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.
"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.
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A Renowned San Diego Plastic Surgeon
With nearly 40 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 and facial rejuvenation, and he is particularly renowned for his advanced breast lift and 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 alongside 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!
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:
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.
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.


