Nicotine and Marijuana Before Surgery: What I Recommend (and Why It Matters) At Oregon Cosmetic and Reconstructive Clinic, I spend a lot of time helping patients prepare for surgery. Small choices before surgery can make a big difference in healing. Two of the most important factors? Nicotine and marijuana use. Let’s walk through what I … View Full Article Here
After surgery, swelling is normal. However, many patients ask me: What exactly is lymphatic massage? And how does it help? At Oregon Cosmetic and Reconstructive Clinic, I spend a lot of time teaching patients about recovery. Healing does not stop when surgery ends. Instead, your body begins a new phase of repair. Understanding how your … View Full Article Here
At Oregon Cosmetic and Reconstructive Clinic, I often talk with patients about ways to make recovery smoother and more comfortable. One technique that continues to evolve is drainless surgery. So what does that really mean? And how does it apply to both the chest and the abdomen? Let’s walk through it together. What Is Drainless … View Full Article Here
After surgery, many patients notice an area that feels firm, tight, or thick under the skin. Naturally, this can feel concerning. However, in many cases, this firmness is a normal part of scar healing. At Oregon Cosmetic and Reconstructive Clinic, I spend a lot of time helping patients understand what they are feeling and why. … View Full Article Here
As one year comes to a close and a new one begins, I naturally pause. I look at where we are right now. I take stock of the past. Then, I gently turn my attention toward the future. This moment always feels meaningful to me. It invites reflection, curiosity, and intention. I feel deeply lucky … View Full Article Here
As a plastic surgeon at Oregon Cosmetic and Reconstructive Clinic, I often talk with patients about a small but important detail in surgical contouring: dog ears, also known as standing cones. These are tiny folds or puckers of skin and fat that can appear at the ends of an incision. Even though they sound cute, … View Full Article Here
As a plastic surgeon at Oregon Cosmetic and Reconstructive Clinic (OCRC), I help many patients treat sun-damaged skin. Because of this, I stay curious and open to research that may keep skin healthier. Recently, I learned of one simple supplement has gathered attention: nicotinamide, also called vitamin B3. This vitamin is low-cost, easy to find, … View Full Article Here
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
As a plastic surgeon, I spend a lot of time thinking about stitches. It may seem simple, but the type of suture I choose can shape how a wound heals, how a scar looks, and how predictable the final result becomes. I wrote this guide because many patients ask why I select one technique over … View Full Article Here
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 … View Full Article Here
