
The Overlap of ENT and Plastic Surgery: Sinus Health, Rhinoplasties, and Sleep Apnea Treatments with Dr. Shawn Allen
10/18/24 • 26 min
In this episode of The Confidence Doc, Dr. Rukmini Rednam sits down with Dr. Shawn Allen, an experienced ENT Rhinologist in Houston, to discuss the fascinating overlap between plastic surgery and ENT rhinology. Dr. Allen walks through the specialized training involved in becoming an ENT rhinologist and sheds light on the field of rhinology, which covers areas such as sinus function, skull base surgery, and more.
Dr. Allen shares how he's helped patients manage sinus issues through surgery, addressing whether surgery is always necessary or if medications can be just as effective depending on the symptoms. They also discuss the growing prevalence of allergies in recent years and examine possible reasons for this change, comparing how the immune system functioned more robustly in the past.
The conversation touches on the historical connection between plastic surgery and ENT, which used to be a single specialty, and Dr. Allen's role in performing rhinoplasties during combination surgeries. Additionally, Dr. Allen discusses his work in treating conditions like snoring and the common causes behind it, as well as obstructive sleep apnea. He explains the spectrum of sleep apnea severity, the challenges faced by patients who are CPAP-intolerant, and his approach to post-nasal drainage issues.
Looking ahead, Dr. Allen highlights some exciting advancements in the treatment of sleep apnea, including new medications on the horizon.
Key topics include:
- The shared history and connections between ENT and plastic surgery.
- How sinus surgery compares to medication treatment for sinus issues.
- The worsening of allergies over time and immune system changes.
- Dr. Allen’s role in rhinoplasties and combination surgeries.
- Causes and treatments for snoring and obstructive sleep apnea.
- Emerging medications for sleep apnea treatment.
Tune in for a deep dive into the world of ENT rhinology, as Dr. Allen provides expert insight into sinus health, sleep apnea, and the evolving landscape of his field.
Follow Dr. Shawn Allen on Instagram at snotdoctx.
Request your consultation here:
Contact Rukmini Rednam, MD in Houston TX and The Woodlands (drrukminirednam.com)
In this episode of The Confidence Doc, Dr. Rukmini Rednam sits down with Dr. Shawn Allen, an experienced ENT Rhinologist in Houston, to discuss the fascinating overlap between plastic surgery and ENT rhinology. Dr. Allen walks through the specialized training involved in becoming an ENT rhinologist and sheds light on the field of rhinology, which covers areas such as sinus function, skull base surgery, and more.
Dr. Allen shares how he's helped patients manage sinus issues through surgery, addressing whether surgery is always necessary or if medications can be just as effective depending on the symptoms. They also discuss the growing prevalence of allergies in recent years and examine possible reasons for this change, comparing how the immune system functioned more robustly in the past.
The conversation touches on the historical connection between plastic surgery and ENT, which used to be a single specialty, and Dr. Allen's role in performing rhinoplasties during combination surgeries. Additionally, Dr. Allen discusses his work in treating conditions like snoring and the common causes behind it, as well as obstructive sleep apnea. He explains the spectrum of sleep apnea severity, the challenges faced by patients who are CPAP-intolerant, and his approach to post-nasal drainage issues.
Looking ahead, Dr. Allen highlights some exciting advancements in the treatment of sleep apnea, including new medications on the horizon.
Key topics include:
- The shared history and connections between ENT and plastic surgery.
- How sinus surgery compares to medication treatment for sinus issues.
- The worsening of allergies over time and immune system changes.
- Dr. Allen’s role in rhinoplasties and combination surgeries.
- Causes and treatments for snoring and obstructive sleep apnea.
- Emerging medications for sleep apnea treatment.
Tune in for a deep dive into the world of ENT rhinology, as Dr. Allen provides expert insight into sinus health, sleep apnea, and the evolving landscape of his field.
Follow Dr. Shawn Allen on Instagram at snotdoctx.
Request your consultation here:
Contact Rukmini Rednam, MD in Houston TX and The Woodlands (drrukminirednam.com)
Previous Episode

Plastic Surgery for Women of Color: Preventing PIH and Safe Post-Op Care with Dr. Rukmini Rednam
In this episode of The Confidence Doc, Dr. Rukmini Rednam opens up about the unique considerations for women of color when it comes to plastic surgery treatments. Dr. Rednam shares her expert insights on how planning procedures for women of color requires extra care and precision to avoid complications like post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). She highlights the importance of tailoring post-op care and adjusting treatments to minimize risks, particularly when using heat-based devices, such as VASER or Renuvion, which can cause inflammation.
Dr. Rednam explores alternative approaches to achieve skin tightening through lasers without triggering PIH, discussing how women of color can safely benefit from these procedures. She also dives into the role of heat-based devices in post-op care, emphasizing the need for careful selection of treatments to ensure optimal results and minimize adverse reactions.
Key topics include:
- Special considerations for women of color in plastic surgery.
- Strategies to prevent post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).
- Safe use of heat-based devices like VASER and Renuvion.
- Achieving skin tightening through lasers without PIH.
- The role of heat-based devices in post-op care.
Tune in for an enlightening conversation about the specific needs of women of color in the world of plastic surgery, as Dr. Rednam provides valuable guidance on navigating these treatments safely and effectively.
Request your consultation here:
Contact Rukmini Rednam, MD in Houston TX and The Woodlands (drrukminirednam.com)
Next Episode

A Week in the Life of a Plastic Surgeon: Dr. Rednam’s Journey Balancing Surgery, Insurance Cases, and Family
In this episode of The Confidence Doc, Dr. Rednam gives listeners a behind-the-scenes look at her life as a board-certified plastic surgeon. She reflects on how the podcast has helped her connect with people and share valuable insights into the world of plastic surgery, patient care, and balancing a demanding career with family life.
Dr. Rednam walks us through her typical week as a plastic surgeon, starting bright and early at 5 a.m. She kicks off Mondays in the operating room, performing a variety of cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery procedures. On Wednesdays, she focuses on insurance cases, performing breast reconstruction and other medically necessary surgeries covered by insurance.
Outside of the operating room, Dr. Rednam stays busy attending meetings, consulting with patients, and keeping up with the latest advancements in plastic surgery. She also opens up about her personal life, sharing how she manages to balance her role as a plastic surgeon with her responsibilities as a wife and mother of two. Tune in to hear a day-by-day breakdown of Dr. Rednam’s life, as she shares her passion for plastic surgery and the unique challenges of balancing career and family.
Request your consultation here:
Contact Rukmini Rednam, MD in Houston TX and The Woodlands (drrukminirednam.com)
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