EP 17: Maintaining Eye Character | OR DIARIES

EP 17: Maintaining Eye Character | OR DIARIES

In this episode, I explore a question that sits at the heart of aesthetic medicine: what makes someone look like themselves? Using a fascinating patient case involving a former model and actress, I break down why some features commonly labeled as "flaws" are actually defining characteristics that create identity, attractiveness, and recognition. We dive into facial aging, eye aesthetics, ptosis, scleral show, eyelid surgery, volume loss, and the difference between rejuvenation and transformation. I also discuss the cognitive traps that can lead practitioners to overcorrect natural features, why preserving character matters more than chasing perfection, and how the most successful aesthetic outcomes often come from restoring what was there rather than creating something new. A fascinating look at facial identity, beauty, aging, and the art of natural facial rejuvenation. CONNECT WITH HOST  Website: https://clinic5c.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chesnut.md/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@chesnutMD  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cameron-chesnut-a6910baa/  WAYS TO WATCH/LISTEN  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@5CodesPodcast  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1FZ7vpmq21iA1noPcFhixb?si=992ef6c8d859463f  Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/5-codes-podcast/id1866214238  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/5codespodcast/   TIMESTAMPS  00:00 - Intro 00:45 - Patient Story 01:38 - Sydney Sweeney's Eyes Explained 02:35 - Why I'm Not Trying to "Fix" Her Eyes 05:47 - Another Patient Example 07:46 - My Approach to Aesthetic Assessment 09:12 - Nasolabial Fold Example 10:56 - Outro ABOUT HOST  Dr. Cameron Chesnut is the host of the Five Codes podcast and the founder of Clinic 5C, where he leads a team dedicated to integrative cosmetic surgery, regenerative medicine, and functional health. An internationally recognized facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Chesnut is known for producing natural, refined results that enhance rather than alter one’s appearance. His approach blends surgical precision with biological optimization and disciplined restraint, drawing patients from around the world who value excellence, longevity, and holistic care. On Five Codes, Dr. Chesnut uncovers the mindsets and evidence-backed strategies he lives by, helping high performers perform better, recover smarter, and feel their best in every area of life.  DISCLAIMER  The views shared on this podcast are my own and are not associated with, affiliated with, or representative of my clinical teaching role at the University of Washington School of Medicine. This content is for general educational purposes only and should not be considered individualized medical advice.

EP 16: Why Optimal Health Starts with Root Cause Medicine | Leah Streich PA-C

In this episode, Leah Streich, PA - Dr. Chesnut’s personal medical provider - breaks down the hidden drivers behind fatigue, hormone imbalance, poor recovery, metabolic dysfunction, and why so many people still struggle despite “normal” lab work. We explore GLP-1 medications, hormones, birth control, toxin exposure, advanced blood testing, genetics, methylation, supplementation, blood pressure, and the role personalized medicine plays in optimizing health, body composition, and longevity. If you want a clearer, evidence-based perspective on functional medicine, hormone optimization, metabolic health, detoxification, and the biggest mistakes people make when trying to improve their health, this episode delivers. CONNECT WITH LEAH STREICH Website: https://clinic5c.com/providers/leah-streich Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leahstreichpac/   CONNECT WITH HOST  Website: https://clinic5c.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chesnut.md/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@chesnutMD  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cameron-chesnut-a6910baa/    WAYS TO WATCH/LISTEN  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@5CodesPodcast  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1FZ7vpmq21iA1noPcFhixb?si=992ef6c8d859463f  Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/5-codes-podcast/id1866214238  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/5codespodcast/    TIMESTAMPS  00:00 - Intro  03:07 - Dr. Chesnut’s Functional Medicine Story  06:54 - Key Areas That Could Be Improved in People  08:37 - Gut Health  14:17 - Toxins  16:22 - Detoxification  22:02 - Endocrine Disruptors  31:30 - Microplastics  34:31 - Hormones  51:24 - GLP-1s  1:03:25 - What Is One Thing You Hope Everyone Knows?  1:07:09 - If You Could Put One Thing in the Water What Would It Be?  1:08:57 - What Should People Stop Doing?  1:11:16 - Types of Hormone Replacement  1:15:14 - Birth Control  1:17:22 - Pre Operative Nutrition  1:20:20 - Fasting  1:25:00 - Perpetual Birth Control (IUD)  1:26:31 - Alcohol  1:30:22 - Outro   ABOUT HOST  Dr. Cameron Chesnut is the host of the 5 Codes podcast and the founder of Clinic 5C, where he leads a team dedicated to integrative cosmetic surgery, regenerative medicine, and functional health. An internationally recognized facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Chesnut is known for producing natural, refined results that enhance rather than alter one’s appearance. His approach blends surgical precision with biological optimization and disciplined restraint, drawing patients from around the world who value excellence, longevity, and holistic care. On 5 Codes, Dr. Chesnut uncovers the mindsets and evidence-backed strategies he lives by, helping high performers perform better, recover smarter, and feel their best in every area of life.    DISCLAIMER  The views shared on this podcast are my own and are not associated with, affiliated with, or representative of my clinical teaching role at the University of Washington School of Medicine. This content is for general educational purposes only and should not be considered individualized medical advice.

EP 15: Why Choosing The Right Support Person Matters | OR DIARIES

In this episode, I explore the hidden psychology that can unfold around major decisions, especially when identity, appearance, and social dynamics collide. Using a real patient story, I break down the cognitive biases that shape how people justify choices, project insecurities, and subtly influence those around them during vulnerable moments. We dive into cognitive dissonance, choice-supportive bias, emotional sabotage, and the social forces that quietly impact confidence, relationships, and decision-making. A fascinating look at human behavior through the lens of aesthetic medicine, emotional intelligence, and self-awareness. CONNECT WITH HOST  Website: https://clinic5c.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chesnut.md/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@chesnutMD  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cameron-chesnut-a6910baa/  WAYS TO WATCH/LISTEN  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@5CodesPodcast  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1FZ7vpmq21iA1noPcFhixb?si=992ef6c8d859463f  Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/5-codes-podcast/id1866214238  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/5codespodcast/   TIMESTAMPS  00:00 - Intro  01:58 - Today’s Patient  05:13 - Reducing Cognitive Dissonance  06:02 - Choice-Supportive Bias  06:38 - Social Comparison Threat  07:15 - Projection  07:45 - Confirmation Bias  08:17 - The Sour Grapes Effect  08:45 - Outro ABOUT HOST  Dr. Cameron Chesnut is the host of the Five Codes podcast and the founder of Clinic 5C, where he leads a team dedicated to integrative cosmetic surgery, regenerative medicine, and functional health. An internationally recognized facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Chesnut is known for producing natural, refined results that enhance rather than alter one’s appearance. His approach blends surgical precision with biological optimization and disciplined restraint, drawing patients from around the world who value excellence, longevity, and holistic care. On Five Codes, Dr. Chesnut uncovers the mindsets and evidence-backed strategies he lives by, helping high performers perform better, recover smarter, and feel their best in every area of life.  DISCLAIMER  The views shared on this podcast are my own and are not associated with, affiliated with, or representative of my clinical teaching role at the University of Washington School of Medicine. This content is for general educational purposes only and should not be considered individualized medical advice.

EP 14: How I Protect the Brain During Surgery (My Anesthesia Protocol) | DEEP FOCUS

What if surgery didn’t have to come at the cost of your brain, recovery, or long-term performance? In this episode, we break down an anesthesia and pain management protocol designed to protect neurocognition, minimize risk, and optimize recovery - without relying on opioids, benzodiazepines, or routine general anesthesia. You’ll learn how a more intentional, physiology-first approach can improve outcomes, reduce side effects, and align surgical care with long-term health instead of short-term convenience. CONNECT WITH HOST  Website: https://clinic5c.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chesnut.md/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@chesnutMD  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cameron-chesnut-a6910baa/  WAYS TO WATCH/LISTEN  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@5CodesPodcast  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1FZ7vpmq21iA1noPcFhixb?si=992ef6c8d859463f  Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/5-codes-podcast/id1866214238  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/5codespodcast/   TIMESTAMPS  00:00 - Intro  02:27 - Neuro Inflammation  05:48 - Benzodiazepines And Opioids  06:48 - Dexmedetomidine  12:19 - Ketamine  14:46 - Propofol  17:38 - Long-Acting Local Anesthesia  18:40 - Suzetrigine  19:31 - Caffeine  20:32 - PONV (Post-Operative Nausea And Vomiting)  21:30 - Post-Operative Protocol  22:57 - Hypercapnic Tolerance  25:05 - Sunlight Exposure  28:03 - Outro ABOUT HOST  Dr. Cameron Chesnut is the host of the Five Codes podcast and the founder of Clinic 5C, where he leads a team dedicated to integrative cosmetic surgery, regenerative medicine, and functional health. An internationally recognized facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Chesnut is known for producing natural, refined results that enhance rather than alter one’s appearance. His approach blends surgical precision with biological optimization and disciplined restraint, drawing patients from around the world who value excellence, longevity, and holistic care. On Five Codes, Dr. Chesnut uncovers the mindsets and evidence-backed strategies he lives by, helping high performers perform better, recover smarter, and feel their best in every area of life.  DISCLAIMER  The views shared on this podcast are my own and are not associated with, affiliated with, or representative of my clinical teaching role at the University of Washington School of Medicine. This content is for general educational purposes only and should not be considered individualized medical advice.

EP 13: How Stress and Cortisol Accelerate Facial Aging | OR DIARIES

In this episode, I share a powerful case from the operating room that highlights how chronic stress, trauma, and elevated cortisol can rapidly accelerate facial aging. I break down the physiology behind stress hormones, metabolic health, tissue quality, and why your face often reflects what’s happening internally long before labs do. You’ll learn why surgery alone isn’t always the answer, the importance of addressing root causes, and how to think about aging through a more holistic, biology-first lens. CONNECT WITH HOST  Website: https://clinic5c.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chesnut.md/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@chesnutMD  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cameron-chesnut-a6910baa/  WAYS TO WATCH/LISTEN  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@5CodesPodcast  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1FZ7vpmq21iA1noPcFhixb?si=992ef6c8d859463f  Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/5-codes-podcast/id1866214238  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/5codespodcast/   TIMESTAMPS  00:00 - Intro 01:18 - Stress and Life Events 02:38 - Trauma and Rapid Facial Aging 03:14 - Cortisol and the Physiology of Aging 04:15 - How Do We Address This? 07:12 - Outro ABOUT HOST  Dr. Cameron Chesnut is the host of the 5 Codes podcast and the founder of Clinic 5C, where he leads a team dedicated to integrative cosmetic surgery, regenerative medicine, and functional health. An internationally recognized facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Chesnut is known for producing natural, refined results that enhance rather than alter one’s appearance. His approach blends surgical precision with biological optimization and disciplined restraint, drawing patients from around the world who value excellence, longevity, and holistic care. On 5 Codes, Dr. Chesnut uncovers the mindsets and evidence-backed strategies he lives by, helping high performers perform better, recover smarter, and feel their best in every area of life.  DISCLAIMER  The views shared on this podcast are my own and are not associated with, affiliated with, or representative of my clinical teaching role at the University of Washington School of Medicine. This content is for general educational purposes only and should not be considered individualized medical advice.