How to plan a perfect breast augmentation

There are no guarantees in life, or in plastic surgery, but I believe that meticulous pre-operative planning can make an ideal surgical result much more likely. 

When it comes to breast augmentation, how can your surgeon develop a perfect pre-operative plan?

• Appropriately assess your tissue laxity. Everyone's skin quality and elasticity is different; the less elastic your skin, the younger and tighter it looks, while the more elastic your skin, the larger an implant it can accomodate.
• Make precise preoperative measurements. The essential pre-operative measurements for breast augmentation are skin pinch, sternal notch to nipple distance, nipple to inframammary fold distance, breast base width, intramammary distance, and areolar diameter.
• Correct for any asymmetries or anatomical irregularities during surgery. This will make your breasts look more similar after surgery, even if they were not perfectly symmetric before surgery.
• Use appropriately sized breast implants that will adequately fill your tissue pocket, without putting undue strain on your skin and soft tissue. Not every patient can safely have every type of breast implant. Choosing the correct size for a given patient's anatomy and desires requires surgical judgment.
• Minimize handling of your tissues in the operating room. Tissue trauma increases swelling, bruising, tissue injury, and likelihood of a longer recovery.
• Minimize handling of the breast implants in the operating room. Excessive handling of breast implants risks contamination and may increase the risk of capsular contracture, infection, and implant-related failure.
• Listen to your goals and expectations for surgery. Good communication is key in delivering a result that will make both the surgeon and the patient happy.

For questions about breast implants (breast augmentation), or to make an appointment to see me in my New York City based practice, please call (212) 452-2400.

Dr. Devgan named to the New York Times Magazine Superdoctors "Rising Star" List

We are pleased to announce that Dr. Devgan has been named by New York Super Doctors as one of the "Rising Star" top doctors in the New York Metropolitan Area again in 2015. The Super Doctors Rising Stars list was published last weekend, in the September 27, 2015 issue of The New York Times Magazine.

TO COME UP WITH THIS LIST, OVER 40,000 MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS WERE ASKED FOR NOMINATIONS BASED ON ONE QUESTION: "IF YOU NEEDED MEDICAL CARE, WHICH DOCTOR WOULD YOU CHOOSE?"

Each year, Key Professional Media, Inc. undertakes a rigorous, multi-phase selection process that includes a survey of doctors, independent evaluation of candidates by research staff, a peer review of candidates by practice area, and a good-standing and disciplinary check. Fewer than 2.5% of New York plastic surgeons received this honor. 

Dr. Devgan named an "Inspiring Professional" Brand Ambassador for Lab Coat and Scrubs Manufacturer Medelita

Click to learn more about Medelita

We are pleased to announce that Dr. Devgan has been appointed a brand ambassador for Medelita, the highest quality manufacturer of professional lab coats and performance scrubs-- and one that has improved the fit, style, and technology of medical apparel. 

As part of the "H.I.P." (Honoring Inspiring Professionals) Ambassadors Program, Dr. Devgan has been recognized as a leader in plastic surgery. According to Medelita, "our ambassador program serves to honor outstanding medical professionals... As innovators at the forefront of medicine and genuine patient advocates, Medelita offers support for these immense sacrifices and contributions to the health care community."

Click to read Dr. Devgan's Brand Ambassador profile on Medelita.com

Skin Cancer 101: An Invited Article by Julia Tzu, MD

Image credit Quality Health Care

I'm pleased to introduce Dr. Julia Tzu, a fabulous dermatologist in Manhattan and one of my colleagues and classmates from my days at Johns Hopkins Medical School. Read her article on what you need to know about skin cancer, below.

Skin Cancer 101 by Julia Tzu, MD

Guest Blog Post for Lara Devgan, MD, MPH

Skin cancer has been on the rise in the past decades, and is the most common cancer in the United States.  Although there are numerous types of skin cancers, the most common types include basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.  Ultraviolet radiation from sun exposure (along with individual genetic susceptibility) is known to play a role in skin cancer development.

Image credit zrocderm.com

Basal cell carcinomas constitute the majority of skin cancers and are the most common type of cancer in the world. It typically presents as a pink, pearly growth, often found in sun-exposed areas of the skin.  Although basal cell carcinomas are slow growing tumors that do very rarely spread to other parts of the body, they can grow to large sizes and cause destruction of local tissue and other bodily structures.   Treatment for basal cell carcinomas can include topical chemotherapy agents, standard surgical excisions, electrodessication and curettage, and Mohs surgery.

Squamous cell carcinomas are the second most common type of skin cancers. It typically presents as a scaly pink growth or simply a pink growth, also commonly found on sun-exposed areas of the skin.  Sometimes, squamous cell carcinomas can also be associated with high-risk human papilloma virus infection, and are thus correlated with sexual activity.  Treatment for squamous cell carcinomas can include topical chemotherapy agents, standard surgical excisions, and Mohs surgery.

Melanomas constitute an important category of skin cancers because of its more aggressive behavior.  Depending on its stage, melanomas have a higher probability of spreading to other parts of the body.   Melanomas often present as an irregular appearing dark spot or an “ugly mole” and can occur anywhere on the body.  Younger adults are increasingly being diagnosed with melanoma.   When caught at the earliest stage, melanoma is easily treatable with a standard surgical excision and the prognosis is excellent.

Routine self monitoring of any new or changing skin lesions, combined with routine annual skin cancer screenings with your local dermatologist is recommended for early detection and treatment of skin cancers.  Any new or changing growth or skin lesion should be biopsied for diagnosis.   Avoiding excessive sun exposure and routine application of a broad-spectrum sunscreen can also help reduce one’s chances of developing skin cancer. 

Click to learn more about the author of this post, dermatologist Julia Tzu, MD

Why I love New York City

Click to read Dr. Devgan's full profile in the Why I Love New York City photo documentary project

I recently had the pleasure of doing a photoshoot for Eljay Aguilo, a New York City street photographer and creator of the Why I Love New York City project (blog, book, Instagram, and social phenomenon). Eljay, also known as @Misterhattan, is one of the most passionate and talented photographers of his generation, and has over 70,000 followers, fans, and friends of his work on various forms of social media for @WhyILoveNewYorkCity.

Not only was I thrilled to have the opportunity to participate in Eljay's wonderful project, but it also gave me a moment to consider all the things I love about New York City. Although I am a Southern California native, New York is my adult home, and I've grown incredibly fond of it over time.

My interview with Why I Love New York City is here:

#365 Dr. Lara Devgan

(@NYPlasticSurgeon on Instagram) I moved to the City to become a surgeon. I spent six years working 100 hour weeks in sterile operating rooms and crowded surgery clinics at Columbia and Cornell.  I lived in fluorescent-lit hospital hallways and barely saw the light of day. While most of the city slept, I purchased meals from vending machines.

Years have since passed, and I love New York more than ever.  Here is where I met my wonderful husband, had my three (soon, four) sons, and built a busy Upper East Side plastic surgery practice.

One of my favorite places in the city is Café Boulud.  It’s delicious and equally perfect for a milestone celebration or an impromptu night out.  But no matter how times I sample their scrumptious truffle pasta or perfectly prepared cappuccino, a little part of me will never forget the 2am vending machine granola bars that fueled my journey. (For more information about Dr. Lara Devgan, CLICK HERE)

Image credit Eljay Aguilo, aka Misterhattan, for Why I Love New York City

Image credit Eljay Aguilo, aka Misterhattan, for Why I Love New York City

Image credit Eljay Aguilo, aka Misterhattan, for Why I Love New York City

Image credit Eljay Aguilo, aka Misterhattan, for Why I Love New York City

10 Places I Love in New York City

1. Gramercy Park, where I met my husband

2. New York Presbyterian Hospital, where my three sons were born

3. Cafe Boulud, where I love to have a celebratory dinner or a casual night out

4. The Guggenheim Museum, where I am on the Acquisitions Committee of the Young Collectors Council and help choose which works of art the museum will purchase

5. Central Park, where my husband and I got engaged, and where we take our sons to play on weekends

6. Carnegie Hall, where I enjoy listening to classical music

7. Sant Ambroeus, where I have lunch almost once a week

8. My state of the art office, where I see patients, operate, and am lucky enough to do what I love every day

9. The Frick Collection, where I steal away on Wednesday evenings whenever I can to sketch the gorgeous artwork and architecture

10. Park Avenue, my favorite street for a weekend stroll with my family