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 … Read more
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
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
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
In plastic surgery, small details often make the biggest difference. One of those details is something most people have never heard of — zones of adhesion. These are natural “anchor lines” where your skin connects tightly to the tissue underneath. Understanding where they are and how they work is key to creating smooth, natural results … Read more
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
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
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
