Podcast Summary: CHEERS! with Avery Woods Episode: EP 62 | Sculpting Confidence
Release Date: February 3, 2025
Host: Avery Woods
Guest: Dr. Miha Khan, Plastic Surgeon

Introduction

In episode 62 of CHEERS! with Avery Woods, host Avery Woods welcomes Dr. Miha Khan to celebrate National Women's Physician Day. The episode delves into the intricacies of plastic surgery, exploring both the professional journey of Dr. Khan and the personal experiences of Avery with her own surgical enhancements.

Guest Background

[02:19] Avery Woods (A):
Dr. Khan shares her remarkable journey, revealing that she aspired to be a plastic surgeon since she was twelve years old. Graduating high school at 16, she attended Cornell University and completed her medical degree in West Virginia, followed by a six-year residency in plastic surgery at Wake Forest in North Carolina.

[04:31] Dr. Miha Khan (B):
Dr. Khan reminisces about her early academic endeavors and the support from her parents, despite their initial reservations about her accelerated path. Her dedication and resilience are highlighted as key factors in her successful career.

Insights into Plastic Surgery

[07:39] Dr. Khan:
Plastic surgery is portrayed as a dynamic and multifaceted field, encompassing both reconstructive and cosmetic procedures. Dr. Khan emphasizes the creativity and adaptability required, noting that "No two days are the same."

[09:02] Avery Woods:
Avery underscores the common misconception that plastic surgery is solely cosmetic. She shares her experience working with pediatric plastic surgeons, highlighting procedures like cleft lip and palate repairs that are life-changing and functionally necessary.

[10:00] Dr. Khan:
Dr. Khan elaborates on her passion for mission work abroad, where she performed surgeries that significantly improved patients' quality of life. She describes the emotional fulfillment derived from witnessing patients' joy post-surgery, stating, "The look on these people's faces... like they're just crying tears of joy." [11:14]

Personal Connections and Experiences

[15:01] Avery Woods:
Avery recounts how she met Dr. Khan through a mutual friend, Abby, who recommended Dr. Khan after witnessing her expertise in the operating room. This professional trust blossomed into a personal friendship, culminating in Avery's own breast augmentation and lift performed by Dr. Khan.

[18:36] Dr. Khan:
Discussing patient care, Dr. Khan emphasizes the importance of building a genuine connection with patients. She notes, "I have been through it. I know what I see when I look in a mirror."

Challenges as a Woman in Medicine

[22:32] Dr. Khan:
Navigating a male-dominated specialty, Dr. Khan describes the "boys club" mentality in surgical training and practice. She highlights the additional hurdles faced by female surgeons, such as balancing career ambitions with personal life and the constant need to prove oneself.

[24:25] Dr. Khan:
Dr. Khan reflects on the resilience developed through overcoming these challenges. She posits, "Women come out of training so much more capable than men because they have had to endure so much more adversity."

Starting Her Own Practice

[31:28] Dr. Khan:
Having gained substantial experience, Dr. Khan announces her venture into opening her own practice in Scottsdale. Her vision includes a holistic approach to plastic surgery, integrating wellness tips and reliable information to combat the widespread misinformation in the industry.

[33:29] Dr. Khan:
Expressing gratitude for Avery's support, Dr. Khan shares her excitement about this new chapter, emphasizing her commitment to patient satisfaction and confidence-building.

Addressing Misconceptions in Plastic Surgery

[35:53] Dr. Khan:
Dr. Khan dispels myths surrounding breast implant illness, explaining it as a collection of symptoms resembling autoimmune disorders without a definitive scientific link to implants. She advocates for thorough medical evaluations and informed decision-making.

[43:06] Dr. Khan:
Highlighting the compassionate approach women surgeons bring, Dr. Khan contrasts it with the often harsher methods of their male counterparts. She emphasizes listening to patients' needs without imposing personal aesthetic ideals.

Listener Questions and Expert Answers

1. Breast Implant Illness
[53:22] Dr. Khan:
Breast implant illness encompasses various non-specific symptoms like joint pain, fatigue, and brain fog. While no direct link to implants is proven, some patients report symptom relief post-removal. Dr. Khan emphasizes the importance of individualized patient care and ongoing research.

2. Cost of Procedures
[73:12] Dr. Khan:
The cost of breast augmentation in Scottsdale averages around $10,000, escalating to $15,000-$18,000 when combined with a lift. Avery shares her personal expense of $14,440, noting regional price variations.

3. Sensation Loss After Implants
[73:37] Avery Woods:
Avery discusses her experience of losing nipple sensation post-augmentation. Dr. Khan explains that nerve stretching caused by implants can lead to permanent sensation loss, advising patience as nerves may take up to 18 months to recover, if at all.

4. Tummy Tucks and Belly Button Concerns
[59:50] Avery Woods:
Avery explores the possibility of minimizing visible scarring during a tummy tuck. Dr. Khan describes the mini tummy tuck approach, which restricts incisions to below the belly button, suitable for individuals with limited skin laxity.

5. Scar Treatment Recommendations
[68:45] Dr. Khan:
Early scar management is crucial. Dr. Khan recommends silicone treatments starting two weeks post-surgery, sun protection, and timely interventions like steroid injections or laser therapy if scars become hypertrophic.

6. Implants vs. Fat Transfer
[75:10] Dr. Khan:
Implants provide a predictable shape and volume, whereas fat transfers offer a more natural but less consistent augmentation. Dr. Khan advises that fat transfers are ideal for minor volume enhancements but cannot replicate the uniformity of implants.

7. Over vs. Under Muscle Implant Placement
[76:31] Dr. Khan:
Under-muscle placement offers better support, reduces capsular contracture risk, and results in a more natural contour. Over-muscle implants can appear rounder but may require additional support structures like internal bras.

8. Popularity and Risks of Liposuction
[78:12] Dr. Khan:
Liposuction is effective for fat removal but must be carefully balanced to avoid excessive skin laxity. Dr. Khan warns against overliposuction and stresses the importance of selecting qualified surgeons to achieve optimal results without compromising skin integrity.

Conclusion

[81:08] Avery Woods:
Avery expresses heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Khan for her openness and expertise, reinforcing the importance of informed discussions around plastic surgery. She emphasizes the episode's dedication to empowering women with knowledge to make confident decisions about their bodies.

[81:29] Avery Woods:
As National Women's Physician Day concludes the episode, Avery celebrates Dr. Khan's contributions to medicine and patient advocacy, inspiring listeners to embrace confidence through informed choices.

Notable Quotes

• Dr. Khan: "No two days are the same." [07:39]
• Dr. Khan: "Women come out of training so much more capable than men because they have had to endure so much more adversity." [24:25]
• Dr. Khan: "The look on these people's faces... like they're just crying tears of joy." [11:14]
• Avery Woods: "I was a 20-year-old with a banging bod and 34 double D natural boobs. I would never ever get implants. Best thing I ever did for myself." [72:11]

Key Takeaways

• Comprehensive Approach: Modern plastic surgery encompasses both aesthetic and reconstructive procedures, requiring a blend of technical skill and creative problem-solving.
• Female Leadership: Women in plastic surgery bring unique perspectives and empathetic patient care, fostering trust and tailored outcomes.
• Informed Decisions: Understanding the risks, costs, and realistic outcomes of procedures enables patients to make confident choices aligned with their personal goals.
• Work-Life Balance: Achieving a successful medical career while maintaining personal well-being is challenging but attainable through strategic planning and support systems.
• Evolving Perceptions: Open discussions and advocacy by professionals like Dr. Khan are normalizing plastic surgery, promoting body positivity, and dispelling myths.

This episode of CHEERS! with Avery Woods serves as an insightful exploration of plastic surgery through the lens of a leading female surgeon, encouraging confidence and informed decision-making among listeners.