Plastic Surgery Decoded

Microsurgery – sounds cool, but what is it? Basically it's surgery at a microscopic level, using a microscope to assist. But how did that come about? When would you use it?  Well, we’ve got expert Dr. Meredith Collins with us in this episode to explain what microsurgery is all about, and how it can help with reconstruction of the body in general, as well as in her sub-specialty breast reconst...

A new era of facelift… What could that mean? Well, time and technology allow us to improve methods for almost anything. And facelifts are no different! Yes we’re in a new era of facelifts… one that highlights more natural results while decreasing downtime and risks. Want to hear more about it? Well it’s great that we have Dr. Artur Diaz-Carandell all the way from Barcelona, Spain to discuss this t...

You may know that a woman’s breast appearance can psychosocially impact her greatly. So if chosen, what are the options for breast rejuvenation, especially after pregnancy, aging, weight loss, etc? How involved are they? In episode 88 we speak with Dr. Richard Bene to get answers to these questions. Listen in!

Okay, you’ve lost weight, whether through diet and exercise, or weight-loss surgery, or even new drugs like Ozempic. But after going through that lengthy process, what you may not realize is that stretched-out skin will not necessarily shrink back ! Curious about that? Listen to my conversation with Dr. Brian Derby who’s got great explanations of the options for treatment. He imparts important inf...

A breast reduction can be life-changing! Yes, a surprising number of women suffer from heavy breasts, and we’re not just talking about endless back and neck pain. Longstanding suffering can lead to mental strain, as well. But what does a breast reduction really involve? And what happens to sensation? Can you still breast-feed? Plus, will it be covered by insurance?  In this episode we have Dr...

In previous episode 84, or Part 1, we discussed how to reduce unwanted fat.  In this episode, Part 2, we discuss the novel uses for some of that excess fat. You might be surprised, because we usually think of FAT as something to get rid of! Well, fat can be like Liquid Gold when it’s moved from one place in the body to another, improving contour and sometimes transforming the overlying skin q...

Here we talk about how to trim down areas of problematic fat. What are the current options? Which treatments are most effective? Are there limits to how much can be accomplished? And the biggest question... Will it last? In this episode, Dr. Kristy Hamilton in Houston, Texas has some great information about this subject, and she shares that knowledge with us right here...

Wound Care?  What does it have to do with Plastic Surgery? Some acute, traumatic wounds are so large and devastating that intervention is needed to achieve healing and closure.  Other lingering or chronic wounds may have associated problems that stop the healing potential in its tracks. They need help, too. Today we have Dr. David Zamierowski in conversation, to help explain the plastic...

Many people don’t like the idea of general anesthesia in an operating room. So, what if their procedure could just be done in the office? Sounds great, but which procedures are best-suited for an in-office location? What type of anesthesia would be used? And is it safe?  These questions and more are answered by my guest Dr. Curtis Wong in California, who weighs in with his considerable experi...

Will you still care about your appearance when you are older?  You might be surprised.  70 is the new 50, after all!  And if you’d like to explore procedures in the later decades, at what age is it too late? In this episode we answer those questions and more, in a great conversation with Dr. JoAn Monaco practicing in New York.  She tells us which age groups tend to get which pr...

You may have heard a lot about breast implants, but is it a “forever” procedure? Why would they ever need to come out? And, what might it be like for people who have had implants for so long, but now must live without them? Learn about the in’s and out’s of implants from someone who has a large experience with their placement and especially with their removal. Dr. Brad Storm joins us in a great di...

No matter how many sit-ups, abdominal contour after pregnancy is not something that can really be controlled or predicted. And when you add functional problems, related to muscle diastasis, to insecurities about appearance, what’s left is frustration and even embarrassment.  Want to hear the story of 2 sisters who went through these difficulties after pregnancies and were successfully treated...

By now, most of us have heard about the impressive weight loss that can result from Ozempic and similar drugs.  But at what cost to the face?  “Ozempic Face” is the term ascribed to some less-desirable facial changes after significant weight reduction. So, what are those changes, and how can they be improved?  For this episode we have facial plastic surgeon Dr. Keith Ladner who full...

A face transplant?  Not science fiction!   I’m talking about the amazing medical development of being able to transfer all the layers of the face, skin down to bone ...from a deceased donor ...to another human....in-need. Who better to help educate listeners about this than the plastic surgeon who heads the Face Transplant Program at Mayo Clinic, Dr. Samir Mardini. Listen as he shares hi...

Any procedure can be associated with discomfort.  Though opioids have been quite effective at minimizing pain, you no doubt are aware they can cause some unintended problems, most notably addiction-potential. Such problems have prompted exploration into alternatives, and that exploration has been quite fruitful! In this episode, we speak with a long-practicing plastic surgeon, Dr. Fouad Samah...

Scars!  No one wants them! But they are an inevitable part of the healing process. Most scars settle down over time, but what about those that change color, thicken, or become painful and itchy? They can be unsightly, and a source of insecurity.  What can be done to help? In this episode we welcome Dr. Andrew Vardanian at UCLA to explain some treatment options for problematic scars, and...

Imagine what it’s like not to be able to move part of your face!  (...meaning more than just a crooked smile.)  Our facial expressions are our calling-card to the world, whether you are a famous celebrity, or an everyday person. Join the conversation with Dr. Babak Azizzadeh as he enlightens about amazing ways to help this devastating problem, and as he relates some heartwarming success...

Drains for surgery?  What does that mean?  What do they look like, and why would you need them?   Must you always have them? And what’s a seroma, anyway? Find answers to these questions and more, during our conversation with Dr. Kalila Steen, as she explains all you need to know in a very understandable way.

The eyelids are one of the first areas of the face to show age, whether male or female. Some people may want to treat their eyelid concerns, whether for cosmetic reasons, or more functional reasons...think droopy eyelids obstructing vision. So, it is nice to know the rejuvenation options. Does it always require surgery? Either way, what’s involved? Today we have Dr. Jon Rast to share his knowledge...

Episode 71 about Flap-based options in Breast Reconstruction is Part 2 of our mini-series. What are flaps, anyway? Previous episode 70 discussed Implant reconstructions, and again you can refer back to Episode 21 for an overview of all of Breast Reconstruction.  But today we have the pioneer of the DIEP flap, Dr. Robert Allen, who is Clinical Professor of Plastic Surgery at LSU, among other p...

What’s the importance of a breast ? If you or anyone you know has gone through cancer, you realize Breast Reconstruction restores much more than just a body part. In this first of a 2-part series, we discuss implant-based reconstruction, and the essential information you want to know. We have a great conversation on this podcast episode with the engaging Dr. Brian Thornton, who has devoted a large...

Hmmm, what is it about our necks that can make us so self-conscious sometimes?  For those who are intrigued, there are some things that can be done to rejuvenate its appearance.  Listening to this episode will introduce you to Dr. Jason Roostaeian, who has a well-thought out approach to treatment decisions. He shares his opinions about what “works”, and what doesn’t. Tune in!

Is it more acceptable now to undergo cosmetic procedures for the simple goals of feeling better about yourself, and looking better to others?  What’s that all about? Plastic surgeon Dr. Michele Shermak shares her thoughts on this topic, and as you’ll hear, she has a very relatable approach to her current and future patients. Take a listen to the episode...

Listen in! The accomplished Dr. R. Barrett Noone weaves the fascinating tale of the progress, the triumphs, and even the missteps of the specialty of Plastic Surgery, in his new book “From Trenches to Transplants: Changing Lives with Plastic Surgery”. And, he highlights all of this with some surprising and heartwarming patient stories along the way. Settle into a comfy spot for this one!

You may have been curious about thigh & body lifts -- but what can they do? What’s great about them, and what are the trade-offs? Who would be a good candidate? We’ve touched on the subject in earlier Episode 15 about Body Contouring, but in this current episode, Dr. Melinda Haws, the future president of The Aesthetic Society, has all the answers we need. She explains things in a comfortable,...