Every now and then, a patient will sit across from me and say, “I know this might sound silly, but…” And I always stop them right there. Because in my experience, it’s often the quietest concerns – the smallest areas of discomfort – that, when addressed with care, make the biggest difference.
Today, I want to share a few of the procedures I find myself recommending again and again. They may not be the ones you hear about on social media, but they’re some of the most powerful tools I have for helping patients feel more like themselves again.
One of the procedures I’m most passionate about is the tummy tuck – not because it’s flashy, but because it’s functional. For many of my patients, especially mothers, there’s a loss they don’t always know how to name. After pregnancy or significant weight loss, the abdominal muscles can separate (what we call diastasis recti), and no amount of exercise will bring them back together.
With a tummy tuck, I’m not just removing excess skin. I’m repairing the foundation – restoring strength to the core, improving posture, and helping the body move in alignment again. The aesthetic outcome is beautiful, yes. A smoother, flatter silhouette can make someone feel radiant in their clothes again. But what I love most is watching a patient stand taller, breathe deeper, and realize they’ve gotten something back they didn’t even know they’d lost.
To me, that’s what real transformation looks like: form and function, working in harmony.
This one surprises people: ear rejuvenation.
Our ears and noses continue to grow as we age, and over time, even small changes – like sagging earlobes or stretched piercings – can subtly age the face. It’s not always something we consciously notice, but it affects the way jewelry sits, how hair is styled, and even how balanced the face looks overall.
I love ear rejuvenation because it’s such a simple, elegant solution. I can repair torn or stretched piercings, reshape the earlobes themselves, and – depending on the patient’s needs – even use filler or fat grafting to restore volume. While non-surgical options exist and can be helpful for the right candidate, surgical earlobe repair offers the most durable, long-lasting result.
The procedure is quick, and the recovery is minimal: stitches are in for about five days, and after six weeks, we’re ready to re-pierce. (And I have something very exciting in the works with a beloved local jeweler for those of you wanting to mark the occasion with something special.)
I think of it like this – your earrings deserve a beautiful frame. And so do you.
If there’s one procedure I think is not only underrated, but gets a bad reputation, it’s submental liposuction (the removal of excess fat under the chin to smooth and define the jawline).
Whether it’s the natural result of aging, genetics, or weight fluctuations, fullness under the chin is a common concern. And while there are non-surgical treatments available, submental liposuction is one of the most efficient, elegant ways to restore a clean, graceful contour.
Personally, I love this procedure. It’s quick, precise, and beautifully enhances a person’s natural features – without changing who they are. I’m not interested in chasing trends or creating “Instagram faces.” What I care about is restoring balance, highlighting what’s already beautiful, and helping patients look in the mirror and recognize themselves again.
This procedure does exactly that. A stronger jawline. A smoother profile. A subtle change that brings everything into focus.
These aren’t the procedures that usually make headlines. They’re not bold or dramatic. And some people, even other surgeons, may brush them off as unnecessary or too minor to matter.
But here’s what I believe, and what I see every day in my practice: the smallest changes can create the most meaningful transformations.
It’s never about what other people think you “should” do. It’s about how you feel in your own skin – what makes you feel strong, radiant, and truly yourself. If a smoother neck, a stronger core, or more youthful earlobes bring you back to that place of confidence, then that’s not small at all. That’s sacred.
My job isn’t to change you. It’s to help you feel like you’ve come home to yourself.
And if any of these speak to you, I’d be honored to walk through your options together.
-Dr. Cassie Hartline
