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Articles from Dr. Jenq

Plain answers from Dr. Tina Jenq, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, on surgery, recovery, costs and skin.

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Why Dog Ears (Standing Cones) Happen After Surgery — and How I Prevent Them

Dog ears, or standing cones, are small folds of skin and fat that gather at the end of an incision, from uneven tension, extra fat, limited skin mobility or early swelling. Dr. Jenq reduces them by freeing and thinning the tissue and, when needed, lengthening the incision slightly. Patients ask about dog ears most after top surgery, where in her experience they happen in less than 5% of cases. Many early dog ears flatten as swelling settles, and a persistent one can be removed with a small in-office revision.

Can a Simple Supplement Lower Skin Cancer Risk?

A 2015 study of 386 adults with a recent history of nonmelanoma skin cancer found that nicotinamide 500 mg twice a day lowered new nonmelanoma skin cancers and precancerous lesions after one year. The protective effect went away once people stopped taking it. Dr. Jenq notes it should never replace sunscreen and advises talking with your doctor before starting any supplement.

Top Surgery vs. Mastectomy: What’s the Difference?

A mastectomy for cancer aims to remove as much breast tissue as possible, so contour is secondary. Gender-affirming top surgery aims to create a natural, affirming chest, often leaving a carefully controlled amount of tissue for a smooth slope and pectoral definition. Dr. Jenq chooses double incision, lower elliptical or keyhole technique based on tissue, skin quality and goals.

Why Thanksgiving Is My Favorite Holiday

As the weather cools and the days grow shorter, I always feel myself slowing down and taking time to breathe. Thanksgiving has become my favorite holiday because it encourages us to pause, reflect, and fully appreciate the people around us. The warm kitchen smells, shared meals, and cozy gatherings all remind me how powerful connection … View Full Article Here

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: What It Feels Like and How We Treat It

Carpal tunnel syndrome happens when the median nerve is squeezed in the wrist, causing numbness or tingling in the thumb, index, middle and half of the ring finger, nighttime symptoms, forearm pain and a weak grip. Dr. Jenq starts mild cases with night splinting and usually recommends surgery if symptoms continue and nerve testing shows compression. She prefers open carpal tunnel release, and many patients notice improved nighttime numbness within the first week.

Dissolvable vs. Permanent Sutures: What I Use and Why

Dr. Jenq uses dissolvable sutures in layers under the skin, where they stay hidden, need no removal and cause less surface inflammation. She uses permanent surface stitches when the skin is fragile, the area moves a lot or wound tension is high, and removes them at 7 days on the face and after at least 2 weeks on the hand.

Do Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Patients Have a Higher Risk of Surgical Wound Complications?

A recent study in the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery journal found no increased risk of wound complications in patients with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome compared with matched patients without EDS. In her own practice, Dr. Jenq does not see more wound healing problems in EDS patients when surgery is carefully planned, and she takes extra care to spread tension evenly when closing incisions.

Understanding Acne Scar Treatments

Acne scars vary in depth, texture, and color, so Dr. Jenq matches treatment to the scar type and often combines treatments that target different scar layers. She uses a CO2 laser combined with microneedling for uneven texture and discoloration, and subcision to release scars that pull the skin down. Plans are personalized and may start gently with resurfacing before adding other steps.