Practice Notes Archives

Can Nutritional Supplements Help Wound Healing?

Healing after surgery or injury depends on many factors, including blood flow, nutrition, and overall health. For most healthy patients, the body naturally heals well with proper care. But what about people with harder-to-heal wounds, like those caused by diabetes or poor nutrition? This is where oral nutritional supplementation—especially products like Juven—comes into the picture. … Read more

Why Nicotine Is So Bad for Healing After Plastic Surgery

When it comes to plastic surgery recovery, nicotine is one of the biggest threats to healing. Whether from cigarettes, vaping, or even nicotine patches, this chemical makes it harder for your body to repair itself after surgery. How Nicotine Damages Healing Nicotine shrinks your blood vessels. Smaller vessels mean less blood flow, and less … Read more

What Is the Capsule Around a Breast Implant?

When a breast implant is placed, the body naturally forms a thin layer of scar tissue around it. This layer is called a capsule. The capsule is the body’s normal way of protecting itself from any foreign object, like medical devices or implants. When the Capsule Helps With HealingIn most women, the capsule stays thin … Read more

Journavx: A New Way to Manage Pain After Plastic Surgery

Managing pain after surgery has always been one of the biggest challenges for patients. Until recently, narcotic medications like hydrocodone and oxycodone were the most common choice. While they can help, they also bring many side effects such as drowsiness, nausea, and the risk of addiction. In March of 2025, a new option became available: … Read more

Langer’s Lines: Nature’s Guide to Better Scars

When it comes to plastic surgery, scar healing is always a top concern. Patients often ask, “How can I make my scars less visible?” One key concept surgeons use is something called Langer’s lines. What Are Langer’s Lines? Langer’s lines are natural patterns in your skin. They show where the skin is under more or … Read more

Two Options for Cosmetic Mole Removal: What You Need to Know

Most people have moles, and many of them are completely harmless. When a mole is benign, it means it’s not cancerous. Benign moles are usually round or oval, grow slowly, and have even coloring. Many people choose to remove them for cosmetic reasons, such as wanting smoother skin or feeling more confident in their appearance. … Read more

Are Sunscreens Really Protecting You? What Recent Testing Found

We all know sunscreen is a must when spending time in the sun. It lowers the risk of skin cancer and helps slow down skin aging. But have you ever wondered if the sunscreen you use actually matches the SPF number on the label? Recently, an independent lab from Choice, an Australian consumer group, tested … Read more

What to Know Before Choosing a Plastic Surgeon in Portland, Oregon

Choosing the right plastic surgeon is a big step. In Portland, Oregon, there are many surgeons, but not every surgeon is the same. If you want safe care and good results, you need to know what to look for. The good news is that a few clear steps can guide your choice. 1. First, Check … Read more

Plastic Surgery Meeting in Chicago

Every year, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons gathers for about a week to discuss topics that range from lymph node transfer for lymphedema, to breast reconstruction and hand surgery, to cosmetic face lift.

The Doctor Patient Relationship

More than ever, patients have become the keeper of their own medical treatment. With the explosion of information architecture via the internet, people can find out information that discusses medical diagnoses. They may be able to access their medical chart directly from a web portal. I often see women for an initial consultation who already know the incisions for a breast lift and implants they are interested in using. In a capitalist driven system, patients are savvy consumers of healthcare. So are doctors merely technicians?