Did you know that aging can be partly contributed by a loss of collagen production, “which starts slowing down at a rate of 1% a year around the age of 38.” Dr. Devgan is a board-certified plastic surgeon and works to help reverse signs of aging on her patients every day. Whether it is minimally-invasive injectables or surgical procedures, Dr. Devgan offers it all.
The Wall Street Journal featured Dr. Devgan as a medical expert in their latest article, Got Body Wrinkles? These New Procedures Might Help, to shine a light on the latest in cosmetic treatments. The first and foremost important thing Dr. Devgan assess is her threshold for decision making in her practice. While there are many new technologies being introduced, Dr. Devgan will only bring something into her practice if she would do it on herself or on a family member. If not, she will not perform it. For skin tightening and wrinkles, Dr. Devgan likes to use injectable collagen biostimulators like Radiesse (calcium hydroxylapatite) and Sculptra (poly L-lactic acid). “These long-acting fillers can be injected into the knees, thighs, buttocks, chest and inner arm.” As Dr. Devgan compares the use of these smoothing fillers as “as fresh coat of paint” for crepey skin.
If you are new to injectables and are not familiar with the protocol, results for these types of fillers typically last a year. Additionally, the injection point is a miniscule needle, therefore the pain is kept to a minimum. If you are interested in learning more about how Dr. Devgan can help reverse your signs of aging, feel free to call us at 212-452-2400 or email office@laradevganmd.com. Stay tuned to Dr. Devgan’s Instagram (@laradevganmd) as she will be announcing some new skin-tightening technology soon to be available at the office. Read the full article here.
Dr. Devgan is a New York City-based board-certified plastic surgeon and is featured in this segment to touch on fillers. Being that Dr. Devgan is an expert in her field, her knowledge is first and foremost when it comes to all surgical and non-surgical procedures. Not only does she have a medical background, but her artistic background contributes to how she uses “syringes to marry anatomy with art.”
What many people do not realize is that injecting filler creates an illusion to the eye to make the treated area appear a certain way. Injectable filler gives medical professionals a “way to control light and shadows, to chisel angles, and to round curves.” A prime example of this would be the non-surgical rhinoplasty, one of Dr. Devgan’s most commonly performed injectable procedures. According to Dr. Devgan, the “non-surgical rhinoplasty is the ultimate optical illusion.” By injecting filler into the nose, Dr. Devgan “creates a highlight down the center of the nose and a delicate point of light at the tip,” which ultimately makes the nose appear more diminutive and proportionate. Another interesting aspect of this piece is Dr. Devgan’s take on the lip augmentation. It is much more than just injecting filler into one’s lips to cause them to blow up like a balloon. Dr. Devgan stresses that an elegant lip augmentation “is not just a volume game—it’s a structure and shape change.” Her approach to the lip augmentation is to inject filler vertically into the lips to cause them to turn out slightly. Minimally-invasive injectables make up half of Dr. Devgan’s practice and are what make up Dr. Devgan’s approach to facial micro-optimization. Dr. Devgan believes that making subtle changes unique to everyone’s anatomy is how one can achieve facial optimization. If you are interested in learning more about the non-surgical rhinoplasty or lip augmentation, call our office at 212-452-2400 or email office@laradevganmd.com. It is important to remember that both the nose and the lips are vascularly complex areas for filler, so it is best to see an experienced medical professional. You can read the full piece in Allure’s February 2020 issue or online here.
Men’s Health magazine calls on Dr. Devgan as a medical expert to share with readers how to care for your skin after getting a tattoo and how to know when it is infected. Dr. Devgan is a board-certified plastic surgeon and skincare expert, so her knowledge is distinguished. While tattoos are not a treatment Dr. Devgan offers in her New York City practice, they idea behind them and the aftercare is similar to that of cosmetic surgery.
Similar to any surgery Dr. Devgan performs, treating open wounds after getting a tattoo is crucial for healthy healing. Dr. Devgan describes tattoos as “controlled injuries to the skin, so they represent a break in the skin that must be treated like an open wound.” If not treated properly, “you can risk an undesirable aesthetic appearance of the tattooed area or a disseminated soft tissue infection.” Like post-surgery care, after getting a tattoo, Dr. Devgan recommends “avoiding strenuous activities, profuse sweating, and contact with contaminated environmental exposures such as sand, oceans, and debris.” It is important to keep the skin area clean and moist. One sign of infection Dr. Devgan point’s out is redness and warmth. “If you experience spreading pink discoloration or the feeling of pulsatile heat radiating from around your tattoo, you may have an infection,” explains Dr. Devgan. If you are experiencing any infection-like symptoms, Dr. Devgan highly recommends seeing a doctor as soon as possible.
While Dr. Devgan does not design tattoos on skin, her post-surgery care is quite similar to that of post-tattoo care. After getting surgery, Dr. Devgan instructs all of her patients to relax and take it easy, and to refrain from any activity that induces sweat. If you are interested in learning more about any of Dr. Devgan’s surgical procedures, feel free to email office@laradevganmd.com or call 212-452-2400. To read the full article, click here.
In their latest article, “Keeping up with New York’s micro-trends,” The Financial Times highlights Dr. Devgan as the “go-to surgeon” for anyone and everyone who is interested in non-invasive procedures. Dr. Devgan is a board-certified plastic surgeon and specializes in facial micro-optimization through the use of injectables.
Dr. Devgan believes that injectables are one of the best ways to subtly optimize one’s own unique features and anatomy. When done by a professional like Dr. Devgan, injectables are used as tools to help create beautiful art that is one’s facial anatomy. While surgical procedures yield great results too, injectables offer little to no downtime and allow for more precision. One of Dr. Devgan’s most commonly performed injectable procedures is the chin augmentation. One of the many benefits of this treatment is that it is “designed to balance the lower half of the face and reduce laxity under the jawline.” In other words, a chin augmentation will help reduce the looseness of skin under the chin and neck area.
If exploring the options of injectable treatments interests you, it is best to come in for a consultation so that Dr. Devgan can assess your unique anatomy and determine which areas will be best. You can schedule an appointment or consultation via phone by calling 212-452-2400 or via email by sending a note to Office@LaraDevganMD.com. Dr. Devgan is a board-certified plastic surgeon and specializes in both non-surgical and surgical procedures. To read the full article, click here.
Dr. Devgan, Chief Medical Editor of RealSelf, was included in Yahoo! Finance’s latest article analyzing the highest-rated cosmetic procedures for 2020. This comprehensive list consists of top-rated cosmetic procedures done by board-certified plastic surgeons. Dr. Devgan is a board-certified plastic surgeon and performs for surgical and non-surgical procedures.
Dr. Devgan’s non-surgical procedure list offers a variety of options, ranging from botox, to injectable filler, to PRP treatments, to laser treatments. Everything offered in the office makes up the top ten on the RealSelf 2020 Most Worth It non-surgical honorees. One of Dr. Devgan’s most commonly performed injectable procedure, and number seven on the list, is the non-surgical rhinoplasty. The non-surgical rhinoplasty is Dr. Dvegan’s approach to reshaping the nose with only injectable filler. She can completely reshape one’s nose in under ten minutes and the results are immediate. This is a great option for someone who wishes to see a minor change but does not want to commit to the price and recovery time of a surgical rhinoplasty. Other unique nonsurgical procedures on the list and offered at Dr. Devgan’s office is the IPL laser and lip augmentation.
On the other hand, Dr. Devgan offers countless surgical procedures that are offered on the RealSelf 2020 Most Worth It surgical list. Many of which are breast-related. If you are interested in learning more about all of the different surgical and non-surgical procedures Dr. Devgan offers, feel free to email Office@LaraDevganMD.com or call 212-452-2400. To read the full article, click here.
Allure has recently featured Dr. Devgan to address one of the latest in cosmetic treatments. Brow pinching has been coined one of the latest in cosmetic treatments and consists of a 10-minute facial massage that targets key pressure points around the eye and brow area to help reduce puffiness. Although Dr. Devgan does not offer this treatment at her practice, she is a board-certified plastic surgeon and has the answer to dark under eye circles, puffiness, and fine lines.
Usually done by a massage therapist, aesthetician, or holistic healer, brow pinching is a 10-minute facial massage that “targets key pressure points around the eye and brow area to reduce puffiness and give the skin around the eye area a lift.” While it sounds intriguing, Dr. Devgan explains how “from a medical standpoint, there are no long-term benefits of brow pinching.” Something like a botox brow lift or a tear trough augmentation would be more beneficial and long-lasting to treat the periorbital area. Dr. Devgan advises to “be cautious of excessive touching and forced movement around such sensitive areas” as it can “actually increase the likelihood of fine lines, broken capillaries, and hyperpigmentation.”
If you are interested in learning more about alternatives to achieving the same result as one would after several sessions of brow pinching, feel free to email Office@LaraDevganMD.com or call 212-452-2400. Dr. Devgan is a board-certified plastic surgeon and specializes in facial micro-optimization and can help treat dark under eyes, puffiness, and fine lines around the eyes several different ways. Click hereto read the full story.
Over the past few years there has been a major increase in the ways to connect with family and friends via social media apps. Dr. Devgan educates readers of CNN Business about the correlation between these up and coming social media apps and cosmetic procedures. Dr. Devgan is a board-certified plastic surgeon and specializes in facial micro-optimization, a term she uses to help optimize each patient’s unique anatomy.
Today on Snapchat, users can use a variety of filters to alter their faces into animals, other people, different shapes and colors, and anything else imaginable. Some of these filters edit the faces with makeup and other facial features, completely altering the way one looks. While this could be detrimental to one’s self-esteem, Dr. Devgan explains how “it’s the opposite.” Rather than not wanting to look like someone else, people are “trying to be the most confident, best versions of themselves.” Through the use of minimally-invasive nonsurgical injectables, people can obtain certain physical characteristics in order to help boost confidence and feel the best possible version of themselves. Some of Dr. Devgan’s most popular requests are “around the eye area, such as helping to remove dark circles or tweaking how eyebrows fall.”
The tear trough augmentation and the botox brow lift are both very common injectable treatments here at Dr. Devgan’s office. The tear trough augmentation consists of filler injected underneath the eyes to help smoothen and soften the skin, therefore decreasing the appearance of dark undereye circles. A botox brow lift is botox injected in a particular way to both treat fine lines and wrinkles, and elevate the height of one’s eyebrows. It is minimally-invasive injectable procedures like these that help boost one’s confidence and put an end to the stigma that is cosmetic procedures. To book a consultation you can email Office@LaraDevganMD.com or call 212-452-2400. Click here to read the full article.
Dr. Devgan is a board-certified plastic surgeon and specializes in facial micro-optimization through the use of both surgical and nonsurgical procedures. With the rise in filters through apps like Instagram and Snapchat, there has been an increase in the desire for nonsurgical procedures in order to subtly enhance facial features. Dr. Devgan is highlighted as a medical expert in this article and touches on these newly popular requests.
One of the many popular non-surgical treatments Dr. Devgan offers at her office is the Gold Micro-infusion facial. This procedure stimulates collagen production and improves texture by needling the skin with tiny gold-plated needles that deliver a customized cocktail of botox, hyaluronic acid filler, PRP 600 microns deep into the surface of the skin. Over the next 4 to 7 days following this procedure, patients will see that the result is smooth, glassy and optimized skin. This treatment is perfect if you're looking to shrink pores, eliminate fine lines and wrinkles, and give the skin a more plump. Featured in this article is PR executive, Karla Barbosa, who recently broadcasted her Gold Micro-infusion facial at the office with her thousands of followers. Barbosa describes the treatment as “a real-life filter for your face” because it promotes “glass skin.” This treatment is extremely popular at the office and has patients coming back every few months for more.
There is no need for facial filters on social media apps anymore if you get the Gold Micro-infusion facial done. It is treatments like these done by medical professionals like Dr. Devgan that helps boost one’s confidence and helps people feel like the best versions of themselves. To book a consultation you can email Office@LaraDevganMD.com or call 212-452-2400. Click here to read the full article.
Dr. Devgan has been recently featured in POPSUGAR discussing one of her signature non-surgical treatments, the Gold Micro-infusion facial. For those who do not know, the Gold Micro-infusion facial is a minimally-invasive procedure that stimulates collagen production and improves skin texture by needling the skin with needles that deliver a customized cocktail of botox, hyaluronic acid filler, and PRP. Celebrities love this treatment as it has minimal downtime and delivers results fast.
Senior Branded Content Editor at POPSUGAR, Aviel Kanter, came by the office to try the Gold Micro-infusion facial for herself to see what all of the excitement is about. The first question people ask is if the botox inside will freeze one’s face. The answer is no. The botox in this facial treatment will only reach the dermal layer of the skin, not the muscular, so instead of traditionally injecting botox to treat wrinkles, the botox in this facial will help reduce pores and give a “beautiful glass skin look.” The next component is the hyaluronic acid filler. This contributes by giving “the skin a juicy, hydrated, plump look.” Lastly, the PRP, taken from one’s own blood, is often referred to as “liquid gold” and is “rich in growth factors that ramp up stem cell production.” This helps to stimulate the creation and generation of new, youthful skin. The results of the Gold Micro-infusion facial will fully kick in about four to seven days after the appointment, and will last for a few months.
Dr. Devgan recommends this treatment to anyone, but it is especially great for people who are not fans of wearing a ton of makeup and prefer to go bare-faced. It is a “great treatment if you’re wanting to improve the quality of your skin, the suppleness, hydration, dewiness, fine lines, pores, and pigment.” To book a consultation you can email Office@LaraDevganMD.com or call 212-452-2400. Click here to read the full article.
“Plastic surgery‒whether cosmetic or reconstructive‒has the power to be a life-changing experience, not just for a patient and their loved ones but often for the surgeon who performs the procedure as well.” Dr. Devgan, board-certified plastic surgeon and RealSelf chief medical editor, shares the story of her most meaningful surgery with readers. She describes her experience as “putting each little piece of bone back together” like “repairing a broken eggshell.”
Dr. Devgan has performed countless surgeries over her years, however, the most meaningful happens to be of a patient who came in with massive facial fractures after having been assaulted at a bar. This was during Dr. Devgan’s first year of clinical practice and was so meaningful because it was a full constructive surgery of the face. Dr. Devgan’s practice consists of mostly cosmetic surgical and non-surgical procedures, however this one was different because Dr. Devgan was selected to help this young man feel himself again. Dr. Devgan explains how she believes being a surgeon requires “a huge element of self-sacrifice.” This is because “you really have to put someone else’s well-being above your own.” Facial identity is arguably more important than facial attractiveness because “it is what gives you the feeling of being yourself”, and Dr. Devgan helped this man become himself, again.
All of Dr. Devgan’s procedures, surgical or non-surgical, cosmetic or reconstructive, share similarity in that they all possess Dr. Devgan’s skilled technique. Whether it is complete facial reconstruction, a breast augmentation, or a non-surgical rhinoplasty, Dr. Devgan’s technique and consideration remains the same. Dr. Devgan believes no case is too small and strives to ensure that each patient feels comfortable and happy when working with Dr. Devgan. For new patients, you can email Office@LaraDevganMD.com or call 212-452-2400 to book an initial consultation. Click hereto read the full article.
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, “the number of minimally invasive cosmetic procedures has grown nearly 200 percent since 2000.” Dr. Devgan is a board-certified plastic surgeon and specializes in both surgical and minimally-invasive nonsurgical procedures to subtly optimize one’s own unique features. In this article, Dr. Devgan discusses the trends and procedures she believes are the most popular.
We live in a selfie-obsessed culture where people request to look like a perfectly-filtered photo in real life. How does one achieve this look? Through maintaining one’s general face structure and by tweaking areas of the face to subtly enhance them. Dr. Devgan refers to this trend as the “rise of the ‘tweak-ment’.” According to Dr. Devgan, “people are super into the tiny little micro-optimizations that make them feel a little bit more confident but are not completely obvious.” Another trend Dr. Devgan discusses is cosmetic treatments amongst men. Dr. Devgan estimates that roughly 15% of her patients are male, however, this number increases annually. Men desire to have stronger, more masculine features in the lower third of the face (AKA the chin, neck, and jawline), so with injectable filler, Dr. Devgan is able to help men achieve this look.
Another trend Dr. Devgan discusses is the use of filler in non-traditional locations, like the nose or earlobes. The nonsurgical rhinoplasty is one of Dr. Devgan’s most commonly performed injectable procedures and is when filler is injected into the nose to completely reshape it. A rhinoplasty is a surgery that requires quite the downtime, so this is the perfect alternative for someone who wishes to achieve the same result but at little to no downtime and at a lower price point. If you’re interested in learning more about the nonsurgical rhinoplasty or any other treatment, you can email Office@LaraDevganMD.com or call 212-452-2400 to book an initial consultation. Click here to read the full article.
Women’s Wear Daily’s latest article covers the grand opening of The RealReal’s latest location: San Francisco. For everyone who lives in the area or plans to travel there, you are in luck! Once open, shoppers will be able to purchase some of the best-sellers from the Dr. Devgan Scientific Beauty skincare line. We are so excited that as The RealReal grows, our collaboration is as well.
Dr. Devgan is both a board-certified plastic surgeon and the creator of Dr. Lara Devgan Scientific Beauty. Her skincare line offers a wide variety of products, all of which are clinically tested, naturally derived, not tested on animals, fragrance free, dye free, sulfate free, paraben free, gluten free, formaldehyde free, and propylene glycol and hexylene glycol free. While they are all great products, each is unique in its own way. Some of our best-sellers include: Platinum Lip Plump, Platinum Long Lash, Hyaluronic Serum, Vitamin C+B+E Ferulic Serum, Platinum Glow Serum, and Peptide Eye Cream. The Platinum Lip Plump is in the form of a clear gloss and will plump one’s lips 1-2 millimeters after a few minutes of a minor tingle. The Platinum Long Lash will increase the length, strength, and density of lashes and brows after consistent use. The Hyaluronic Serum is a great product for anyone who needs hydration, plump skin, and to help with fine lines and wrinkles. The Vitamin C+B+E Ferulic Serum is great to use before bed and helps with hyperpigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles, and collagen production. The Platinum Glow Serum is a retinol and will reduce fine lines and wrinkles. The Peptide Eye Cream is a gentle cream used around the eyes to smoothen and soften the skin while helping to diminish under eye bags.
As mentioned previously, the Dr. Lara Devgan Scientific Beauty collection offers a wide variety of products, so whether you need products for winter hydration or for your trip to the beach, you will be able to find it all. If you are interested in learning more about each product or would like to purchase them online, click here. Click here to read the full article. Additionally, head over to our Instagram page, @devganscientificbeauty, for skincare stories and for all exciting news and updates.
Model and Instagram sensation, Mara Teigen, shares how she incorporates the Platinum Long Lash, Hyaluronic Serum, and Vitamin C serum in her daily routine. Mara loves Dr. Devgan Scientific Beauty because "she trusts Dr. Devgan with [her] skin. [Dr. Devgan] comes from a background of science and dermatology and has helped [her] so much over the years."
The first product Mara uses is the Platinum Vitamin C serum, our powerful, antioxidant-rich serum that has been clinically proven to reduce wrinkles, improve hyperpigmentation, and increase collagen production. This product is suitable for combination, dry, sensitive, normal, oily, and acne-prone skin types. It can be applied to a freshly cleansed face before bed or in the morning, whatever you prefer! The next product Mara uses is the Platinum Hyaluronic Serum, an advanced mixed molecular weight hyaluronic acid formulation that has been proven to reduce fine lines, increase skin firmness, and improve elastin production. Hyaluronic acid is a component of filler, so this product will help keep your face plump and hydrated. This product is suitable for combination, dry, sensitive, and normal skin types. Lastly, Mara applies the Platinum Long Lash serum to the base of her lashes to ensure her lashes grow long and strong. This product is suitable for all skin types, however it is beneficial to speak to your eye doctor is you have sensitive eyes or other eye conditions.
Head on over to our store pageto read more about the product line and to find the best products for your daily regimen! The Dr. Devgan Scientific Beauty skincare collection includes a wide variety of products, ranging from a lip plump, to a tinted moisturizer, to a gentle scrub. Everything has been clinically tested, and is naturally derived, not tested on animals, fragrance free, dye free, sulfate free, paraben free, gluten free, formaldehyde free, propylene glycol and hexylene glycol free.
As the affect of the Coronavirus has extended its spread throughout China, Italy, the United States, and other impacted countries, we had the incredible opportunity to connect with a student, Malvina, from Italy. Malvina’s incredible sense of hope and optimism for the future of Italy is inspiring—she lives by the motto “ce la faremo,” which translates to “we’ll get through this.”
To that point, Malvina started a GoFundMe campaign to raise money for the Green Cross in Milan, which is a non-profit organization dedicated to first aid and health services for Italian citizens. Due to the health system in Italy, ambulances (similar to EMTs) are publicly funded solely from donations and public funding, making it incredible difficult to sustain because first responders are all volunteers. Donating to the Green Cross will allocate funds to Italian ambulances during this extremely difficult time. To donate, please click here.
1. How has the coronavirus affected your life? how has it affected the lives of your family, friends, and country?
My life before the virus was that of any 24 year old Italian student. An active and curious life, like the ones of most students all over the world.
We are now all in quarantine, without the possibility of leaving home except for real needs (to do the groceries or go to the pharmacy). So, as far as I'm concerned, I can’t see my boyfriend, my friends and my family, except my parents and my sister whom I live with. There are so many other people all over Italy who, being quarantined and living alone, are in complete isolation without having had human interactions for more than 10 days.
But this is a minor sacrifice that has been made willingly, if you think about the risk we are all exposed in Italy and all over the world. Furthermore, our country has an elderly population (life expectancy is roughly around 83 years old) and the age bracket of the elderly is, unfortunately, the most affected by the virus.
That is why, as far as coronavirus' deaths are concerned, we have already almost reached the number of total deaths that China has had because of the virus.
My country has, fortunately, a good Health System, which, however, is slowly collapsing, due to the enormous increase of the number of cases that require intensive care.
Some of the main problems we have to face are, in fact, the few beds left in intensive care, the shortage of lung ventilators and first-needed genres (like masks and hand sanitizing gel) and we are also facing a lack of doctors, paramedics and volunteers because of the virus.
2. How are you staying calm and sane during your quarantine?
I’m concerned, that’s for sure. How do I stay calm? I study, I do online courses, I read, I spend quality time with my family, I keep up to date with the news and I try to help my country as I can by establishing the fund raising that I talked you about.
The positive aspect of this all is that you get to have the time to do things you left behind.
What really is missing is social, human contact with people I haven’t seen and can't see for a while and it’s really in these circumstances that you realize how important this is. But, as I have already said, it is a minor sacrifice that must be made for the common good.
3. Is there a sense of panic in the country? is there enough food, drinks, medical supplies?
No, no sense of panic. We are worried, that’s for sure, as much as anyone would be in this same situation. But we are very united, selfless and cheerful people, here in Italy. For example, there have been people who started singing typical Italian songs or playing music on their balconies to cheer all the neighborhood up. And many others followed their example. Our motto here is “ce la faremo” which means “we’ll get through this”.
As far as food and drinks are concerned, there are more than enough.
Some medical supplies, though, are not. We have a big lack of surgical or ffp2/ffp3 masks and, in the past weeks, many were sold in pharmacies at a price up to 60 euros, not because the pharmacies themselves were speculating on these items, but because the demand has increased exponentially, we have little production in Italy and we have to order them from abroad.
4. What do you want people in the united states to know in general and about the situation in Italy?
The main thing I want the US to know is that we are facing a very difficult situation. We are running out of beds and lung ventilators in intensive care; we don’t have enough doctors and volunteers; we are also running out of masks and sanitizing hand gel. Without mentioning what is consequently happening to our economy.
If I may give you a piece of advice, STAY HOME. I know that now it may seem like an overreaction but, trust me, it’s not. We underestimated the problem at it’s first stages and here we are: in three weeks, we’ve had more than 35.000 cases and almost 3000 deaths due to having underestimated the problem in it's early stages.
I’m honestly quite concerned about the US right now, because in you (and in other European countries) I see my three weeks' ago way of considering the coronavirus issue. I personally think you could make use of the restrictions we have put in place here in Italy so to keep containing the spreading of the virus. So stay safe, at home at least for a while.
5. What is the Green Cross in Italy and what do they do?
The Green Cross M. P. S. ( Milanese public service) is a voluntary association dedicated to first aid and other health services for citizens.
It was formed in 1899, and is the oldest association of public service in Milan.
The Green Cross M. P. S. can count on the support of 400 volunteers who serve free service 365 nights per year and on holidays. All volunteers are certified by the “Emergency Medical service and medical emergency” operating center.
I would like to make you understand the difference between our ambulances and first aid service, compared to the American one. In Italy, ambulances are based on non-profit organizations only, such as the Green Cross, which, as such, cannot generate profit from their business and therefore rely on donations and public funds.
Moreover, unlike the US, the professional figure on ambulances is not a paramedic but normal people who have attended a 120-hour first aid course.
One very important thing to stress is that these responders (except for day shifts, managed by salaried employees) are all volunteers, which means that night shifts and holidays are entirely run by not paid people.
6. What do you think is the most important thing Italy needs right now?
As said, Italy needs beds and lung ventilators in intensive care, more doctors and volunteers, masks and sanitizing hand gel. To do so, we need funds, which are being and have been raised on a various number of campaigns, on GoFundMe as well. And we need to thank all over the world’s generosity.
Furthermore, when all this will be over, Italy and it’s economy will need you to come and visit and enjoy our food, beauty and culture.
7. Why do you think we should start raising money for the Green Cross, as opposed to the hospital?
The reason is very simple: as already mentioned, various campaigns to raise funds have been already launched in favour of the hospitals (for example the one launched by Chiara Ferragni and her husband).
Unfortunately, however, little importance is given to the first responders in ambulance and to the non-profit organizations from which they come; this happens on one hand because many devote their attention to hospitals, doctors and nurses, and, on the other, because ambulances and first responders have less media resonance.
But, as I think it is useless to emphasis, the ambulance responders are equally important and, unfortunately, they have, in proportion, less funds to tap into.
Also, in this particular period, they are spending much more money than they are used to, to buy self protection gear, masks and hand sanitizing gel.
Furthermore and not less important, the Green Cross in based in Milan, Lombardy where we unfortunately have the majority of the coronavirus cases in Italy. These are the main reasons why I ask you to give me a hand to raise money for the Green Cross, because they are really in need
8. How are you staying positive and hopeful for the future?
It may seem trivial but I believe in my country. I believe in Italian people, in their strength and in solidarity from all over the world (which, by the way, has already been shown and we are very grateful for that).
A swipe of crimson red lipstick epitomizes confidence, determination, power, glamour, sexiness, attractiveness, and power. During a time of uncertainty, its transformative power brings an unparalleled sense of strength and grounding. Alice Hart-Davis beautifully articulates this sentiment in Painting on a Brave Face, a powerful article describing the impact of red lipstick during difficult times.
The process of rebuilding lives in Bergen-Belsen, a former concentration camp, was helped by the unrequested delivery of red lipstick, that ultimately “started ‘to give [women] back their lost humanity”. During a time when people were starving and recovering from the brutalities of the Nazi invasion, red lipstick became a morale-booster, gave women of control, and allowed them to feel worthy and beautiful. No longer were they controlled by the “number tattooed on [their] arm.”
This article brings up an interestingly relevant phenomenon that surpasses World War II. Amidst the devastation of COVID-19, there are few things that we can control—the breadth of the virus, the length of quarantine, the possibility of contraction, and the impact on the economy. Though beauty regimens and self-care seem unimportant during a global pandemic, we can always apply a Scarlett red shield to our lips—serving as our protection, strength and hope for the future.
“They cannot bury the corps[es], too many. Yesterday in Bergamo trucks of the Italian Army started to carry unburied coffins to another crematory in Modena. It looks an horror movie.” -a message from Milan shared to my WhatsApp doctor group.
Coronavirus COVID-19 is a global horror— the surrealism of rapidly spreading infection has forever changed the world. Some of my friends from medical school are on the front lines, in the ERs and ICUs, treating the ill while putting themselves at risk, isolating themselves from their children, sleeping in their garages, updating their wills.
But I am a plastic surgeon. My work is not important right now. Health comes first. Beauty comes second— and does beauty even come anywhere at all?
Life in the time of COVID-19 is distressing. For the sick, everything comes back to vital signs. For the well, days bleed into nights. We are all wondering what happens next.
With more time indoors, I have been asking myself the existential questions that many of us in industries like fashion and aesthetics have silently wondered: What is the point of my life’s work? Does beauty even matter anymore?
Or, as others have wondered before me, can you find love in the time of cholera? Can tiny moments of happiness exist in a troubled time? Does mascara mean anything if no one sees you bat your eyelashes? If a tree falls in the forest, does it still make a sound?
As we pour over newspapers and scroll through social media feeds, we are all realizing what real beauty means: kindness, solidarity, strength. Beauty is the selflessness of the helpers who are getting us through this. Beauty is the doctor who rushes to run a code while risking exposure to airborne pathogens. Beauty is the food delivery person who traverses the city so that we may stay home. Beauty is the FaceTime call from a distant friend who just wants to see us again. Beauty is sacrifice, optimism, and selflessness.
And yet, each morning, from the confines of social distance and the walls of my home, I spritz on my favorite perfume and douse my face in serum. The daily architecture of ordinary self-care tasks— brushing my teeth, buttoning my shirt, making my bed, applying my lipstick—gives rhythm to the day. Briefly, I am in control. For a moment anyway, I am ready to face the day.
There is a phenomenon in medicine called the “lipstick sign:” the moment when a hospitalized patient starts applying lipstick (or shaving, or brushing their hair, as the case may be). I first heard the term from my chief resident when I was a surgery intern making rounds— it was his joking way of predicting who would go home that day. Over the years it has proved a surprisingly accurate signal that a patient is getting better. The day you put on lipstick is the day you turn a corner.
In a way, it makes sense. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs is built on a foundation of air, food, shelter, health, human connection, and only later self-esteem and self-actualization. That is to say, we don’t need botox until we have a lot of other things squared away first. When a viral pandemic blocks airflow in the lungs, we are failing to meet literally the most basic need we have: air to breathe. And suddenly nothing else matters. Beauty and aesthetics, as much as they can ballast our sense of esteem and identity— are not important anymore.
Yesterday I received an email asking for volunteers to staff the ICU and Emergency Room at an area hospital. This is how serious COVID-19 has become. I haven’t managed a ventilator since I staffed the Surgical ICU in residency over a decade ago. The notion that now plastic surgeons are part of the reserve corps of doctors is bringing us full circle. We are humans and helpers first. Then everything else. Put down the syringe and help the sick people breathe.
I do believe in the empowerment of beauty. I have cared for terminally ill patients who have wanted to brush their hair even in their darkest moments. I have performed breast cancer reconstructions and neck lifts on patients in their 80s, still wanting to look as feminine and beautiful as they felt when they were 30. In this stressful and uncertain time, many people on the front lines are compartmentalizing the necessary from everything else. And yet many want to come home and relax, get respite, and find distraction— sometimes in the world of beauty, makeup, or fashion.
What will save us from coronavirus COVID-19 is the beauty of the human spirit. We are the people who have built humanity, all of its good and bad, and we are the people who can 3D print surgical masks, analyze the efficacy of hydroxycholoroquine, organize donations of protective supplies, mobilize digital communities, and enforce self-imposed isolation so that our fellow people may get better.
I still believe that we can each be our own kind of beautiful. We can each add value and derive pleasure in a different way. It will be a while before it is appropriate for us to return to life as we remembered it. I don’t know when I will be able to perform elective surgeries again. But I think that the concept of taking care of ourselves is part of the human condition.
In the era of coronavirus, aesthetics is not going to save us. But perhaps it can offer us something less grand and more ephemeral: a few moments of self-care, daily routine, and tiny bits of predicability and joy in stressful, uncertain, and difficult times.
Not only is Dr. Devgan is a board-certified plastic-surgeon, but is is also the CEO and Founder of Dr. Devgan Scientific Beauty, a luxury medical-grade skincare line. RealSelf News recently published “8 Lip Plumpers That Dermatologists, Plastic Surgeons, and Beauty Editors Say Are the Next Best Thing to Fillers,” and it is no surprise that the Platinum Lip Plump is one of them.
As seen across Vogue, Allure, InStyle, and more, the Platinum Lip Plump is one of the best-sellers in the Scientific Beauty collection. The Platinum Lip Plump has been clinically proven to improve the size, softness, hydration, and pink coloration of the lips-- in the form of a clear gloss. The plumping agent is called Niacin (vitamin B3) and is an all-natural ingredient that will improve the size and pinkness of the lips by safely and gently vasodilating the lip tissue. This product can be applied as desired, and will create a minor, gentle tingle to the lips for about 2-3 minutes, after which the lips will be plump. The plumpiness lasts anywhere from 1-2 hours. Carolyn Hsu, head of content at RealSelf, “[keeps] a tube of Devgan Scientific Beauty Platinum Lip Plump close by, because [it] not only enhances the shape and size of [her] lips, but also hydrates, softens, and adds a beautiful natural-pink flush.”
Since we are currently living in a time where it is not recommended to leave the house for any elective cosmetic treatments, the Platinum Lip Plump is a great alternative to lip filler. According to Glamour magazine author, Sarah Wu, “the [Platinum Lip Plump] is so good, people ask if [she] got filler.” If you are interested in learning more about The Platinum Lip Plump or would like to purchase it online, click here. Click here to read the full article.
During these unprecedented times, it is easy to get stressed out. Vogue chats with Dr. Devgan, board-certified plastic surgeon and skin expert, on the topic of how to deal with stressed skin during these times of change and flexibility. According to Dr. Devgan, “any type of stress can manifest in your skin, since it’s the largest organ in the body.”
First things first, Dr. Devgan suggests eliminating any products with excess fragrance, colors, or dyes, and to avoid wearing heavy makeup. “It’s a good time to give your skin a little break,” she explains. Since there is nowhere to go right now, letting your skin breathe without any heavy foundation will help so much. The next step depends on what conditions your skin is in. Whether it is redness, break outs, dryness, or dullness, there is an answer! If you are breaking out, Dr. Devgan recommends using a clarifying cleanser twice a day and avoiding over exfoliation. Even if you are tempted to scrub your face, “it sometimes can lead to an overproduction of oil in the skin.” Dr. Devgan also recommends hydrating with something lighter, like a hyaluronic acid serum, rather than a typical moisturizer. If you have dull skin, Dr. Devgan suggests adding a Vitamin C into your routine. “This is for people who don’t have a major skin concern, [but] they’re just feeling like their skin is not as good as it could be,” she explains. A good Vitamin C serum will help fade brown spots and reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
Since we are currently living in a time where it is not recommended to leave the house, now is a good time to reset your skin. Avoid any and all types of makeup and create a daily regimen suitable for your own skin concerns. If you need any assistance feel free to email Beauty@LaraDevganMD.com, and a skincare expert will be able to assist you. If you are interested in reading the full article, click here.
