La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Centre
9850 Genesee Ave Suite 130
La Jolla, CA 92037
Call: (858) 452-1981 Text: (858) 203-2944
M–F: 7:30 a.m.–6 p.m.
"What I love most about my work is watching each patient flourish with confidence, a new sense of self, and a happier experience of life."
Dr. Luke Swistun is a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon who combines elite training, artistic vision, and years of hands-on experience to deliver life-changing results. He is particularly renowned for his advanced body sculpting expertise and treatment of breast implant illness (BII, SSBI).
Consultations offered in:
English
,Polish
A Top San Diego Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Swistun has over a decade of surgical training, including a prestigious aesthetic fellowship in Beverly Hills. He also has years of experience in aesthetic and reconstructive procedures, bringing a unique blend of expertise, military discipline, and artistic sensibility to every surgery he performs. He is known for his approachable, down-to-earth style and strong emphasis on individualized care and natural-looking outcomes.
Credentials at a Glance
Education
- Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Fellowship: Beverly Hills Physicians
- Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Residency: The University of Utah, Salt Lake City
- General Surgery Internship & Residency: The University of Illinois at Chicago
- General Surgery Internship: Naval Medical Center, San Diego
- Doctor of Medicine: The University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine
Certification & Licensure
- Diplomate, American Board of Plastic Surgery
- California Physician & Surgeon License
- Indiana Unrestricted General Physician License
- Illinois Permanent Physician License
- Utah Physician & Surgeon License
Combining communication with surgery, which I would argue is the ultimate intervention in the realm of medicine, sealed my passion for what I do today. It’s a privilege to experience the best of both worlds.
DR. LUKE SWISTUN
A Fellowship-Trained Aesthetic Surgeon With Military Roots
Dr. Swistun began his journey in the arts, earning a degree in visual arts from the University of Chicago—a foundation that continues to shape his surgical precision and aesthetic eye. He went on to earn his medical degree from the University of Illinois College of Medicine, followed by rigorous general surgery training at the University of Illinois at Chicago. He then completed a competitive residency in plastic and reconstructive surgery at University of Utah.
To further refine his skills, Dr. Swistun pursued an elite aesthetic surgery fellowship in Beverly Hills, accredited by The Aesthetic Society, where he trained under world-renowned plastic surgeons Dr. Andrew Cohen and Dr. Kevin Hayavi.
Before entering private practice, Dr. Swistun was a highly decorated U.S. Navy medical officer. He completed two combat deployments to Iraq as a battalion surgeon, where he led trauma care operations under intense conditions. That experience instilled in him a deep sense of discipline, leadership, and compassion—all of which continue to influence his patient-first philosophy today.
“Very personable and took the time to explain and answer all my questions. Made me feel like his only patient.”
REAL PATIENT REVIEW
Dr. Swistun’s Surgical Specialties
Dr. Swistun is highly sought out for personalized breast and body procedures, including:
- Removal of Breast Implants
- Liposuction – 360 Lipo
- Liposuction
- Arm Lift
- Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL)
- Post-Weight Loss Plastic Surgery
- C-Section Repair
- Thoracoplasty (Back Lift)
A Passion for Patient Communication, Education & Innovation
Dr. Swistun is an active leader and contributor to the field of plastic surgery. He has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications and abstracts, given lectures to peers, and served as a committee member for The Aesthetic Society’s Plastic Surgery Education Network (PSEN).
He’s also passionate about creating a collaborative, trust-based experience with patients. Dr. Swistun ensures each patient plays an active role in the decision-making process and takes the time to answer every question thoroughly. His approachable, honest communication style builds comfort and confidence from consultation to recovery.
You’ll find him actively engaged on social media and contributing educational content across multiple platforms to help patients feel empowered and informed in their aesthetic journeys.
“From the initial consult to my 8-week follow-up appointment, Dr. Swistun and his team have been exceptional. I never felt rushed through any of my questions. Dr. Swistun took his time to explain what to expect and go over the healing/recovery process. Surgery day was no exception. I had such peace and calm knowing I was in very caring, capable hands.”
REAL PATIENT REVIEW
Changing Lives Beyond Borders
Dr. Swistun brings his surgical expertise to underserved communities through international medical outreach. In Ghana, he partnered with the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital to support local plastic surgery training, lecture on fat grafting and breast reconstruction, and assist in surgery alongside local teams. Earlier in his career, he volunteered in post-war Bosnia-Herzegovina, providing care to orphaned children through a U.S.-based oral surgery mission. Whether abroad or at home, Dr. Swistun is deeply committed to using his skills to make a meaningful, lasting impact.
Videos & Podcasts Featuring Dr. Swistun
On a Personal Note …
My wife Dominika (a Ph.D. psychologist) and I were born in Poland but came to the U.S. in our teens. We cherish family time with our three sons, Kristian, Dorian, and Julian. After spending my naval years at Balboa Hospital in San Diego, Dominika and I fell in love with the city we proudly call our permanent home.
The standard I abide by is “What would I do if this was my wife? My son?” And then the answer becomes simple. I’ll do everything in my power to help you achieve the cosmetic results you’ve been dreaming of.
Outside the operating room, I’ve always found creative expression through poetry and photography. It’s a lifelong passion that has taken me from darkrooms in college to national photo contests and professional assignments. I’ve been honored to have my work published in Top Gear Magazine and AutoMoto and receive recognition in photography competitions, including a Grand Prize for night sky photography. That artistic perspective influences how I see and shape the human form, whether behind the lens or in the OR.
Rapid Fire Q&A With Dr. Swistun
If you weren’t a plastic surgeon, what do you think you’d be doing?
I think I’d be a professional racecar driver, a professional photographer, or possibly a military fighter pilot.
Who was your teenage crush?
Hmmm … my wife? Is that cheesy? We met when we were teenagers, and now we’ve been married for more than 20 years.
What was the first album you ever bought?
On cassette tape, Pet Shop Boys, Please. 1986. Before that, I recorded songs off the radio, as was customary in Poland during my childhood.
If you could travel in time, when and where would you go?
About 100 years into the future. And after that, about 1,000 years into the future. I’m fascinated with technology, especially its exponential acceleration in my lifetime, and I’m curious about where it will take us. Hopefully, we strike a balance and use it generally to our advantage.
Make Your Dream Real With Dr. Swistun
To start your surgical journey with Dr. Swistun, please request a free consultation online or call us at (858) 452-1981.
