SUBSTACK: Plastic by Dr. Lara Devgan | Aesthetic Philosophy 101

Aesthetic Philosophy 101

Symmetry, the Golden Ratio, and the Evolving Ideals of Beauty

Signature Procedure | Global Body Augmentation

As a plastic surgeon, I often say that beauty is in the details. It’s not about overhauling a face but micro-optimizing it so that every angle, shadow, and line comes into balance. In aesthetic philosophy, this means studying not only the techniques of enhancement, but the underlying principles of what we perceive as beautiful.

The Golden Ratio: Beauty by the Numbers

The Golden Ratio (approximately 1.618:1) has fascinated artists, architects, and scientists for centuries. Known as phi, this ratio appears repeatedly in nature—in spiral galaxies, sunflower seeds, seashells, hurricanes, and even DNA helices.

Leonardo da Vinci used the golden ratio in the Vitruvian Man to map out the "ideal human proportions." Ancient Greek architects applied it to temples like the Parthenon. In aesthetic medicine, we use this ratio to evaluate:

• The width of the nose relative to the intercanthal distance

• The height of the upper lip compared to the lower lip

• The ratio of forehead, midface, and lower face lengths

• The distance from the nasion to the tip of the nose in relation to nasal width

We also see this ratio play out in surgical planning—from aligning brow arches to optimizing the canthal tilt, from defining philtral columns to sculpting the ideal chin projection.

Studies have shown that faces closest to these proportions are more universally perceived as beautiful, regardless of race or background. In a 2009 study published in Vision Research, researchers found that symmetry and adherence to the golden ratio predicted perceived attractiveness more accurately than makeup or styling.

But this isn’t about forcing geometry onto humanity. It’s about understanding why harmony draws the eye. Our brains are hardwired to seek patterns, and phi often serves as a visual shortcut to interpreting a face as balanced and pleasing. The golden ratio is not a rule; it is a reference—a way to contextualize what feels "right" without removing the room for personal character.

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Signature Procedure | Cheekbone & Upper Face Augmentation

Dr. Lara Devgan demonstrates her signature cheekbone & upper face augmentation procedures in this TikTok.

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Cheekbone and Upper Face Augmentation: Elevating Facial Contours

High, well-defined cheekbones are a hallmark of timeless beauty, contributing to a sculpted and youthful appearance. Cheekbone and upper face augmentation enhance these key facial structures, restoring lost volume and refining contours for a balanced and elegant look. Whether through dermal fillers, implants, or fat grafting, these techniques create lift, symmetry, and definition.

Enhancing Cheekbone Definition

The cheekbones serve as the foundation of the midface, influencing overall facial harmony. As we age, natural fat loss and bone resorption can lead to hollowing and sagging, diminishing the prominence of this area. Augmentation techniques restore volume and projection, enhancing the natural curve of the zygomatic arch and improving light reflection for a more vibrant and structured appearance.

Upper Face Rejuvenation and Balance

The upper face plays a crucial role in framing the eyes and supporting overall facial proportions. Treatments targeting the temples and lateral brow can counteract volume depletion, lifting the face subtly while maintaining a natural look. By addressing volume loss in the upper face alongside cheekbone enhancement, a smoother and more youthful transition between facial planes is achieved.

Techniques for Cheekbone and Upper Face Augmentation

Non-surgical solutions such as hyaluronic acid-based fillers offer a versatile, minimally invasive way to sculpt and refine facial contours. These fillers provide instant lift and definition with customizable results. For those seeking longer-lasting enhancement, fat grafting or cheek implants can create more permanent structural improvements. Strategic placement is key, ensuring that augmentation complements natural anatomy without overcorrection.

The Art of Natural Enhancement

Cheekbone and upper face augmentation is not about exaggerated volume but rather restoring balance and proportion. By enhancing natural bone structure while preserving individual facial character, these techniques offer a sophisticated and refreshed look. The goal is to create subtle yet impactful changes that highlight inherent beauty while maintaining graceful aging.

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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!

Signature Procedure | Neuromodulator Brow Lift & Nefertiti Neck Lift

Dr. Lara Devgan demonstrates her signature neuromodulator brow lift & Nefertiti neck lift procedures in this TikTok.

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Total Face Neuromodulation: A Balanced Approach to Facial Rejuvenation

Facial rejuvenation has evolved beyond isolated treatments to a more comprehensive, harmonizing approach known as total face neuromodulation. This technique leverages the precise placement of botulinum toxin across multiple regions of the face and neck to achieve a naturally refreshed and balanced appearance.

Key Treatment Areas

Total face neuromodulation considers both expressive and structural concerns, ensuring that the face maintains fluidity and natural expression while softening signs of aging. The following areas play a crucial role in this approach:

• Glabella: Targeting the muscles between the eyebrows softens frown lines, reducing the appearance of a furrowed brow and contributing to a more relaxed look.

• Forehead: Carefully placed injections help create a gentle brow lift, preventing heaviness and maintaining a youthful openness in the upper face.

• Crow’s Feet: Smoothing the outer corners of the eyes reduces fine lines and enhances a rested, refreshed expression.

• Depressor Anguli Oris (DAO) Muscles: Treating these muscles at the corners of the mouth can subtly elevate a downturned smile, restoring a pleasant, natural resting position.

• Platysmal Bands: Addressing vertical neck bands refines jawline definition and smooths the appearance of the neck, enhancing overall facial harmony.

The Benefits of a Full Face Strategy

Unlike traditional botulinum toxin treatments that focus on isolated areas, total face neuromodulation takes a holistic approach. By addressing multiple regions simultaneously, it ensures a balanced, elegant outcome rather than a piecemeal effect. This method allows for:

• Harmonized Facial Aesthetics: Each treated area complements the others, creating a seamless, natural enhancement rather than a rigid or overdone look.

• Preserved Expression: Strategic dosing and placement ensure that facial movement remains dynamic and expressive while reducing unwanted tension lines.

• Enhanced Structural Support: By refining the contours of the lower face and neck, total face neuromodulation contributes to a more youthful and defined overall appearance.

Restoring Balance and Elegance

Total face neuromodulation is not about erasing every line but rather about restoring balance and elegance to facial aesthetics. When performed skillfully, this approach enhances natural beauty while maintaining the ability to convey emotion authentically.

For those seeking a refined, refreshed appearance with subtle yet powerful results, total face neuromodulation offers a modern, artful solution in the world of aesthetic medicine.

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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!

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Signature Procedure | Global Body Optimization

Signature Procedure | Global Body Optimization

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Global Body Optimization in Plastic Surgery: A Comprehensive Approach

Thousands of minuscule details all put together for this global body optimization patient: breast augmentation with internal lift, abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) with rectus diastasis repair, and liposuction of the flanks, back, and upper abdomen.

What Is Global Body Optimization?

Global body optimization refers to a combination of surgical procedures designed to enhance multiple areas of the body in a cohesive and harmonious way. Rather than focusing on a single feature, this approach ensures that all elements of the body work together aesthetically, creating a balanced and proportionate appearance. Patients seeking this treatment often want comprehensive improvements that address both functional concerns and aesthetic goals.

Common Procedures in Global Body Optimization

1. Breast Augmentation with Internal Lift:

   • Enhances breast volume and shape

   • Lifts and supports breast tissue for a natural, youthful position

   • Can be combined with implants or fat transfer

2. Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) with Rectus Diastasis Repair:

   • Tightens abdominal muscles that have separated (common after pregnancy)

   • Removes excess skin and fat for a smoother contour

   • Strengthens the core and improves posture

3. Liposuction of the Flanks, Back, and Upper Abdomen:

   • Removes stubborn fat deposits for a sculpted waistline

   • Enhances body contours by creating smooth transitions between treated areas

   • Can complement the results of a tummy tuck for a more defined silhouette

Who Is a Good Candidate?

Ideal candidates for global body optimization include individuals who:

• Desire a comprehensive transformation rather than isolated improvements

• Have experienced body changes due to pregnancy, weight fluctuations, or aging

• Are in good overall health and have realistic expectations

• Want to address multiple areas in a single surgical plan to minimize recovery time

Recovery and Results

Recovery times vary depending on the procedures performed. Patients undergoing multiple surgeries at once may experience swelling, bruising, and temporary discomfort, with initial recovery typically taking several weeks. Full results become more visible over time as swelling subsides, revealing a more contoured, balanced, and youthful figure.

Conclusion

Global body optimization is an advanced approach to plastic surgery that enhances multiple areas of the body for a seamless, proportional transformation. By combining procedures such as breast augmentation, abdominoplasty, and liposuction, patients can achieve a sculpted, natural-looking result tailored to their unique body goals. Consulting with an experienced plastic surgeon is essential to creating a personalized plan that delivers the best possible outcome.

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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!