Body Episodes

Filler migration is all over TikTok, biostimulators get sold as a “natural” alternative, and people are choosing a surgeon by follower count. Dr. James Koehler and Dr. Vincent Gardner react to it all in real time. Kirstin reads off the year’s biggest injectable and body claims and asks for gut reactions. The doctors sort what holds up from what doesn’t: why less filler is winning, why “natural” biostimulators are still just filler with a better publicist, and what a lip flip can and can’t actual...

A thigh lift is one of those cosmetic surgeries that people don’t always hear about until they need it, but for the right person, it’s a game changer. Kirstin sits down with Alabama cosmetic surgeons Dr. James Koehler and Dr. Vincent Gardner to talk about who’s typically interested in a thigh lift and what the surgery involves. Dr. Gardner explains incision placement, recovery, scar care, and why there’s really no such thing as a “scarless” thigh lift. Get answers to common questions about ce...

Losing the weight is a big deal, but figuring out what comes next is a little confusing. Kirstin asks Dr. James Koehler and Dr. Vincent Gardner the questions everyone has about post weight loss surgery. Hear the difference between tummy tuck and...

Kirstin pulls body surgery specialist Dr. Vincent Gardner, with Dr. James Koehler chiming in, to talk about how GLP-1 weight loss meds are reshaping cosmetic surgery going into 2026. Find out why weight loss is driving a surge in procedures like tummy tucks, 360 body lifts, arm lifts, and thigh lifts, and why the idea of a “GLP-1 makeover” may be the next big trend. Read more about body cosmetic procedures Follow Dr. Vincent Gardner on Instagram @drvincentgardner and TikTok @drgardner Alabama...

Thinking about cosmetic surgery? Winter might be the best time to do it. With fewer social plans, less sun exposure, and more downtime built in, recovery can be easier and more discreet during the colder months. Dr. Koehler, Dr. Gardner, and Kirstin explain why winter is such a great time for procedures, how planning ahead around holidays and travel makes a difference, and which surgeries tend to fit best this time of year. Hear their winter recovery recommendations, from compression garments ...

Loose skin on the upper arms is super common, especially after weight loss, and it can really make people feel self-conscious. The truth is, no amount of exercise can tighten loose skin. That’s where an arm lift comes in. Dr. Koehler, Dr. Gardner, and Kirstin explain how the procedure removes extra skin and reshapes the arms for a smoother, more toned look. They clarify that while there are non-surgical skin tightening options, they’re best for mild cases. If there’s a lot of extra skin, surge...

The more pregnancies you have—or the bigger the baby—the more likely you are to develop diastasis recti, when the “six-pack” muscles drift apart. Instead of snapping back together, those muscles can leave a gap that affects both strength and appearance. A tummy tuck often includes repairing these muscles by bringing them back to the midline. This step is key to restoring strength, stability, and a flatter abdominal contour. Dr. James Koehler and Dr. Vincent Gardner discuss what causes diastasi...

We’re excited to welcome Dr. Vincent Gardner to the Eastern Shore Cosmetic Surgery family. With more than 20 years of experience in both general and cosmetic surgery, he brings a unique blend of skill, compassion, and perspective to our team. Earlier in his career, Dr. Gardner cared for many patients who had undergone bariatric surgery. Witnessing how excess skin often affected their confidence is what sparked his interest in cosmetic surgery. He’s passionate about helping people reach that “re...

Since age 15, Rebekah had tried—and failed—at nearly every diet. After yo-yoing through almost every clothing size and coming dangerously close to a serious health crisis, she chose to undergo gastric bypass surgery, ultimately losing an astonishing 205 pounds. While she was left with significant excess skin—an issue she insists is much more than just a “vanity thing”—Rebekah found Dr. Koehler and underwent a breast lift along with a belt lipectomy to tighten her midsection. Rebekah shares how...

From sweat-stopping MiraDry to subtle tweaks like brow lifts, lip lifts, and chin augmentations, Dr. Koehler and Kirstin break down their favorite underrated procedures—who they’re best for, what recovery’s like, and why these low-key treatments can have a big impact. Here in the South, sleeveless season is long, but saggy arm skin can make people cover up. Arm lifts don’t get enough attention, but they can be game-changing for those with “bat wings,” especially since the gym won’t tighten loos...

Dr. Koehler and Kirstin discuss the art of taking fat out with liposuction—and putting it right back in with fat transfer. From sculpting waists to plumping booties (and even rejuvenating hands), they break down the techniques, the aftercare, and what really happens to all that fat. Gone are the days of manually chiseling away with liposuction. Dr. Koehler now uses power-assisted technology for a smoother, more precise process. And once that fat is out, it’s not always just tossed; it can be pu...

Predicting what will be hot in aesthetics in 2025, Dr. Koehler and Kirstin cover everything from the impact of weight loss medications to how social media is shaping the way we view body image and cosmetic procedures. Find out: Are weight loss medications here to stay in aesthetics? Could body contouring have its biggest year yet? Is wellness, like hormone therapy, still growing in cosmetic practices? Will liposuction and breast augmentation stay on top as the most popular procedures? Why ...

Kirstin makes Dr. Koehler sound like a grumpy old man by asking for his unfiltered opinions on trending body cosmetic surgeries: Awake lipo Going to Turkey for surgery Rib removal High-definition liposuction Fat transfer to breasts Find out: Can you get as good of a result with awake lipo as you can under general anesthesia? Is awake lipo really worth saving a little bit of money? Dr. Koehler’s word of caution if you plan on traveling for cosmetic surgery Why are people removing their r...

Find out if Dr. Koehler gives a thumbs up or a side-eye to popular fat & cellulite treatments: - Cellulite devices - CoolSculpting Find out: - Do cellulite treatments actually work? - How much fat can you actually get rid of with...

Kirstin talks Dr. Koehler into revealing which procedures he has had himself, and the unique reasons men might not seek cosmetic treatments as often as women. Most men want to look younger and more professional. Popular procedures include liposuction, male breast reduction to get rid of “man boobs,” and tummy tucks after weight loss. Eyelid surgery is also a favorite for tired eyes, and chin implants and rhinoplasty are a great combo for a more balanced face. When it comes to non-surgical trea...

Losing weight and looking great feels amazing, but for some people there’s loose skin hanging around that won’t go away on its own. When this happens, there’s a range of non-surgical and surgical approaches to solve the problem, including a tummy tuck, extended tummy tuck, or body lift. Dr. Koehler explains why some of these surgeries are better done in a hospital or may require multiple procedures, and how long you should maintain a stable weight before getting them. Read more about post wei...

While trends come and go and fewer people are seeking the full booty look, the BBL is so not over. Thanks to better awareness and stricter regulations, BBLs are much safer now than before. Dr. Koehler breaks down the techniques he uses to safely achieve the best possible results. Learn the risks of bargain shopping, what the skinny BBL is and who it’s for, how to sit down during recovery without putting pressure on your butt, and how much fat will actually stick around for the long haul. Read ...

You can have the best results in the world, but being mentally and physically unprepared for recovery will affect your experience. Dr. Koehler and his team believe the more you know at the pre-op appointment about what to expect, the less anxiety and questions you’ll have later and the better the outcome. Compression isn't going to make or break your result, but it is helpful and speeds up your recovery. Find out what types of compression garments Dr. Koehler recommends as well as how often an...

No amount of exercise or diet can correct skin laxity and muscle separation. Although Dr. Koehler finds the term “mommy makeover” to be overused, it represents the surgical options designed to get the pre-kids body back. Most commonly, it’s the breasts and tummy. Some women just need a breast augmentation and tummy tuck, others need a breast lift with implants and tummy tuck, and others need it all: breast lift with implants, tummy tuck, liposuction, and fat transfer to the buttocks. And don’t...