Podcast Summary: "Be Curious, Not Judgmental" (feat. Charles Galanis) Unlocked with Savannah Chrisley | Release Date: July 15, 2025
Introduction
In the episode titled "Be Curious, Not Judgmental," Savannah Chrisley welcomes renowned plastic surgeon Dr. Charles Galanis as her guest. The conversation delves into Savannah's personal journey with plastic surgery, the psychological impacts of such procedures, evolving trends in the industry, and the intersection of medical practices with societal perceptions.
Savannah's Personal Experience with Liposuction
Savannah opens up about her decision to undergo liposuction, tracing her relationship with Dr. Galanis to a challenging period marked by endometriosis and significant weight gain.
- Savannah: “[00:00] ...I gained 40 pounds literally in like three months.”
- Charlie Galanis: “[03:03] Absolutely. So one of the...”
Savannah recounts the rapid process of consultation and surgery, highlighting the emotional relief and newfound confidence she experienced post-procedure.
The Emotional and Psychological Aspects of Plastic Surgery
Dr. Galanis emphasizes that plastic surgery transcends mere aesthetics, focusing instead on enhancing patients' self-perception and mental well-being.
- Charlie Galanis: “[03:03] ...it has everything to do with our relationship with ourselves.”
- Savannah: “[06:32] ...when I saw the results, I was like, oh, my gosh, I want to keep this up.”
He shares a poignant story of a Polynesian mother whose transformation enabled her to engage more fully with her family, underscoring the profound personal impacts of surgical enhancements.
Debunking Myths and Misconceptions
Addressing prevalent stigmas, Dr. Galanis clarifies that plastic surgery is not solely about beauty but about empowering individuals to live their fullest lives. He challenges the notion that such procedures are superficial or for the sake of others' approval.
- Charlie Galanis: “[05:53] ...plastic surgery has a bruised eye for many good reasons.”
- Savannah: “[08:23] ...the judgment that goes along with it.”
The discussion highlights the importance of motivation behind surgeries, stressing that procedures should be patient-driven rather than influenced by external pressures.
GLP1 Weight Loss Drugs and Their Impact
The conversation shifts to the rising popularity of GLP1 weight loss drugs like Semaglutide, with Savannah sharing her positive experiences using the medication.
- Savannah: “[08:17] ...I take it, I love it because for me I don't drink nearly as much when I'm taking it.”
- Charlie Galanis: “[09:32]...people could lose about 15% of their weight.”
Dr. Galanis discusses the dual role of GLP1 drugs in facilitating weight loss and making patients eligible for surgical procedures by reducing body weight to safer levels.
Trends in Plastic Surgery and Patient Demographics
Highlighting evolving trends, Dr. Galanis notes an increase in male patients seeking body contouring and the shift towards more natural-looking results. He emphasizes the importance of specialization and extensive training in achieving high-definition lipo results.
- Charlie Galanis: “[21:00] ...I learned how to apply that to different procedures and make my own sort of, I don't know, adjustments.”
- Savannah: “[27:05] ...They made them have a six pack.”
The discussion also touches on the ethical considerations and long-term outcomes of popular procedures like the Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL), advocating for moderation and natural aesthetics.
The Importance of Surgeon-Patient Relationships
Both Savannah and Dr. Galanis stress the significance of trust and communication between surgeons and their patients. Savannah appreciates Dr. Galanis's attentive bedside manner, which fosters a positive surgical experience.
- Savannah: “[22:19] ...you have great bedside manner and that's enough.”
- Charlie Galanis: “[22:03] ...I'm a doctor first. I'm not...”
This rapport is crucial, especially when addressing unforeseen surgical outcomes or patient concerns, ensuring that patients feel supported throughout their journey.
Budgeting and Cost Considerations
When discussing the financial aspects of plastic surgery, Dr. Galanis provides a candid overview of the costs associated with comprehensive procedures like a mommy makeover, which can range from $50,000 to $100,000 depending on the extent of the surgery.
- Charlie Galanis: “[23:02] ...you could be looking anywhere between 50 and 100,000.”
- Savannah: “[25:02] ...when I would smile because...”
He elucidates the correlation between a surgeon's expertise and the probability of successful outcomes, advising patients to prioritize quality and trust over cost savings.
Handling Unpleasant Surgical Outcomes
Dr. Galanis shares his experiences with patients seeking corrective surgeries due to botched procedures. He emphasizes a compassionate approach, focusing on rectifying past mistakes rather than placing blame.
- Charlie Galanis: “[33:50] ...I try not to get into that and just sort of say, how can we fix this?”
- Savannah: “[25:12] ...I love it because...”
This approach not only aids in the physical healing of patients but also addresses the emotional scars left by previous surgical errors.
Final Thoughts and Conclusions
In wrapping up, Savannah reflects on her positive transformation and the enhanced mental health resulting from her liposuction. Dr. Galanis reiterates the importance of patient autonomy and maturity in making informed surgical decisions without succumbing to societal judgments.
- Savannah: “[43:05] ...if it makes you feel better about yourself, I don't care what it is.”
- Charlie Galanis: “[43:02] ...Be curious, not judgmental.”
The episode concludes on a note encouraging self-acceptance and the pursuit of personal happiness through informed and compassionate medical care.
Notable Quotes
- Savannah on Weight Gain and Surgery: “[00:36] I gained 40 pounds literally in like three months.”
- Dr. Galanis on Surgical Motivation: “[03:03] ...plastic surgery has everything to do with our relationship with ourselves.”
- On Trusting the Process: “[26:09] ...patience that I tried to preach to patients is important and often the hardest sell.”
- On Social Media Judgments: “[42:42] ...everyone has a right to think what they want to think.”
Conclusion
"Be Curious, Not Judgmental" offers an insightful exploration into the multifaceted world of plastic surgery, blending personal anecdotes with professional expertise. Through open and honest dialogue, Savannah and Dr. Galanis dismantle misconceptions, highlight the emotional depths of surgical decisions, and advocate for a compassionate, patient-centered approach in the cosmetic industry.
