Alabama The Beautiful: The Eastern Shore Cosmetic Surgery Podcast

Alabama the Beautiful is the cosmetic surgery podcast co-hosted by Dr. James Koehler and Dr. Vincent Gardner, surgeons with over 2 decades of expertise in cosmetic surgery and their trusty co-host Kirstin, your best friend, confidante, and the snarky yet loveable “swiss army knife” of Eastern Shore Cosmetic Surgery. With Dr. Koehler and Dr. Gardner's unique expertise in cosmetic surgery and medical aesthetics, each episode is a deep dive into a face, breast or body plastic surgery procedure or hot topic. From the first cosmetic surgery consultation to the days, months, and years beyond, no question goes unanswered.  Have a question for Dr. Koehler, Dr. Gardner and Kirstin? Record your voicemail at alabamathebeautifulpodcast.com and we’ll answer it on the podcast. Located in Fairhope, Alabama on the beautiful Eastern Shore, cosmetic surgeon Dr. James Koehler and his team are dedicated to delivering the very best patient experiences and results. Learn why Eastern Shore Cosmetic Surgery Center one of the leading cosmetic surgery providers for men and women near Fairhope, Alabama and throughout the Mobile-Pensacola area at easternshoreplasticsurgery.com. Your Hosts James Koehler, MD - Dr. James Koehler is a board-certified cosmetic surgeon with an impressive list of academic and professional achievements. From breast augmentation and tummy tuck to face lift and eyelid surgery, women and men from all over the South and across the country seek Dr. Koehler for the aesthetic results he delivers and the stellar experience he and his team are known for. His patients love him for his charm and warm sense of humor, and when you meet him, it is abundantly clear how he has the best interests of each patient near his heart. Supporting him, Dr. Koehler’s staff goes above and beyond to create an exceptional experience for every patient, no matter how big or small the concern. Dr. Koehler first became interested in a surgical career during a general practice residency at the University of Washington in Seattle. During his training at Harborview Medical Center, he found he was armed with the skilled hands and keen eye for detail required for the technical demands of surgery. After completing a general surgery internship, Dr. Koehler further pursued his interests in maxillofacial surgery at the University of Alabama. He then completed a facial cosmetic surgery fellowship under the guidance of Dr. Peter Waite, a past president of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery. He later continued his training and completed two years of Fellowship in full body cosmetic surgery in Tulsa, Oklahoma. After caring for patients in Tulsa from 2006 to 2014, Dr. Koehler had the opportunity to take over the plastic surgery practice of a respected plastic surgeon in Fairhope, Alabama. Happy to return to his home state after decades away, he ventured forward to continue specializing in cosmetic surgery of the face, breast, and body.  Dr. James Koehler Board Certified by the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery in facial and body cosmetic surgeryTrustee for the American Board of Cosmetic SurgeryServed as the Chairman for fellowship training for the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery and has trained numerous cosmetic surgeonsServed on the admissions committee at the Alabama School of Medicine, where he shared his knowledge and experience with residents and studentsServed as a Board examiner for the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery and was the Committee Chairman responsible for formatting the maintenance of certification examHas been co-director for a number of live surgical workshops and has lectured on numerous topics on cosmetic surgery both nationally and internationallyNominated in 2018 for the Stellar Patient Experience Award at the MyFaceMyBody Global Aesthetic Award in Beverly Hills, CaliforniaActive staff at Thomas Medical Center, Infirmary Health in Fairhope, Alabama and currently serves on the surgery steering committeeVincent Gardner

  1. MAR 5

    Chin Implants vs. Chin Filler: What Actually Works Long-Term?

    Chin augmentation is one of the most overlooked ways to improve facial balance, and once you notice it, you can’t unsee it. Kirstin asks Dr. James Koehler and Dr. Vincent Gardner all the questions you probably don’t know to ask about chin augmentation. Dr. Koehler explains how chin implants can subtly sharpen the jawline, why fillers aren’t a long-term fix, and what today’s implant technology gets right. Learn how modern techniques create natural results that feel like your own within months. He also walks through recovery, common myths, and what usually surprises people most after surgery. Read more about chin augmentation Alabama the Beautiful is the cosmetic surgery podcast co-hosted by Dr. James Koehler and Dr. Vincent Gardner, surgeons with over 2 decades of expertise in cosmetic surgery and their trusty co-host Kirstin, your best friend, confidante, and the snarky yet loveable “swiss army knife” of Eastern Shore Cosmetic Surgery. Have a question for Dr. Koehler, Dr. Gardner or Kirstin? Record your voicemail at alabamathebeautifulpodcast.com and we’ll answer it on the podcast. Eastern Shore Cosmetic Surgery is located off Highway 98 at 7541 Cipriano Ct in Fairhope, Alabama. To learn more about the practice or ask a question, go to easternshoreplasticsurgery.com  Follow the team on Instagram @easternshorecosmeticsurgery Watch Dr. Koehler, Dr. Gardner & Kirstin on YouTube @JamesKoehlerMD Alabama The Beautiful is a production of The Axis: theaxis.io Theme music: Never Need a Reason, Guy Trevino and Friends

    20 min
  2. FEB 19

    Why Today’s Hair Transplants Don’t Look Fake

    Hair restoration surgery has come a long way, and today’s results can look incredibly natural when the right technique and patient come together.  Dr. Koehler, Dr. Gardner, and Kirstin explain how NeoGraft and follicular unit extraction (FUE) have changed the game, and why most people choose these methods over older strip techniques. Find out who’s a good fit for hair restoration surgery, what the procedure and recovery are like, and why managing expectations matters just as much as the surgery itself.  Plus, get the truth on common myths about hair transplants, the importance of post-op care, and how you can camouflage your recovery if you don’t want anyone to know about it. Learn more about NeoGraft Hair Restoration Follow Dr. Gardner on Instagram @drvincentgardner and TikTok @drgardner Alabama the Beautiful is the cosmetic surgery podcast co-hosted by Dr. James Koehler, a surgeon with over 2 decades of expertise in cosmetic surgery and his trusty co-host Kirstin, your best friend, confidante, and the snarky yet loveable “swiss army knife” of Eastern Shore Cosmetic Surgery. Have a question for Dr. Koehler or Kirstin? Record your voicemail at alabamathebeautifulpodcast.com and we’ll answer it on the podcast. Eastern Shore Cosmetic Surgery is located off Highway 98 at 7541 Cipriano Ct in Fairhope, Alabama. To learn more about the practice or ask a question, go to easternshoreplasticsurgery.com  Follow Dr. Koehler and the team on Instagram @easternshorecosmeticsurgery And on TikTok @jameskoehlermd Watch Dr. Koehler & Kirstin on YouTube @JamesKoehlerMD Alabama The Beautiful is a production of The Axis: theaxis.io Theme music: Never Need a Reason, Guy Trevino and Friends

    33 min
  3. JAN 15

    What’s In (and Out) for Facial Cosmetic Surgery in 2026

    New year, new predictions! Kirstin revisits Dr. James Koehler’s takes from last year to see which ones held up, then he and Dr. Vincent Gardner look ahead to 2026 and where facial cosmetic trends may be headed. Get their takes on the growing shift toward more natural results, filler fatigue, whether younger people should really be choosing surgery earlier, and why deep plane face lifts continue to be the gold standard for facial rejuvenation. They also talk about how AI is starting to show up in patient education and virtual care and why nothing can replace a surgeon’s trained eye, experience, and human judgment when it comes to great results. Learn more about face lift and other facial cosmetic procedures Alabama the Beautiful is the cosmetic surgery podcast co-hosted by Dr. James Koehler, a surgeon with over 2 decades of expertise in cosmetic surgery and his trusty co-host Kirstin, your best friend, confidante, and the snarky yet loveable “swiss army knife” of Eastern Shore Cosmetic Surgery. Have a question for Dr. Koehler or Kirstin? Record your voicemail at alabamathebeautifulpodcast.com and we’ll answer it on the podcast. Eastern Shore Cosmetic Surgery is located off Highway 98 at 7541 Cipriano Ct in Fairhope, Alabama. To learn more about the practice or ask a question, go to easternshoreplasticsurgery.com  Follow Dr. Koehler and the team on Instagram @easternshorecosmeticsurgery And on TikTok @jameskoehlermd Watch Dr. Koehler & Kirstin on YouTube @JamesKoehlerMD Alabama The Beautiful is a production of The Axis: theaxis.io Theme music: Never Need a Reason, Guy Trevino and Friends

    20 min
  4. JAN 8

    When Is the Best Time for Surgery and Why is it Winter?

    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 and realistic timelines to why protein, simple foods, and cozy indoor rest matter more than people think. If you’re trying to time your surgery so you can heal well and be summer-ready, this is your rundown of what to consider before you book. Check out our out-of-town patient resources Follow Dr. Gardner on Instagram @drvincentgardner and TikTok @drgardner Alabama the Beautiful is the cosmetic surgery podcast co-hosted by Dr. James Koehler, a surgeon with over 2 decades of expertise in cosmetic surgery and his trusty co-host Kirstin, your best friend, confidante, and the snarky yet loveable “swiss army knife” of Eastern Shore Cosmetic Surgery. Have a question for Dr. Koehler or Kirstin? Record your voicemail at alabamathebeautifulpodcast.com and we’ll answer it on the podcast. Eastern Shore Cosmetic Surgery is located off Highway 98 at 7541 Cipriano Ct in Fairhope, Alabama. To learn more about the practice or ask a question, go to easternshoreplasticsurgery.com  Follow Dr. Koehler and the team on Instagram @easternshorecosmeticsurgery And on TikTok @jameskoehlermd Watch Dr. Koehler & Kirstin on YouTube @JamesKoehlerMD Alabama The Beautiful is a production of The Axis: theaxis.io Theme music: Never Need a Reason, Guy Trevino and Friends

    12 min
  5. 12/18/2025

    Exercise Won’t Fix Those Bat Wings! How Arm Lift Surgery Works

    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, surgery is the only way to truly see a big change. Recovery takes a little patience—there’s swelling, and you’ll need to avoid lifting your arms too much at first—but results are long-lasting as long as your weight stays stable. Most people say it’s totally worth it for the confidence boost, especially those who’ve worked hard to lose weight. It’s not a “shrink wrap” fix, and scars are part of the tradeoff, but for many, the payoff is life-changing. Read more about arm lift surgery Follow Dr. Gardner on Instagram @drvincentgardner and TikTok @drgardner Alabama the Beautiful is the cosmetic surgery podcast co-hosted by Dr. James Koehler, a surgeon with over 2 decades of expertise in cosmetic surgery and his trusty co-host Kirstin, your best friend, confidante, and the snarky yet loveable “swiss army knife” of Eastern Shore Cosmetic Surgery. Have a question for Dr. Koehler or Kirstin? Record your voicemail at alabamathebeautifulpodcast.com and we’ll answer it on the podcast. Eastern Shore Cosmetic Surgery is located off Highway 98 at 7541 Cipriano Ct in Fairhope, Alabama. To learn more about the practice or ask a question, go to easternshoreplasticsurgery.com  Follow Dr. Koehler and the team on Instagram @easternshorecosmeticsurgery And on TikTok @jameskoehlermd Watch Dr. Koehler & Kirstin on YouTube @JamesKoehlerMD Alabama The Beautiful is a production of The Axis: theaxis.io Theme music: Never Need a Reason, Guy Trevino and Friends

    17 min
  6. 12/04/2025

    Above or Below the Muscle? The Truth About Breast Implant Placement

    Where your implants go—above or below the muscle—actually makes a big difference. It can change how your breasts look and feel, and how you recover. Most people go under the muscle because it gives a more natural look and lowers the risk of capsular contracture. Dr. Koehler, Dr. Gardner and Kirstin explain how your body type, fitness level, and goals all play into what’s best for you. Above the muscle can work great for some athletes or people with enough natural tissue, but for most, under the muscle just makes sense. They also clear up a few myths, like needing new implants every 10 years, and talk honestly about complications like animation deformity and capsular contracture. Bottom line: there’s no one “right” answer. Have an open chat with a surgeon you trust, listen to your body, and make the choice that fits your lifestyle. Read more about breast augmentation Follow Dr. Gardner on Instagram @drvincentgardner and TikTok @drgardner Alabama the Beautiful is the cosmetic surgery podcast co-hosted by Dr. James Koehler, a surgeon with over 2 decades of expertise in cosmetic surgery and his trusty co-host Kirstin, your best friend, confidante, and the snarky yet loveable “swiss army knife” of Eastern Shore Cosmetic Surgery. Have a question for Dr. Koehler or Kirstin? Record your voicemail at alabamathebeautifulpodcast.com and we’ll answer it on the podcast. Eastern Shore Cosmetic Surgery is located off Highway 98 at 7541 Cipriano Ct in Fairhope, Alabama. To learn more about the practice or ask a question, go to easternshoreplasticsurgery.com  Follow Dr. Koehler and the team on Instagram @easternshorecosmeticsurgery And on TikTok @jameskoehlermd Watch Dr. Koehler & Kirstin on YouTube @JamesKoehlerMD Alabama The Beautiful is a production of The Axis: theaxis.io Theme music: Never Need a Reason, Guy Trevino and Friends

    18 min
  7. 11/13/2025

    Beware of “Bargain Botox” and Sketchy Med Spas

    Not all med spas are created equal. Dr. James Koehler and Kirstin walk through how to spot a safe, physician-run med spa versus those “too good to be true” spots. They explain the difference between traditional spas, medical spas, and those connected to surgical practices—where you benefit from having both non-surgical and surgical options under one roof. Dr. Koehler also shares what really goes on behind the scenes, from safety regulations to who should be doing your injections. And when it comes to bargain Botox? He’s seen what can go wrong. His advice: if the price sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Read more about the medical spa at Eastern Shore Cosmetic Surgery Alabama the Beautiful is the cosmetic surgery podcast co-hosted by Dr. James Koehler, a surgeon with over 2 decades of expertise in cosmetic surgery and his trusty co-host Kirstin, your best friend, confidante, and the snarky yet loveable “swiss army knife” of Eastern Shore Cosmetic Surgery. Have a question for Dr. Koehler or Kirstin? Record your voicemail at alabamathebeautifulpodcast.com and we’ll answer it on the podcast. Eastern Shore Cosmetic Surgery is located off Highway 98 at 7541 Cipriano Ct in Fairhope, Alabama. To learn more about the practice or ask a question, go to easternshoreplasticsurgery.com  Follow Dr. Koehler and the team on Instagram @easternshorecosmeticsurgery And on TikTok @jameskoehlermd Watch Dr. Koehler & Kirstin on YouTube @JamesKoehlerMD Alabama The Beautiful is a production of The Axis: theaxis.io Theme music: Never Need a Reason, Guy Trevino and Friends

    10 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Alabama the Beautiful is the cosmetic surgery podcast co-hosted by Dr. James Koehler and Dr. Vincent Gardner, surgeons with over 2 decades of expertise in cosmetic surgery and their trusty co-host Kirstin, your best friend, confidante, and the snarky yet loveable “swiss army knife” of Eastern Shore Cosmetic Surgery. With Dr. Koehler and Dr. Gardner's unique expertise in cosmetic surgery and medical aesthetics, each episode is a deep dive into a face, breast or body plastic surgery procedure or hot topic. From the first cosmetic surgery consultation to the days, months, and years beyond, no question goes unanswered.  Have a question for Dr. Koehler, Dr. Gardner and Kirstin? Record your voicemail at alabamathebeautifulpodcast.com and we’ll answer it on the podcast. Located in Fairhope, Alabama on the beautiful Eastern Shore, cosmetic surgeon Dr. James Koehler and his team are dedicated to delivering the very best patient experiences and results. Learn why Eastern Shore Cosmetic Surgery Center one of the leading cosmetic surgery providers for men and women near Fairhope, Alabama and throughout the Mobile-Pensacola area at easternshoreplasticsurgery.com. Your Hosts James Koehler, MD - Dr. James Koehler is a board-certified cosmetic surgeon with an impressive list of academic and professional achievements. From breast augmentation and tummy tuck to face lift and eyelid surgery, women and men from all over the South and across the country seek Dr. Koehler for the aesthetic results he delivers and the stellar experience he and his team are known for. His patients love him for his charm and warm sense of humor, and when you meet him, it is abundantly clear how he has the best interests of each patient near his heart. Supporting him, Dr. Koehler’s staff goes above and beyond to create an exceptional experience for every patient, no matter how big or small the concern. Dr. Koehler first became interested in a surgical career during a general practice residency at the University of Washington in Seattle. During his training at Harborview Medical Center, he found he was armed with the skilled hands and keen eye for detail required for the technical demands of surgery. After completing a general surgery internship, Dr. Koehler further pursued his interests in maxillofacial surgery at the University of Alabama. He then completed a facial cosmetic surgery fellowship under the guidance of Dr. Peter Waite, a past president of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery. He later continued his training and completed two years of Fellowship in full body cosmetic surgery in Tulsa, Oklahoma. After caring for patients in Tulsa from 2006 to 2014, Dr. Koehler had the opportunity to take over the plastic surgery practice of a respected plastic surgeon in Fairhope, Alabama. Happy to return to his home state after decades away, he ventured forward to continue specializing in cosmetic surgery of the face, breast, and body.  Dr. James Koehler Board Certified by the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery in facial and body cosmetic surgeryTrustee for the American Board of Cosmetic SurgeryServed as the Chairman for fellowship training for the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery and has trained numerous cosmetic surgeonsServed on the admissions committee at the Alabama School of Medicine, where he shared his knowledge and experience with residents and studentsServed as a Board examiner for the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery and was the Committee Chairman responsible for formatting the maintenance of certification examHas been co-director for a number of live surgical workshops and has lectured on numerous topics on cosmetic surgery both nationally and internationallyNominated in 2018 for the Stellar Patient Experience Award at the MyFaceMyBody Global Aesthetic Award in Beverly Hills, CaliforniaActive staff at Thomas Medical Center, Infirmary Health in Fairhope, Alabama and currently serves on the surgery steering committeeVincent Gardner

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