Ultimate Human Podcast

Host: Gary Brea, Human Biologist

Introduction

• Focus on anti-aging, biohacking, longevity, and more
• Guest: Dr. Cameron Chestnut
  • Expert in facial and cosmetic surgeries
  • Board-certified, background in sports medicine
  • Notable for blending cosmetic surgery with biohacking

Key Topics Discussed

The Filler Revolution and Perception Drift

• **Progression of Facial Fillers: ** Increase in facial distortions over time due to repeated fillers.
• FDA's Limited Trial Scope: Misleading understanding of fillers as lasting only 6-12 months, while they actually remain indefinitely.
• Distorted Self-Perception: “Perception Drift” where individuals don’t recognize the gradual, often unnatural changes in their faces.
• Management in Surgery: Dr. Chestnut often has to deal with filler removal/dissolution in surgeries.

Intersection of Biohacking and Cosmetic Surgery

• Anti-aging and Biohacking: Healthy living, biohacking modalities, red light therapy, pemf, oxygen.
• Cosmetic Procedures: Address age-related or trauma-related conditions to improve self-esteem.
• Holistic Approach: Combines modern medicine with lifestyle optimization.

Hair Loss: Male and Female Alopecia

• Types and Causes: Multifactorial, including genetic, environmental, nutritional, and endocrine issues.
• Hair Follicles: Comprised of stem cells producing keratin and pigment under certain signals and conditions.
• Regenerative Treatments: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP), fat-based stem cells for supporting microvascular structure.
• Options for Restoring Lost Hair: Focus on halting hair loss and thickening existing hair.
• Mechanical Procedures: Hair transplants must be executed considering the recipient area's health.
• Adjunct Therapies: Include topical treatments like minoxidil, peptides (GHK-CU, BPC-157, etc.), and growth factors.

Role of Peptides and Collagen

• Common Misconceptions: Myth that ingesting collagen directly enhances skin’s collagen. Collagen breaks down into amino acids in the body.
• Focus on Elastin: More critical for skin elasticity and youthful appearance.
• Micro-injuries for Regeneration: Controlled injuries via laser and other methods stimulate better healing.

Biohacking for Enhanced Surgical Outcomes

• Modalities Used: Red light therapy, cryotherapy, hyperbaric oxygen, PEMF, peptides.
• Opioid-free Anesthesia: Focused on minimizing cognitive decline and optimizing patient safety.
• Postoperative Recovery Protocol: Involves IV nutrition, hyperbaric therapy, PEMF, among others.

Laser and Minimally Invasive Procedures

• Importance of Lasers: Tailored to target different chromophores in the skin like pigment, vessels, collagen, and water.
• Cocktail Approach: Custom laser treatments for addressing multiple skin issues simultaneously.
• Recovery and Result-focused: Emphasizes a balance between downtime and achieving optimal results.

General Recommendations

• Early Interventions: Less need for extensive surgery and better long-term results by addressing aging signs early.
• Gender-specific Approaches: Different surgical techniques for men and women.
• Functional Medicine Integration: Functional medicine to support overall health and appropriate hormone balance.
• Setting Proper Expectations: Importance of understanding the entire process and recovery.

Conclusion

• Dr. Chestnut emphasizes the intelligent and mindful approach to cosmetic procedures combined with biohacking practices.
• The ultimate human involves understanding one’s values, goals, and achieving optimal health to reach the highest potential.

Notable Mention: Cold Plunging

• Mental Toughness: Emphasized as a key benefit of cold plunging.
• Physiological Benefits: Improved insulin sensitivity, metabolic rate, and overall recovery enhancement.