What happens when you prepare for surgery, but your biggest worry isn't the procedure itself—it's the anesthesia?

Many people share that concern.

Today, we're going to talk about anesthesia—what it feels like, the questions people ask, and the surprises that happen when you wake up. You’ll hear about the moments before and after surgery, from crazy stories to what really helps you have a smooth experience.

• What to expect when you go under anesthesia

• How your personality might influence how you wake up

• Why sharing your habits can help keep you safe

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Key Takeaways

1. Anxiety regarding anesthesia is extremely common, fueled by media and stories that exaggerate risks. Dr. Sturm emphasizes that patients’ worries about not waking up—or waking up unwell—are understandable, and she aims to demystify the process by sharing accurate information and encouraging open discussion.

2. The anesthesia process involves several calming steps: checking in, talking with the team, receiving medications to relax and cause partial memory loss, and sometimes mood-boosting touches like meditation music or aromatherapy. Most patients remember only the IV placement, and waking up usually feels instantaneous, with little sense of time passing during surgery.

3. There are various anesthesia methods, such as twilight sedation (commonly using propofol) where the patient breathes independently, and general anesthesia involving intubation. Dr. Sturm reassures patients about the safety and effectiveness of modern drugs and techniques, noting advances in controlling side effects like nausea and discomfort.

4. People emerge from anesthesia in diverse ways—some are calm, some are emotional or expressive, while others (especially young men or “type A” personalities) can become wild or agitated. Medical staff are prepared for all reactions to ensure safety, and moments of unfiltered honesty are kept confidential by the team.

5. Factors such as genetics (like redheads requiring more medication), lifestyle habits, and personality traits influence how people respond to anesthesia and how they wake up. Honest disclosure about substances used recreationally helps the medical team ensure optimal patient safety and care.

Timestamped Overview

00:00 Experiencing Anesthesia: What to Expect

04:08 Unpredictable Patient Reactions Post-Surgery

07:35 Pre-Surgery Relaxation Tips

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What do you do when you sign up for something you don't quite understand, and it surprises you?

Podcaster and mompreneur Reena Friedman-Watts walked into microneedling without knowing much, and by the time she was done, her face looked and felt different. And so did her perspective.

Today, we'll talk about what the experience was actually like.

• How Reena ended up with pinpricks and blood drops on my face
• The tools and techniques that made it possible
• The unexpected confidence that can come from trying something new

Listen to Reena's podcast Better Call Daddy wherever you get your podcasts!

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Schedule a consult with Dr. Sturm HERE. Book your appointment with Aesthetic Specialists of Houston HERE.

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Key Takeaways

1. Microneedling was discussed in detail—from the initial surprise and minor discomfort to a description of the bodily reactions (redness, blood spots, swelling) and the clear benefits (tighter, smoother skin, reduction of age spots and fine lines). The key takeaway is that while the process can look intimidating, with mild downtime and some immediate visible effects, the end results are rejuvenated skin, improved confidence, and most people notice positive changes quickly.

2. Both speakers emphasized the importance of beauty treatments as tools to help individuals feel more confident in their own skin, not as means for perfection. Small tweaks can significantly boost one’s self-image, but striving for unrealistic perfection is counterproductive. The balance between self-improvement and acceptance was a central idea, echoing the importance of authenticity and self-confidence over chasing unattainable standards.

3. Reena shared her journey from a small town to high-profile media roles, emphasizing how encouragement—from her father and peers like Nicole Scherzinger—enabled her to seize opportunities. The main point is surrounding yourself with supporters and encouragers can empower you to overcome setbacks, grow from rejection, and achieve unexpected success.

4. The conversation touched on new advances such as using PRP/PRF (growth factors from your own blood) for rejuvenation, and evolving technologies like radio-frequency microneedling and lasers. The main takeaway is that cosmetic procedures are rapidly advancing, allowing for targeted, minimally invasive options that can be tailored to individual needs and are accessible to diverse populations.

5. Both Dr. Sturm and Reena discussed the importance of focusing on one’s strengths, learning new skills when needed, but also knowing when to outsource tasks (referencing the book "Buy Back Your Time"). Whether in TV production, podcasting, or medicine, being adaptable and strategic—doing what you love and delegating the rest—leads to greater success and happiness.

Timestamped Overview

00:00 Unexpected Dance Inspiration

04:39 Life Insurance Lunch & Learn Growth

06:25 Unusual Beauty Trick Discussed

10:58 Microneedling and Morpheus 8 Benefits

14:28 "Overcoming Stage Fright"

17:12 "Podcasting: Journey to Authenticity"

19:20 Rapid Promotion from Intern to Producer

23:40 "LA: My TV Industry Start"

27:53 Career Shift to Botox Injections

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How do you find your way to a career you love, especially when you take a different path? Keisha Davis did not always know she would become a nurse, but her journey through restaurant work and experiences in hospitality shaped her approach to medicine.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• Why Keisha switched careers and chose nursing
• How customer service skills help in aesthetics
• What it’s like to balance surgery with skincare

Subscribe to Beauty Unveiled on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube. Book your appointment with Aesthetic Specialists of Houston HERE.

Schedule a consult with Dr. Sturm HERE.

Follow Dr. Sturm on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok!

Key Takeaways

1. Keisha’s journey into nursing and aesthetics highlights that career paths don’t have to be straightforward. She had a variety of experiences—ranging from brand ambassador roles to fine dining service—before deciding to pursue nursing. Each step, even those unrelated to medicine, contributed valuable skills and perspectives that now enrich her current role.

2. Both Keisha and Dr. Sturm emphasize the importance of empathy, patient comfort, and “going the extra mile”—like taking care of a patient’s hair after surgery. Keisha’s background in hospitality and customer service has shaped how she interacts with patients, making her not just technically skilled but also attuned to the emotional needs of those she cares for.

3. Keisha’s exposure to surgery during her clinical rotations ignited her passion for the field, specifically plastic and reconstructive surgery. She appreciated the blend of technical skill and artistry required, which ultimately steered her toward aesthetics. This underscores the importance of hands-on experience in discovering personal interests within a profession.

4. The work in aesthetics and medicine is not just physically demanding; it’s also emotionally and mentally taxing. Both guests discuss the challenge of being fully present for each patient, addressing their worries, and sustaining emotional resilience. They highlight the need for self-awareness and emotional management to deliver high-quality care consistently.

5. Keisha advocates for a comprehensive approach to aesthetics, incorporating skincare, injectables, facials, and other treatments. She stresses that achieving and maintaining great results comes from combining multiple modalities rather than relying on a single product or procedure. Her philosophy is to help patients feel confident and “look good and feel good,” emphasizing ongoing care and personalization.

Timestamped Overview

00:00 Journey to Aesthetic Surgery

04:38 "From School to Fine Dining"

08:32 Emotional Challenges in Medicine

12:05 Ageless Beauty Routine

13:32 Visit Keisha for Injections

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What draws someone to a career in nursing? How do you find your way from the hospital floor to the world of aesthetics? Chasity Zuniga started out knowing she wanted to care for people, and her journey has taken her through ICU shifts during the COVID-19 pandemic, across Texas as a travel nurse, and finally to a new chapter with Dr. Sturm’s team.

• You’ll hear about childhood experiences that shaped her path.
• Why she chose to dive into the beauty side of nursing.
• And her thoughts on what it means to help others feel good about themselves, inside and out.

Subscribe to Beauty Unveiled on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube.

Schedule a consult with Dr. Sturm HERE. Book your appointment with Aesthetic Specialists of Houston HERE.

Follow Dr. Sturm on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok!

Key Takeaways

1. Chasity's journey into nursing was sparked by personal childhood experiences in the hospital. Her compassion for patient care and the influence of supportive medical staff in her early years inspired her to pursue nursing, showing how personal encounters can shape professional aspirations.

2. Chasity has worked in a variety of nursing settings—from intermediate care to ICU to travel nursing—demonstrating versatility and resilience. Her adaptability allowed her to thrive in different environments, including during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the importance of openness to new challenges and flexibility in healthcare.

3. Her background as a makeup artist fueled her interest in aesthetics. Although breaking into the field was challenging, Chasity combined her love for beauty and healthcare by finding opportunities in medical aesthetics, illustrating how diverse experiences can converge into a fulfilling career path.

4. Chasity values the relational aspect of nursing, sharing meaningful moments where small acts of kindness—like gifting a Christmas bracelet—had a significant impact on patients. The theme emphasizes how empathy and thoughtful gestures can greatly enhance patient care and satisfaction.

5. Chasity enjoys providing aesthetic treatments like Morpheus microneedling, Botox, lip fillers, and especially loves using and recommending "Easy Gel" for under-eye improvement. She takes pride in educating and sharing results with clients, underscoring the satisfaction that comes from helping others look and feel their best through innovative treatments.

Timestamped Overview

00:00 Childhood Hospital Stay Inspires Nursing

05:21 "Reluctant to Leave, Offered Jobs"

08:05 "Experiencing Clients' Loyalty"

10:05 Blood-Derived Gel for Skin Rejuvenation

12:43 "Glowy Skin Product Love"

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What happens when work and family truly mix?

Art Severand spent years in orthopedics before joining our practice as a laser specialist, learning new skills and balancing family life along the way.

• You’ll hear about the shift from orthopedics to aesthetics
• Why 2020 changed the way people sought out treatments
• The role of laughter in making patients feel comfortable

Subscribe to Beauty Unveiled on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube.

Schedule a consult with Dr. Sturm HERE.

Book your appointment with Aesthetic Specialists of Houston HERE.

Follow Dr. Sturm on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok!

Key Takeaways

1. The conversation introduces Art Severand as Dr. Sturm’s significant other and laser specialist at the practice. Their collaborative dynamic—blending personal and professional life—helps strengthen the practice, supporting both patients and each other. This emphasizes the value of assembling a team with complementary personalities and skills.

2. Art shares his journey from a decade in orthopedics to joining the aesthetics field during the pandemic. The shift was driven by family needs and industry changes (such as the surge in aesthetic demand during 2020), highlighting how adaptability and responding to life circumstances can lead to meaningful new directions in one's career.

3. He and Dr. Sturm emphasize a patient-centered approach, with Art bringing humor and comfort to treatments often seen as unpleasant (like Morpheus). The focus is on making experiences positive, even for more challenging procedures, demonstrating that technical skill and emotional intelligence together can transform patient care.

4. Art acknowledges the importance of mentorship, specifically learning a "delicate touch" from Dr. Sturm, transitioning from the rougher world of orthopedics to the more finesse-driven field of aesthetics. This points to the significance of continuous learning and being open to growth—even from those close to you.

5. Their discussion covers how both have developed grit and determination, shaped by upbringing and past experiences. Art highlights viewing challenges not as problems but as disconnects to solve, underscoring the value of persistence and a solutions-oriented mindset in both personal and professional life.

Timestamped Overview

00:00 Balancing Work and Family Demands

05:30 Resilient Mindset: Just Get It Done

07:31 Morpheus Treatment: Overcoming Fear

09:43 Ready for Next Chapter

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What really goes into the start of a facelift?

You might think it’s just about what happens in the operating room, but Dr. Sturm sees the beginning as key. She talks about:

• The planning steps before a facelift and how they’re different for each person
• What to look for when choosing your surgeon and why before-and-afters matter
• Why clear communication sets the stage for better results

Key Takeaways

1. Every facelift must be tailored to the individual’s unique facial anatomy, including factors like jawline shape, hair type, and gland size. The effectiveness of the surgery depends on the surgeon’s ability to plan according to the patient’s specific needs and desired outcomes.

2. Selecting a surgeon who performs facelifts regularly and understands various techniques is crucial. Reviewing a surgeon’s before-and-after photos—especially of patients with similar facial features—is essential in gaining confidence that your desired results can be achieved.

3. Consulting with a few (but not too many) surgeons provides comparison and perspective, but it’s vital to focus on the one whose plan makes logical sense and aligns with your aesthetic goals. Effective, two-way communication is needed to ensure the surgeon clearly understands what matters most to you.

4. A considerable amount of time is devoted to pre-operative planning, which includes marking the face for incision and lift directions while sitting upright, and prepping hair and facial areas. This detailed mapping ensures accuracy when surgery is performed and reflects how your face appears in a natural position.

5. The placement and closing of incisions are critical to achieving subtle, virtually invisible results. Post-operative care, including instructions and skincare routines provided before surgery, heavily influence healing and final results—making patient cooperation in aftercare just as important as the surgical procedure itself.

Subscribe to Beauty Unveiled on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube.

Schedule a consult with Dr. Sturm HERE.

Follow Dr. Sturm on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How does experiencing your own surgery change the way you connect with your patients?

Not only has Dr. Sturm performed over a thousand surgeries, she, too, has had a rhinoplasty.

She discovered not only physical benefits, like better breathing and confidence, but also gained empathy for the emotional journey patients experience. Embracing imperfections and the ups and downs of healing became part of her insight.

Key Takeaways

1. Dr. Sturm shares that having undergone rhinoplasty herself gave her unique insight into the patient’s emotional and physical journey. Experiencing both roles helps her better understand and empathize with her patients.

2. She discusses how she didn't realize her own self-consciousness about her nose until after the surgery. The procedure improved her confidence and made her feel better about herself, highlighting the significant psychological benefits that can come from cosmetic surgery.

3. Dr. Sturm initially pursued surgery to address breathing difficulties caused by a deviated septum. The surgery dramatically improved her breathing, especially during exercise and sleep, underlining how rhinoplasty can bring life-changing functional benefits, not just cosmetic ones.

4. She emphasizes that it is normal to have mixed feelings, uncertainty, or anxiety after seeing post-surgery changes for the first time. The adjustment process is different for everyone, and support from loved ones can be crucial during this period. Over time, most people come to accept and appreciate their new appearance.

5. Dr. Sturm points out that no result is absolutely perfect—minor asymmetries or imperfections may remain. Learning to accept these and appreciate the overall improvement is important. It’s about loving yourself, being content with realistic outcomes, and not aiming for unattainable perfection.

Subscribe to Beauty Unveiled on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube.

Schedule a consult with Dr. Sturm HERE.

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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have you ever wondered what happens when you can't breathe well through your nose? For some people, it affects their sleep, their energy, and even how well they can taste or smell.

In this episode of Beauty Unveiled, Dr. Sturm breaks down what happens when you choose surgery to fix these problems:

• Why rhinoplasty and septoplasty might help your breathing
• The real benefits and risks that come with nasal surgery
• Questions you should ask if you're considering making a change

Key Takeaways

1. Difficulty breathing through the nose affects more than just comfort—it can disrupt sleep, decrease energy, affect exercise performance, and even alter senses like smell and taste. Effective breathing leads to improvements in overall quality of life.

2. Surgical procedures like rhinoplasty and septoplasty can significantly improve airflow through the nose, resulting in better sleep, reduced snoring (in some cases), and a general feeling of well-being and increased energy.

3. All surgeries, including nasal procedures, come with risks such as pain, bleeding, infection, scarring, and the possibility of additional procedures. However, most risks, like pain and bleeding, are minimal and manageable when the surgery is performed by an experienced surgeon.

4. While complications like septal perforation (a hole in the septum) and scarring are rare, they can occur, particularly in complex cases or where there has been previous nasal trauma. Most issues can be prevented or managed with good surgical technique and experience.

5. It’s vital for patients to understand what nasal surgery can and cannot fix—while structural problems can be addressed, symptoms associated with allergies may persist. Discussing goals and symptoms with the surgeon ensures a clear understanding of potential outcomes.

Subscribe to Beauty Unveiled on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube.

Schedule a consult with Dr. Sturm HERE.

Follow Dr. Sturm on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.