The blondEST Podcast: Plastic Surgery Q&A with Savanna Boda and Dr. Philip Dewa

Date: December 8, 2025
Host: Savanna Boda
Guest: Dr. Philip Dewa (Dallas plastic surgeon and friend of Savanna)

Episode Overview

This episode is a lively, accessible deep-dive into plastic surgery, from common misconceptions and surgical techniques to holistic wellness, industry trends, and plenty of listener Q&A. Medical Aesthetician Savanna Boda teams up with her personal plastic surgeon, Dr. Philip Dewa, for a conversational, humor-filled, and often illuminating discussion that covers everything from breast implants and tummy tucks to pelvic floor strength, biohacking trends, the importance of holistic patient care, and industry ethics.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

Warm-up & Personal Introductions

• [00:05-01:42]
  • Savanna brings back Dr. Dewa due to popular demand; they catch up on recent experiences and family life.
  • Dr. Dewa humorously shares his long-standing marriage and family (4 kids), prompting banter on true love and partnership.

Notable Quote:

"So when you know, you know." – Dr. Dewa on meeting his wife ([01:01])

Ethics and Realities of Operating on Loved Ones

• [01:42-02:55]
  • Dr. Dewa admits he’s performed minor procedures on his wife, but emphasizes this is frowned upon due to lack of objectivity in emotional situations.

Notable Quote:

"You panic. You're the husband... you're more emotional rather than the doctor that thinks objectively... So that's, I think that's why they kind of frown upon that." – Dr. Dewa ([02:07])

Age Boundaries and Candidacy for Plastic Surgery

• [02:55-07:14]
  • Age isn't an absolute barrier for surgery—energy, health, and mental status matter more.
  • Special attention is paid to youth: it's critical not to operate on developing bodies (e.g., breast augmentation for teens, craniofacial surgeries).
  • Cleft lip/palate repair touched on as a nuanced example of timing vs. outcomes.

The Science of Anatomy in Plastic Surgery

• [08:22-09:12]
  • Plastic surgeons function as anatomists first, given their need to operate across the body.
  • Early and improper surgeries risk stunted growth, especially in face/jaw.

Memorable Moment:

"Surgical hesitance is rooted in anatomical ignorance." – Dr. Dewa ([09:12])

Microsurgery & Replantation

• [09:12-10:45]
  • Fascinating segment on how lost fingers can sometimes be replanted using minute microsurgical techniques, depending on timing and surgical expertise.

Bioengineering & Regeneration

• [10:45-11:32]
  • Conversation veers into tissue engineering—current limits and promise, plus musings on why lizards can regrow tails (stem cell “growth centers”).

Regenerative Products in Plastics

• [11:32-12:07]
  • Discussion of how stem-cell-derived and donated animal products (including fetal foreskin) are used in wound healing and cosmetic surgery.

Myths, Social Media, and Surgery Realities

• [18:57-19:51]
  • TikTok myth-busting: breast implants don’t glow in the dark.
  • Sizing implants is a nuanced process based on the patient’s goals, anatomy, and measurements, not just “cup size.”
  • Visuals from consultations and before/after photos help patients clarify expectations.

Notable Quote:

"You can put the same implant on a hundred different people, and you get a hundred different results." – Dr. Dewa ([18:57])

Implant Longevity, Placement, and Post-Op Care

• [20:59-22:06]
  • Explanation of how placement (submuscular vs. subglandular) affects both appearance and risks of malposition ("socially distant breasts").
  • Early exercise restrictions are critical (especially avoiding strong/repetitive pec moves) to prevent implant shifting.
  • Fun banter about Emsculpt, its effects, and gender differences in pain tolerance.

Notable Quote:

“When you start a patient on it, you have to start low because the treatment scares them.” – Dr. Dewa on Emsculpt ([23:54])

Internal Bras, Galaflex, and Meshes in Surgery

• [26:13-31:32]
  • Galaflex ("internal bra") usage debated: rarely needed if surgery is performed properly for the patient's tissue.
  • Downsides include added foreign body/infection risks, potential for palpable folds, or rippling.
  • In some cases (chronic tissue weakness, repeated failed surgeries), reinforcement might be helpful.
  • Two-stage augmentation preferred over using reinforcement as a shortcut.

Notable Quote:

"The best way to have really, really big breast implants is to have two surgeries." – Dr. Dewa ([30:36])

Fat Transfer to Breasts vs. Implants

• [31:49-33:20]
  • Fat grafting briefly popular but ultimately unsatisfying for most: doesn’t provide structural/augmented look, and subject to aging/sagging.

Safety: Anesthesia & Medication Interactions

• [34:10-34:43]
  • SSRIs largely safe with anesthesia, but always disclose medications for full safety.

Tummy Tuck & Abdominal Anatomy Deep Dive

• [34:43-36:45]
  • Clear explanation of full vs. mini tummy tucks; only full version repairs muscles and addresses upper abdomen.
  • Visual pitfalls, scar position, and impact of muscle separation (diastasis recti).

Notable Quote:

"When you totally relax your belly, it will kind of form a little pooch because you don't have muscular competence anymore." – Dr. Dewa ([16:00])

Aesthetic Surgery & Lifestyle Holism

• [43:09+]
  • Strong advocacy for moderation, holistic care, nutrition, sleep, exercise.
  • Link between preventative care, biohacking, and body image is discussed in detail.
  • Alcohol, sugar, and processed food all flagged as major modern health threats.
  • Shout-out to Peter Attia’s "Outlive" and the concept of "Medicine 3.0" (preventative, holistic, patient-centric care).

Notable Quotes:

“I would actually say that sugar is probably the most lethal substance on the planet Earth.” – Dr. Dewa ([41:12])
“Don't save money on your esthetician, your surgeon, or your parachute.” – Dr. Dewa ([60:12])

Emerging & Controversial Trends

• [49:43-57:57]
  • Ozempic and rapid weight loss causing “Ozempic face” and “Ozempic vagina”—fat grafting can restore volume if needed.
  • Trend discussion: labiaplasty, scrotox, penis fillers, and even leg-lengthening.
  • Playful banter about surgery for trends and patient requests.

Ethics and Patient Selection

• [57:51-59:07]
  • Dr. Dewa is explicit: he declines requests if not medically/ethically appropriate.
  • Trust and open communication are vital.

Breast Implant Brands & Choices

• [60:10-68:55]
  • Breakdown of current US suppliers: Allergan, Mentor (owned by J&J), Sientra, Motiva.
  • Allergan lauded for quality, stability, & support.
  • Motiva described as an exciting but new (thus less tested) option.
  • History of textured implants and their rare association with lymphoma discussed in detail.

Notable Quote:

"If you do the surgery properly... your implant malposition rates are pretty low." – Dr. Dewa ([67:54])

The Staff and Practice Culture

• [83:42-86:55]
  • Savanna and Dr. Dewa both stress the value of a caring, authentic team over surface looks or resumes.
  • Both prioritize character in hiring for a consistent, supportive client and patient experience.

Holistic Skin and Gut Health

• [78:41-81:27]
  • Gut health is crucial for skin health (acne, inflammation, general wellness).
  • Chronic stress, sleep deprivation, and constipation all worsen skin conditions.

Business and Growth Reflections

• [87:30-92:31]
  • Both host and guest reflect on growing their practices, learning from early mistakes, and prioritizing culture and quality over sheer expansion.

Memorable Moments & Listener Q&A

• Implant Sizing and Final Surgical Decisions – Patients often focus way too much on "ccs" when visual, aesthetic outcome matters more ([106:34-107:55]).
• Savanna’s Hilarious Surgery Story – Her anesthesiologist walks in on her taking "before" photos of her vagina right before surgery ([100:21-101:48]).
• Staff Shout-outs – Both hosts affirm: reviews that praise the whole team matter most ([84:10-84:26]).
• Practical advice: Don’t skimp on your surgeon, esthetician, or parachute ([60:12]).

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Ethics of Surgery on Family & Age Candidacy: [01:42-07:14]
• Discussion of Cleft Repairs/Anatomy: [06:21-09:12]
• Sizing & Implant Myths: [17:19-20:11]
• Recovery, Fitness, and Emsculpt: [21:08-24:35]
• Internal Bras/Galaflex: [26:13-31:32]
• Fat Transfer Discussion: [31:49-33:20]
• Tummy Tuck Deep Dive: [34:49-36:45]
• Holistic Health & Preventative Medicine: [43:09+ esp. 73:36-77:46]
• Breast Implant Safety/Brands: [60:12-68:55]
• Practice Culture & Staff: [83:42-87:30]
• Hilarious Surgery Story: [100:21-101:48]
• Final Listener Q&As (implant placement, lymphatic massage): [110:09-111:48]
• Difference between subglandular and submuscular implant placement: [111:05-111:48]

Tone and Language

• Informative but casual, mixing clinical expertise (“poly 4 hydroxybutyrate”) with relatable metaphors (“your own body’s Galaflex,” “the lizard take over”).
• Open, personable, at times irreverent; both host and guest use humor and real anecdotes (“Short kings need love, too”) to demystify plastic surgery concerns.
• Consistent message: prioritize holistic health, ethical and individual care, and choose experienced, ethical practitioners—not just perceived "deals" or fads.

Closing Thought:

“You cannot teach somebody how to treat a person when they walk in the door... If you can find those people, you got to put golden handcuffs on them.” – Dr. Dewa on staff and practice culture ([86:43])

For Listeners:

• Instagram: @drphilipdewa (formerly "the real Dr. Phil") for plastic surgery insight.
• Book Recommendation: Outlive by Peter Attia for preventative health care wisdom.

Whether you’re considering surgery, working in aesthetics, or just fascinated by how the human body and industry trends intersect, this episode packs in practical information, myth-busting, and the “real talk” only two genuine experts (and friends) can deliver.