At La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Centre, every aspect of your care is designed around you, so your experience feels as positive as your results. When Dr. R. Merrel Olesen founded our practice in 1988, he believed that cosmetic surgery patients in San Diego deserved something better: clearer communication, deeper compassion, and a higher standard of care.

The words that started it all…

This turn-of-the-century sign represents LJCSC founder Dr. Olesen’s philosophy and still hangs in our office today as a daily reminder of the care we promise every patient: “The secret of success is doing what you have to do better than you have to do it.”

The secret of success is doing what you have to do better than you have to do it.
Five core values

What Are La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Centre’s 5 Core Values?

La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Centre’s 5 core values define the standard of care every patient can expect, from the caliber of our results to the quality of every interaction. Together, they shape how we care for you from your first phone call with one of our dedicated patient coordinators through your final follow-up visit.

Excellence

Holding a higher standard than the industry requires—in every result, every detail, every time.

Safety

The non-negotiable foundation of every decision. Accredited facilities, board-certified surgeons, uncompromised standards.

Patient Experience

Every moment is intentional—from first call to final follow-up. We walk beside every patient. Never leaving them to figure it out alone.

Approachability

Warmth, accessibility, and ease—no intimidation, ever. Patients are family here. Family is always a phone call or text away.

Expertise

World-class surgeons. Over 100 years of combined experience. An accredited, top-tier facility. Credentials are earned and kept current with countless certifications, accreditations, and awards.

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96% Patient Satisfaction

4.8
Five brand pillars

Our core values are why we exist; our brand pillars are how that shows up in the decisions we make, the standards we hold ourselves to, and the way we show up for every patient, day to day.

Trust & Transparency

Doing what you have to do, better than you have to do it. Since 1988, we have held ourselves to a higher standard than the industry requires – in every result, every detail, and every interaction. Pricing on the website since the 90s. Every patient asked for a review. Nothing hidden.

Collective Expertise

LJCSC is a true group practice. Our five board-certified plastic surgeons each provide personalized, one-on-one care, while continually consulting with a learning from one another as trusted colleagues. That collective experience translates into better outcomes for every patient, without ever losing the individual attention only a dedicated surgeon can provide.

Warmth & Welcome

Every moment of your journey is intentional – from the first phone call to the final follow-up. We walk alongside every patient. We answer questions. We check in. We are with you every step of the way. We never leave you to figure it out alone. Your journey is our priority.

Empowerment

We know that pursuing cosmetic surgery takes real courage – and we meet every patient who walks through our doors with that belief, not judgement. Whether it’s a decision you’ve been considering for years or one you just made, we celebrate it. Choosing to invest in yourself, on your own terms, is never something to apologize for.

Natural Results

The goal is always: keep them guessing. Looking refreshed, not “done.” Our patients aren’t looking to become someone else. They’re looking to feel like the best version of who they already are. That’s the outcome we design for in every consultation, every technique, every result; subtle, natural, and unmistakably you.

What’s Our Favorite Award?

At LJSCS, we’re proud of every award—and ecstatic to have been named San Diego Magazine’s Best Cosmetic Surgery Group 2 years running—but our favorite reward is seeing you leave feeling like the best version of yourself. 

Award logos - San Diego Magazine 2026, San Diego Magazine 2025, BBB Torch Awards for Ethics 2025 Finalist
Award logos - San Diego Magazine 2026, San Diego Magazine 2025, BBB Torch Awards for Ethics 2025 Finalist

Every honor we receive is a credit to our patients and our team. Each one reflects the trust you place in us and the heartfelt care we bring to “work” every day. A few we’re especially grateful for:

  • Best Cosmetic Surgery Group, San Diego Magazine (2025 and 2026)
  • Torch Awards for Ethics Finalist, Better Business Bureau (2025)
  • San Diego’s Best Cosmetic Surgery Group, The San Diego Union-Tribune, 12-time winner (2008–2020)
  • Global Winner, USA Winner, Plastic/Cosmetic Surgery Practice of the Year, and Hall of Fame Ruby Winner, MyFaceMyBody Awards (2020)
  • USA Winner, Practice Team of the Year, MyFaceMyBody Awards (2018 and 2019)

These awards all point back to our 5 core values, and why we do what we do. We’re grateful for the recognition we receive year after year.

Woman sitting on beach wearing a white blouse MODEL

Get Started

We invite you to experience our values in person. At La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Centre, you will always know what to expect. You will always feel heard. And you will always have our full commitment to getting it right.

We make it easy to take your next steps toward confidence with 3 convenient ways to connect with our team. In just a few clicks, you can call us now, book a call, or request a call back to explore your options at San Diego’s most awarded and trusted cosmetic practice!

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