A ^Retired Plastic Surgeon's Notebook

Seattle Plastic Surgeon goes back, way back to Match Day 1983. Every March, fourth year medical students across the United States convene to receive and open a small white envelope that has a huge influence on their future.  The information contained in this white envelope is where they “matched” for post-graduate training. The Match SystemContinue reading…

This weekend I had the opportunity to participate in a suture lab at Whitman College, a small liberal arts school in Walla Walla, Washington.  This lab is designed for Whitman students who are interested in medical careers. The lab consisted of about 30 students and 7 doctors.  The participating docs included one general surgeon, oneContinue reading…

I participate in a few doctor only on line message boards and forums.  A topic that has been front and center the past few months has been the #METOO movement and some of the challenges women in medicine face.  I’d like to share a few of my own stories.  Fortunately none of them include HarveyContinue reading…

Seattle Plastic Surgeon answers Plastic Surgery FAQ:  I’m a total wreck.  Where should I start? I often see patients who are interested in several different procedures.  They have a laundry list of things they would like to change.  A recent example was a middle aged lady who wanted hip liposuction, a face lift, a tummy tuck,Continue reading…

Plastic Surgery loses one of its giants. From Plastic Surgery News Mark Gorney, MD, Napa, Calif., who led ASPS as its president in 1983 and served as a founding member and first medical director of The Doctors Company (TDC), passed away Monday, Nov. 17, at age 89. Dr. Gorney led the Society during a periodContinue reading…

Seattle Plastic Surgeon gives a little anatomy lesson during a brow lift.  I did an open brow lift yesterday on a lady who had just excellent anatomy. An open brow lift is done with an incision that is made ear to ear across the scalp about and inch in back of the hair line.  TheContinue reading…

Seattle Plastic Surgeon is heading north to British Columbia for the annual meeting of the Northwest Society of Plastic Surgeons (NWSPS).  I’ll return to Seattle a little bit smarter. I look forward to this particular medical meeting every year.  I have been a member of NWSPS for over twenty years and have to say thatContinue reading…

Seattle Plastic Surgeon clears up some confusion about postoperative “issues.” I recently did a pre-operative visit on a lady who will be having a face lift next month.  We have patients read an extensive informed consent document and discuss any issues that arise from that document.  She was most concerned about nerve damage that mayContinue reading…

Seattle Plastic Surgeon discusses the challenge of introducing new procedures to her practice. This coming weekend thousands of Plastic Surgeons and their staff will decend on San Diego for the Annual Meeting of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.  These meetings provide an opportunity to share ideas, techniques, new procedures, and new equipment and instruments. PlasticContinue reading…

Seattle Plastic Surgeon discusses the IKEA Effect. The IKEA effect refers to the phenomenon of how we are apt to like or even love something that required a lot of work on our part even if that something is flawed. Take this crooked chair.  You would never buy this at a store but if youContinue reading…