What impact will COVID-19 have on the aesthetics industry?

The global pandemic caused by COVID-19 has impacted every aspect of life as we knew it: our hygiene, our travel, our desires, and our behaviors. When the novel coronavirus is under control and the world's quarantines are lifted, how might this impact the aesthetics industry?

First, I think aesthetics will return to minimally invasive procedures before anything else. Injectables, botox, fillers, suture suspension lifts, and nonsurgical skin procedures are considered low risk and low downtime. I think people will feel most comfortable with these procedures early on as we are figuring out what our new normal looks like.

Second, I think at first, interest in surgical procedures will favor those that can be done under local anesthesia or IV sedation before more major procedures are done. Currently it has been advised that all ventilators in the US be put on hold for life-saving purposes. We will not return to using ventilators for elective surgery until we are past the peak of COVID-19 and certain that we have enough hospital resources to help anyone who is sick.

Third, I think there will be a major shift to medical-grade skin care and at-home measures for the times in between aesthetic appointments. High-quality medical grade vitamin C, retinoids, hyaluronics, scrubs, and cleansers will likely begin to play a larger role for those who have previously relied on in-office treatments like lasers.

Fourth, I think our protocols for sterilization and screening will be ramped up. I anticipate that plastic surgeons will wear masks and face shields for routine well patient appointments. Deep sterilizations will be frequent. We may use temperature screening or even rapid COVID-19 testing to decide who can be treated. If widespread serologic testing becomes available, having IgG for COVID-19 (a marker of having recovered) may become a passport to travel and behave freely. As treatments and vaccine research evolve, our new normal will begin to more closely resemble our old normal.

What do you think will happen next in the aesthetics industry?

-Dr. Lara Devgan

A Glimmer of Hope In New York City

Although everything may seem desolate, there is still hope in the city of New York. New York City is now known as the epicenter of COVID-19, however, that is not stopping city residents from seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. Although it is a tough time for everyone, it is still a priority to do good for those on the front lines and to make people smile, even at the smallest of things.

Whether it be banging pots and pans in the evening to thanks doctors and nurses, donating food, clothing, and medical equipment, or even performing a song, these are few of the random acts of kindness city-goers are experiencing every day. As you can see, on Park Avenue there are rows upon rows of red and pink tulips. Although such a small detail, they definitely make the city more beautiful and symbolize a glimmer of hope. In The New York Times, they highlight beautiful, hand-drawn chalk designs and positive sayings so that when strangers are outside walking, they can be reminded to be hopeful and so that when doctors and nurses are outside, they can be thanked for their hard work.

Dr. Liou on the piano and Dr. Dyrszka on the cello.

Another fascinating story during this difficult time is a healing concert performed by Dr. Peter Liou, general surgery resident, and Dr. Mark Dyrszka, orthopedic surgeon, of the New York-Presbyterian Hospital. This concert took place in the lobby of the medical center to help remind people that there is hope, to put smiles on everyone’s faces, and to remind everyone that we will get through this together.

Realself news interviews Dr. Devgan on why patients need to discuss past nonsurgical treatments prior to surgical procedures

Dr. Devgan is a board-certified plastic surgeon in New York City and specializes in both surgical and nonsurgical procedures. Dr. Devgan’s interview with RealSelf discusses why it is important to talk about all previous nonsurgical treatments with your doctor before planning a surgical procedure. Being that Dr. Devgan is a medical expert, her word on the topic is very informative.

It is definitely uncommon in today’s world to see a 50-year-old patient who wants a facelift or necklift who has not yet previously gotten anything done. According to Dr. Devgan, nonsurgical procedures are what “allow someone to look essentially the same between age 30 to 60.” Statistics show that in 2018, “more than 700,000 minimally invasive procedures were enjoyed by those under 30; more than 2.5 million, by those 30 to 39.” While nonsurgical treatments are great, they do leave behind evidence, making it more difficult for plastic surgeons to do his or her job during surgery. Dr. Devgan explains how “operating on previously adulterated tissue does add time, complexity, and nuance to a surgery,” however, “you can still get an excellent result.” Dr. Devgan specializes in facial optimization, and has performed countless injections and surgeries.

 It is not uncommon to have patients who begin with injectables and then ultimately get a surgical procedure. This is one of the many reasons why it is important to see a board-certified surgeon for cosmetic procedures, both surgical and nonsurgical. It is very unlikely that you see virgin skin in the operating room, however it is no issue for someone like Dr. Devgan. “Nonvirgin skin may require more patience and savvy in the OR, but in the right hands, it’s hardly a roadblock to surgical success” Dr. Devgan explains. If you are interested in learning more about your options for a surgical procedure or are interested in minimally invasive injectables, feel free to email Office@LaraDevganMD.com or call 212-452-2400. To read the full article, click here.

Dr. Devgan Interviews Colleagues from Around the World on Impact of Coronavirus

Dr. Devgan spoke with doctors from around the world on the impact of COVID-19 on health and wellness. She conducted interviews with Dr. Xiaoti Xy, a board-certified plastic surgeon living in quarantine in China; Dr. Chiara Stocco, a plastic surgeon in Trieste, Italy; Dr. Austin Chiang, an Interventional GI doctor in Philadelphia; and Dr. Elena Martin, a plastic surgeon in Bucahrest, Romania.

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Glamour recognizes Dr. Devgan Scientific Beauty as a Women-owned beauty brand to support right now

While the beauty industry is catered primarily to women, the fact remains that men hold the majority of high-level positions within them. Glamour has created a list of eighteen women-owned brands that have made their mark in the industry and will continue to influence the market. It comes to no surprise the Dr. Devgan’s skincare brand, Dr. Devgan Scientific Beauty, is included.

Dr. Lara Devgan is a board-certified plastic surgeon and the CEO and Founder of Dr. Devgan Scientific Beauty. Founded out of her interest in skincare and cosmetics, Dr. Devgan Scientific Beauty includes a wide variety of products and works to redefine the standards of beauty. All of the products in the skincare line have been made in the USA and are clean, medical-grade products free from fragrances, dyes, sulfates, parabens, gluten, formaldehyde, propylene glycol, and hexylene glycol. One of the best-sellers is the Platinum Lip Plump, a lip plumper that has been clinically proven to improve the size, hydration, and pink coloration of the lips- in the form of a clear gloss. These products are great “for those who can’t visit her New York clinic” and would like to achieve instant results. The Platinum Lip Plump, for example, mimics that of a lip augmentation without the price tag or the needles. According to Glamour, “her Platinum Lip Plump is so good it makes you look like you got lip fillers in mere minutes.” 

Since the beauty industry primarily focuses on the needs of women, it only makes sense that we listen to and use products formulated by women. Not only is Dr. Devgan a renowned plastic surgeon and skincare maven, but she is also an international lecturer, classically trained artist, and mother of six. If you are looking for “expertly formulated skincare products that deliver instant results,” look no further than Dr. Devgan Scientific Beauty. If you are interested in learning more about each product, click here. For the full article, click here.