Alar Base Reduction Rhinoplasty

Actual patient of Dr. Devgan, before and 3 weeks after alar base reduction rhinoplasty

Actual patient of Dr. Devgan, before and 3 weeks after alar base reduction rhinoplasty

One of the most aesthetically important parts of the nose is its width at the base. It can be distracting and overpowering for your other facial features if your nose that is too wide for your face, or if your nostrils are disproportionately large compared to the bony structure of your nose.

Ideal nasal width proportions

How do you know if your nose is too wide for your face?

According to ideal facial proportions, your nose should be approximately as wide as each eye, and no wider than the space between the eyes. When the face is divided into fifths vertically, as above, the ideal aesthetic relationship becomes clear.

Of course, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to facial features. Nasal width reflects heritage and ethnicity as well, and some people prefer a nose that is either wider or narrower than the above diagram indicates. Your nose is too wide for your face only if you feel that it is too wide.

What can be done for a wide nose or wide nostrils?

A traditional rhinoplasty takes apart and rebuilds the nose completely, but if your only concern is a wide base of your nose, you might be a candidate for a smaller procedure called an "alar base reduction rhinoplasty" or "Weir excision rhinoplasty."

An alar base reduction rhinoplasty narrows your nose in a short operation that takes under an hour. This operation can be done with local anesthesia only, meaning that it is a painless and awake procedure. Not only does eliminate the risks of sedation and general anesthesia, but it also means that you are able to return to your normal life (including work and school) the next day.

The incisions for an alar base reduction rhinoplasty are tiny and hidden in the crease between your nose and your cheeks. When stitches are removed one week after surgery and healing becomes more complete, they are barely noticeable-- even in people with dark complexions.

What is the next step?

If you are interested in nose reshaping surgery, including alar base reduction rhinoplasty, please email info@LaraDevganMD.com or call (212) 452-2400 to set up a consultation appointment.

Verified rhinoplasty patient review from RateMDs.com

Verified rhinoplasty patient review from RateMDs.com

Verified rhinoplasty patient review from RateMDs.com

Nipple Reconstruction After Breast Cancer

Primary (first time) nipple reconstruction. Actual patient of Dr. Devgan.

Secondary (second time) nipple reconstruction, 10 years after the initial reconstruction. Actual patient of Dr. Devgan.

Breast reconstruction after breast cancer can be a long, multi-stage journey. However, technology for breast reconstruction has improved dramatically in the past decade, and results are better and more beautiful than ever. 

The initial stages of breast reconstruction involve creating a breast mound (the soft round form on the chest that mimics the female breast). This can either be done with a breast implant or with your own tissue (usually fat from the belly).

The final stage of breast reconstruction is often the reconstruction of the nipple (or nipple areolar complex). This procedure is more minor and can be done while you are awake, using only local anesthesia. However, it is a very gratifying operation, as the breast looks much more realistic when a nipple has been created. A reconstructed nipple is generally very durable. However, some women note that their reconstructed nipple tends to sink down and become more flat after several years have passed. In these women, we perform a secondary or revision nipple reconstruction.

Once the nipple has been made, most women choose to undergo areolar tattooing by a qualified tattoo artist. This is a final finishing touch that gives the reconstructed breast a beautiful, natural appearance.

For more information about breast or nipple reconstruction after breast cancer, please set up a consultation appointment with Dr. Devgan by calling (212) 452-2400.

Pediatric Plastic Surgery

Actual patient of Dr. Devgan, before and after repair of facial laceration.

As the mother of three young children, taking care of kids who require plastic and reconstructive surgery is a great joy of my job. Not only do I appreciate the gentle and delicate way kids relate to adults (especially scary doctors), but I also understand the things that can help keep them at ease. 

Singing Wheels on the Bus, watching Peppa Pig, giving out stickers and band-aids, sharing (sugar free) candies, and playing doctor to stuffed animals-- these are all part of my routine when helping kids through their tough times.

Whether your little one has a facial laceration from a fall on the playground, a hand injury from a mishap at home, a congential anomaly, a suspicious mole, or anything else, please do not hesitate to reach out to me if I may be of help. I take care of pediatric patients ranging in age from birth through the teenage years and beyond. I address concerns such as teenage breast reduction, teenage rhinoplasty (or nose job surgery), teenage torn earlobes from ear piercings, dog bites, cat scratches, and conditions that your child may have been born with such as cleft lip and palate. 

You may call my office 24-7 at (212) 452-2400 for either routine or emergency concerns, and you may always reach out to me via email at info@LaraDevganMD.com.

Actual patient of Dr. Devgan, before and after facial laceration repair.

Actual patient of Dr. Devgan, before and after cleft lip repair.

Actual patient of Dr. Devgan, before and after repair of torn earlobe.

Actual patient of Dr. Devgan, before and after repair of nasal dog bite injury/ facial laceration.

Inverted Nipple Correction

Actual patient of Dr. Devgan, before and after correction of inverted nipple.

Inverted nipples occur frequently and are often a source of discomfort or self-consciousness for women who have them.

What is an inverted nipple?

When a woman has an inverted nipple, her nipple points inward and is recessed below the level of her breast. This can make the nipple appear flat, or in severe cases, it can make what is ordinarily the most prominent part of a nipple appear to be a recessed hole in the center of the breast.

Can nipples sometimes be inverted and sometimes be normal?

In some women with inverted nipples, touch, stimulation, or temperature changes can make the nipple "pop out" or reappear. In other women with inverted nipples, the nipples are so thoroughly tethered downward that they are "stuck" in a recessed position.

Do inverted nipples affect body image, sex, and breastfeeding?

In addition to the discomfort about the way that inverted nipples look, women with inverted nipples are also typically not able to breastfeed, and they report decreased sensation and sexual satisfaction with regard to their breasts.

How are inverted nipples corrected?

If you have an inverted nipple, Dr. Devgan can correct it with a short procedure done under local anesthesia only. By making a tiny incision at the base of the nipple (and hidden within the areola), Dr. Devgan will surgically draw the nipple outward and support it in a normal, popped-out position using carefully placed sutures. You are able to return to work later that same day or the next day, and downtime is minimal. Healing is generally complete within 2-4 weeks.

For more information:

If you are interested in correction of inverted nipples in New York City, please call (212) 452-2400 to make a consultation appointment with Dr. Devgan. You may also email info@LaraDevganMD.com if you have specific questions.

Dr. Devgan on ABC World News Tonight

Click to view Dr. Devgan's appearance on ABC World News Tonight

As a medical expert for ABC News, Dr. Devgan was invited to comment on the Legionnaire's Disease outbreak affecting New York City. Her commentary appeared on the nationally syndicated show ABC World News Tonight.