Many are intrigued by the idea of changing their appearance through injections or surgery, yet fear the possibility of “Bad” plastic surgery.  But what does good plastic surgery or bad plastic surgery really mean?  Does it always have to do with the surgeon?  Or are there “patient” factors that play a part, as well? And what are some ways to help avoid an undesired outcome?

Well, get ready for some colorful stories, as Dr. Thomas Francel in St. Louis joins us in discussion. He’s written a book related to our subject.

Listen in as he presents anecdotes and opinions about revisions from his long career as a plastic surgeon. Some may surprise you!

Skin care is an essential aspect of self-care and has gained significant attention recently. Increasingly, individuals wish to present their best appearance. However, with the abundance of products and advice available, it can be challenging to determine the appropriate steps to achieve and sustain a healthy glow.

In this episode, we engage with facial plastic surgeon Dr. Amir Karam, who provides valuable insights. He covers the basics of skin care, discusses whether adjustments in routine are necessary with changing seasons, and explores pertinent topics like the differences in skin care for males and females, as well as advice for sensitive skin or skin of color. He also addresses the frequently asked question regarding the effectiveness of topical or oral collagen in enhancing skin quality.

This episode is packed with informative content, making it well worth a listen!

In the 100th episode of Plastic Surgery Decoded, we speak with plastic surgeon and educator Dr. Robert Grant about the state of Plastic Surgery now, and where it’s headed. His career has spanned decades, so he’s seen it all!  And, he’s got some strong opinions to share from his perspective about what’s been successful in this field, and what could improve.

He finishes our great conversation with some words of wisdom for anyone planning consultation with a plastic surgeon.

Every day, we subconsciously register traits of beauty and attractiveness in others. But what are those? And how might they differ from culture to culture? These differences in aesthetics reveal a rich tapestry of values and traditions that shape how beauty is perceived across the globe.

A fascinating conversation takes place in this episode with guest Dr. Steven Dayan, who has done extensive research on our topic. Not only does he explain the nuances of attractiveness, but he shares some eye-opening thoughts which could be applied to other aspects of our lives, as well. Plus, the importance of possible provider bias (and the reasons for it) are discussed. Dr. Dayan brings a wealth of interesting information, so don’t miss out! Listen in!

What social media myths need to be debunked about nutrition around the time of surgery?  You might be surprised that the best and worst foods may not be what you thought!

It’s remarkable how much of an impact proper perioperative nutrition can have on the outcome of a procedure. The truth is, it can have significant influence on how you feel, and on your results.

In this episode we hear from registered dietician, Kylie Bensley, and plastic surgeon, Dr. Brian Arslanian. Together they have a wealth of knowledge which they were happy to share. It made for a great conversation, highlighting the rationale for focus on nutrition, and giving tips to maximize perioperative success.

Take a listen.

More and more people of All genders are seeking improvement for thinning hair or areas of complete hair loss. Whether from genetic tendencies, hormonal changes, medical conditions, or environmental factors, hair loss can be a major source of concern, and luckily a lot more can be done these days. Yes! The treatment options have become more specific and more successful. In this episode, we learn all about them from a dedicated expert in the field, plastic surgeon Dr. Kaveh Alizadeh. Don’t miss his informed predictions for the exciting future of hair restoration, as he shares his experience and insight. Here we go...!

Let's clear up the confusion about when to use Botox, Filler, or Fat for facial rejuvenation! Dr. Bonnie Baldwin is a plastic surgeon in Texas with extensive experience getting the best results out of each of these. In our discussion, she lays out what each type of injectable is designed for, and how to use it best.  Sometimes a combination can actually produce the nicest results. Listen, and learn.

Rarely do we realize the significant impact (positive or negative) that the overall physical, mental, and emotional health of a patient can have on the success of their procedure. Overlooked factors may also include a person’s habits, their stressors, nutritional status, and even spiritual concerns.

Enter Dr. Jerry Chidester. He is one of a growing number of plastic surgeons embracing a holistic approach to the care of their patients, and he’s really onto something! In this episode, after elucidating the “big picture” concept he has adopted for his practice, he goes on to tell a poignant patient story that may leave you with a tear in the eye.

Take a listen to what he has to say...

When there is a long-standing mismatch between a person’s gender identity and their gender assigned at birth, it can be a source of great distress, impacting virtually all facets of one’s life.

 Using his vast knowledge and experience, Chicago plastic surgeon Dr. Loren Schechter enlightens listeners about the spectrum of gender-affirming procedures that are possible, ranging from the smallest changes to much more complex ones. He also explains the importance of thorough pre-operative consultations, and comprehensive post-operative care & support. Plus, he gives us a little primer on the proper terminology we should be using!

 Whether these concepts affect you or someone you know, or you just wish to be better informed, this episode is a great start.

Exosomes…have you heard of them? 

If not, I’m sure you will soon. They are indeed the buzzword in the plastic surgery and skin rejuvenation worlds. They’re touted to be able to help reverse the signs of skin aging, and to enhance recovery from treatments, as well.

Sounds wonderful, right? But what’s the story on these? Is it hype? Or is there a true effect here?

 In this episode, we go to a helpful source… we speak with plastic surgeon Dr. Spencer Anderson, who researched this very topic, and co-published a journal article highlighting the medical community’s current knowledge on the subject.

There’s really some exciting potential here, yet there is much to still be discovered. 

Let’s go to that conversation, right now…