Doc Talk:
The Art of Patience—Especially in Recovery
Most of us—including me—would say we’re impatient. At the very least, we value efficiency. I hear it all the time from patients when we talk about recovery: I just want it to be over with already! I get it. I’m not immune to wanting things now. McDonald’s thrives partly because of its efficiency (and let’s be honest, the McRib is also pretty tasty). If I can microwave something in three minutes instead of heating it in the oven for 15, I’m taking the faster option. In today’s fast-paced world, we’re conditioned to expect instant results.
Technology has only reinforced this mindset. High-speed internet, on-demand services, instant messaging, and curbside pickup have all reduced our tolerance for waiting. Have you ever seen an item on Amazon with a one-week shipping time and thought, nope, not waiting that long? Or have you felt frustration when a website lags just slightly because of slow Wi-Fi? When things don’t move as quickly as we expect, it can make us restless and anxious.
But when it comes to our health, especially recovery, we can’t rush it. Healing has its own timeline, no matter what our schedules demand. The latest miracle lotion or a TikTok claiming “doctors don’t want you to know this, but…” won’t speed things up (and sometimes, they can slow things down). Another reason patience is difficult? We tend to focus on the future rather than the present. You’d think that after years of training to become a plastic surgeon, I’d be a master of delayed gratification—but nope, I struggle with it just like everyone else! Stress and fatigue can also make impatience worse, and let’s be honest, recovery from surgery creates the perfect environment for both.
So, how do we practice patience, both in recovery and in daily life? For me, I started using an app called Headspace a few months ago, and it’s helped me be more mindful and present. Here are some other simple techniques that can make recovery (and life) feel a little easier:
During Recovery:
- Engage Your Senses: Instead of counting down the days, savor a cup of tea, listen to your favorite music, or, if the weather is nice, spend time outside.
- Practice Gratitude: Celebrate small wins. Did you sleep a little better? Move a little easier? Have more energy today? Those are victories!
- Connect with Others: Use recovery time to check in with loved ones. Send a text to a friend you haven’t heard from in a while or have a relaxed conversation with family in the evening.
- Slow Down Daily Tasks: Instead of rushing to get “back to normal,” appreciate the slower pace. Enjoy a good book, watch a movie, or do a puzzle.
In Everyday Life:
- Mindfulness Meditation: Apps, like Headspace, can help train your brain to be more present.
- Deep Breathing: Try the 4-4-4 method. Inhale for four seconds, hold for four seconds, exhale for four seconds. It can calm the nervous system and reduce stress.
- Limit Multi-Tasking: We tend to think multi-tasking makes us more productive, but in reality, it often creates stress and impatience.
- Set Realistic Expectations: Whether in recovery or daily life, some days will be smoother than others, and that’s okay. If you know me, you know I love analogies. Recovery isn’t an on/off switch, it’s a dimmer switch. Healing, activity, and daily life slowly brighten back to full strength, little by little. It just takes patience. Thanks for reading to the end!
As always, I’d love to hear your thoughts on patience and staying present. Feel free to share your ideas with me at drghaderi@stcharlesplasticsurgery.com.
Spring’s Delight: Lemon Cookies
Ingredients:
• all purpose flour—2.5 cups
• cornstarch—1 teaspoon
• baking soda— 1 teaspoon
• salt– 1/2 teaspoon
• unsalted softened butter—3/4 cup
• granulated sugar– 1 cup + 2 tablespoons
• egg—1 large egg (room temp)
• lemon juice—1/4 cup (room temp)
• lemon zest– 1 packed Tbsp
• vanilla extract—1 teaspoon
For Rolling:
• granulated sugar-3 Tbsp
• confectioners’ sugar–1 cup
Directions:
1. Whisk the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt in a bowl. In another bowl, beat the butter and granulated sugar until creamy, for about 1 minute. Add the egg, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Beat on high until combined, about 1 minute.
2. Scrape down the bowl, add the flour mixture, and beat on low until combined.
3. Cover and chill dough (needed step) in the fridge for at least 3 hours and up to 3 days.
4. Let the chilled dough sit at room temperature for 10 minutes if it was chilled longer than 3 hours.
5. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line the baking sheets with parchment paper.
6. Scoop and roll dough into tablespoon-sized balls. Roll in granulated sugar, then roll and generously cover in confectioners’ sugar.
7. Place dough balls on baking sheets. Bake for 12–13 minutes until edges are set and centers still soft.
8. Cool cookies on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool.
For more information visit: https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/lemon-crinkle-cookies
From the desk of: Dr. Ghaderi
Rejuvenate Your Look with a Neck Lift
A turkey neck is not just a seasonal concern. This colloquial term refers to the common issue of loose skin, sagging muscles, and excess fat in the neck area. These changes, influenced by genetics and environmental factors, can significantly alter your appearance. A well-defined neck can enhance your overall look, providing a more youthful and refreshed appearance.
As we age, our skin loses its elasticity, and the natural contours of the neck can become obscured by excess skin and fat. A neck lift, also known as a lower rhytidectomy, is a cosmetic surgical procedure designed to tighten and smooth the skin of the neck, restoring a firmer and more sculpted profile. Whether dealing with sagging skin, prominent neck bands, or excess fat deposits, a neck lift can help you achieve a rejuvenated and natural-looking result.
The procedure typically involves removing excess skin, tightening underlying muscles, and possibly incorporating liposuction to remove stubborn fat. Advances in cosmetic surgery techniques have made neck lifts more effective and less invasive, with shorter recovery times and more natural outcomes.
Many patients find that a neck lift enhances their confidence and helps them feel more aligned with their youthful energy. The surgery is often combined with other facial procedures, such as a facelift or eyelift, to create a more harmonious and balanced facial aesthetic.
If you are considering a neck lift, it is essential to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon to discuss your goals, expectations, and any potential risks. The best candidates for a neck lift are individuals in good health with realistic expectations about the results. With proper care and expert guidance, a neck lift can offer long-lasting rejuvenation, allowing you to enjoy a more youthful and refined appearance for years.
If you are ready to achieve a confident and refreshed look, a neck lift could be the perfect solution for you. Please call or email us with your questions.
Question and Answer
Q: What is the average recovery time for a neck lift and what can I expect in terms of scarring?
A: The average recovery for a neck lift is 1-2 weeks, depending on the Individual’s job and overall feeling. One can expect bruising and swelling to also subside during this time frame.
In terms of scarring, the incision is placed either under the chin or behind the ear to ensure scars are discrete and minimally visible. Scars also fade over time, becoming less noticeable.
Q: What is the age range recommended for the procedure, and how long do
the results last?
A: Although a neck lift can be performed at various ages, it is most commonly sought by individuals between 40 and 60 years old, when visible signs of aging, such as sagging skin and neck bands, become more pronounced. Several factors, including genetics and sun exposure, can influence the need for this procedure.
The results of a neck lift are long-lasting. The longevity of your neck lift results depends on various factors such as sun exposure, skin laxity, muscle tone (influenced by genetics), and lifestyle choices that lead to premature aging, like smoking. As long as you maintain a healthy lifestyle and take care of your skin after your neck lift, you will maintain your rejuvenated appearance.
With the arrival of warmer weather, spring is the perfect opportunity to enjoy some family fun! Here are a few activities that you can do together:
April 13, 2025 – Geneva French Market Geneva
April 16, 2025 – Breakfast with the Easter Bunny St. Charles
April 27, 2025 – Cruisin’ Bar & Eatery Spring Car Show and Artisan Market Gilberts
May 24-25, 2025 – Fine Art Show St. Charles
For more information please visit :
www.geneva.il.us/315/Upcoming-Events
www.stcalliance.org/events
www.exploreelginarea.com/event/cruising-bar-eatery-spring-car-show-and-artisan-market
www.stcparks.org/events