Cheekbones & Facial Beauty

In plastic surgery we believe that cheekbones are responsible for 70% of facial beauty. This is because they add a pleasing architecture and structural beauty to the face. High and pronounced cheekbones are often the distinguishing features of models and actors, such as Kate Moss, Taylor Hill, Gisele Bündchen, and Angelina Jolie. Even in art-- including in pieces by Warhol, Picasso, and da Vinci-- we see techniques used to emphasize sculpted cheeks and angular features.

Contouring makeup can be quite effective in creating the illusion of stronger cheekbones. But for those who desire a more permanent approach to facial contouring, injectable fillers can be an excellent option. Non-surgical cosmetic procedures, such as fillers, have experienced a dramatic rise in popularity in recent years as they are non-invasive, quick, and effective in enhancing natural beauty when administered correctly. In 2016, there were approximately 2.4 million dermal filler cosmetic procedures performed in the US, almost doubling the approximate 1.3 million dermal filler cosmetic procedures performed in 2007. 

Given that cheekbone optimization greatly enhances the overall facial beauty of a patient, it is no surprise that cheekbone augmentation is one of Dr. Devgan’s signature injectable procedures at her New York City private practice. Dr. Devgan’s approach to injectable filler for cheekbone augmentation is to help a patient achieve a more prominent zygomatic arch, thereby creating a slimmer, more contoured look with improved definition and shadowing. Cheekbone augmentation can also restore volume loss from aging.

Since each patient’s anatomy and cosmetic goals are unique, prior to performing cheekbone augmentation, Dr. Devgan conducts an in-person examination and detailed facial analysis of each patient's face in order to recommend the correct injectable filler to use and the proper placement of filler. In Dr. Devgan’s practice, she offers three types of fillers used for cheekbone augmentation: hyaluronic acid based fillers, such as Juvederm, Restylane, Voluma, Belotero; calcium hydroxylapatite based filler, such as Radiesse; poly-l lactic acid based filler, such as Sculptra. During your consultation with Dr. Devgan, you will discuss the type of filler that is best to use to achieve your personal goals. Results typically last 1-3 years, depending on the type of injectable filler used and how long you have been using filler in that specific area.

There is sometimes a misconception that cheekbone augmentation will cause the face to look round or chubby. However, if filler is performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon who meticulously sculpts filler in millimeters and adjusts filler placement according to each patient’s anatomy, then cheekbone augmentation will provide excellent results. Proper placement of injectable filler to the cheekbones will create a slimmer, more refined face, attributing to increase facial beauty. Fillers only takes a few minutes to inject and cause mild discomfort. Dr. Devgan tries to mitigate her patient’s pain as best as possible – on average, patients describe their pain as a 2 out of 10 for cheekbone augmentation. Prior to injectables, patients receive numbing cream and cold compresses to their skin. In addition, Dr. Devgan uses a custom-made proprietary vibratory pain relief device when injecting fillers.

Lip Plumping: Dr. Devgan contributes thoughts to SELF magazine on the best ways to get plush lips

Dr. Devgan was recently featured in SELF Magazine regarding the science behind creating both temporary and semi-permanent fullness of the lips. According to Dr. Devgan, M.D., M.P.H., many lip glosses contain mild irritants such as capsicum (an ingredient found in chili peppers), cinnamon, or menthol. When applied to your lips, the irritation causes blood to rush to the surface of the skin, which results in a “mild and temporary plumping of the lips due to transient swelling,” Devgan explains

If you are a consistent user of lip plumping glosses it is likely that the results will diminish over time. Dr. Devgan explains in the article that, “The body becomes more tolerant to any substance it sees all the time; think of how coffee drinkers need more and more coffee to feel alert.”

Haley Gravely

Lips

2017

If you want longer-lasting, noticeable results, the most effective option is hyaluronic acid dermal filler utilized in lip augmentation. Dr. Devgan excels in placing filler in the lips, her most notable client as of recent, was Mara Teigen (the lips for the well-known Kylie Cosmetics).

In the newest wave of cosmetic options, Hyaluronic acid (the same product found in dermal filler) is being utilized in plumping glosses. The product optimally holds one-thousand times its weight in water. This allows for a beautiful, plump look. This latest break in cosmetics still needs a few tweaks, but has a bright future. Possibly even a platinum one.

Dr. Devgan's Winter Month De-Stress & Skincare Remedies featured on Dermstore

Winter months can be busy for everyone. With the onset of the snowy season, it is important to build simple ways to calm your body and mind into your daily routine. Dr. Devgan gave her insights on simple, effective ways to de-stress your day in her latest feature on Dermstore. Besides improving your complexion, they can also elevate your mood.

Dr. Devgan's Platinum Recovery Cream

Dr Devgan advises that “Taking a few moments each day to de-stress is an effective way to calm our nerves and preserve our health. Go for a brisk walk or run, pamper with a self-care ritual like applying favorite lotions or products, light a scented candle, listen to a favorite song, or take five minutes to yourself with a soothing face mask.”

If you enjoy a self-care ritual, such as products or face masks, Dr. Devgan Scientific Beauty is perfect for hydrating troubled, dry skin that is so common in the winter. Our two best recommendations for rehydration are Platinum Hyaluronic Serum and Platinum Recovery Cream. Both are recommended to be used in the morning, with the Platinum Hyaluronic Serum applied first, and the Platinum Recovery Cream to follow. If you are experiencing excessive dryness, you can use the products twice per day.

If you have any further questions regarding products or wish to see Dr. Devgan as a patient, please email Office@LaraDevganMD.com or call 212.452.2400.

Click on Dermastore to read the full publication

Dr. Devgan on Stigmas & Plastic Surgery in latest Coveteur Article

Dr. Devgan was recently featured in a Coveteur article regarding stigmas surrounding plastic surgery. At the forefront of plastic surgery shadows are patients from all walks of life. Celebrity or not, it seems everyone has an opinion of those trying to look the way they choose.

While we praise aging spectacularly, it is often easy to overlook that many opt to have non-surgical and surgical procedures throughout their life to see a more youthful appearance during a morning mirror glance. However, until recently, all but the extraordinarily brave denied any rumors of plastic surgery.

The most intriguing discussion about plastic surgery, although there has been an increase in conversations regarding the realities to looking youthful longer, is many still feel a sense of social pressure to stay looking young and, somehow, do it “naturally”. This keeps many silent about visiting a plastic surgeon and, in some cases, prevents others from planning a procedure that would increase their self-esteem. Included in the social pressures are media coverage of “unrecognizable” celebrity faces, the idea that somehow by wanting to look your best you are vain or fake, and sometimes the pressures come closer, such as a disapproving spouse or friends. Whatever the case, it is neither anyone else’s right to disregard someone based on appearance, plastic surgery or not, nor is it alright to judge a person’s intellectual abilities and feelings based on if they do choose to have “work done”.

Dr. Devgan had this to say regarding her clients and the general population, “Something I’ve really learned to appreciate in my daily job is that it’s very difficult to walk in another person’s shoes….You may think that rhinoplasties are for vain, frivolous Hollywood types, but if you’re someone who has always felt bad about the way your nose looks, and you can’t take pictures in a certain way, and you’re always doing your makeup in order to camouflage it—then maybe getting your nose done is just the thing that enables you to come out of your shell and move forward with your life. I honestly think it’s very misogynistic and damaging to put people in a box and say that caring about this thing negates your intellectual capacity to care about all these other things.”

In Dr. Devgan’s opinion, “Plastic surgery doesn’t need a public service announcement or a popularity campaign. It’s just a situation where people need to get off each other’s backs a little bit.”

Overall, it is time to move forward with positive thoughts toward plastic surgery and, more importantly, the people who choose it.

Read the full blog from Coveteur by clicking the link*

To see Dr. Devgan as a patient please call 212.452.2400 or email Office@LaraDevganMD.com.

Art of Blepharoplasty

Although Dr. Devgan excels in all aspects of plastic surgery, she believes her micro-specialty to be in blepharoplasty (as well as a few other procedures). Blepharoplasty can be performed on both the upper and lower lids to correct signs of aging, such as sagging skin and fat build up. Blepharoplasty is the gold standard for rejuvenating the eyes, and it is one of Dr. Devgan’s favorite and most frequently performed operations.

An ideal result can be obtained in just 6 weeks after upper & lower eyelid blepharoplasty. To combat hollowing of the eyes, blepharoplasty can be combined with autologous fat transfer. Bruising is expected within the first week post-operation. It is important to understand that surgery does involve some degree of recovery and bruising is expected within the first 1-2 weeks of surgery. Bruises can be covered with makeup for those who return to work at 1 week. By 1 month, bruising has subsided, with no more hooded upper lid skin or undereye hollows.  

Often patient’s wish to look more alert but keep their natural features. Blepharoplasty correct periorbital aging, as well as asymmetry and ptosis. A double upper eyelid blepharoplasty procedure typical will take approximately 30 minutes and can be done with local numbing medicine only (no general anesthesia). 

Dr. Devgan performs blepharoplasty on both male and female patients. Concerns for men have included wanting to be alert without looking different or overly feminine. She will use her signature four lid blepharoplasty with considerations of each patient’s ultimate goals and facial anatomy to ensure patients look refreshed without creating a pulled or stretched appearance.