The Cutting Edge Pod: Where Do Plastic Surgery Scars Go? Fold Incisions, Areolas, & Port Sites
Are you curious about where plastic surgery scars are placed, how they heal, and how top plastic surgeons minimize their visibility? In this SCAR deep-dive on The Cutting Edge Podcast, host Mel (@melunfiltered.vsg), bariatric therapist Ashlyn Douglass-Barnes (LCSW), and board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Omar Beidas (MD FACS) go in-studio to review real patient cases, surgical scar placements, and advanced body contouring techniques!
From breast augmentations and lifts to medium-definition liposuction, abdominal etching, and auto-augmentation, Dr. Beidas breaks down the trade-offs of scar locations so you can make informed decisions about your cosmetic or post-bariatric skin removal journey.
SUBSCRIBE for more transparent, expert-led medical and mental health advice on bariatric and plastic surgery recovery!
https://www.youtube.com/c/OurSleevedLifePodcast?sub_confirmation=1
IN THIS EPISODE:
Dr. Beidas and the team walk through detailed surgical cases to explain:
Breast Augmentation Scar Placement: The pros and cons of placing incisions in the armpit, around the areola (periareolar), or in the inframammary fold (breast footprint).
Capsular Contracture Risks: Why cutting through breast glandular tissue via periareolar incisions significantly increases the risk of hard scar tissue around implants.
Medium-Definition Liposuction & Port Scars: How 5 tiny, unobtrusive incisions 0.5 cm give surgeons complete abdominal access while hiding inside natural folds and bikini lines.
Abdominal Etching & Natural Muscle Definition: Why carving fake "grid" abs looks unnatural, and how surgeons sculpt existing muscle anatomy by thinning fat in "valleys" and grafting fat into "mountains."
Weight Loss Mommy Makeovers: Reshaping stretched areolas to fit new breast proportions during a mastopexy (breast lift).
Auto-Augmentation Lifts: Repositioning lower breast tissue to create natural upper-pole fullness without using silicone or saline implants.
JOIN THE DISCUSSION:
Where are your plastic surgery or bariatric scars located, and how well have they faded over time? What scar placement fact surprised you the most in today's video? Drop your questions or thoughts in the comments below!
CONNECT & RESOURCES:
🙋♀️ Connect with Mel:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melunfiltered.vsg
👥 Connect with Dr. Omar E. Beidas, MD FACS:
Website: https://www.adventhealth.com/doctors/omar-beidas-md-facs-1184919102
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drbodycontouring/
🧠 Connect with Ashlyn Douglass-Barnes, LCSW:
Find a vetted specialist: https://www.findabariatrictherapist.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashlynchange4life2012
🔍 Verify Your Surgeon’s Credentials:
Is your doctor board-certified? Check here: https://www.certificationmatters.org
🎙️ The Cutting Edge Podcast / Our Sleeved Life Podcast (OSLP):
The Cutting Edge Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecuttingedgepod_
OSLP Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oursleevedlifepodcast
Website: https://www.oursleevedlifepodcast.com
#PlasticSurgeryScars #BreastAugmentation #BreastLift #AbdominalEtching #Liposuction #DrOmarBeidas #TheCuttingEdgePodcast #OurSleevedLifePodcast #MassiveWeightLoss #BodyContouring #AutoAugmentation
100% Robotic Bariatric Surgery & Revisions: Dr. Donald Fridley Breakdown
Why are bariatric revisions on the rise, and how is single-port robotic technology transforming weight loss surgery? In this episode of Our Sleeved Life Podcast, host Mel (@melunfiltered.vsg) sits down with bariatric and robotic surgeon Dr. Donald Fridley, MD, founder of the Center for Robotic and Metabolic Surgery (CRMS).
Dr. Fridley shares why 60% of his surgical practice now consists of revisional bariatric procedures (VSG to Gastric Bypass, SADI-S, and Endobariatrics). He explains the real anatomy behind why gastric sleeves rotate or attach to the abdominal wall over time, breaks down new single-port incision techniques, and provides an honest look at integrating GLP-1 medications into post-op bariatric care while avoiding unsafe medspa trends.
SUBSCRIBE for more transparent, expert-led bariatric education and recovery stories!
https://www.youtube.com/c/OurSleevedLifePodcast?sub_confirmation=1
IN THIS EPISODE:
Dr. Fridley and Mel dive into the latest innovations in metabolic surgery and patient care:
Rebranding to Center for Robotic and Metabolic Surgery (CRMS): Why Dr. Fridley shifted his practice to reflect 100% robotic metabolic and surgical procedures.
Single-Port & Cosmetic Robotic Surgery: Performing complex abdominal surgeries through a tiny 2cm – 1inch Pfannenstiel incision below the waistline, plus proctoring robotic nipple-sparing mastectomies across the country.
Endobariatrics & Magnetic Surgery: Repairing dilated bypass connections (pouch-to-intestine) endoscopically with a suture lasso over a balloon to stop dumping syndrome and weight regain without open surgery.
The Shared Decision-Making Model: Why a 1hour initial consultation, body composition scanning, and habit analysis matter more than BMI alone when choosing between VSG, Gastric Bypass, SADI-S, or GLP-1s.
Why Bariatric Revisions Are Exploding: The shift from Lap-Bands to Sleeves to Bypasses, and how 60% of Dr. Fridley's practice handles chronic reflux, weight regain, and sleeve dilation.
The Anatomy of a "Twisted Sleeve": Why seceding lateral stomach attachments causes the sleeve muscle to rotate and adhere to the liver or abdominal wall during healing.
GLP-1s in Bariatric Medicine: Why Dr. Fridley brought anti-obesity medications in-house to protect patients from unregulated medspas and compounding scams, plus dosing strategies for post-op bariatric patients.
JOIN THE DISCUSSION:
Have you experienced reflux or weight regain years after your gastric sleeve? Has your surgeon discussed combining GLP-1s with your surgical tool? Share your thoughts and questions in the comments below!
🔗 CONNECT & RESOURCES:
🙋♀️ Connect with Mel Gottfried:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melunfiltered.vsg
👨⚕️ Connect with Dr. Donald Fridley, MD (CRMS):
Website: https://www.sabpweightloss.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crms_surgery/
🎙️ Our Sleeved Life Podcast (OSLP):
Website: https://www.oursleevedlifepodcast.com
Join our Newsletter for freebies & bariatric perks: https://www.oursleevedlifepodcast.com/newsletter
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oursleevedlifepodcast
#BariatricSurgery #GastricSleeveRevision #RoboticSurgery #DrDonaldFridley #OurSleevedLifePodcast #VSGtoBypass #Endobariatrics #GLP1 #ObesityMedicine #BariatricRegain #SinglePortRobotics
She Was Told She Was Infertile… Then This Happened Two Years After VSG! Interview w/Rissa Stewart
Surprise Bariatric Pregnancy, Dual VSG Couple, & Overcoming PCOS with Rissa Recharge
Can weight loss surgery completely reverse infertility caused by PCOS? In this fun, raw, and inspiring episode of Our Sleeved Life Podcast, host Mel sits down with bariatric community pillar, author, and mom of five, Rissa (@rissarecharged)!
Whether you are navigating weight loss surgery as a couple, dealing with PCOS and metabolic dysfunction, or curious about surprise pregnancies post-op, Rissa’s journey offers invaluable advice, humor, and lived experience.
SUBSCRIBE for more raw, transparent, and inspiring bariatric stories and recovery tips!
https://www.youtube.com/c/OurSleevedLifePodcast?sub_confirmation=1
IN THIS EPISODE:
Mel and Rissa dive into the wild realities of bariatric life, relationship dynamics, and post-op fertility:
The Metabolism Trap: Why skipping meals all day to "save calories" wrecks your metabolism and contributes to weight gain.
Living with Undiagnosed PCOS: How polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome causes fertility struggles, irregular cycles, and stubborn weight gain.
Couples Bariatric Surgery: How Rissa and her husband Chris (@bariatricbro) decided to get Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (VSG) together—and how a little healthy spousal competition kept them accountable!
Surviving Pre-Op Chaos: High blood pressure scares, family loss, career promotions, and flying across the country to relocate to California just 8 days post-op.
The Surprise "Tulum Baby": Naturally conceiving a miracle baby at age 37 after years of fertility treatments, and navigating a high-risk bariatric pregnancy.
Post-Op Fertility Boom: Why rapid weight loss causes periods to return, hormone levels to surge, and fertility to spike.
👩💼 ABOUT OUR GUEST & BARIATRIC SOCIETY:
Rissa (@rissarecharged) is a bariatric advocate, author, career woman, and mother of five. After undergoing Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (VSG) in 2019 alongside her husband, she transformed her health, reversed her PCOS-related infertility, and authored e-books guiding others through bariatric recovery and post-op pregnancy. Today, through Bariatric Society, she creates supportive spaces and community events empowering bariatric patients across every stage of their journey.
JOIN THE DISCUSSION:
Did you experience a surprise surge in fertility or a pregnancy after weight loss surgery or starting GLP-1s? Have you and your partner ever gone through a health transformation together? Share your story in the comments below!
🔗 CONNECT & RESOURCES:
Connect with Rissa & Bariatric Society:
Website: https://www.rissarecharged.com
Website: https://www.bariatricsociety.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rissarecharged
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bariatricsociety
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rissarecharged
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bariatricsociety
🙋♀️ Connect with Mel Gottfried:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melunfiltered.vsg
🎙️ Our Sleeved Life Podcast (OSLP):
Website: https://www.oursleevedlifepodcast.com
Join our Newsletter for freebies & bariatric perks: https://www.oursleevedlifepodcast.com/newsletter
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oursleevedlifepodcast
🎟️ JOIN US AT AN UPCOMING BARIATRIC MEETUP!
Looking to connect with fellow bariatric patients in person and build lasting community support? Don't navigate your post-op journey alone! Join Rissa and the Bariatric Society family at one of our upcoming in-person meetups and events:
👉 Find & Register for Upcoming Bariatric Meetups:
https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/bariatric-meetups-by-bariatric-society-4825374
#VSG #BariatricSurgery #BariatricPregnancy #PCOS #OurSleevedLifePodcast #BariatricCouples #WeightLossJourney #GastricSleeve #FertilityAfterVSG #BariatricCommunity #BariatricSociety #RissaRecharged
Body Contouring: Addressing Skin Quality & Fat Loss
Is your skin holding you back after weight loss?
When considering plastic surgery, it's crucial to address both excess skin and skin quality. After weight loss, many face challenges with skin elasticity. One solution? Fat grafting! This technique rejuvenates and plumps up your skin, enhancing its appearance. Want to learn more about body contouring?
#PlasticSurgery #BodyContouring #SkinCare
Growing Skin for Burn Victims
Can skin really grow back?
Yes! A groundbreaking device called Recell can expand a small piece of skin from a burn victim and spray it back on. This method lowers rejection risks because it uses your own skin, multiplied in a lab.
Isn't that amazing?
#SkinRegeneration
#MedicalInnovation
#BurnTreatment
Weight Loss: Beyond the Scale
Overcoming Post-Weight Loss Skin Issues
Struggling with skin issues after weight loss? You're not alone!
It's easy to feel guilty about skin quality, but remember: it's not your fault. Instead of beating yourself up, use this as a chance to make informed decisions. Consider options like radio frequency treatments or liposuction if needed. And if guilt is weighing you down, talking to a therapist can help uncover deeper issues.
What steps are you taking for your skin health?
#SkinCare #MentalHealth #WeightLoss
Radio Frequency Tightens Skin After Weight Loss
Tighten your skin with radio frequency!
Discover how radio frequency technology works to tighten skin by shortening collagen bands. This is especially effective after liposuction or weight loss, where skin quality may suffer. Want to learn more about skin tightening?
#SkinCare #RadioFrequency #BeautyTips
Fruit Doesn't Cause Obesity, Says Dr. Eric Smith