Dr. Jenq recommends stopping all nicotine, including vapes, gum and patches, 4 weeks before surgery and avoiding it for 4 weeks after, because nicotine narrows blood vessels and slows healing. For marijuana, switch from smoking to edibles a month before surgery, stop edibles 1 week before and resume no sooner than 1 week after.

In drainless surgery, Dr. Jenq uses quilting sutures to attach the lifted skin and fat layer back to the muscle, closing the space where fluid would collect instead of draining it later. It adds about 15 minutes to chest surgery and about 25 minutes to a tummy tuck. Patients avoid drain tubes, though drains may still be recommended in some cases.

A firm or thick area under an incision is usually normal scar tissue: collagen forms quickly to strengthen the wound, then slowly remodels and softens. Swelling that is soft, bubble-like or appears suddenly may be fluid instead, which an exam or in-clinic ultrasound can tell apart. Rapid swelling, redness, drainage, fever or worsening pain should be checked promptly.

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

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.

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.

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

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.