oil, lotion on my entire breasts and arnica on my bruises for now. I put on about 8lbs might be because I'm about to start. I was down to 141 last week not sure what happen probably a mixture of everything. I started my 28 day detox yesterday hope that helps.

Updated on 12 Jan 2015:
I need to go see a chiropractor I'm out...but I'm D&F slowly but surely love them. Now the steri strip finally came off all by itself on my right one. And the itchiness has finally subsided! I put coconut oil on 3x a day including incisions and lotion just on breasts.

Updated on 18 Jan 2015:
OMG can't wa for this rash to go away other than that every thing is going good.

Updated on 18 Jan 2015:
I am very happy with getting my BA & BL just hate the itchy itchy red rash. I don't itch it but I can't wait for it to go away as of now it's normal the PS says. I was putting coconut oil on my entire BReast and lotion minus the incision area. I've stopped that as of today and just put oxygen water on it puricin 3x a day. So I'll keep updating on that part in a few days. So far so good.

Updated on 23 Jan 2015:
ok so after a few days of just puricin I stopped and boy this rash is a killer so I put desitin on it for to days and cleared it up lol now I put just lotion on called renew from melelauuca. Then I noticed a tiny hole on my areola incision spitting stitch took care of that per PS Myself and it's all better now. slowly but surely healing nicely. Now that my incisions healed going to start using cali flora . That's all for now.

Updated on 5 Feb 2015:
Hi ladies feels like it's been awhile since I've updated. I saw my PS feb. 3 2015 I am officially all cleared to go about my normal activities! Yay!!! Kickboxing and horseback riding here I come. Did 3 sets of kettle bell swings felt amazing! I'm healing great, scars look great for 6wks. Still measuring 36DDD at VS. Lane Bryant 38C I'm not a full figured gal just the top half.

Updated on 17 Mar 2015:


Updated on 20 Mar 2015:
here are some pics of my incisions after 3mons

Updated on 31 Oct 2015:
Haven't updated in awhile, been super busy. Things are healing nicely, trying to get my strength back in my chest area. I hurt my shoulders prior to getting BA so it's a slow process. Current weight 152 slowly coming off. I go see Dr. Smoot December for my final check up and it'll be a year. I don't think they're that big but my fiancé says they're pretty big. I love them still, I was meant to have big boobs but got skipped in that dept. not that I was super small before 36B/C deflated after I had my son. I will go into a revision on my left side but after I have a baby.

Updated on 31 Oct 2015:
With push-up and regular bra and no bra pics

Dr Smoot was excellent! He was kind and very professional, he took time to answer all my questions and I felt very safe with him, nurse and staff were also kind, I love my new little boobies! I was amazed how fast my body healed and within a month I was hiking up Cowl's mountain again. Best decision! I went from a size F to a size D.

I had previous breast augmentation back in 2003 with a different plastic surgeon, wanting a medium C cup, but ending up with a DD size; the surgeon did a beautiful job, but took liberties by sizing me up much more than I had wanted. I was greatly disappointed, but at that younger age, I got used to the larger size and lived with it. As the years went by however, an inclination to reduce the size of my implants became increasingly desirable, thus began my search for the right doctor to perform the task. I interviewed Dr. John Smoot, as well as a few other surgeons, deciding I greatly appreciated Dr. Smoot’s conservative approach in meeting the goal of reducing my implants; changing them from high profile saline, to a lower/medium profile silicone gel. And, in addition, having a breast lift performed. He was very informative during our meetings, and it was comforting to witness his attentiveness during our consultation, never once giving me the impression that I was being hurried through the Q&A process. And something to note that I very much appreciated once making all the arrangements for my surgery, was the booklet I received which had all the information I could need to prepare for my recovery: medications to avoid, pre-surgery shopping lists, foods which could aid in proper healing, etc. A great resource, for sure. So here I am at 6+ weeks out from surgery, and I couldn’t be more thrilled! I have a perfect set of medium sized perky breasts, and the silicone gel implants are amazingly soft. A far cry from the over-filled saline style I hauled around for 11 years. Oh, and previously the gals tended to point down a little, but the breast lift Dr. Smoot performed has them peeking upward once again - hurrah! Any calls with questions or concerns I had throughout my recovery were expediently returned and mitigated by Dr. Smoot’s highly competent nurse, Carmen. This experience was all that I could hope for, and I happily recommend this doctor and his staff to anybody eager to pursue their plastic surgery ambitions.