Meet John D. Smoot, MD, FACS, Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon

"I do cosmetic surgery, but there’s a lot in that. It’s just not about vanity. It’s about making someone feel better about themselves."

Dr. Smoot is an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon and the medical director of La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Centre. He is passionate about helping patients improve their appearance and self-confidence through plastic surgery of the face, breasts, and body.

Consultations offered in:

English

,

Spanish

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Don't Take Our Word for It, Trust 1,171 Verified Reviews of John D. Smoot, MD, FACS

95% Patient Satisfaction

Based on 1171 ratings

Verified Reviews & Ratings by

5 stars (972)

83.01%

4 stars (147)

12.55%

3 stars (24)

2.05%

2 stars (20)

1.71%

1 star (8)

0.68%

May 6, 2025

The staff is WONDERFUL. From the minute you walk in the door you are greeted with friendly professi…*

Apr 15, 2025

Everyone in the office was wonderful. Dr Smoot was kind and caring and explained everything so well.*

Mar 31, 2025

Dr. Smoot and his team are such professionals - I felt like I was important, and not just another pa…*

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A Renowned San Diego Plastic Surgeon

With over 30 years of experience in all aspects of cosmetic plastic surgery, Dr. Smoot is among San Diego’s top plastic surgeons for patients seeking beautiful, natural-looking results. He is widely considered a master of breast augmentation, facial rejuvenation, and body contouring procedures, and he is particularly renowned for his advanced breast lift scar reduction techniques.

Seeing a patient’s self-image improve after surgery and learning how this impacts other areas of their lives motivates Dr. Smoot, who feels honored to contribute to such positive life changes.

Dr. Smoot focuses on achieving proportion and balance with each patient and procedure. His goal is not to create the most dramatic change possible but to refine your overall appearance with results that look effortless and complement your natural aesthetic.

Credentials at a Glance

Education

Fellowship Training (Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery) – St. Joseph’s Hospital

Residency Training (Plastic Surgery) – The Cronin Brauer & Biggs Clinic Association

Residency Training (General Surgery) – Providence Hospital

General Surgery Internship – Chicago Medical School, Affiliated Hospitals

Doctor of Medicine (MD) – University of Utah School of Medicine

Military Experience

U.S. National Guard – Served in a medical unit for 10 years

Select Society Memberships

The Aesthetic Society

American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)

California Society of Plastic Surgeons

San Diego Plastic Surgery Society

Exceptional Credentials

Board Certification – The American Board of Plastic Surgery

Fellow – The American College of Surgeons

Former Chief of Plastic Surgery – Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla

Current Medical Director – La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Centre

Advanced Training & Education

Born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah, Dr. Smoot developed a keen interest in science at an early age. After completing undergraduate studies at the University of Utah, he served in a medical unit in the U.S. National Guard, an experience that solidified his decision to become a surgeon.

Dr. Smoot earned his medical degree from the University of Utah School of Medicine in 1982. He then completed a general surgery residency at Providence Hospital and an additional two-year fellowship in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery at St. Joseph’s Hospital. Before joining La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Centre, Dr. Smoot practiced with his brother at the San Diego Plastic Surgery Clinic for over 20 years.

One of San Diego’s most accomplished plastic surgeons, Dr. Smoot has been certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery since 1990. He was formerly Chief of Plastic Surgery at Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla, where he remains on staff. Dr. Smoot is an active member of several prestigious plastic surgery organizations, including the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), The Aesthetic Society, and the California Society of Plastic Surgeons. He is the medical director for La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Centre.

The end result was beautiful! I trusted Dr. Smoot to make the best decisions for me and my body and he did!

VERIFIED PATIENT COMMENT FROM REALPATIENTRATINGS®

Dr. Smoot’s Surgical Specialties

While Dr. Smoot enjoys performing a variety of surgeries for the face, breast, and body, he is highly recognized in La Jolla and throughout Southern California for his mastery of the following cosmetic procedures:

• Facelift
• Neck Lift and Rejuvenation
• Eyelid Surgery
• Breast Augmentation
• Revision Breast Augmentation
• Breast Reduction
• Breast Lift

Procedural Innovation, Research & Plastic Surgery Expertise

Dr. Smoot’s artistry and advanced surgical techniques garner the respect of his patients and medical peers in La Jolla, San Diego, Carlsbad, and beyond. He helped pioneer the Mario breast lift technique and is well-known for his advanced scar-reducing techniques for breast lifts.

Dr. Smoot has also contributed extensively to breast surgery research and innovation, specifically in the areas of capsular contracture complications with ADM and the long-term effects and safety of EXPAREL® injections during breast augmentation.

Superior, Patient-Focused Care

Loved for his down-to-earth, approachable personality and respected for his many contributions to the field of plastic surgery, Dr. Smoot is consistently sought after by San Diego patients who want to enhance their appearance and improve their quality of life.

Dr. Smoot is motivated by helping patients look and feel their best and takes the time to educate and empower each patient about their surgical options, risks, and benefits. By prioritizing open communication and an honest approach, he ensures your comfort and confidence throughout each stage of your cosmetic journey. Dr. Smoot continually draws from his breadth of surgical expertise to deliver safe, customized results that bring your aesthetic vision to life.

Dr. Smoot was very professional and made me feel completely comfortable. I am absolutely thrilled with how the surgery went.

VERIFIED PATIENT COMMENT FROM REALPATIENTRATINGS®

Dr. Smoot: Accomplished Plastic Surgeon, Family Man, and Avid Outdoorsman

Get to know Dr. Smoot on a personal level.

Why plastic surgery?

I wanted my life’s work to serve others. As a physician, I can serve people on the most personal level every day. As a plastic surgeon, I have the privilege of helping patients solve specific problems and feel better about themselves as a result.

Actions speak louder than words.

Even outside of work, I spend the majority of my time serving my community, either through my church or by participating in missions. One of my most memorable missions was a two-year volunteer term in Argentina.

Fan of the Great White North

If I wasn’t a plastic surgeon, I think I’d like to be a bush pilot in Alaska or the Yukon. I enjoy bowhunting and fly-fishing (his biggest catch to date: a 2-foot-plus rainbow trout) and simply being out in nature, especially in the mountains of Idaho, Utah, Canada, and Alaska. Of course, I love that I can return to warm, sunny San Diego.

Mrs. Smoot’s baked goods

My wife makes the best desserts; I’m sure my whole family would agree. Although I really love vanilla ice cream too.

A family man

I enjoy my solo trips into the wilderness, but even more, I love spending time with my wife, children, and grandchildren. They keep us busy and make us very proud.

Make Your Dream Real With Dr. Smoot

To schedule your free consultation with Dr. John D. Smoot or any of our board-certified San Diego plastic surgeons,  request your consultation  online or call  (858) 452-1981.