Full show notes: https://bengreenfieldlife.com/podcast/cam2025/ Surgical recovery is a neurological and metabolic event, not just a mechanical one. In this episode, Dr. Cameron Chesnut breaks down the physiology that determines how clear, calm, and resilient you are after anesthesia - and the things you should DEFINITELY ask your surgeon about before getting surgery. Dr. Chesnut is an internationally recognized facial plastic surgeon known for combining regenerative medicine with cutting-edge recovery science. He approaches surgery at his clinic, Clinic5C, in the Pacific Northwest, like a high-performance athlete—entering each procedure in a neurocognitively optimized flow state to deliver natural, transformative results. Here’s what you’ll discover: - Anesthesia choices that protect post-op brain clarity - Nicotine’s role in neuroprotection and recovery - How to advocate for safer anesthesia - Creatine as a pre-surgery brain support - Peptides and light therapies for healing - Strategies to restore sleep after anesthesia - Why cosmetic surgery is shifting to regenerative therapies Whether you’re preparing for a procedure, supporting someone through recovery, or simply curious about the intersection of performance medicine and advanced surgical care, this episode gives you a framework for protecting your brain, stabilizing your nervous system, and healing more effectively. LIFE Network: https://joinlifenetwork.com Ben Greenfield Life Website: https://bengreenfieldlife.com/ Ben Greenfield Life Podcast: https://bengreenfieldlife.com/podcast/ Ben Greenfield Books: https://shopbengreenfieldlife.com/collections/books Instagram https://www.instagram.com/bengreenfieldfitness/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/BGFitness X https://twitter.com/bengreenfield TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@bengreenfield 00:00 "Mindset and Overcoming Limits" 06:02 Breath Control and Metabolic Flexibility 11:44 "Cameron Chestnut Returns Again" 14:12 "Ketosis and Breath Hold Performance" 16:32 "Surgical Prep with Fasting" 21:53 "Cognitive Impact of Anesthesia" 24:03 "Challenges in Advanced Anesthesia Techniques" 27:38 "Propofol Use and Effects" 31:19 "Anesthesia Practices and Surgeon Involvement" 35:40 Optimized Post-Operative Recovery Protocol 36:40 "Neuroinflammation and Healing Benefits" 42:14 Targeted IV & Recovery Therapies 45:53 "Vitamin D Supplementation Insights" 49:28 Regenerative Medicine in Aesthetics 51:13 Stem Cells, Fat, and Healing 53:37 Microplastics: Sources and Solutions 57:35 Affiliate Disclosure and Transparency Statement