May 15, 2015

Do you need stitches for that cut?

May 15, 2015

Actual patient of Dr. Devgan, before and after plastic surgical repair of facial laceration (stitches for cut on face)

When do you really need to get stitches for a cut?

Getting a cut in your skin from an accident is incredibly common-- whether you tripped and fell, got into a car accident, or had a sports-related mishap. Cuts (or lacerations) are even more common in children than adults-- with playground accidents, bad weather, and general mischievousness being the major culprits.

The big question is: does a cut require stitches? And if a cut requires stitches, do you need a plastic surgeon?

If you have any of the following situations, you need medical attention:

significant bleeding, or bleeding that doesn't stop
a cut on a sensitive area of the body (the face, the hands, the genitals, or the breasts)
a cut that reveals deeper tissue (pale dermis, yellow fat, red muscle, white bone, or white cartilage)
a cut that is longer than 1 cm
a cut that is gaping open or opens widely when you move the area
a cut that is from a cat bite, dog bite, human bite, or other animal bite
a cut where you may have foreign bodies trapped in your tissue (broken glass, asphalt debris, or other object shards)
a situation where you may have other injuries, where you blacked out, where you don't clearly remember everything that happened, or where you don't feel normal
anytime you are not sure, seeking medical help is always the best answer

Do you need a plastic surgeon to do your stitches, or will any doctor suffice?

You are not obligated to have a plastic surgeon repair the majority of cuts or lacerations. In fact, most cuts will heal with minimal to no medical intervention at all. It is part of the magic of the human body-- it (mostly) heals itself. Indeed, in many ERs and medical centers, a physician's assistant, intern, resident in training, or ER doctor is assigned to repair your laceration. This is perfectly fine.

Before deciding if you want a plastic surgeon to repair a laceration, you must ask yourself: how do you want the scar to look after the cut heals?

Wound healing and repair is a fundamental part of the discipline of plastic surgery, and a plastic surgeon's surgical techniques can help you get the best possible cosmetic result.

You may benefit from a plastic surgeon if:

you are concerned with how the wound will look after it heals
you want to avoid or minimize scarring
the cut is on a cosmetically sensitive part of your body (especially the face, hands, or breasts)
the cut is on a child, especially a child's face
the cut shows deep tissue, is gaping, is large, or is complex

If you would like Dr. Devgan to help you with surgical laceration repair, please call (212) 452-2400 at any time, 24 hours a day.

Lara Devgan, MD

May 14, 2015

Dr. Devgan featured in art exhibition about one patient's breast cancer journey

Lara Devgan, MD

May 14, 2015

Artist: Annalisa Iadicicco. Medium: photograph printed on transparent photo paper and installed on a reclaimed window. New York, New York, 2015. The artist's mother is pictured here, with Dr. Devgan.

Dr. Devgan is honored to be featured in contemporary artist Annalisa Iadicicco's new exhibition "Seek side by side silently," which documents a walk through breast cancer, depicting the emotional turmoil of a caregiver.

Pictured above is Dr. Devgan with the artist's mother in the apprehensive first moment she looks at herself after mastectomy (when her breasts were removed). The stunning exhibiton opens May 14, 2015 at The Factory in New York City.

For more information on the artist, please visit www.annalisaiadicicco.com.

Lara Devgan, MD

May 13, 2015

Mini breast augmentation

Lara Devgan, MD

May 13, 2015

The latest trend in breast augmentation in New York City is the use of small volume breast implants (less than 300cc). Although some patients favor larger implants, many Manhattanites prefer sizes that are more discreet.

Small volume or "mini breast augmentation" allows for a more natural, yet still full and feminine, result. Women choose small volume breast augmentation when they want a boost in size and contour, but they don't want their breast augmentation to be immediately obvious.

Although many factors play a role in choosing the correct implant size, these are some general rules of thumb to consider:

In many women, a volume of 250cc correlates with approximately one cup size.
Placing implants "under the muscle" (or in the "dual plane") makes them appear about 50cc smaller
If you have a wide chest build (broad frame), you will need a larger volume to accomplish the same size increase. The opposite is true for those with narrow frames.
If you have very loose or floppy tissues (frequently seen after childbearing, breast feeding, and weight changes), your tissue may be able to accomodate a larger volume.
Using a small volume silicone breast implant means a smaller scar.

Actual patient of Dr. Devgan, before and 1 month after breast augmentation.

Lara Devgan, MD

May 12, 2015

Dr. Devgan named to Fairfield County's "40 under 40"

Lara Devgan, MD

May 12, 2015

Lara Devgan, MD, MPH, was named to the 2015 Fairfield County Business Journal's 40 Under 40 List for her outstanding contributions to the field of plastic and reconstructive surgery. The 40 Under 40 List recognizes 40 of the best and brightest professionals in Fairfield County, Connecticut who are under the age of 40.

Dr. Devgan is a plastic and reconstructive surgeon in both New York City and Greenwich, Connecticut. While her Manhattan practice focuses on cosmetic plastic surgery, she frequently performs reconstructive surgery of the face and hands in children and adults at Greenwich Hospital.

The 40 Under 40 Awards Ceremony will take place on June 25, 2015 at The Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk, CT. Tickets are available at www.westfaironline.com.

Lara Devgan, MD

May 11, 2015

What is a tummy tuck?

Lara Devgan, MD

May 11, 2015

Actual patient of Dr. Devgan, before and 6 weeks after tummy tuck (abdominoplasty)

A tummy tuck (or abdominoplasty) is a procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen. It is frequently done in men and women who have experienced weight fluctuations and are left with extra tissue that won't go away on its own.

The tummy tuck is extremely common in women who have had one or more children, and it is sometimes referred to as part of a "mommy makeover." The tummy tuck can also be performed as a "body contouring" procedure in someone who has lost a significant amount of weight through diet, exercise, gastric bypass, gastric banding, or some combination of techniques for massive weight loss.

Scars from a tummy tuck are hidden entirely under your bathing suit or underwear line, allowing you to feel confident showing your body after the procedure. The tummy tuck can be combined with liposuction in some people, and this is sometimes referred to as "lipoabdominoplasty."

The tummy tuck is one of the most gratifying operations I perform, as it truly transforms people's lives. I have had a number of patients tell me that their abdominoplasty has allowed them to swim, go to the beach, shop in their favorite stores, date, rekindle their romantic relationships, and exercise-- activities that can be prohibitive when excess skin and fat gets in your way.

If you are thinking about a tummy tuck, liposuction, or lipoabdominoplasty, the first step is scheduling an in-person consultation. To do so, please call (212) 452-2400.