Dr. Stuart Linder Moderates Breast Surgery Panels at the 2026 LA Symposium in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Posted On: June 16, 2026 Author: The Office of Dr. Stuart Linder Posted In: Breast Surgery
On May 8 and 9, 2026, Dr. Stuart A. Linder had the privilege of serving as a moderator at the 2026 LA Symposium in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, a two-day educational event sponsored by Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.
The symposium was held at the SLS Hotel in Beverly Hills, California, and brought together reconstructive and plastic surgery professionals for focused discussions on advanced surgical techniques, patient safety, reconstruction, and evolving standards of care.
For Dr. Linder, a Beverly Hills board-certified plastic surgeon known for his focus on breast surgery, the event was both an honor and an opportunity to contribute to meaningful professional dialogue. During the symposium, Dr. Linder moderated two breast surgery panels covering some of the most important and timely topics in aesthetic and reconstructive breast surgery.
Day 1: Hot Topics in Breast Surgery
On Friday, May 8, Dr. Linder moderated the panel “Hot Topics in Breast Surgery,” alongside Dr. Daniel Gould. This session focused on several issues that continue to shape modern breast surgery and patient care, especially questions that many breast surgery patients ask during consultation.
Above or Below the Muscle: What Is the Evidence?
Implant position can influence appearance, recovery, implant visibility, and long-term results. This discussion reviewed implant placement options around the pectoral muscle and the evidence behind each approach.
Approaches and Outcomes to Capsular Contracture Treatment
Capsular contracture, a complication involving scar tissue around a breast implant, remains an important concern in breast surgery. The panel explored treatment approaches, surgical planning, and outcomes for patients who experience this condition.
Contemporary Data and Treatment of Breast Implant Illness/ALCL
The panel addressed breast implant illness and ALCL, topics that continue to receive attention from patients, surgeons, and the broader medical community. Dr. Linder led discussions about the importance of current data, patient education, and informed surgical decision-making.
Salvaging the Infected Implant: Modern Approaches
Infection after implant surgery can be challenging. Dr. Linder focused on modern strategies for managing implant infections and determining when implant salvage may be possible.
As a moderator, Dr. Linder helped guide the discussion and keep the session focused on evidence, safety, and practical clinical considerations. This closely aligns with his extensive experience in breast augmentation, breast revision, and complex breast surgery.
Day 2: Refinements in Breast Plastic Surgery and Reconstruction
On Saturday, May 9, Dr. Linder moderated a second panel titled “Refinements in Breast Surgery and Reconstruction,” alongside Dr. Ketan Patel, who served as chairman of the symposium.
This panel reinforced an important point: breast surgery is not only about size. It’s an intricate design that involves shape, proportion, tissue behavior, long-term planning, and more.
Shaping the Reconstructed Breast
Breast reconstruction requires careful planning to restore shape, proportion, and symmetry. Dr. Linder and other experienced doctors explored techniques used to create balanced and natural-looking reconstructive results.
Approaches to Augmentation/Mastopexy
Augmentation/mastopexy, commonly known as breast augmentation with a breast lift, is a technically demanding procedure that combines breast volume enhancement with lifting and reshaping. The discussion centered on surgeons’ techniques and the steps required for ideal breast refinement.
Infections and Capsular Contracture in Breast Reconstruction
The panel discussed infection and capsular contracture in reconstructive breast surgery, where tissue quality, surgical history, radiation, implants, and patient-specific factors can make treatment more complex.
Addressing the Contralateral Breast in Unilateral Reconstruction
For patients undergoing reconstruction on one breast, achieving symmetry with the opposite breast is often an important part of the surgical plan. Dr. Linder moderated a discussion that reviewed approaches to improving balance and proportion in unilateral reconstruction cases.
A Meaningful Connection to the Buncke Legacy
The symposium also featured Dr. Gregory Buncke as the Sarnat Lecturer for a presentation titled “Ensuring His Legacy.” Dr. Buncke is a plastic, hand, and microsurgeon at The Buncke Clinic in San Francisco.
This was especially meaningful given the Buncke family’s place in both the history of microsurgery and Dr. Linder’s career. Harry J. Buncke, the founder of Buncke Clinic, was widely considered the father of microvascular surgery and played an important role in developing tools and techniques that shaped the field.
Dr. Linder directly trained under Harry Buncke in San Francisco from 1994 to 1997 while completing his Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery fellowship. During this time, he fostered a deep personal connection with the family. Having Dr. Gregory Buncke as a participant in the same symposium created a full-circle moment that reflected the lasting influence of mentorship, training, and ongoing professional dialogue.
An Honor to Engage in Thoughtful Moderation
Dr. Linder’s role as moderator for two breast surgery panels reflects his continued involvement in surgical education and professional collaboration. The symposium provided an important forum for discussing current challenges, refinements, and innovations in plastic and reconstructive surgery.
For patients, surgical care depends not only on technical expertise but also on ongoing learning, thoughtful judgment, and adherence to current standards of care. These panels addressed issues that directly involve the individual, including:
- Safety
- Risk factors
- Breast implant illness
- Reconstruction planning
- Long-term results.
For Dr. Linder, participating in the 2026 LA Symposium was both a privilege and an honor. In an expansive field like breast surgery, where patient goals, surgical technique, safety considerations, and long-term outcomes all intersect, the opportunity to help lead thoughtful dialogue among his colleagues was especially meaningful.
Who Is Dr. Stuart Linder?
Dr. Stuart A. Linder is a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon based in Beverly Hills, CA. With more than 25 years of experience in cosmetic and revision procedures, Dr. Linder is a leading expert in breast and body sculpting. He especially specializes in breast augmentation, breast lifts, breast reduction, and breast revisions, having performed over 16,000 different procedures customized to the patient.
This background in breast surgery and reconstructive training allowed him to guide discussions on some of the most relevant topics in aesthetic and reconstructive procedures. Having the honor to moderate reflects not only this experience but also a continued commitment to education, safety, and informed surgical planning.
To schedule your personalized consultation with Dr. Linder, call (310) 275-4813 or complete our online contact form today.