Facelifts in Your 40s - Too Soon or the Key to Aging Well?

Dr. Lara Devgan chats with Olivia Falcon about facelifts and when the best time is to get them, societal trends surrounding them, and the associated affects.


Facelifts in Your 40s - Too Soon or the Key to Aging Well?

I sat down with Dr. Lara Devgan, a top, Manhattan based plastic surgeon, to talk about the evolving approach to facelifts. Gone are the days of waiting until your 60s, subtle, dr Devgan gives the case for preventative tweaks in your 40s and 50s which she believes often can mean better results with less intervention later on. Of course it is very hard to generalise with this - people age differently but I’m interested to know what you guys think…

Would you ever consider a facelift in your 40s? Or do you think it’s still too soon?

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Dr. Lara Devgan Featured on Inside Edition


Behind the Scenes of a Facial Optimization Case: Enhancing Aesthetic Harmony

In a recent collaboration with Inside Edition, I had the pleasure of performing a facial optimization procedure that underscores the significance of meticulous attention to detail in achieving facial aesthetic harmony. Alongside esteemed dermatologist Dr. Eleonora S. Rugo, we explored the nuanced application of fillers and the use of dissolvers to refine facial features while preserving individual identity.

The Art and Science of Facial Optimization

Facial optimization involves subtle enhancements across various facial regions to create a balanced and harmonious appearance. The goal is not to alter one's inherent features but to refine them, ensuring that each modification contributes to an overall cohesive look. This approach requires a deep understanding of facial anatomy and an appreciation for the delicate interplay between different facial structures.

Strategic Use of Fillers and Dissolvers

In this particular case, we employed microdroplet fillers, a technique that involves the precise layering of tiny amounts of filler to achieve natural-looking volume and definition. This method allows for immediate yet subtle enhancements, avoiding the pitfalls of overfilling and ensuring that the results are both elegant and understated. Additionally, the judicious use of dissolvers played a crucial role in correcting previous overfilling, allowing us to reset and approach the enhancements with a fresh perspective.

Achieving Aesthetic Harmony

The essence of facial optimization lies in creating symmetry and balance. By enhancing specific areas such as the cheekbones and jawline, we can improve the overall facial structure, leading to a more sculpted and proportionate appearance. These targeted adjustments contribute to a harmonious look that aligns with the patient's natural features and aesthetic goals.

Collaborative Expertise

Working alongside Dr. Rugo provided a comprehensive approach to this case, combining our expertise to ensure optimal outcomes. Our collaborative effort highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in aesthetic medicine, where different perspectives and skills come together to achieve the best possible results for the patient.

This case exemplifies the power of subtlety in aesthetic enhancements. By focusing on the tiny details and employing advanced techniques, we can achieve significant improvements that enhance natural beauty without compromising individuality. It's a testament to the philosophy that less can indeed be more when it comes to facial optimization.


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Signature Procedure | Lip Augmentation: Five Finesse Maneuvers for Elegant, Understated Lip Augmentation

Dr. Lara Devgan demonstrates her signature lip augmentation procedure and details her associated techniques in this TikTok.


Five Finesse Maneuvers for Elegant, Understated Lip Augmentation
1. Microdroplet Layering – Instead of a single large bolus, I deposit tiny amounts of filler in multiple layers to enhance volume subtly while maintaining natural movement.
2. Philtral Column Refinement – A delicate lift of the philtral columns with microinjections restores youthful structure and soft curvature without overdefinition.
3. Vermilion Border Softening – I avoid harsh borders by blending filler seamlessly, preventing an overfilled or “inflated” look while enhancing lip shape.
4. Lip Tenting Technique – By strategically placing filler vertically, I create a gentle lift and projection that mimics natural lip eversion without excessive bulk.
5. Perioral Harmony Assessment – I consider the chin, nasolabial lines, and oral commissures to ensure the lips complement the entire lower face, enhancing elegance rather than overpowering features.

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Signature Procedure: Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty plastic surgery NYC

Signature Procedure | Rhinplasty: Before & After

Profile Balancing Overview

When I approach a profile balancing case, whether surgically or non-surgically, I focus on five key proportions to ensure harmony between facial features:

1. Facial Thirds (Vertical Proportion)
I evaluate whether the face is divided into equal thirds:
• Upper third: Hairline to glabella
• Middle third: Glabella to subnasale
• Lower third: Subnasale to menton
If there is an imbalance, I consider options like forehead augmentation, rhinoplasty, dermal fillers, or chin reshaping to restore proportionality.

2. Nasal Projection and Nasolabial Angle
Using Goode’s Ratio, I check if nasal projection is about 55-60% of the nasal dorsal length. I also assess the nasolabial angle—typically 95-105° in females and 90-95° in males. If the nose is over- or under-projected, I determine whether rhinoplasty, tip refinement, or subtle filler adjustments would provide balance.

3. Chin Projection (Rickett’s E-Line)
I analyze how the chin aligns with the E-line (a line from the nasal tip to the pogonion). If the chin is too retrusive, I may recommend genioplasty, a chin implant, or filler augmentation. If it’s too prominent, reduction genioplasty or botulinum toxin to the mentalis might be appropriate.

4. Lip Position Relative to the E-Line
I check whether the upper lip is ~4 mm and the lower lip ~2 mm behind the E-line. If lips are overly retrusive, lip fillers or orthodontic intervention might be needed. If they are too prominent, I consider reducing volume through surgical or non-surgical approaches like hyaluronidase or orthodontics.

5. Gonial Angle and Jawline Definition
A well-defined jawline enhances profile balance. I assess the gonial angle, which is ideally 120-130° in females and 110-120° in males. If the angle is too steep or weak, I may recommend jawline implants, filler contouring, buccal fat removal, or masseter Botox to refine the lower face.

By carefully evaluating these five proportions, I can create customized surgical and non-surgical plans that enhance facial harmony while maintaining natural aesthetics.

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For inquiries and appointments, please email appointments at appointments@laradevganmd.com or call 212-452-2400. You may also use the following button to schedule an appointment online. We look forward to hearing from you. Thank you!

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Signature Procedure: Body Contouring Procedure

Body plastic surgeon NYC

Signature Procedure | Body Contouring Procedure: Before & 1 Week After


Body Contouring Procedure Overview

In abdominoplasty with rectus diastasis repair and contouring liposuction, meticulous attention to anatomy and detail is paramount to achieving both functional and aesthetic excellence. The rectus diastasis repair requires precise plication of the linea alba to restore core strength and prevent postoperative bulging, ensuring a flat and natural abdominal contour. I carefully assess the degree of diastasis, tailoring the repair to avoid over-tightening, which can lead to discomfort or an unnatural waistline.

Refining Lipsuction

Simultaneously, liposuction is strategically performed to sculpt the flanks and refine transitions, maintaining vascular integrity and preserving the natural highlights and shadows of the abdominal wall. Fat removal is carefully calibrated to enhance definition without creating irregularities, and I always account for skin quality and elasticity to optimize redraping. Every suture placement, fat contour, and tension adjustment is done with the goal of achieving a balanced, natural, and long-lasting result while prioritizing patient safety and recovery.

A Few Good Things to Keep in Mind:

  • Not a Weight Loss Substitution: Liposuction and body contouring are designed to refine body shape, not serve as a primary method for weight loss. Ideal candidates are close to their goal weight.

  • Maintain Realistic Expectations: These procedures can enhance your figure but won’t drastically change your body type. Understanding what’s achievable helps with satisfaction.

  • Results Take Time: Swelling and bruising are normal post-surgery, and final results may take weeks or even months to fully appear. Patience is essential.

  • A Healthy Lifestyle Matters: Maintaining results requires a balanced diet and regular exercise. Weight gain can alter the effects of the procedure.

  • There are Risks & Recovery Involved: Like any surgery, body contouring comes with risks such as infection, scarring, or uneven results. Following post-op care instructions minimizes complications.

  • Skin Elasticity Plays a Role: If your skin lacks elasticity, additional procedures (such as a tummy tuck or skin tightening treatments) may be necessary for optimal results.

  • Choose a Board-Certified Surgeon: Always go with a board-certified plastic surgeon, such as Dr. Devgan (who notably is a double board-certified plastic surgeon) who has experience with body contouring to ensure safety and the best possible results.

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Appointment Inquiries

For inquiries and appointments, please email appointments at appointments@laradevganmd.com or call 212-452-2400. You may also use the following button to schedule an appointment online. We look forward to hearing from you. Thank you!

Schedule Online