As a surgeon, I’ve noticed that one of the most common concerns after surgery is the return of sensation. Some patients tell me, “I felt numb at first, but now I feel sharp zaps or tingling. Is that normal?” The short answer—yes, it usually is. At Oregon Cosmetic and Reconstructive Clinic, we see this pattern … Read more
I’m thrilled and deeply grateful to share that I’ve been recognized by Portland Monthly as a Top Doctor in Plastic Surgery. This award means a lot—not just as a professional milestone, but as a reminder of the trust my patients and the health care community place in me and my team at Oregon Cosmetic and … Read more
As a surgeon and a parent, I often meet patients who are both preparing for surgery and caring for young children. This combination can feel overwhelming. Parents naturally want to stay involved with their kids, especially when they’re between 2 and 4 years old—a time when little ones still need lots of help, cuddles, and … Read more
As a surgeon, I often get questions from patients who ask, “What does it mean when tissue is sent for pathology?” It’s a great question—and understanding this process helps you feel more informed and at ease after surgery. Why Tissue May Be Sent for Pathology Whenever I remove tissue during surgery—whether it’s a small skin … Read more
Patients often ask me if they should wait until they reach their “goal weight” before surgery—or if gaining or losing weight later will undo their results. The truth is, it depends on several factors, including how much your weight changes and the natural quality of your skin. Finding the Right Timing for Surgery If you’re … Read more
Scars form as part of the body’s natural healing process. Most of the time, they respond well to first-line treatments such as silicone sheeting and gentle massage (see our post on scar-massage & silicone sheeting). These methods help flatten and soften the tissue over time. But some scars remain raised, firm, or tight despite these … Read more
Feeling anxious before surgery is something many people experience. For some, it starts a few days before their procedure. For others, it peaks right before heading into the operating room. It’s a deeply human reaction — and one that I’ve felt personally. When I Became the Patient As a plastic surgeon at Oregon Cosmetic and … Read more
As a plastic surgeon at Oregon Cosmetic and Reconstructive Clinic, I often meet women who seek breast reduction not just for appearance, but for comfort and relief. They describe daily challenges—neck and shoulder pain, difficulty exercising, and the constant heaviness on their chest. While reducing breast weight helps tremendously, there’s another important piece to the … Read more
A seroma is a pocket of clear fluid that sometimes develops after surgery. Think of when you scrape your knee — the raw area oozes fluid as it heals. After surgery, especially when skin flaps are lifted or moved, the body reacts in a similar way. The space left behind under the skin can collect … Read more
Over time, a simple ear piercing can change more than expected. The small opening created for jewelry may gradually stretch as the skin adapts to weight, movement, or occasional pulling. In some people, this stretching continues until the hole becomes elongated—or even splits through the earlobe. At Oregon Cosmetic and Reconstructive Clinic, I often see … Read more
