What is Facial Balancing? A trending term that often refers to nonsurgical treatments like injectables, though it's long been a bigger-scale concept in plastic surgery. Rather than focusing on a single feature, facial balancing considers how each area fits into overall facial harmony—sometimes addressing other areas can create a more balanced appearance. In this episode, we discuss with plastic surgeon Dr. Raja Mohan about what facial balancing involves, the procedures it may include, and what o...
Aug 12, 2025•38 min•Season 5Ep. 107
Neck aesthetic treatments are less commonly discussed compared to those for other parts of the body. However, the neck can influence perceptions of age when viewed by an observer. Features such as excess fullness or a loss of angular definition in the neck may result from genetic factors as well as aging, but either way, the appearance of the neck may not truly align with how a person feels. Neck rejuvenation procedures, including the neck lift, address these concerns. This episode’s discussion ...
Jul 15, 2025•24 min•Season 5Ep. 106
Did you know that skin is the largest organ in the body? Too often we may take it for granted, but skin cancer can be devastating when it goes unnoticed. Which raises a few questions, like what factors increase the risk of skin cancer? And, which skin cancers are the worst? If a big defect is left after surgery, how can an area like a nose, lip, or eyelid be reconstructed? What about scar? Plastic surgeon Dr. Joseph Spaniol provides answers, and he also has some wise words both for detection of ...
Jun 17, 2025•47 min•Season 5Ep. 105
Most of us notice changes in our face over time, and at some point may be mistaken by others as looking tired, less youthful, or even depressed. So it’s NOT a matter of aging gracefully. It’s a matter of not looking like we really feel! The therapeutic options to rejuvenate the face, to reconnect the person on the inside with their appearance on the outside, seem endless these days. Yet different treatments work better for certain areas, and nothing can “do it all.” What’s the solution? Well, we...
May 20, 2025•50 min•Season 5Ep. 104
You know about rehabilitation after a surgery. But what about PREhabilitation, or PREhab? Well, that concept is getting a lot of attention lately. It refers to pre-emptive conditioning, both mentally and physically, BEFORE a surgery, in hopes of reducing the recovery-downtime afterwards, and reducing risk of complications. How does it work, and what’s involved? Dr. Rebecca Knackstedt is here to tell us! She has championed PREhabilitation in her plastic surgery practice, and in our conversation t...
Apr 22, 2025•40 min•Season 5Ep. 103
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 rela...
Mar 25, 2025•37 min•Season 5Ep. 102
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 n...
Feb 25, 2025•50 min•Season 5Ep. 101
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.
Jan 28, 2025•41 min•Season 4Ep. 100
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-op...
Dec 31, 2024•45 min•Season 4Ep. 99
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...
Nov 26, 2024•52 min•Season 4Ep. 98
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 hi...
Oct 28, 2024•47 min•Season 4Ep. 97
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.
Sep 30, 2024•36 min•Season 4Ep. 96
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 elucid...
Sep 03, 2024•43 min•Season 4Ep. 95
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 consultation...
Aug 05, 2024•45 min•Season 4Ep. 94
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-p...
Jul 15, 2024•32 min•Season 4Ep. 93
Menopause is not just a reproductive phenomenon! The perimenopausal years set off a cascade of changes that can affect a woman’s appearance from body contour to skin quality. Many women at this stage are surprised and frustrated to find that the daily routines they have to keep in shape and to manage their skin, no longer work very well. So what can be done? Enter Dr. Ashley Amalfi and Dr. Smita Ramanadham, the plastic surgeon team who publish the Lipstick & Lipo podcast. This engaging duo s...
Jun 24, 2024•50 min•Season 4Ep. 92
Academic medical centers make up only a small percentage of all medical facilities, but what IS an academic institution? And how is it different from standard community hospitals and surgery centers? Are there advantages to them? Drawbacks? And would a resident be involved in your surgery? What IS a resident, anyway? In this episode your curiosity will be satisfied as plastic surgeon Dr. Richard Korentager explains everything in an easy-to-understand way. You’ll be armed with good information no...
Jun 03, 2024•37 min•Season 4Ep. 91
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 reconstruction. Also! Listen in to hear how microsurgery saved the day for a patient with a frustrating problem. H...
May 13, 2024•39 min•Season 4Ep. 90
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 topic with us today. He’s done a huge number of facelifts using more modern techniques, so he definit...
Apr 22, 2024•39 min•Season 4Ep. 89
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!
Apr 01, 2024•34 min•Season 4Ep. 88
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 information all throughout this episode, even to the very last bit. So be in the know by listening to t...
Mar 11, 2024•55 min•Season 4Ep. 87
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. Dinu Mistry (mistrymd.com) the Northwestern US, sharing her thoughts about breast reductions, which she ...
Feb 20, 2024•43 min•Season 4Ep. 86
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 quality, too. This may be called fat transfer, or fat grafting, or fat injections. But, is it better than f...
Jan 30, 2024•39 min•Season 4Ep. 85
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...
Jan 09, 2024•36 min•Season 4Ep. 84
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 surgeon’s role in wound management, both surgical and nonsurgical. He discusses the progression of treatment for...
Dec 19, 2023•37 min•Season 4Ep. 83
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 experience. Take a listen to what he has to say...
Nov 28, 2023•26 min•Season 4Ep. 82
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 procedures, and she shares her thoughts on the safety and benefits of cosmetic surgery in the older patient, including the sur...
Nov 07, 2023•35 min•Season 4Ep. 81
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 discussion of this topic. Listen in and finally learn about the when and how of breast explantation. T...
Oct 17, 2023•36 min•Season 4Ep. 80
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? How have their lives changed? Listen as Dr. Ahmed Suliman tells their story and explains why the problem...
Sep 26, 2023•27 min•Season 4Ep. 79
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 fully explains this entity and its treatment. Not only is he helpfully informative, but he has a great sense of humor, too...
Sep 05, 2023•44 min•Season 4Ep. 78
