Botox for gummy smile

Actual patient of Dr. Devgan, before and after Botox to treat gummy smile.

This is an example of what Botox can do to reduce the amount of gum showing above the teeth. This actual patient of mine had 1cm of gingival show before any treatment (left) and now has 2mm after (right). This has softened and feminized her face while still allowing her to make all normal facial expressions and mouth movements.

An anatomically ideal smile shows 75-100% of the front teeth. About 20% of people have what is called a "gummy smile," where there is excess gingiva (gum tissue) above the upper teeth when smiling. Traditional methods for addressing a gummy smile involve orthognathic or dental surgery. However, a newer, quicker, and less invasive treatment involves Botox of the upper lip elevators.

Precise injection of the trifurcation point of the levator labii superioris, levator labii superioris alaquae nasi, and zygomaticus minor muscles with a conservative amount of Botox allows her smile to be less gummy while retaining the natural character of her face.

Gummy smile treatment is an expert technique that requires precise injection of product and thorough knowledge of facial anatomy to avoid asymmetry, an immobile upper lip, and other complications. Seek treatment from someone who knows how to do it. If you are interested in seeing me for this treatment, please call my office at (212) 452-2400.

Dr. Devgan Scientific Beauty featured in Avenue Magazine Trendscapes

I am so thrilled to see my skin care line featured in Avenue Magazine's "Trendscapes" column this month (above). Avenue's beauty editors featured a powerhouse combination of four scientifically proven products-- Platinum Glow Serum, Platinum Hyaluronic Serum, Platinum Vitamin C+ Luminous Night Serum, and Platinum Eye Repair Complex-- that will give you a total skin makeover over the course of 4 weeks.

Can you combine breast and body surgery?

Actual patient of Dr. Devgan, before and 1.5 months after tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) and breast lift (mastopexy).

Many body contouring patients in my practice are interested in multiple operations. The most common areas of concern are the breasts and the abdomen. This makes sense, as these two anatomic regions tend to bear the brunt of weight gain and loss, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and gravity.

How do we decide whether or not operations can be combined? The main factor in determining whether or not breast and body surgery can be perfored in the same setting is patient safety. Consideration of the amount of time required for a given operation, an individual's medical history, and the surgical goals of a particular operation are all factors.

Plastic surgeons typically try to keep elective operations under 5-6 hours in length. In my practice, I prefer to keep total operative time under 3.5 hours. Research shows that shorter operations have a lower risk of infection, blood clots, and anesthesia issues. In my practice, this is paramount.

Within this framework, I am able to combine breast and body operations in select patients, as in the weight loss patient above, who underwent breast lift (mastopexy) and tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) with excellent results.

For inquiries about body contouring, weight loss plastic surgery, mommy makeover, or other combination operations, please call my office at 212-452-2400, or email info@LaraDevganMD.com.

Demystifying labiaplasty

Cosmetic rejuvenation of the female genitalia has been a taboo subject for so long that speaking about it openly and accurately remains a challenge, even within some segments of the medical community. I have had labiaplasty patients tell me that their OB-GYN or internist told them that nothing could be done to help them. I find this disheartening.

Labiaplasty, when performed by skilled hands, is a short procedure with minimal downtime that can utterly change a woman's life. Whether your concern is excess of the labia minora (inner labia lips), sagging of the labia majora (outer labia lips), protrusion of the clitoral hood (the front tissue), or looseness of the perineum (the tissue between the vagina and anus), a custom-tailored operation based on your anatomic needs is possible.

A few examples of recent labiaplasty patients are shown below. To set up an appointment to see me and discuss this operation, please call 212-452-2400 or email info@LaraDevganMD.com.

Actual patient of Dr. Devgan, before and after labiaplasty.

Actual patient of Dr. Devgan, before and after labiaplasty.

Actual patient of Dr. Devgan, before and after labiaplasty.

Actual patient of Dr. Devgan, before and after labiaplasty.

Abdominal Liposuction for Refinement of the Six-Pack

Actual patient of Dr. Devgan, before and after abdominal etching of the six-pack and flanks (abdominal liposculpture/ liposuction)

Many patients who are already fit desire additional contouring of their physiques to look their absolute best in outdoor, athletic, beach, and intimate situations. For patients in this category, liposculpture, or abdominal liposuction for refinement of the six-pack can be an excellent option.

Depending on your unique anatomic concerns, surgery takes approximately 1 hour, and anywhere from 1 to 5 Liters of fat lipoaspirate can be removed. Incisions (including the main incision, which is hidden inside the belly button) are intentionally camouflaged, and typical incisions are no more than half a centimeter long.

After surgery, you wear an abdominal binder (a tight garment that keeps firm pressure on your midsection) and resume your normal activities when you feel ready. Many patients are able to go back to work in 1-3 days. Swelling takes time to resolve, but by 2-3 weeks after surgery, you will already begin to see your results. Every week thereafter, you will note additional improvement, until about 6 months, when all of the swelling is gone.

For attractive abs in time for summer beach season, I advise patients to plan 6 to 8 weeks in advance for their surgeries. For inquiries, please call 212-452-2400, or email info@LaraDevganMD.com.

Actual patient of Dr. Devgan, before and after abdominal etching of the six-pack and flanks (abdominal liposculpture/ liposuction)

Actual patient of Dr. Devgan, before and after abdominal etching of the six-pack and flanks (abdominal liposculpture/ liposuction)