In this episode of The Confidence Doc, Houston plastic surgeon Dr. Rukmini Vinaya Rednam sits down with Dr. Rebecca Knackstedt, a plastic and reconstructive surgeon who specializes in breast reconstruction, microsurgery, and gender-affirmation surgery. Dr. Knackstedt shares her journey into plastic surgery and what it means to be an academic surgeon.

They explore the concept of surgical prehabilitation—how improving nutrition, stress, and sleep can lead to better outcomes. Dr. Knackstedt breaks down functional medicine, how it focuses on lifestyle changes, and why it can be confusing based on a provider’s background. They also touch on the issue of insurance not covering helpful pre-surgery treatments.

The conversation covers the future of plastic surgery, including how AI could help create personalized treatment plans. Dr. Knackstedt explains her approach to surgical decision-making and reminds patients their choices can change over time. The episode ends with insights on neurotization, current research, and the importance of lifelong learning in surgery.

Key Topics Covered:

• Prehabilitation: The role of optimizing nutrition, stress, and sleep for better surgical outcomes
• Functional medicine: What it is and why it can be confusing for patients
• Insurance challenges: Why beneficial pre-surgical treatments often aren't covered
• Personalized care: How AI could support personalized surgery plans
• Evolving decisions: Surgical choices don't have to be permanent

Follow Dr. Rebecca Knackstedt on Instagram @rknackstedtmdphd
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Contact Rukmini Rednam, MD in Houston TX and The Woodlands (drrukminirednam.com)