Plastic Surgeon Dr. Brucker in La Jolla, California 92037

Name: Michael Brucker, MD
Last name: Brucker
Gender: male
Began aesthetic medicine in: 2002
Years experience: 21
Primary Specialty: Plastic Surgeon
Website: https://drbrucker.com/
Business: Brucker Plastic Surgery Center
Address: 9850 Genesee Ave
Address suite: Suite 500
Phone: (858) 815-9193
International phone number: +18588159193
City: La Jolla
State: California
Zip Code: 92037
Country: US
Statement: Dr. Brucker is a skilled La Jolla plastic surgeon with more than 19 years in practice. Combining both technical experience and an artist’s intuition of the human form, he provides patients with the natural-looking and aesthetically pleasing changes they seek.

In Dr. Brucker’s care, you can expect a high level of individualized attention and his personal investment in not only meeting, but exceeding your expectations. He founded his practice on the premise that offering patients more time in direct consultation, detailed information about their options, and a greater focus on their comfort creates the ideal patient experience. Based on a track record of excellent outcomes and a practice that is driven by referrals from happy patients, this approach has been proven most successful.

Dr. Brucker is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. He is the former President of the San Diego Society of Plastic Surgeons and the former Medical Director and present Board Member of Fresh Start Surgical Gifts. He is a Fellow of The Aesthetic Society and the American College of Surgeons.

Consulting Fees: -1$
Has Sponsored Offer : No

Special Offers: 
Offer #1: Galderma Offer
Special Offer Treatments: All treatments
End Time: 12/31/2023
Detail: Sign up for Aspire Galderma Rewards prior to your appointment to receive $20 off on each treatment listed below: Dysport®, Restylane® family, Sculptra® Aesthetic.
Clinical Privileges: 
  • Scripps Memorial Hospital, La Jolla

Michael Brucker, MD

Education: 
  • Undergraduate: BS, Williamette University, Salem, Oregon
  • Medical: MD, Northwestern Medical School, Chicago, IL
Postdoc Training: 
  • Internship: Brown University School of Medicine, Rhode Island Hospital, 1997
  • Residencies:
  • General Surgery, Brown University School of Medicine, Rhode Island Hospital, 1999
  • Plastic Surgery, Brown University School of Medicine, Rhode Island Hospital, 2002
Member of: 
  • American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS)
  • American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)
Board Certification: 
Michael John Brucker (ABMSUID -762594)

Viewed: 7/25/2008
Day of birth:
9/12/1969

Status: Alive
Certification: American Board of Plastic Surgery
Plastic Surgery – General

Status: Certified
Active Time-Limited Initial Certification: 11/15/2003 – 12/31/2013
Education: 1996 MD (Doctor of Medicine)
Location: 9850 Genesee Ave Ste 500La Jolla, CA 92037-1213 (United States)

GPS coordinates on map: 32.8833691,-117.2265489

Primary location: 
Location name: San Diego
State: CA
Country: US
Map point: 32.7188,-117.1640015
Treatments: 
  • Areola Reduction Surgery
  • Arm Lift
  • Asian Rhinoplasty
  • Bellafill
  • Belly Button Surgery
  • Body Lift
  • Botox
  • Brazilian Butt Lift
  • Brazilian Butt Lift Revision
  • Breast Augmentation
  • Breast Fat Transfer
  • Breast Implant Removal
  • Breast Implant Revision
  • Breast Implants
  • Breast Lift
  • Breast Lift with Implants
  • Breast Reduction
  • Brow Lift
  • Butt Augmentation
  • Butt Lift
  • Cellfina
  • Cheek Augmentation
  • Chin Implant
  • Chin Liposuction
  • Dermal Fillers
  • Diastasis Recti Repair
  • Ear Surgery
  • Earlobe Repair
  • Eyelid Surgery
  • Facelift
  • Facelift Revision
  • Facial
  • Facial Fat Transfer
  • Gynecomastia Surgery
  • Inspira Breast Implants
  • Juvederm
  • Laser Resurfacing
  • Lip Fillers
  • Lip Implants
  • Lip Lift
  • Lip Surgery
  • Lipoma Removal
  • Liposculpture
  • Liposuction
  • Liposuction Revision
  • Lower Facelift
  • Male Tummy Tuck
  • Mini Facelift
  • Mini Tummy Tuck
  • Mole Removal
  • Mommy Makeover
  • Natrelle Breast Implants
  • Neck Lift
  • Nipple Surgery
  • Pearl Laser
  • PicoSure
  • Ptosis Surgery
  • Restylane
  • Restylane Lyft
  • Restylane Silk
  • Revision Rhinoplasty
  • Rhinoplasty
  • Scar Removal
  • Septoplasty
  • Sientra Breast Implants
  • SMAS Facelift
  • Strattice
  • Subcision
  • Teeth Whitening
  • Thigh Lift
  • Tummy Tuck
  • Tummy Tuck Revision
  • Umbilical Hernia Repair
  • Volbella
  • Vollure
  • Voluma

RealSelf Info

Rating: 4.7
Profile views: 16095
Answer count: 271
Review count: 49
1 star count: 2
5 star count: 21
Total star count: 23
Star rating: 3.9459512304828
Anonymous votes: 0
Offer count: 1
Profile created: Dec 11, 2007
Profile modified: Aug 9, 2021
Profile promotion: No
Profile inactive: No
Premier status: Profile Plus
Tier: Pro
RealCare Promise: Yes
Directory link: Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
RealSelf’s PRO: Yes
Doctor Designation Start Time: Mar 27, 2019
Doctor Designation End Time: Jan 1, 2033

Locations

  • La Jolla, CA, US. GPS coordinates: 32.8475,-117.2750015
  • San Diego, CA, US. GPS coordinates: 32.7188,-117.1640015

Latest ratings of treatments

  • Breast Implant Revision (Sep 2023) – Overall rating: 5/5
  • Mommy Makeover (Sep 2023) – Overall rating: 5/5
  • Breast Lift with Implants (Sep 2023) – Overall rating: 5/5
  • Mommy Makeover (Sep 2023) – Overall rating: 5/5
  • Eyelid Surgery (Jan 2018) – Overall rating: 5/5
  • Tummy Tuck (Feb 2020) – Overall rating: 5/5
  • Breast Augmentation (Apr 2021) – Overall rating: 5/5 (Wait times: 5/5, Doctor’s bedside manner: 4/5, Phone or email responsiveness: 5/5, Payment process: 5/5, Time spent with patient: 4/5, After care follow-up: 5/5, Staff professionalism & courtesy: 4/5, Answered questions: 5/5)
  • Revision Rhinoplasty (Sep 2023) – Overall rating: 1/5 (Wait times: 1/5, Doctor’s bedside manner: 1/5, Phone or email responsiveness: 1/5, Payment process: 1/5, Time spent with patient: 1/5, After care follow-up: 1/5, Staff professionalism & courtesy: 1/5, Answered questions: 1/5)
  • Mini Lift (Sep 2023) – Overall rating: 5/5
  • Tummy Tuck (Sep 2023) – Overall rating: 5/5 (Wait times: 5/5, Doctor’s bedside manner: 5/5, Phone or email responsiveness: 5/5, Payment process: 5/5, Time spent with patient: 5/5, After care follow-up: 5/5, Staff professionalism & courtesy: 5/5, Answered questions: 5/5)
  • Eyelid Surgery (Sep 2023) – Overall rating: 5/5
  • Breast Augmentation (Sep 2023) – Overall rating: 5/5
  • Body Lift (Sep 2023) – Overall rating: 5/5
  • Eyelid Surgery (Dec 2017) – Overall rating: 5/5
  • Breast Lift with Implants (Sep 2023) – Overall rating: 5/5
  • Rhinoplasty (Apr 2018) – Overall rating: 5/5
  • Liposculpture (Sep 2023) – Overall rating: 5/5
  • Breast Implant Revision (Aug 2018) – Overall rating: 5/5
  • Breast Augmentation (Sep 2023) – Overall rating: 5/5
  • Brow Lift (Sep 2023) – Overall rating: 5/5
  • Lip Reduction (Jun 2016) – Overall rating: 5/5 (Wait times: 5/5, Doctor’s bedside manner: 5/5, Phone or email responsiveness: 5/5, Payment process: 5/5, Time spent with patient: 5/5, After care follow-up: 5/5, Staff professionalism & courtesy: 5/5, Answered questions: 5/5)
  • Mommy Makeover (Jul 2023) – Overall rating: 5/5 (Wait times: 5/5, Doctor’s bedside manner: 5/5, Phone or email responsiveness: 5/5, Payment process: 5/5, Time spent with patient: 5/5, After care follow-up: 5/5, Staff professionalism & courtesy: 5/5, Answered questions: 5/5)
  • Mommy Makeover (Jul 2023) – Overall rating: 5/5 (Wait times: 5/5, Doctor’s bedside manner: 5/5, Phone or email responsiveness: 5/5, Payment process: 5/5, Time spent with patient: 5/5, After care follow-up: 5/5, Staff professionalism & courtesy: 5/5, Answered questions: 5/5)
  • Mommy Makeover (Jul 2023) – Overall rating: 5/5
  • Mommy Makeover (Jul 2023) – Overall rating: 5/5
  • Mommy Makeover (Jul 2023) – Overall rating: 5/5
  • Breast Reduction (Jun 2014) – Overall rating: 5/5 (Wait times: 5/5, Doctor’s bedside manner: 5/5, Phone or email responsiveness: 5/5, Payment process: 5/5, Time spent with patient: 5/5, After care follow-up: 5/5, Staff professionalism & courtesy: 5/5, Answered questions: 5/5)
  • Breast Lift (Feb 2023) – Overall rating: 5/5 (Wait times: 5/5, Doctor’s bedside manner: 5/5, Phone or email responsiveness: 5/5, Payment process: 5/5, Time spent with patient: 5/5, After care follow-up: 5/5, Staff professionalism & courtesy: 5/5, Answered questions: 5/5)
  • Breast Implant Revision (Mar 2019) – Overall rating: 1/5

Latest Prices

Breast Implant Revision Prices

  • $14000 – Mar 31, 2019
  • $15850 – Mar 2022
  • $14000 – Mar 31, 2019
  • $15850 – Mar 2021

Mommy Makeover Prices

  • $17000 – May 11, 2015 – La Jolla, CA
  • $29000 – Oct 8, 2018 – San Diego, CA
  • $29000 – Oct 8, 2018 – San Diego, CA
  • $29000 – Oct 8, 2018 – San Diego, CA
  • $29000 – Oct 8, 2018
  • $29000 – Oct 8, 2018
  • $20001 – Oct 2017 – La Jolla, CA
  • $17000 – May 11, 2015 – La Jolla, CA

Breast Lift with Implants Prices

  • $9500 – Apr 13, 2015 – San Diego, CA
  • $14000 – Oct 18, 2018
  • $14000 – Oct 18, 2018
  • $11000 – Oct 15, 2015 – San Diego, CA
  • $11000 – Oct 15, 2015 – San Diego, CA
  • $11000 – Oct 15, 2015 – San Diego, CA

Eyelid Surgery Prices

  • $2900 – Dec 6, 2017 – La Jolla
  • $2900 – Dec 6, 2017 – La Jolla
  • $2900 – Dec 6, 2017 – La Jolla

Tummy Tuck Prices

  • $13501 – Jun 12, 2017 – La Jolla, CA
  • $9000 – Mar 4, 2015 – La Jolla, CA
  • $9000 – Mar 4, 2015 – La Jolla, CA
  • $20001 – Oct 2017 – La Jolla, CA
  • $13501 – Jun 12, 2017 – La Jolla, CA
  • $13501 – Jun 12, 2017 – La Jolla, CA
  • $7500 – Jul 25, 2013 – La Jolla, CA
  • $12000 – Jun 2, 2016 – San Diego, CA
  • $12000 – Jun 2, 2016 – San Diego, CA
  • $12000 – Jun 2, 2016 – San Diego, CA
  • $17000 – May 11, 2015 – La Jolla, CA
  • $9000 – Mar 4, 2015 – La Jolla, CA
  • $9000 – Mar 4, 2015 – La Jolla, CA
  • $1 – Jul 25, 2013 – La Jolla, CA
  • $7500 – Jul 25, 2013 – La Jolla, CA
  • $7500 – Jul 25, 2013 – La Jolla, CA
  • $7500 – Jul 25, 2013 – La Jolla, CA
  • $7500 – Jul 25, 2013 – La Jolla, CA
  • $20000 – Mar 2013 – La Jolla, CA

Breast Augmentation Prices

  • $7775 – Apr 1, 2021
  • $7775 – Apr 1, 2021
  • $7775 – Apr 1, 2021
  • $7775 – Apr 1, 2021
  • $6450 – Oct 2018 – La Jolla, CA
  • $7000 – Jul 15, 2015 – La Jolla, CA
  • $6400 – Mar 31, 2014 – San Diego, CA
  • $6400 – Mar 31, 2014
  • $6400 – Mar 31, 2014
  • $6400 – Mar 31, 2014 – unknown
  • $6450 – Aug 2012 – La Jolla, CA
  • $6450 – Aug 2012 – La Jolla, CA

Breast Implants Prices

  • $6000 – Sep 2023 – San Diego, CA
  • $6000 – Oct 2015 – San Diego, CA
  • $6000 – Nov 2014 – San Diego, CA

Revision Rhinoplasty Prices

  • $8900 – Nov 20, 2014 – La Jolla, CA
  • $8900 – Nov 20, 2014 – La Jolla, CA
  • $8900 – Nov 20, 2014 – La Jolla, CA
  • $8900 – Nov 20, 2014 – La Jolla, CA

Body Lift Prices

  • $7000 – Jul 31, 2014 – La Jolla, CA
  • $1 – Jul 31, 2014 – La Jolla, CA
  • $7000 – Jul 31, 2014 – La Jolla, CA
  • $7000 – Jul 31, 2014 – La Jolla, CA
  • $15000 – Sep 8, 2014 – La Jolla, CA
  • $15000 – Sep 8, 2014 – La Jolla, CA
  • $15000 – Sep 8, 2014 – La Jolla, CA

Rhinoplasty Prices

  • $8500 – Nov 24, 2014 – San Diego, CA
  • $10000 – Apr 13, 2014 – La Jolla, CA
  • $10000 – Apr 13, 2014 – La Jolla, CA
  • $10000 – Apr 13, 2014 – La Jolla, CA
  • $8000 – Nov 24, 2014 – San Diego, CA

Lip Reduction Prices

  • $3000 – Jun 10, 2016 – La Jolla, CA
  • $3000 – Jun 10, 2016 – La Jolla, CA
  • $3000 – Jun 10, 2016 – La Jolla, CA
  • $3000 – Jun 10, 2016 – La Jolla, CA

Breast Reduction Prices

  • $6800 – Jun 9, 2014 – La Jolla, CA
  • $6750 – Oct 2018 – San Diego/La Jolla
  • $6800 – Jun 9, 2014 – La Jolla, CA
  • $6750 – Nov 2011 – San Diego/La Jolla

Breast Lift Prices

  • $6000 – Feb 2023 – La Jolla, CA
  • $14000 – Mar 31, 2019
  • $6150 – May 31, 2017 – La Jolla, CA
  • $6150 – May 31, 2017 – La Jolla, CA
  • $6150 – May 31, 2017 – La Jolla, CA
  • $6150 – May 31, 2017 – La Jolla, CA
  • $6150 – May 31, 2017 – La Jolla, CA
  • $6150 – May 31, 2017 – La Jolla, CA
  • $6150 – May 31, 2017 – La Jolla, CA
  • $6150 – May 31, 2017 – La Jolla, CA
  • $6150 – May 31, 2017 – La Jolla, CA
  • $6000 – Apr 2014 – La Jolla, CA

Back Lift Prices

  • $7000 – Jul 31, 2014 – La Jolla, CA

Mini Tummy Tuck Prices

  • $7800 – May 20, 2013 – La Jolla, CA
  • $7800 – May 20, 2013 – La Jolla, CA

SMAS Facelift Prices

  • $11000 – Mar 26, 2014 – La Jolla, CA
  • $11000 – Mar 26, 2014 – La Jolla, CA

Liposuction Prices

  • $2500 – Oct 2018 – La Jolla, CA
  • $2500 – Aug 2012 – La Jolla, CA

Other Prices

  • $15000 – Sep 8, 2014 – La Jolla, CA
  • $7000 – Jul 31, 2014 – La Jolla, CA
  • $7000 – Jul 31, 2014 – La Jolla, CA
  • $7000 – Jul 31, 2014 – La Jolla, CA
  • $7000 – Jul 31, 2014 – La Jolla
  • $2500 – Aug 2012 – La Jolla, CA

Special Offers

Heading
Start Time / End Time
Detail
Treatments
Galderma Offer
Dec 3, 2019 /
Dec 31, 2023
Sign up for Aspire Galderma Rewards prior to your appointment to receive $20 off on each treatment listed below: Dysport®, Restylane® family, Sculptra® Aesthetic.
Specific treatments

Doctor's answers

Question
Answer Header & Date
Answer Snippet
Wrinkling of silicone implants after pregnancy. Can this be corrected and is it worth looking into
Wrinkling of silicone implants after pregnancy. Can this be corrected and is it worth looking into having a revision?
Jan 30, 2019
This is a common concern I see in my practice and if this is something that bothers you, yes, a revision can improve this concern.  It is normal after pregnancy and breast feeding to lose some of your native breast tissue.  You would require an in-person exam to discuss your best options but based on your photos, I generally favor the use of Strattice, an acellular dermal matrix (ADM), to reinforce your pocket(s) and provide a layer of coverage where it is lacking.  Today's more cohes...
Where would I get Botox for this crease on my face? Or Fillers?
Where would I get Botox for this crease on my face? Or Fillers?
Dec 27, 2018
This area can definitely be improved by using a hyaluronic acid filler and not Botox.  Botox is a paralytic so it would not be used under the eyes.  I would recommend a consultation with an experienced cosmetic injector or plastic surgeon to discuss this treatment option for you as injecting under eye filler properly requires advanced techniques.  Best of luck.
Is 1 CC of Filler good enough for tear trough?
Is 1 CC of Filler good enough for tear troughs?
Dec 27, 2018
An in-person assessment is the best, however, based on these pictures it appears that you may benefit from 1 cc or possibly more of hyaluronic acid filler.  My choice of filler to this area is Vollure, Juvederm, or Restylane. Going to someone who is qualified is more important than price so make sure you feel confident with the experience and technique of the person performing your injections.
Should I get the bigger side of my upper lip dissolved or more filler injected into my upper lip? (
Should I get the bigger side of my upper lip dissolved or more filler injected into my upper lip?
Dec 27, 2018
It appears that you have some overfilling to both your upper and lower lips as well as asymmetrical placement.  I would recommend dissolving the product first, then returning the following week for rebuilding/refilling of the lips properly by an experience cosmetic injector or board certified plastic surgeon.
Is 2 syringes of Juvederm Ultra and 1 syringe of Volbella to correct my lipstick lines and add volu
Is 2 syringes of Juvederm Ultra and 1 syringe of Volbella to correct my lipstick lines and add volume too much?
Dec 27, 2018
I recommend starting with one syringe of Juvederm Ultra to add volume to the lips and one syringe of Volbella to treat the perioral lines ("lipstick lines") around the mouth.  If after these two syringes are done and you feel like you could benefit from a bit more, your injector can then add another syringe or partial syringe very easily.  
I got Restylane under eye filler 5 weeks ago. I swoll up tremendously and bruised. Can anyone help
I got Restylane under eye filler 5 weeks ago. I swelled up tremendously and bruised. Can anyone help me fix my eyes?
Dec 27, 2018
It is very unusual to be swollen for so long after fillers.  It appears your under eyes have been overfilled and I would recommend dissolving the filler first.  If there is any residual discoloration to the area I would recommend treatment with an IPL/photofacial.  After everything has healed the area should be assessed for need to refill correctly by an experienced cosmetic injector or board certified plastic surgeon. 
What is the best way to improve my skin texture/pigment/scarring without laser treatment?
What is the best way to improve my skin texture/pigment/scarring without laser treatment?
Dec 27, 2018
I've found the best non-laser treatments to improve acne scarring, skin texture, and pigment are a series of chemical peels such as the ZO 3-step peel, and microneedling, followed by Bellafill injections directly to the depressed acne scars.  Bellafill is a long lasting filler and works well for acne scars. While acne scars are challenging to treat, this combination works very well for most patients.It is difficult to see what the growth on your forehead is so I would recommend an in-pe...
8 months post op of implants with lift, what should I ask my surgeon?
8 months post op of implants with lift, what should I ask my surgeon?
Dec 26, 2018
Your overall result is not bad but there is some room for minor improvement if you are unhappy.  Your preoperative photos show pre-existing asymmetry with the right breast being larger than the left.  Your post-operative photos seem to show that this asymmetry is reversed and the left breast appears slightly larger and/or higher than the right.  Were two different implant sizes used in an attempt to correct your pre-existing asymmetry?  I generally prefer using two same sized implants and...
Do I have dog ears? 1 year post op TT.
Do I have dog ears? 1 year post op tummy tuck.
Dec 26, 2018
While it doesn't appear that you have dog ears per se, you do have some residual fullness above your scar which can easily be liposuctioned for a smoother effect and overall improved contour of your torso.  I do also notice areas of thickened scar which can be injected and/or revised for a better appearance at the same time.  These are easy procedures with minimal downtime so I wouldn't hesitate to follow up with your surgeon for a touch up.
Will I be able to breast feed 12 years after breast reduction with old horizontal technique.
Will I be able to breast feed 12 years after breast reduction?
Dec 26, 2018
I always counsel patients who are considering breast reduction to be prepared for the inability to breastfeed.  A lot of breast tissue is removed during this operation and the milk ducts can be disturbed.  This is not to say that you will definitely not be able to breast feed but there is the likelihood that this ability will be affected.  Some women are not able to breastfeed regardless of having breast reduction because they don't produce enough milk or various other reasons.  There is n...
Is a private nurse (in the hospital) needed for recovery after a facelift (with general anesthesia)
Is a private nurse needed for recovery after a facelift?
Dec 26, 2018
I agree with the need for a private nurse with experience caring for plastic surgery patients for at least one night following a face lift or abdominoplasty.  These procedures involve drains and it is helpful to have an extra set of eyes on you to watch for any unusal bleeding or swelling during the first night.  While these complications are rare, it is in the patient's best interest to have professional post-operative care.  Also, if you have young children or pets at home, you would hav...
Should I avoid certain foods (especially sallcylates) before a facelift + blepharoplasty with gener
Should I avoid certain foods before a facelift + blepharoplasty?
Dec 26, 2018
You should always check with your plastic surgeon for his/her specific recommendations but I do not restrict the foods you mentioned preoperatively.  There are certain foods in supplement form that should be avoided because of the concentrated quantity such as cayenne pills, garlic pills and ginger pills.  There are also many herbal supplements that can cause increased bleeding such as echinachea, melatonin, kava kava,valerian, and multi-vitamins (specifically Vitamin E) to name a few.  Fru...
Is it best to go under anesthesia and get it all done at once or do the local anesthesia and break
Is it best to go under anesthesia and get it all done at once or do the local anesthesia and break it up?
Dec 3, 2018
For the most part, liposuction under local anesthesia is not a good idea, especially this many areas.  Local anesthesia may be recommended if your surgeon does not have a AAAASF certified operating room or is not a board certified plastic surgeon.  It is very difficult to keep patients comfortable under local anesthesia as you are working over a large surface area.  Lidocaine toxicity from too much local anesthetic is a concern which may be why the surgeon is suggesting to break up the ope...
Do you have to be a certain age for a Mommy Makeover? I am 60. Do I need to see a specialist becaus
Do you have to be a certain age for a Mommy Makeover? I am 60. Do I need to see a specialist because of my age?
Nov 29, 2018
The most important factor when considering any elective surgery is that you are in good general health.  Prior to operating on any patient, we make sure to discuss your health history in detail to make sure it is safe to proceed.  You may need to obtain medical clearance from your family doctor or cardiologist, if applicable.  I have had a number of patients in their 50s and 60s who do very well with this combination of procedures.  Many comment that they wished they had done it sooner beca...
How to get a natural look and gain/lose weight proportionately after breast fat transfer.
How to get a natural look and gain/lose weight proportionately after breast fat transfer
Sep 25, 2018
Normally, to maintain a result after extensive liposuction, one would need to focus on eating less/exercising more to maintain a smaller size rather than maintaining your pre-surgery weight.  It would make more sense and be more cost effective if you focus on losing a bit of weight to bring your proportion back to scale rather than undergoing more surgery which may or may not have the desired effect.  Weigh your options carefully before you decide on more surgery and follow up with your su...

Latest Before And After Photos

Last updated on 11/23/2023