Virginia Center for Plastic Surgery | Dr. Desman

Is Liposuction Right for Me?

2010-10-14T16:23:00.001-05:00

Many residents in the Washington, D.C. area wonder if liposuction is the right plastic surgery procedure for them. In order to know if you are a good candidate for liposuction, it is a good idea to schedule a plastic surgery consultation with Washington, D.C. plastic surgeon, Dr. Desman. He will listen to your goals for the procedure and discuss the areas of the body in which you would like to have liposuction performed.

Liposuction is a fantastic plastic surgery procedure for anyone who wants to reduce the fatty deposits in areas of body that do not respond to a healthy diet and exercise. It is best to have liposuction performed after you have lost the majority of the weight you wish to lose and are within ten pounds of your goal. Liposuction is not a weight loss solution. It is a great way to help you reach your goal and enhance your natural body shape.

Sometimes, we have fatty deposits that are disproportionate with the rest of the body or that protrude. Liposuction can sculpt these areas and help smooth the skin. Dr. Desman can precisely target the fatty deposits and sculpt the body to a more pleasing shape.

Common areas where fatty deposits are difficult to reduce with diet and exercise are:

Chin
Arms
Abdomen
Hips
Thighs

To find out if you are a candidate for liposuction and to schedule a plastic surgery consultation in Washington, D.C., please contact Dr. Desman at the Virginia Center for Plastic Surgery today.

What Areas of the Body Can be Treated with VASER Liposuction?

2010-09-14T11:32:00.000-05:00

VASER liposuction is a plastic surgery procedure that precisely and safely removes fatty deposits from almost anywhere on the body. VASER liposuction minimizes pain, swelling, and bruising. These benefits make it an ideal plastic surgery procedure for fat removal.

Washington, D.C. plastic surgeon, Dr. Desman will listen to your goals for the VASER liposuction procedure and help you choose what areas of your body to be treated. Dr. Desman has the experience and knowledge to help you achieve your goals for enhancing your body's contour and natural shape.

VASER liposuction can be performed on many areas of the body to include:

Chin
Neck
Arms
Male Breasts
Abdomen
Love Handles
Hips
Back
Buttocks
Inner Thighs
Outer Thighs
Knees

VASER liposuction is performed differently than traditional liposuction. VASER liposuction uses a special solution to help shrink blood vessels in the targeted areas, allowing more fat to be removed. . The solution makes it easier for Dr. Desman to precisely contour the area and remove the fatty tissue. Because Dr. Desman can accurately target the fatty tissue, he can use the VASER liposuction plastic surgery procedure on areas of the body that may not be treated with traditional liposuction.

If you live in the Washington, D.C. area and would like to schedule a plastic surgery consultation with Dr. Desman, please contact Dr. Desman at the Virginia Center for Plastic Surgery today.

Contoured vs. Round Breast Implants

2010-09-12T11:30:00.000-05:00

There are several breast implant options that include the type, shape, texture, and size. You have two options for the shape of breast implants. These options include:

Contoured Breast Implants
Round Breast Implants

Arlington breast surgeon, Dr. Desman will explain the many options for breast implants to you in a confidential breast surgery consultation. As a breast surgeon serving the Washington, D.C. area, Dr. Desman has the experience and knowledge to help you choose the right breast implants to fit your needs. He will answer all of your questions and explain the benefits of both contoured and round breast implants.

Contoured Breast Implants

Contoured breast implants are in the shape of a teardrop. They are sometimes referred to as teardrop breast implants. Contoured breast implants give the breasts a natural, sloping appearance. These breast implants do not give volume or fullness to the upper area of the breast. The majority of the volume of the implant is toward the bottom area where it fills out into a teardrop. Women choose this implant for the natural sloping appearance. Women who wish to have volume and fullness to their entire breast will want to choose round breast implants.

Round Breast Implants

Many breast surgeons choose the round breast implant for breast surgery. The round breast implant has many benefits that the contoured breast implant does not offer. The round breast implant adds fullness and volume to the entire breast and gives the breasts a forward projection that the contoured implant does not give. Small-breasted women choose the round implant because it gives volume to the upper portion of the breast.

To schedule a breast surgery consultation with Washington, D.C. breast surgeon Dr. Desman, please contact the Virginia Center for Plastic Surgery today. Dr. Desman will answer all of your breast surgery questions and help you reach your goals.

Which is Better: Tummy Tuck or Liposuction?

2010-09-10T11:28:00.000-05:00

Choosing the right plastic surgery procedure to meet your goals can be difficult. Washington, D.C. plastic surgeon Dr. Desman will help you decide which procedure is best to fit your needs. In order to know if a tummy tuck or liposuction is better for you, you need to know how each procedure will enhance your body. It really isn’t which procedure is better. Rather, it is knowing which procedure will help you meet your goals.

Tummy Tuck

A tummy tuck is a plastic surgery procedure that removes excess skin and fat from around the abdomen. The two types of tummy tucks are complete tummy tuck and partial tummy tuck. Both remove excess skin and fat, but a complete tummy tuck targets more of the abdomen while a partial tummy tuck is for anyone who does not require as much of a change as anyone who needs a complete tummy tuck.

Liposuction

Liposuction is a plastic surgery procedure that only targets and removes fatty deposits from the body. Liposuction does not remove excess skin. If you require skin and fat removal, you will want a tummy tuck. If you only require fat removal, then liposuction is the better plastic surgery procedure for you. Both tummy tuck and liposuction will sculpt your body and enhance your figure.

To schedule a tummy tuck consultation in the Washington, D.C. area, please contact the Virginia Center for Plastic Surgery today. Dr. Desman will answer all of your tummy tuck questions and help you decide which plastic surgery procedure is right for you.

Skin Care: Vitalize Peel

2010-09-08T11:25:00.001-05:00

To reverse the effects of time, sun damage, and the environment on your skin, you can have the Vitalize Peel skin care treatment. Vitalize Peel is a chemical peel that is specially formulated to reduce fine lines, photoaging, and acne on the face. This skin care treatment can be performed on all complexions and skin tone types.

The Vitalize Peel is performed by Northern Virginia cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Desman at his cosmetic surgery center. The entire skin care treatment takes about thirty minutes. For the best results, visit Dr. Desman for a series of Vitalize Peel treatments. One treatment will dramatically enhance the appearance of your skin while a series of treatments will give you optimum results. Dr. Desman recommends having a series of Vitalize Peel treatments while using an at home skin care treatment.

How Vitalize Peel Works

The Vitalize Peel skin care treatment uses a formula that exfoliates the top layer of your skin and promotes the restructuring of collagen in your skin. The pores in your skin reduce in size and the texture of your skin is smoothed. The Vitalize Peel enhances the complexion of your skin giving you a healthier look.

Benefits of the Vitalize Peel

Little to no down time is required after treatment
Suitable for use on all skin types
Results are noticeable after one treatment
A series of peels dramatically enhances the complexion
The appearance of age spots and freckles are diminished
Reduces the appearance of hyperpigmentation when a series of treatments are used
Improves the appearance of Acne related hyperpigmentation after one treatment
Noticeable improvement of the skin’s tone and texture

If you are interested in dramatically improving the appearance of your skin, please contact the Virginia Center for Plastic Surgery today to schedule a skin care consultation in Northern Virginia with Dr. Desman.

Removing Spider Veins

2010-08-18T11:41:00.000-05:00

Women may avoid wearing shorts, capris, dresses, skirts, or swim suits because of unsightly spider veins on their legs. Spider veins can easily be removed with a safe cosmetic surgery procedure called Sclerotherapy. Sclerotherapy uses a salt solution that is injected into the veins that require treatment. The solution causes the veins to stick together and slowly fade from view.

Arlington cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Desman uses a fine needle to inject the solution into your veins. You may experience mild discomfort that only lasts a couple of minutes. The level of discomfort depends on the size of the veins being treated. Smaller veins typically do not cause discomfort.

You may have a number of spider veins treated in the same cosmetic surgery appointment. The number of spider veins that you may have treated depends on the size and the location of the veins. The entire spider vein removal procedure may last about fifteen to thirty minutes.

The amount of time it takes for spider veins to respond to the treatment depends on the size of the veins. Smaller spider veins respond within three to six weeks of the treatment while larger spider veins may respond within three or four months. Spider veins will not return once they respond to the treatment. New spider veins may appear and you can return to Dr. Desman for treatment of these spider veins.

If you are interested in removing spider veins and live in the Washington, D.C. area, please contact the Virginia Center for Plastic Surgery today to schedule a spider vein removal consultation with cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Desman.

What Happens During VASER Liposuction?

2010-08-17T11:12:00.000-05:00

VASER liposuction is a more precise way to remove fatty tissue from targeted areas of the body. Compared to traditional liposuction, VASER liposuction results in less bruising, reduced swelling, and a smoother appearance to the skin. This plastic surgery procedure is performed in a surgical suite that is fully accredited and is located near our plastic surgery office serving the Washington, D.C. area.

Before the VASER liposuction procedure is performed, you may be given a general anesthetic to help you go to sleep during the procedure. Then, the areas of your body that will be sculpted are filled with a solution that contains epinephrine and lidocaine. The epinephrine in the solution shrinks the blood vessels in the treated area to reduce bleeding and bruising. The lidocaine in the solution is an anesthetic that numbs the treated areas.

The solution will fill the treated area and work to make the fatty tissue easier to break up. Washington, D.C. plastic surgeon Dr. Desman uses a small probe that transmits sound energy to break up the fatty tissue on contact. This probe precisely targets fatty tissue and leaves the other tissue in the body intact. The fatty tissue can be targeted better for removal and sculpting once it is broken up. Dr. Desman can easily see what fatty tissue needs to be removed and where to sculpt.

After this plastic surgery procedure, any discomfort you feel will be managed with pain medications. Dr. Desman will give you a compression garment to wear home. The compression garment will help your skin settle into the desired contour and give you support and comfort.

For additional information about VASER liposuction or to schedule a plastic surgery consultation in the Washington, D.C. area, please contact the Virginia Center for Plastic Surgery today.

Bridal Makeovers

2010-08-16T11:09:00.001-05:00

Your wedding day is one of the most important events in your life. This is a day just for you and every woman wants to look her best. Dr. Desman, a Washington, D.C. cosmetic surgeon, provides cosmetic surgery procedures that help you look and feel your best on your special day. You can custom create a bridal makeover with Dr. Desman to include one or more cosmetic surgery procedures to help enhance your natural beauty.

A few of the cosmetic surgery procedures that brides choose include:

Vitalize Peel
BOTOX® Cosmetic
Restylane
Radiesse
Juvederm
Spider Vein treatment
Liposuction
Skin Care Treatments
Breast Augmentation

Dr. Desman will discuss your goals with you in a confidential bridal makeover consultation and help you decide which cosmetic surgery procedures will help you feel and look your best. Dr. Desman will help you plan the perfect time to have your bridal makeover so you will be perfect in time for your wedding. Some cosmetic surgery procedures will need to be performed several weeks before your wedding while others may need to be performed a couple weeks prior.

Many brides bring their bridal party in for treatments like BOTOX® Cosmetic, Restylane, Vitalize Peel, and other skin care treatments. Brides like giving their attendants these treatments as a bridal party gift. Dr. Desman will help you and your bridal party feel great about yourselves.

To schedule a bridal makeover consultation with Dr. Desman in the Washington, D.C. area, please contact the Virginia Center for Plastic Surgery today. Your special day is just around the corner and Dr. Desman will help you reach your goals.

How Much do Injectables Cost?

2010-08-04T17:37:00.001-05:00

To help you look as young as you feel and give you confidence throughout the day, Virginia cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Desman offers many facial rejuvenation treatments to enhance your appearance. Dr. Desman will discuss your specific needs and desires for treatment and help you decide which treatments are right for you. You can combine treatments for dramatic facial enhancement or use one treatment to tweak small areas.

The injectables offered by Dr. Desman are:

BOTOX® Cosmetic
Restylane
Juvederm
Radiesse
Artefill
Collagen
Fat Fillers
Perlane
Sculptra

Depending on the facial rejuvenation treatments you choose and if you want a combination of treatments for a dramatic facial enhancement, the cost of injectables may range anywhere from $500 to $4,000.

If you would like to combine treatments, you can discuss having a liquid facelift with Dr. Desman. A liquid facelift combines many facial rejuvenation treatments to give you similar results as a traditional facelift. A liquid facelift helps reduce the signs of aging to include wrinkles, folds, and creases on the face.

Dr. Desman offers his Virginia patients a money saving option called the eBeauty Skin Care Club. This special club helps reduce the per-treatment costs by helping create a monthly payment plan that fits well into your budget. The eBeauty Skin Care Club makes it easy for you to get the facial rejuvenation treatments you need on a regular basis so you can stay healthy and beautiful.

For additional information about the facial rejuvenation treatments offered in the Virginia area and to schedule a consultation with Dr. Desman, please contact the Virginia Center for Plastic Surgery today.

Radiesse

2010-07-18T12:25:00.000-05:00

Radiesse is facial filler used to correct facial wrinkles and fine lines. Radiesse enhances your appearance by promoting the production of your skin’s own collagen. Collagen naturally occurs in the skin and gives your facial appearance volume, strength, and flexibility. Radiesse helps fill out the areas of your face that have begun to wrinkle and fold creating a younger, rejuvenated appearance.

Washington, D.C. cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Desman uses Radiesse alone or in conjunction with other facial fillers to help his patients feel great about themselves. Dr. Desman will discuss the benefits of Radiesse and the areas of the face that you can have treated with Radiesse in a confidential cosmetic surgery consultation. Radiesse provides amazing results that last much longer than many other facial fillers.

The benefits of Radiesse are:

Stimulates the natural production of collagen
Provides results that last up to two years
Corrects wrinkles instantly

Radiesse can be used to treat:

Marionette Lines
Nasolabial Folds
Glabellar Lines
Frown Lines
Wrinkles on the Forehead

Radiesse is also used to enhance the cheeks and create the appearance of pronounced cheekbones.

If you live in the Washington, D.C. area and would like additional information or would like to schedule a cosmetic surgery consultation, please contact cosmetic surgeon Dr. Desman at the Virginia Center for Plastic Surgery. Dr. Desman will answer all of your Radiesse questions and help you enhance your natural beauty.

Rapid Recovery Breast Augmentation Program

2010-07-16T17:51:00.001-05:00

Many women put off having the cosmetic surgery procedures they desire due to the time it takes for recovery. Everyone has obligations and responsibilities that make it difficult to find time for our selves. In order to help you find the time for you, Washington, D.C. breast surgeon, Dr. Desman has developed the Rapid Recovery Breast Augmentation Program.

Dr. Desman has thought of every aspect of breast augmentation in order to telescope healing and minimize the impact surgery may have on your life. Dr. Desman and his breast surgery team have focused on giving their patients beautiful results with minimal down time by enhancing the surgical planning process, the surgical technique, and the instructions for recovery known as the “Recipe for Recovery”.

Your Breast Augmentation Consultation

During your breast augmentation consultation, Dr. Desman will discuss:

Pre-op instructions
The process of the procedure
The Recipe for Recovery

This is the time to ask Dr. Desman all of your questions about breast augmentation and what you can expect following the procedure. Dr. Desman will make sure you are prepared mentally and physically to help improve your experience and decrease your recovery time.

If you would like more information about the Rapid Recovery Breast Augmentation Program, please contact Dr. Desman at the Virginia Center for Plastic Surgery today to schedule a breast augmentation consultation in the Washington, D.C. area.

eBeauty Club

2010-07-16T12:20:00.000-05:00

The eBeauty Skin Care Club was created specifically to help you save money on all of your skin care and injectable filler needs and treatments. Washington, D.C. cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Desman, wants to reward you as a loyal customer and help lower your per-treatment costs. You can reward yourself with affordable skin care treatments and services with monthly payments that fit perfectly into your budget.

The eBeauty Skin Care club is a great way to help you get the seasonal skin care treatments you need to continue rejuvenating your skin and enhancing your natural beauty. Some of the skin care and injectable treatments you can receive include:

BOTOX® Cosmetic
Restylane
Juvederm
Radiesse
Artefill
Obagi Skin Care
Vitalize Peel
Topix Skin Care
Hydroxy Acid Peels
Spider Vein Treatment

We offer our loyal customers two levels of membership with the eBeauty Skin Care Club. Depending on your needs, you can become a Platinum or Gold member. The eBeauty Skin Care Club is perfect for anyone who receives seasonal BOTOX® Cosmetic treatments in the Washington, D.C. area. Members of the eBeauty Skin Care Club also receive additional ways to save as well as rewards.

If you are interested in becoming an eBeauty Skin Care Club member or if you would like to schedule a BOTOX® Cosmetic consultation, please contact the Virginia Center for Plastic Surgery today. You can rejuvenate your skin and enhance your appearance in less than an hour with Dr. Desman’s skin care treatments. Dr. Desman serves patients in and around the Washington, D.C. area.

Juvederm and Restylane

2010-07-14T12:17:00.000-05:00

Many women in their thirties and later years want to enhance their facial appearance. Some of these women do not want to undergo a traditional facelift to get the youthful results they desire. For women who wish to reduce the signs of aging and minimize facial wrinkles, folds, and creases, there are facial fillers. Facial fillers are a cosmetic surgery treatment for facial rejuvenation that are non-invasive.

Washington, D.C. cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Desman provides his patients with hyaluronic acid fillers like Juvederm and Restylane to enhance his patients’ natural beauty. Hyaluronic acid naturally occurs in the skin and connective tissue. It is a non-animal based substance that reduces the signs of aging and rejuvenates the skin by providing elasticity and fullness.

Juvederm and Restylane can be used separately or in conjunction with other facial fillers to either target portions of the face or the entire face. Juvederm and Restylane are used in a facial rejuvenation treatment called liquid facelift. Both Juvederm and Restylane are safe for use alone or with other facial fillers for a dramatically enhanced appearance.

Restylane can be used to treat:

The folds around your nose
The fine lines around your mouth
The crows feet near the eyes

Juvederm can be used to treat:

Facial wrinkles above your lips
Wrinkles and folds around the corners of your mouth
Smile lines around your nose and mouth

If you would like to enhance your appearance with Restylane or Juvederm, please contact Dr. Desman at the Virginia Center for Plastic Surgery today to schedule a cosmetic surgery consultation. Dr. Desman serves patients in and around the Washington, D.C. area.

When to Use BOTOX® Cosmetic

2010-07-12T12:15:00.000-05:00

BOTOX® Cosmetic is a medicine that is injected into the facial muscles to help them relax and avoid contracting. Wrinkles and fine lines form in the face when the muscles contract or are tense. Relaxed muscles reduce the appearance of wrinkles and facial lines helping to promote a younger looking you.

Knowing when to use BOTOX® Cosmetic to enhance your beauty is important. Women in their thirties and forties tend to rejuvenate their skin with BOTOX® Cosmetic to help them look as young as they feel. Women who are older than forty also benefit from BOTOX® Cosmetic and use a series of treatments to keep their skin healthy and radiant.

You can speak with Washington, D.C. cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Desman, in a confidential BOTOX® Cosmetic consultation to discuss when the right time is for you to begin using BOTOX® Cosmetic. He will help you create a treatment plan and decide if combining other facial fillers with BOTOX® Cosmetic will benefit your needs.

BOTOX® Cosmetic lasts up to four months. It is a good idea to speak with Dr. Desman about the results you can expect from BOTOX® Cosmetic and how long they will last. To maintain your facial rejuvenation results from BOTOX® Cosmetic, you will want to schedule appointments with Dr. Desman about every four months. The more you use BOTOX® Cosmetic, the more conditioned your muscles will be to stay relaxed and look less wrinkled.

To start you on the road to a younger, more rejuvenated you, please contact Dr. Desman at the Virginia Center for Plastic Surgery today to schedule your BOTOX® Cosmetic consultation in the Washington, D.C. area.

VASER LipoSelection for True Body Sculpting

2010-07-10T12:12:00.000-05:00

Every person’s body is different and has different trouble areas that store fat. Some of these areas will not slim down or become tone no matter how well you eat or how much you exercise. Washington, D.C. cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Desman offers VASER LipoSelection to his patients to get those problematic areas in the desired shape that enhances his patients' bodies.

VASER LipoSelection can precisely sculpt almost any area of your body to include:

Chin
Neck
Arms
Chest
Breasts
Waist
Abdomen
Back
Hips
Buttocks
Outer Thighs
Inner Thighs
Knees
Ankles

You can have the body you desire with this amazing cosmetic surgery procedure. VASER LipoSelection is proven to reduce fatty deposits in problematic areas where a healthy diet and proper exercise cannot sculpt. Along with a healthy lifestyle, your VASER LipoSelection results will last giving you confidence to wear any article of clothing you wish.

Cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Desman can sculpt your body by performing VASER LipoSelection on small areas of the body for touch-ups or he can dramatically transform your body by sculpting larger areas. VASER LipoSelection gives smooth results and helps the skin tighten after the procedure. The recovery time is minimal and the results are amazing.

VASER LipoSelection works by using ultrasonic energy to target only fatty tissue and break it apart for easy and safe removal. This cosmetic surgery procedure does not harm nerves or other body tissue in the treatment areas. Dr. Desman injects a special solution in the area to be treated that helps keep blood loss to a minimum. The solution makes the fatty tissue stand out for more precise sculpting.

If you live in or around the Fairfax area and are interested in learning how VASER LipoSelection can help you, please contact cosmetic surgeon Dr. Desman and his skilled cosmetic surgery team at the Virginia Center for Plastic Surgery today. The body of your dreams is one visit away.

What is a “Liquid Facelift”?

2010-07-08T12:08:00.001-05:00

A liquid facelift is a non-invasive facial rejuvenation treatment used to reduce fine lines, wrinkles, folds, and creases in the face. This treatment does not require surgical techniques. Rather, a liquid facelift utilizes a combination of facial fillers. Depending on your specific needs, Virginia cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Desman will create a customized liquid facelift treatment specific for your rejuvenation needs.

Dr. Desman may combine any of the following facial fillers to enhance your appearance:

ArteFill
BOTOX® Cosmetic
Collagen
Fat Fillers
Juvederm
Radiesse
Restylane
Perlane
Sculptra

Each facial filler targets certain areas if the face to reduce fine lines, wrinkles, folds, and creases. These fillers last for different lengths of time and offer different benefits. Some fillers will last a few months while others last a few years.

The many benefits of a liquid facelift include:

This procedure can gently lift individual facial features or the entire face
Wrinkles, creases, folds, and lines are reduced
Your natural facial contours are restored
Your face looks more rested and energetic
You will have a younger, refreshed overall look
Your smile will look friendlier

A liquid facelift is the perfect facial rejuvenation option for any women who wishes to enhance her appearance, but does not have loose skin that requires a traditional facelift. Women in their 30s and 40s enjoy receiving the liquid facelift to help them feel great about their appearance.

To schedule a consultation with Dr. Desman about a liquid facelift in Virginia, please contact the Virginia Center for Plastic Surgery today. Dr. Desman will create a customized liquid facelift to enhance your natural beauty.

Dr. Desman's eBeauty Skin Care Club

2010-06-10T16:30:00.003-05:00

For Latisse's 1st Anniversay Celebration save up to $100 on BOTOX® Cosmetic and Juvéderm® when you purchase a kit of LATISSE®.

It's easy to save!

1. Visit our office to see if LATISSE®, BOTOX® Cosmetic and Juvéderm® XC are right for you.

2. Purchase or receive a prescription for a LATISSE® solution kit.

3. Get a $100 rebate on a treatment of BOTOX® Cosmetic and Juvéderm® XC. If only one of these treatments is right for you, get a $50 rebate on either BOTOX® Cosmetic or Juvéderm® XC injectable gel.

Limited-time offer ends July 15, 2010. Make an appointment today!

Platinum and Gold members of Dr. Desman's eBeauty Skin Care Club will receive a Free Latisse® with Promotion. So if you haven't signed up for the Club yet, be sure to stop into our office and sign up!

Call (703) 924- 3144 today to make an appointment.

Click here for more details!

Website set for revision

2010-06-09T11:31:00.003-05:00

Over the next several months, we will be working behind the scenes to give our website a face lift. If you have any comments or suggestions, please let us know. You can post to our Facebook page, comment on our blog, or just give us a call at (703) 924-3144.

Breast Lift vs. Breast Augmentation

2010-02-26T15:44:00.000-05:00

Lose weight, breast feed a baby or blow out a few more candles and the next thing you know your waist has a new addition – your breasts. In years past, women bought more supportive bras and tried to keep those straps from digging into their shoulders. Now, women have more options with plastic surgery. When you contact Dr. Desman at the Virginia Center for Plastic Surgery in Arlington, Virginia, he'll go over those options to modify size or position of the breasts.

If you have sagging breasts or want to simply increase or decrease your cup size, choose a qualified plastic surgeon that can help you determine whether a breast lift would be better than breast augmentation.

What's the Difference?

Although often confused, the two procedures can be remembered by thinking of the lift as a "hand up" and an augmentation as a "hand out." Here's what occurs with each procedure.

Breast Lift

Does not change the size of your breasts
Breasts are raised and the contours reshaped to eliminate sagging
Dr. Desman will relocate the position of your nipples and areola during surgery
Excess skin is removed under the breast to tighten the skin, thus providing the lift
Scars are minimal and are located beneath the breasts

Breast Augmentation

Entire look of the breasts change when implants are used to increase or decrease the bust line
Women who have had a mastectomy often have breast augmentation as part of their reconstruction surgery
Asymmetrical breasts can be better proportioned in this procedure
Augmentation can be done in conjunction with a breast lift

Please contact our office, if you are considering cosmetic surgery for your breasts. Dr. Desman offers free consultations at the Virginia Center for Plastic Surgery, in Arlington, Virginia.

Why Choose a Facial Specialist?

2010-02-18T15:42:00.000-05:00

When it comes to your face, trusting anyone without the skills, knowledge and credentials to help you attain the cosmetic surgery results you want is foolish. Only trust those board-certified surgeons in the desired area of expertise. Those who are qualified are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Additionally, when a plastic surgeon undergoes specialized training as a facial specialist, he or she is then certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

The best indicators of surgeon's qualifications are his or her medical training and surgical experience. By contacting Dr. Desman at the Virginia Center for Plastic Surgery, you will be assured that you’ve chosen well-qualified surgeon who has been in performing facial cosmetic surgery since 1995.

Taking Steps to Give Your Face the Best

Considerable surgical skill is needed during facial plastic surgery. Procedures like facelifts and rhinoplasty (nose surgery) involve incisions placed in very delicate areas. So find the best surgeon for the procedure by following these steps:

Ask your physician, friends or family members, who have had a similar surgery, about possible recommendations.
Check surgical credentials before scheduling a consultation.
Narrow your choices down and schedule a face-to-face meeting.
During the consultation, ask most, if not all of the "43 Questions You Need to Ask a Plastic Surgeon During Your Consultation Appointment and BEFORE you Decide on a Doctor"
Ask for patient testimonials, view before & after photos, and consider asking to speak with a patient that has had a similar procedure.

If you are confused about whom you should hire to perform your facial cosmetic surgery, please contact our office. We will arrange a private consultation for you to discuss any fears or reservations you may have before taking the next step to improve your appearance.

Obesity Causes

2010-02-10T15:38:00.001-05:00

Since the introduction of the Body Mass Index (BMI) in the 1990s, which gave us the controversial measurement for estimating a healthy body weight, we've been warned that food increases, along with lack of exercise have contributed to America's growing weight issue. Few have heeded the warnings about excess weight leading to heart disease and diabetes, but others have dropped those nagging pounds.

Unfortunately, when body size increases and then suddenly decreases, excess skin doesn't snap back into place like a fresh rubber band. When you've gained and then lost weight, Arlington plastic surgeon Dr. Desman can help. Cosmetic procedures like liposuction, the new VASER LipoSelection and tummy tucks are just three of several methods used to decrease stubborn areas that remain following weight loss.

Commonly Known Obesity Causes

The debate over the causes of obesity rages on, yet a few commonly known factors for weight gain remain. Those who struggle with additional weight often have more than one contributing factor. The most common factors are:

Genetics – a family history of obesity increases the odds of obesity by 25 to 30 percent
Physical Inactivity – overweight people are typically less active than normal weight adults
High Fat/Calorie Diet – when caloric intact is identical, the person eating a high fat diet will store more excess calories as body fat
Age – as you age, your muscle mass decreases and fat accounts for a greater percentage of your weight
Emotional or Psychological factors – to many, food is used as a comfort or celebration
Medical Problems – low thyroid function and hormonal imbalances account for a small percentage of obesity causes

If your recent weight loss has left excess skin on your face, neck, upper arms, tummy and thighs, don't let that spoil your recent success. Please schedule a consultation today at the Virginia Center for Plastic Surgery, in Arlington, VA.

Rhinoplasty – Open vs. Closed Nose Surgery

2010-01-28T10:26:00.000-05:00

If your nose has drawn unwanted attention then rhinoplasty (nose surgery) might be right for you. Two types of surgical procedures are available with a rhinoplasty operation. By consulting with Arlington plastic surgeon Dr. Desman, at the Virginia Center for Plastic Surgery you'll learn about these two types and which will be most suitable in your specific case.

Whether the unusual shape of your nose is due to genetics or injury, choosing a plastic surgeon to reshape it to your liking is paramount. When you contact an experienced plastic surgeon, like Dr. Desman you'll learn everything about rhinoplasty, including risks of nose surgery, what type of nose best suits your face and the types of incisions available to you.

Incision Choices
Plastic surgeons will either choose the option of an open or closed rhinoplasty. Open rhinoplasty is used for major nose reshaping with incisions being made on the outside of the nose. Closed rhinoplasty is for minor nose reshaping and incisions are made within the nose.

Weighing Advantages and Disadvantages of Both
If Dr. Desman needs greater access to the surgical area to make more precise adjustments, or finds your surgery to be a more complicated procedure, he'll likely choose open rhinoplasty.

Disadvantages of Open Rhinoplasty:

Longer recovery time
Greater risks for swelling and bruising

If Dr. Desman sees that your nose reshaping will be fairly minor, he'll likely recommend closed rhinoplasty.

Disadvantages of Closed Rhinoplasty:

More difficult for surgical manipulation
Only viable for procedures possible through small incisions

If you are unhappy with the appearance of your nose or nose function and live in the Arlington, Virginia area, please contact our office today.

Rhinoplasty (Nose Surgery)

2010-01-18T10:23:00.000-05:00

As the most striking feature on your face, the nose can be a source of pride or a source of shame. Those who abhor the bumps, humps, droops, hooks and breathing problems that come with a misshapen nose are the first to tell you a beautiful nose would make a difference. Dr. Desman understands such feelings and can work with you to create the rhinoplasty results you desire.

Each year, half a million people choose nose surgery (medically referred to as rhinoplasty) to improve their looks. When prospective rhinoplasty patients contact Arlington Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Desman, he'll go over the risks of rhinoplasty and give a fairly accurate view of the potential results through computer rendering.

Rhinoplasty Changes that Make a Difference

Whether you desire rhinoplasty for aesthetic or functional reasons, know that this widely requested cosmetic surgery has the most satisfied patients. Plastic surgeons can make a number of aesthetic changes for your nose, like:

Change the tip of your nose - accomplished by adding, removing or repositioning cartilage
Change the nose bridge shape - done by removing excess cartilage and bone from the bridge or dorsal bone
Narrow the nostrils - by removing skin from the base of the nostrils and moving them closer together
Reduce the overall nose size - achieved by removing tissue from the nose base or breaking and repositioning the bones in the nose
Increase the overall nose size - fulfilled by adding cartilage, skin or bone, either from a donor site on the patient's body, or using synthetic material
Change the nose angle - performed by trimming the septum, which is the thin membrane separating the nostrils

If you are hesitant to undergo the rhinoplasty procedure, know that you are not alone. Many prospective patients have the same feelings. Please contact our office so that Dr. Desman at the Virginia Center for Plastic Surgery in Arlington, Virginia can answer your questions about the rhinoplasty procedure.

Questions About Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery

2010-01-08T10:21:00.001-05:00

When prospective cosmetic surgery patients meet with a surgeon the questions asked are always similar. Patients are most concerned with pain, recovery, candidacy, scarring, and also payment. Knowing the answers to some of these questions in advance goes a long way toward helping you feel more comfortable about your decision.

Does plastic surgery hurt?

Patients who receive extensive facial procedures like a facelift or rhinoplasty (nose surgery) will incur more bruising and swelling. Procedures that involve surgery on the extremities or torso will have some uncomfortable days following the procedure, but not as much bruising and swelling that can cause pain.

When can I return to work and exercise?

Recuperation from surgery varies depending upon the procedure and the individual. Most patients require assistance for the first few days and then are ready to return to after that. Patients with small children may require a few extra days of assistance.

Would I be a good candidate for plastic surgery?

If you have a strong personal desire to make cosmetic surgery, you are likely a good candidate. However, only a consultation with a cosmetic surgeon, like Dr. Eric Desman at the Virginia Center for Plastic Surgery in Arlington, Virginia, can offer a qualified opinion.

Will I have scars after the surgery?

Skin incisions always cause some scarring; it's a natural way for the body to heal. Yet, placing scars where they will be least noticeable is what Dr. Desman is trained at providing his patients. Highly skilled surgeons can achieve your desired look with minimal scarring and even perform scar revision for patients unhappy with scars from previous surgeries.

If you would like to learn more about cosmetic surgery options in the Arlington, Virginia area, please contact Dr. Eric Desman today to schedule a consultation.

2009-12-29T13:06:00.000-05:00

The first time you stare into the mirror and see your parent looking back, you'll wonder if the years have collapsed upon your face. Considering the alternative, there is nothing wrong with aging, yet using facial rejuvenation procedures to look a bit younger can raise your self-esteem and buoy your outlook on life and yourself. Please contact Arlington plastic surgeon Dr. Desman, if you wish to turn back the clock on your face.

Advances in technology have created many choices for those wanting a more youthful appearance. Now, you can choose non-invasive procedures, like collagen and other filler injections to temporarily lessen the evidence of wrinkles, choose a complete facelift or focus in on a specific problem area. Dr. Desman offers his patients enhancement or augmentations for:

Eyelids – removing excess or fatty tissue above and beneath the eyes
Cheeks – transferring fat to this area to increase the cheek size
Ears – sculpting/folding the cartilage to allow ears to lie closer to the head
Forehead or brow – tightening the brow through endoscopic incisions
Lips – enhancing with injectables or reshaping with implants to offer patients a fuller lip appearance
Nose – increasing, decreasing, or sculpting the shape or tip of the nose
Chins – adding or subtracting to offer a more balanced appearance

The Virginia Center for Plastic Surgery, in Arlington, Virginia, offers state-of-the-art computer imaging to help you see what you can change before you change it. Please contact us today to meet with Dr. Desman for a no-obligation consultation.

Maintaining Your Results/Lifestyle After Facelift

2009-12-22T13:05:00.001-05:00

A facelift (technically called a Rhytidectomy), is a procedure that tightens underlying muscles, removes excess fat, and re-drapes skin to restore youth and beauty. While chemical peels and cosmetic injections can temporarily make you look younger, a facelift is the only procedure that can provide a more permanent correction. By contacting Arlington cosmetic surgeon Dr. Eric Desman, you can learn more about the facelift procedure and decide if it is right for you.

After facelift surgery, you'll want to follow several recommendations to keep and maintain your rejuvenated youthful appearance. When you choose Dr. Desman at the Virginia Center for Plastic Surgery in Arlington, Virginia for your facelift, he will give you complete lifestyle instructions to ensure your new look will last for many years.

Extending the Results of Your Facelift
Those things your mother told you to do when you were young, like exercise, maintain your weight and lead a healthy lifestyle apply more after a facelift procedure than ever. By following these post-surgery guidelines, your facelift will remain fresh and taut for years:

Stop Smoking – smoking causes wrinkles and accelerates the skin's aging process
Maintain Your Weight – over time, dieting causes the skin to loose its elasticity, which is unwanted as you age
Avoid Sun Exposure – the sun's rays cause premature aging and increase damaging evidence like freckles, wrinkles, age spots, leathery skin and facial spider veins
Keep Skin Hydrated – drinking a minimum of eight daily glasses of water will regenerate your skin at the cellular level

Please contact the Virginia Center for Plastic Surgery in Arlington, Virginia when you are ready to reclaim some of your lost youth with plastic surgery.

Knowing When You Need to Remove or Replace Implants

2009-12-14T13:03:00.000-05:00

Even though breast augmentation is a long-lasting procedure, it can not defy the effects of gravity and its fundamental force behind sagging breasts as you age. Dr. Desman will be the first to tell you that years after breast implant surgery a breast lift may become necessary. Yet many women feel that once they have breast augmentation surgery, their breasts will be as firm and fixed at the age of 88 as after surgery completed at 38.

That is just one common myth about breast implants. Another is that breast implant surgery lasts a lifetime. Whether breast implants will last ten years or longer, depends largely upon the patient. However, if you are having no complications, the implants should last for many years. When you feel a change is needed after breast augmentation, please contact a qualified surgeon like Dr. Desman at the Virginia Center for Plastic Surgery in Arlington, Virginia, who can offer advice about your breast implant removal or replacement options.

Complications that Can Lead to Breast Implant Revisions

Obstacles can arise right after a breast augmentation procedure or years after the procedure. Most women never have complications, but some have and those complaints have typically centered on the following:
An unnatural appearance
Folding or wrinkling of the implant
Capsular contracture – extreme development of scar tissue that places pressure on the implant
Implant leakage or rupture
Improper balance or positioning of the implant

Please call our office today to schedule an appointment, if you have had a complication with a previous breast implant surgery and live in the Washington DC area.

Do you want a 5% tax on cosmetic surgery?

2009-11-30T11:28:00.003-05:00

At the last minute, Democratic Senators slipped in a 5% tax on elective cosmetic procedures into the health care reform bill that passed (a.k.a. BoTax). This tax would take effect January 1, 2010 if enacted http://tinyurl.com/No-BoTax.

THIS IS A BAD IDEA.

About 85% of cosmetic surgery patients are women, thus, this tax unfairly targets women more than men.

Cosmetic surgery is no longer an exclusive luxury of the rich and famous. Recent research indicates that in the next 2 years, of the people who plan to have cosmetic surgery have an annual household income between $30,000 and $90,000, with about half of those in the $30k-60k range. Only 10% have an income over $90,000.

Thus, the tax will be predominantly on the middle class.

Further, a tax like this was enacted in New Jersey several years ago. This has been such a failure that the original sponsor of the bill, State Sen. Joe Cryan, has publicly admitted this was a bad idea and has introduced a bill to repeal the tax that he originally had been in favor of.

Take action today by contacting your Senators (VA or MD) and Representatives to express your opinion.

Can You Revise Breast Implant Surgery?

2009-11-25T18:32:00.000-05:00

Some patients end up unsatisfied with the results of another surgeon's breast implant surgery. Maybe your breast implants are not as big as you wanted; or perhaps they are too large and disproportionate to the rest of your body.

If this is the case, you can undergo breast implant revision surgery to change the size of your implants. While this surgery is possible, and is commonly performed, keep in mind that corrective breast surgery is much more technically challenging and time consuming than the original surgery.

One reason is that there are typically issues with skin that has thinned or stretched out since the original surgery. Another challenge is that there is often both internal and external scar tissue that can make a breast implant revision more complex. Finally, the anatomy of your breasts and chest wall has changed since your original surgery. This means that surgical landmarks have become distorted and new obstacles have been created that Virginia cosmetic surgeon Dr. Eric Desman must fix in order to restore a natural appearance that is aesthetically pleasing.

The bottom line is that you can increase or decrease the size of your implant. Keep in mind that if you decide to downsize your breast implant, this may create skin laxity and require a breast lift procedure in addition to the revision surgery.

To learn more breast augmentation surgeries performed by Virginia cosmetic surgeon Dr. Eric Desman, please contact our Alexandria plastic surgery office. We offer free consultations to patients in the Alexandria, Virginia area.

Breast Reduction and Back Problems

2009-11-16T18:34:00.000-05:00

Sometimes a woman's breasts are too large for the rest of her body. This condition, called breast hypertrophy, can create a series or problems. Overly large breasts can place additional stress on your spine and the muscles in your abdomen, chest, and back.

Back pain is the most common complaint from women whose breasts are too large in proportion to the rest of their bodies. Large breasts can create a reduction in the natural curve of your upper and mid-back region. When your upper vertebrae are altered, it can affect your lower vertebrae, which takes on additional stress.

Some women with abnormally large breasts suffer from back pain that becomes so severe, it actually changes their posture. This can put these women at risk for spinal deformity. Proportionately large breasts can also put you at risk for repetitive stress injuries to your shoulders and upper extremities.

Active women with very large breasts are especially prone to back pain. Constant movement of the breasts due to high impact exercises can put additional stress on the back, as it tries to support this movement. Exercise can also result in acute pain as a result of muscular oxygen deprivation and fatigue.

If you are having back problems, a breast reduction can help you alleviate your painful symptoms and get you moving forward with your life in a comfortable manner. If you live in the Alexandria, Virginia area, please contact our Alexandria plastic surgery office to learn more.

Breast Augmentation: Choosing the Right Size

2009-11-11T18:26:00.000-05:00

Women seeking breast augmentation fall into one of three groups: women who want to increase their breast size for better self-esteem; women who have undergone a mastectomy and need breast reconstruction; or mothers who after having children want their breasts to look young, full and firm. Dr. Desman works with women from each of these groups who desire breast augmentation for various reasons.

Breast augmentation prompts the question of size. When you make an appointment to see Dr. Desman at the Virginia Center for Plastic Surgery in Arlington, Virginia, you'll have a decision to make about which size breast is right for your body type. Whether you want the busty look of Pamela Anderson or the svelte, elegant look of Gwyneth Paltrow, your goals will be combined with a sizing analysis performed by Dr. Desman.

What goes into a Breast Sizing Analysis

Currently, the natural look is in, but what is natural for someone who has been a AA bra size? Generally, most surgeons will not suggest going above two cup sizes over your natural size. Beyond that and you run the risk of stretched skin and sensitivity loss Dr. Desman will take several measurements during his evaluation of your frame to answer questions to help determine the best size, such as:

How broad is your chest area?
What is the base width of your breasts?
How much distance exists between your breasts?
Is your skin laxity or looseness appropriate for the size you intend?

The answers to these questions will help Dr. Desman determine if the size you have in mind is a natural fit for you. If you live in Arlington, Virginia or Washington DC, and are considering breast augmentation surgery, please call our office today.

Evaluating Your Surgeon's Experience

2009-10-30T12:01:00.000-05:00

Your cosmetic surgeon's experience level plays a large role in your safety and successful plastic surgery results. In general, the more experienced your plastic surgeon, the safer you can feel while in his or her care. It is very important that you are comfortable and confident about your surgeon's abilities to perform your chosen procedure or procedures.

A plastic surgeon with extensive experience both medically and surgically knows how to deal with unexpected events that may arise during surgery. He or she also knows how to minimize the risk of complications during and after a certain procedure. This can mean that your recovery period goes more smoothly and quickly than if they surgeon is inexperienced.

The surgeon you select should also keep up to date on emerging technologies. He or she should know the most advanced techniques and be able to perform them well.

During your initial consultation, be sure to ask your cosmetic surgeon about his or her background and experience.

Virginia cosmetic surgeon Dr. Eric Desman is an experienced and highly trained cosmetic surgeon who serves patients in the Alexandria, Virginia area. Please contact our Alexandria plastic surgery office today for more information or to schedule your free consultation.

How Likely Am I to Scar Badly?

2009-10-22T12:00:00.000-05:00

Plastic surgery will inevitably leave some form of scar, since your skin will be cut in one or multiple places. It is difficult to predict how badly you will scar prior to surgery because everyone's skin is different, as is the part of your body that will be affected.

All scars begin red and raised and are often hard. As they begin to heal, they turn pink and eventually white. They also become softer and flatter. If your skin is darker, the scar will appear brighter. Some scars can become hypertrophic, or raised, itchy, and painful. Other scars can become thicker and extend beyond the skin (called keloid).

The degree of your scarring will be impacted by:

The location of your incision
The length and depth of your incision
Your age
Your heredity
Your ethnicity

After you have undergone plastic surgery, your skin will be very sensitive. The areas in which your incisions were made should never be exposed to sunlight.

Generally speaking, you will have small, discreet scars as a result of plastic surgery. With time, they usually fade so much that they will be barely visible. They will appear as a thin white line, only noticeable to your peers if you point them out.

If you would like additional information on the cosmetic services provided by Virginia cosmetic surgeon Dr. Eric Desman and you live in the Alexandria, Virginia area, please contact our Alexandria plastic surgery office today to schedule your free consultation.

Plastic Surgery in Non-Whites More Popular than Ever

2009-10-15T11:59:00.000-05:00

Now more than ever, African Americans, Asians, Latinos, and virtually every ethnicity you can imagine are seeking cosmetic surgery. In 2008, cosmetic surgery rates increased among all ethnicities except Caucasian. Breast augmentation is popular among Latinos and Asian-Americans, while breast reduction is popular among African-Americans.

The factor of ethnicity has played a major role in preventing both men and women of different ethnicities from seeking plastic surgery for years. For example, many African Americans who desired rhinoplasty for thinner noses did not want to risk walking away with a nose that looked "too white." And Asians who wanted blepharoplasty to give them eyes that looked larger may have worried about losing a piece of their heritage.

Today, plastic surgeons are taking these different ethnicities into account when performing various procedures. With an increased awareness about ethnic concerns and new procedures that cater to the inherent differences in darker skin, people of different backgrounds can finally consider changing their lips, noses and eyes without disregarding their heritage or looking "too white."

More patients are realizing that plastic surgery is not just for extreme changes. Instead, subtle alterations can be performed safely and make significant enhancements to your appearance and overall self-esteem.

The rise in ethnic patients seeking plastic and cosmetic surgery has also increased the concern about scarring. Because of their darker skin, ethnic patients are more susceptible to visible scarring. Fortunately, new procedures are being developed and widely used, which limit the size of the incision or increase our ability to hide the scar in an inconspicuous place.
If you live in the Alexandria, Virginia area and are interested in an ethnic cosmetic procedure, please contact Virginia cosmetic surgeon Dr. Eric Desman at our Alexandria plastic surgery office today. We provide complimentary consultations.

What is the Best Age for Breast Augmentation?

2009-09-25T13:30:00.000-05:00

As women grow older, their breasts begin to sag. If you have had children and breast fed them, you will notice some sagging afterward, regardless of your age. A breast lift can correct sagging breasts. Whether you are considering a breast lift, or if you desire fuller, larger breasts and you are considering breast implants, you are probably wondering what the ideal age is for these procedures.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) states that young women must be at least 18 years old to undergo breast implant surgery. This is because your breasts must be fully developed before you can have them altered.

In general, breast augmentation surgery is safe for women ages 18 to 55. However, this is a very wide age range, and it is up to each patient to decide when the surgery is best for the.

Keep in mind that as you age, certain surgical risks need to be considered. Recovery will take longer and there will be a higher risk of complications during the procedure. The procedure also may have a lower success rate if you are older than 50. However, if you are physically healthy, do not have any chronic diseases or ongoing health issues, then you can still be a good candidate for breast augmentation if you are older.

For more information on breast implants procedures, contact Virginia cosmetic surgeon Dr. Eric Desman at our Alexandria plastic surgery office for a free consultation. We serve patients in the Alexandria, Virginia area.

Are Different Liposuction Techniques Better for Different Parts of the Body?

2009-09-16T13:29:00.000-05:00

There are several liposuction techniques used today that can enhance the success of your procedure. These techniques may be used in addition to traditional liposuction, which uses a thin, hollow tube called a cannula to vacuum unwanted fat deposits from your body. Virginia cosmetic surgeon Dr. Eric Desman will strategically manipulate the cannula underneath your skin to remove the fat from specific areas.

Tumescent liposuction

This form of liposuction uses a fluid-injection technique to help reduce blood loss and decrease the amount of bruising and discomfort you may experience. A mixture of saline solution, local anesthetic and epinephrine (a drug that contracts blood vessels) will be injected into the areas to be treated. Because there will be little blood loss, more fat can be removed than in past procedures. This technique is ideal of there are large amounts of fat to be removed, such as the abdomen, buttocks, hips.

Ultrasonic assisted liposuction

With this technique, sound waves are used to liquefy fatty deposits before they are removed. VASER® LipoSelection® utilizes this technique, and does not disrupt your surrounding tissue. This makes it easier and safer to remove fat from smaller and more delicate areas, including the neck, face, inner thighs, chest and arms. VASER® is also ideal for areas that have thick, fibrous fat, such as the bra strap area.

Think liposuction is right for you? Live in the Alexandria, Virginia area? Then contact Virginia cosmetic surgeon Dr. Eric Desman at our Alexandria plastic surgery office for a free consultation. You have nothing to lose but unwanted fat. Please call today.

Treatments to Combine with Injectables

2009-09-09T13:27:00.000-05:00

Injectable fillers are an effective method for smoothing and softening lines and wrinkles. They are also ideal for "plumping" areas where volume has been lost. By filling the nasolabial folds (the vertical lines around the mouth) as well as some fine facial lines, you can look and feel years younger.

Unfortunately, injectable fillers such as JUVEDERM™ Injectable Gel, and Restylane® cannot treat all types of wrinkles. That is why these treatments are often combined with other treatments, such as Botox.

Botox Cosmetic contains botulinum toxin, which acts to temporarily reduce muscle activity, thereby paralyzing the muscles responsible for your wrinkles. This safe treatment has been used on millions of patients and can be targeted in multiple areas in you face such as:

Frown lines
Forehead wrinkles
Periorbital wrinkles (crow's feet)
Bands in your neck
Eyebrows
The downturning corners of your mouth

If you have loose, sagging skin, no amount of injectable filler or Botox treatment can fix that. Your best bet is to have facelift procedure that removes the excess skin around your face and neck, while tightening these areas to create a rejuvenated, youthful appearance.

If you are considering cosmetic surgery and you live in the Alexandria, Virginia area, please contact our Alexandria plastic surgery office today and find out how Virginia cosmetic surgeon Dr. Eric Desman can help you rejuvenate your appearance and enhance your self-esteem.

Male Procedures

2009-08-26T17:16:00.000-05:00

Many male cosmetic surgical procedures have increased in popularity over the past few years. Some of the most common include:

Abdominoplasty: this "tummy tuck" procedure works to correct sagging skin in your abdomen or fix the appearance of a protruding belly. An incision will be made and your abdominal muscles will be pulled closer together to create a tighter, tinier waistline.

Rhinoplasty: this "nose job" procedure reshapes virtually any feature of your nose. By changing the bone, skin and/or cartilage of your nose, a rhinoplasty can not only enhance your aesthetic appearance, it can also help your breathing if your nose has been damaged in an accident, injury, or due to a birth defect.

Gynecomastia: if you are a man suffering from this condition, your breast tissue is enlarged, creating the appearance of "male breasts." This can be corrected through male breast reduction surgery. Small incisions will be made around your nipple and/or other sites in your chest and, using liposuction, excessive fatty tissue will be suctioned out of your chest. The result will be a flatter, better-contoured chest.

Liposuction: Male liposuction can be performed on virtually any part of the body. However, it is most commonly performed on the neck, belly, and love handles. Liposuction techniques keep improving and becoming safer, quicker and more effective. One of the latest techniques we use is VASER® LipoSelection®, which uses ultrasonic energy to break up and remove your fat.

If you live in Alexandria, Virginia, please contact Virginia cosmetic surgeon Dr. Eric Desman at our Alexandria plastic surgery office for a free consultation.

Latisse

2009-08-17T17:15:00.000-05:00

Are you tired of removing mascara each night? If you want fuller, thicker eyelashes without having do deal with messy eye makeup, Latisse may be your solution.

This solution prescription was originally used to treat glaucoma. As glaucoma patients were using Latisse, they found that their eyelashes grew darker and fuller thanks to the active ingredient, bimatoprost. Although researchers do not know exactly how bimatoprost thickens your lashes, research suggests that it is due to an increase in the percentage of hairs that grow and the duration that they grow while you are using this treatment. Today, Latisse is the one and only prescription approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for thin eyelashes.

It works by application; just apply Latisse to your upper lashes once daily. Within one to two months, you will begin to notice a change in your eyelashes. They will start to become thicker and fuller. By 16 weeks, they should have achieved their maximum volume. You will be able to swim, shower, even cry without having to worry about your eye makeup running.

If you ever decide to stop using this treatment, just stop the application. Your eyelashes will return to the same thickness they were prior to treatment.

To find out if Latisse is right for you, please contact our Alexandria plastic surgery office today. Virginia cosmetic surgeon Dr. Eric Desman provides free initial consultations to patients in the Alexandria, Virginia area.

Honesty with Your Plastic Surgeon for your own Safety

2009-08-03T17:13:00.000-05:00

To ensure your safety during and after your plastic surgery procedure, you must be honest with Virginia cosmetic surgeon Dr. Eric Desman. Please be sure to reveal every aspect of your health; disclose any medical conditions you have and drugs you are taking. Even if you are embarrassed about a condition, such as a venereal disease, it is very important that we know about this. If you withhold information, you are increasing your risk for complications both during your procedure and during recovery.

You should also be honest with yourself and with Dr. Desman about why you are undergoing these procedures. If you are going through a trying time emotionally, such as the death of a family member or a divorce, it may be best to wait to undergo treatment. If you are grieving, for example, it could impact how you feel about your surgery post-operatively. Even if the surgery is successful, if you are emotionally vulnerable you may be unhappy, regardless.

If you are also looking to achieve perfection, or if you are requesting the same procedure you have had in the past, you may be suffering from Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) and will likely be advised to undergo counseling before receiving treatment.

If you are considering cosmetic surgery and you live in the Alexandria, Virginia area, please contact our Alexandria plastic surgery office today and find out how Virginia cosmetic surgeon Dr. Eric Desman can help you achieve the look you have always wanted.

Danger of Botox Parties and Non-physician Injectors

2009-07-29T09:41:00.000-05:00

As Botox injections are making their way from the cosmetic surgeon's office the living room next door, medical professionals fear the outcome. Botox is derived from the poison Botulinum toxin, and for years it has been administered by licensed professionals to temporarily treat the appearance of wrinkles. This painless and affordable method works by paralyzing the muscles that cause wrinkles for up to several months.

Now that Botox injections have been introduced into people's private homes, "Botox parties," are becoming the new fad. Doctors and cosmetic surgeons worry about the repercussions of having unqualified, unsupervised individuals administer this poison into the faces of their peers.

When alcohol is consumed at these parties, especially by the person administering the injections, it can lead to a careless or improper injection. Additionally, alcohol consumption increases the blood flow to your skin, meaning that Botox can migrate to a place it is not wanted.

Even if alcohol is not involved, Botox administered from an untrained individual can still migrate to another area. When this nerve-blocking poison enters an undesired area, it can paralyze an essential muscle, such as your eyelid, and cause you to walk around with a "sleepy eye" or uneven eyebrows until the Botox wears off. This is also a danger at many spas, salons, and even at some dermatologists' or plastic surgery practices. At the Virginia Center for Plastic Surgery, only Dr. Desman will perform your Botox injections.

To learn about how Virginia cosmetic surgeon Dr. Eric Desman can safely administer Botox injections to rejuvenate your appearance, please contact our Alexandria plastic surgery office today. We look forward to hearing from you.

Body Dysmorphic Disorder

2009-07-20T09:39:00.000-05:00

Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is a serious illness in which a person is obsessed with a minor or imaginary physical flaw, typically of the hair, skin, or nose. Whether this flaw is real or one that you imagine, someone with BDD feels that their appearance is so shameful and distressing that they want to hide from others.

Someone with this illness tends to have multiple cosmetic surgeries, and even if the surgeries are successful they are not pleased with the outcome. BDD is also called "dysmorphophobia," the fear of having a deformity.

Some symptoms of this disorder include:

A great deal of anxiety about your appearance
Overly stressed about a perceived flaw and being fixated on that flaw
Picking at your skin
Checking your appearance excessively
Hiding the imperfection
Comparing your appearance with others
Grooming excessively
Seeking reassurance from others about how you look
Having multiple cosmetic surgeries, often the same ones

The primary treatments for this disorder include are medications and therapy. A doctor may recommend serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), antidepressants that decrease obsessive and compulsive behaviors. Cognitive behavioral therapy can also help a patient stop their compulsive behaviors and change their feelings about their looks.

People with BDD are not good cosmetic surgery patients, and in screening our patients we attempt to identify people with this disorder and direct them to more appropriate help.

If you live in the Alexandria, Virginia area and you would like additional information on the cosmetic services provided by Virginia cosmetic surgeon Dr. Eric Desman, please contact our Alexandria plastic surgery office today for a complimentary consultation.

What is the FDA Approval Process for an Injectable?

2009-07-07T09:35:00.000-05:00

Injectable facial fillers like collagen are a popular method of adding volume or plumping facial lines to reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Made from compositions of collagen, hyaluronic acid, or synthetic beads, these fillers are painless and effective procedures that produce immediate results with little risk of complications.

In the United States, when a product is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), this means that a drug or device has gone through review for safety and efficiency based on independent scientific information gathered from clinical trials. The gathered data is then turned in for review by an FDA advisory panel of comprised of both scientists and physicians.

Next, the drug is either:

Recommended for approval
Conditionally recommended for approval
Sent back for more research
Denied approval

After considering the recommendations from the advisory panel, the FDA can:

Officially grant approval
Request more data
Take no action
Deny approval

Off-label use
Some injectable fillers may be used on an off-label basis. This means that they are approved medical treatments, but have not been directly reviewed for a specific condition or application. Keep in mind, however, that if the off-label use is significantly different from the drug's approved application, you should seek additional information and research about that product before using it.

At the Virginia Center for Plastic Surgery, we only use FDA-approved injectable fillers, including collagen, Restylane, Juvéderm, Radiesse, and ArteFill.

To learn more about injectable fillers and Virginia cosmetic surgeon Dr. Eric Desman, please contact our Alexandria plastic surgery office today for more information. We provide free consultations to the residents of the Alexandria, Virginia area.

Breast Augmentation and Scarring

2009-06-29T12:19:00.000-05:00

If you are concerned about scarring following breast augmentation surgery, you are not alone. While scars are an inevitable part of this procedure, the incision will be made in a discreet manner, and the scar will be very difficult to notice unless you point it out.

Whenever your skin is cut, your body forms a scar as part of its healing. Extra collagen, a fibrous protein, replaces the damaged cells and connects the edges of your skin.

Your degree of scarring will be influenced by:

Your age
The location, length and depth of your breast enlargement incision
Your heredity
Your ethnicity

You have several choices for the location of your incision. These include underneath your breast, in the crease (that will be covered by your breasts); around your areola, (the change in skin texture and color will camouflage the scar), and in your armpit (only exposed by a sleeveless shirt and raised arms).

Here are some tips to reduce the risk of scarring after breast augmentation surgery:

Keep your surgical tape in place covering your incision for as long as possible
Do not smoke for several weeks before and after your surgery (tobacco reduces your ability to heal)
Ask about recommended over-the-counter creams or gels

Does breast augmentation surgery sound like something you can benefit from? If so, and you live in the Alexandria, Virginia area; please contact our Alexandria plastic surgery office today to set up your free, initial consultation.

Post Surgical Recovery

2009-06-18T12:17:00.000-05:00

Following plastic surgery, the recovery period will vary by person. The key to minimizing your recovery period and getting the best possible results from your plastic surgery is following Dr. Desman's postoperative instructions exactly. The length of your recovery largely depends on the type of procedure you are having, and whether you are having one or multiple treatments performed.

For example, if you are recovering from something like liposuction, your recovery period will be shorter than if you are recovering from a tummy tuck.

After surgery, you will have bandages placed to prevent swelling. Once you return home, you will need to leave those bandages on for however long you are instructed. It is a good idea to create a relaxing, personal space in which you can recover. You should keep anything you need within close range to limit your movement while you are recovering. You may not be able to return to work for days, even weeks; especially if you have bandages in visible areas.

The first few days are the worst. Generally, you should start to feel good no later than 10 days after your procedure. However, the swelling will likely remain for longer. In the beginning, your scars will appear large and pink. Do not be discouraged. They will fade.

It generally takes a month until you can resume your normal fitness routine. However, gentle walking can help your blood circulate and aid healing. You can discuss a fitness regimen with Virginia cosmetic surgeon Dr. Eric Desman.

If are interested in making permanent enhancements to your body and you live in Alexandria, Virginia or the surrounding area, please contact our Alexandria plastic surgery office to schedule your free consultation today.

New Botulinum Toxin Approved

2009-06-10T13:09:00.002-05:00

Dysport (TM) has just been approved by the FDA for the temporary improvement in the appearance of moderate to severe glabellar lines. Dysport uses a proprietary form of botulinum toxin (abobotulinumtoxinA) to smooth wrinkles and improve your looks. It essentially works the same way as Botox Cosmetic, but due to differences in manufacturing, the dosing strengths between the two products is different. For example, with Botox Cosmetic, it may take 15-20 units to treat the vertical lines between your eyebrows (glabellar area). With Dysport, it may take 40-50 units. You will get the same effect, but with different doses. Call the office at 703 924-3144 if you would like to speak with Dr. Desman about Dysport or Botox Cosmetic.

Liposuction for Men

2009-06-03T12:15:00.001-05:00

Women have always been the most common recipients of plastic surgery. Although this is still true today, the number of men receiving plastic surgery has grown significantly and continues to grow.

Liposuction is the third the most common plastic surgery procedures sought by men, after nose reshaping and blepharoplasty. Liposuction on men is commonly used to address exercise-resistant fat deposits found in the:

Belly
Love handles
Face and neck (especially using VASER Liposelection)
Gynecomastia (male breasts)

In many cases, these fat deposits do not respond to diet or exercise. They are often the last to go, and may only disappear after a person has reached an unhealthy weight.

Men's fat is different from women's. Men store fat in different locations. Men's fat is also deeper than women's, and it is often structurally different. Men seeking liposuction should seek to work with a doctor who has experience performing male liposuction.

If you have long tried to sculpt your body with exercise, but have found that no matter how hard you work, some parts of your body do not improve, schedule a male liposuction consultation at the Virginia Center for Plastic Surgery today.

Signs that a Breast Augmentation Went Wrong

2009-05-28T17:24:00.001-05:00

Breast augmentation is the most popular type of cosmetic surgery for women. And while many are successful, there are some that do not go according to plan. Here are some indications that your breast augmentation surgery may have gone wrong.

High fever, swelling, discolored or odorous fluid leakage: These may all be signs of infection. While any surgery carries a risk of infection, if this happens to you, you may need to have the implant removed. Some symptoms of infection include fever, swelling, tenderness, inflammation and redness. If you suffer infection during the postoperative period, you can normally have new implants placed in a few months.

Deflation: Deflation is a sign that your saline implant has ruptured. Anyone who has implants is at risk for rupture at some point in their lifetime. In fact, about 10 percent of implants rupture within the first five years of implantation.

If your silicone gel-filled breast implant ruptures, on the other hand, no one may be able to tell. This is why it is important to have routine MRIs to screen for ruptures. Symptoms of a silicone rupture include lumps surrounding the implant or in the armpit, change or loss of size or shape of the breast or implant, pain, tingling, numbness, swelling, burning, or hardening in your breast.

Breast implants are covered by a warranty that covers replacement costs due to rupture for a certain length of time.

Breasts that grow hard and painful: These are often a sign of capsular contracture. Sometimes, the scar tissue that forms around your breast implant will constrict and pull tightly against the implants. If this starts to happen to you, your breasts may start to feel hard, misshapen or painful. Capsular contracture happens in about 5 percent of patients, though there is no way to predict this condition.

If you live in Alexandria, Virginia and you believe that your breast augmentation surgery may have gone wrong, please contact our Alexandria plastic surgery office to see how Virginia cosmetic surgeon Dr. Eric Desman can help.

What to Do if a Breast Augmentation Is Unsuccessful

2009-05-18T17:22:00.000-05:00

If you have undergone breast augmentation surgery and are unhappy with the result, your first action should be to call your surgeon. The surgeon who performed the first surgery will be best able to identify what might be the problem. At the Virginia Center for Plastic Surgery, we work hard to help our patients out on the rare occasions that they have less than ideal results. Other doctors are sometimes as accommodating, and some are not.

If your doctor is uncooperative or you are really dissatisfied, we can give you a professional assessment of your results and/or schedule you for breast augmentation revision surgery.

Breast augmentation has a very high success and approval rate, with nearly 90% of patients saying they would have the surgery again. In the rare instance that something does go wrong, know that we will be here for you.

If your breast augmentation surgery did not go as planned and you live in the Alexandria, Virginia area, please contact our Alexandria plastic surgery office to see how Virginia cosmetic surgeon Dr. Eric Desman can correct your procedure.

Proper Placement of Breast Implants on the Chest

2009-05-08T17:20:00.001-05:00

Breast implants can go either under your chest muscle or over. Your placement will depend on your physical characteristics, such as the amount of breast tissue you have, and the effect you want to achieve with your breast implants.

Here are the different breast implant placement options:

Subglandular placement

Also known as retroglandular or submammary placement, with this technique, your breast implant will be placed above your pectoral muscles but below your mammary gland. Technically, all implants are subglandular because breast implants placed below muscle are also below your mammary gland. However, this term refers to placement just below the mammary glands and over your chest muscle.

Subglandular placement of breast implants is best for women with adequate breast tissue to cover the breast implant. Subglandular breast implants are also more visible, and are better for women who are less concerned about a natural-looking result than a dramatic one. Subglandular placement is also recommended for women who want large implants.

Subpectoral placement

Often described as "subpectoral" placement because full submuscular placement is very rare, subpectoral placement means your implant will go below your pectoralis major muscle. With a subpectoral placement, the implant is only partially submuscular because only the upper half of the implant will be underneath your pectoral muscle; the lower half will not be. A subpectoral placement is also called a retropectoral.

Subpectoral or submuscular placement is best for women with insufficient breast tissue to cover the breast implant. It also often gives a more natural-looking appearance. And it is a slightly safer option, since it reduces the chances of capsular contracture and is less likely to interfere with mammograms.

If you are interested in breast augmentation surgery and you live in the Alexandria, Virginia area, please contact our Alexandria plastic surgery office. Our staff can schedule your complimentary consultation with Virginia cosmetic surgeon Dr. Eric Desman today.

How Botox® works

2009-04-28T11:43:00.000-05:00

Botox® Cosmetic is the brand name for Botulinum Toxin A – a protein produced in a lab and made from the toxin of a bacterium called Clostridium Botulinum. Contrary to popular belief and some reports, the purified protein that is Botox is not poisonous or toxic. Only the toxin before the purification process is.

Many facial wrinkles such as those between the eyes, on the forehead and around the sides of the eyes are caused by repeated muscle contraction. Botox works by blocking the message to those muscles, preventing them from contracting and thus greatly reducing the appearance of the wrinkles that form from the contracting muscles. Keep in mind that Botox does not work on wrinkles caused by sun damage, but only on wrinkles caused by contracting muscles.

The result is a fresher, relaxed and more youthful appearance than before. Botox is temporary and does not permanently reduce or eliminate wrinkles. Most people find that they need to repeat the procedure every four months or so to retain their new look.

If you have wrinkles and want to consider Botox® Cosmetic as a possible solution, please contact the Virginia Center for Plastic Surgery in Alexandria, VA to schedule your free consultation with Dr. Desman. If Botox isn’t the right choice for you, we offer many other procedures, surgical and non-surgical, that may be able to help you. Email or call us today at 703.924.3144.

Breast Augmentation and Pregnancy

2009-04-20T12:27:00.000-05:00

We are frequently asked if it’s better to have breast implants before or after planning to start a family. In our opinion it’s perfectly safe to do either and there are benefits to both.

Women who choose to have implants before starting a family should know that implants, made from saline or silicone, are not harmful to your body or your baby. And for the majority, implants do not interfere with breastfeeding for those who want to do it. Another benefit it that you won’t see as many changes to your breast volume and size after breastfeeding as women without implants do.

For those women who choose to have breast enlargement after having children, the benefit is that you can have implants and a lift at the same time if you need it as part of a Mommy Makeover. You can restore sagging breasts and breasts that have lost volume due to pregnancy and breastfeeding. You’ll look like your old self (or even better!) in no time.

If you’re interested in breast augmentation and want to schedule a free breast augmentation consultation with Dr. Desman, please contact the Virginia Center for Plastic Surgery, conveniently located in Alexandria, VA. You can email us or call 703.924.3144. We’ll answer all of your questions and help you choose the implants that are the right size and shape for you!

Virginia Center for Plastic Surgery Receives 2009 Best of Alexandria Award

2009-04-15T14:56:00.001-05:00

For the second consecutive year, Virginia Center for Plastic Surgery has been selected for the 2009 Best of Alexandria Award in the Physicians & Surgeons category by the U.S. Local Business Association (USLBA).

The USLBA "Best of Local Business" Award Program recognizes outstanding local businesses throughout the country. Each year, the USLBA identifies companies that they believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and community.

Nationwide, only 1 in 70 (1.4%) 2008 Award recipients qualified as 2009 Award Winners. Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2009 USLBA Award Program focused on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the USLBA and data provided by third parties.

Choosing the right implant size and cup size

2009-04-05T12:21:00.000-05:00

Most of our breast enlargement patients come to our offices with an idea of the cup size they want to be after their procedure is complete. Before they reach their goal, though, a lot of work has to be done beforehand by Dr. Desman and his staff.

There are several steps and factors to consider to before choosing the implant size for the correct resulting cup size:

• Your frame and build
• How much breast tissue is present
• How you want your final result to look (regardless of cup size)

After your free breast augmentation consultation with Dr. Desman, he will take very precise measurements of your breasts to help determine which implants (size, type and shape) will best help you achieve the appearance you’ve been hoping for and dreaming about. He’ll answer all of your questions about breast augmentation and educate on the risks and benefits of the procedure. Dr. Desman will review with you the details of our Rapid Recovery program that gets most women back to normal activity 48-72 hours after surgery. You’ll be able to see Before & After photos of other patients and see what great results they’ve achieved. We also have a patient to patient network, which will allow you to speak with some of our patients who have already been though the procedure and can tell you first hand about their experiences. You may even find that after talking with Dr. Desman your goals for size and appearance are different that what you originally thought.

If you’re interested in finding out more about breast augmentation at the Virginia Center for Plastic Surgery, please contact our Alexandria, VA office today to schedule a free breast enlargement consultation with Dr. Desman.

Study Shows No Cancer Risk for Breast Implants

2009-03-29T14:59:00.000-05:00

When silicone breast implants were temporarily banned by the FDA from sale for breast augmentation in the United States, one justification was a suspected tie to breast cancer. But a recently published study with the longest follow-up of any study to date, shows that this charge was unjustified. According to the study, there is no increased breast cancer risk for women with breast implants.

The study was published in the January 2009 issue of the International Journal of Cancer. It followed 3486 Swedish and 2736 Danish women who received breast augmentation between 1965 and 1993. The women's cancer rates through 2002 were ascertained and compared to nationwide cancer registries. Women were followed for an average of 16.6 years, and some women were tracked for 37 years, the entire length of the study from 1965 to 2002.

According to the results, the women in the study actually had statistically significantly lower rates of breast cancer, with an incidence only 73 % of that in the general population. This may be due to the presence of less natural breast tissue, and the study's authors certainly did not attribute the reduction to breast implants. The only cancer that occurred among the women with frequency above that of the general population was lung cancer, which was probably due to the prevalence of smokers among the study population.

Although there are legitimate risks associated with breast augmentation as with any surgery, most of the so-called risks that led to the temporary ban of silicone breast implants seem to have been more the product of hysteria rather than good science. If anecdotal horror stories have kept you from considering breast implants, schedule a breast augmentation consultation with Washington, D.C. plastic surgeon Dr. Eric Desman today to learn the truth.

Is VASER or Tumescent Liposuction right for me?

2009-03-18T14:58:00.000-05:00

The addition of VASER liposelection increases our options for areas that can be targeted with liposuction. It also allows us to give better results with less bruising, less discomfort, and a shorter recovery time. But tumescent liposuction is still a good procedure for some applications.

Tumescent Liposuction is still good for use in areas where fat is soft, and where large fat deposits may make using the smaller VASER cannulae (suction tubes) impractical and where nerves and blood vessels are less dense. This includes the belly and love handles and the upper arms.

VASER Liposelection is better for most applications. It is better in areas where small amounts of fat are being targeted to give better definition to muscles and/or bone structure. This includes ankles and calves, neck and chin area, and "body etching" applications to improve the appearance of muscles you have worked hard to achieve but are lost below stubborn fat deposits. It is also good for the neck and face because it results in less bruising and damage to the dense nerve and blood vessel structure in the area. Vaser is also better for fat deposits that are more fibrous, such as the upper back.

VASER is a great leap forward in terms of liposuction technology, and it is our method of choice for most applications, but in some cases tumescent liposuction may still be chosen. To learn more about which might be best for you, schedule a liposuction consultation with Arlington plastic surgeon Dr. Eric Desman today.

How to Choose a Plastic Surgeon

2009-03-05T14:52:00.000-05:00

In choosing a plastic surgeon, remember that you are putting not only your appearance, but your life in this person's hands. There are so many plastic surgeons in the Washington, D.C. area that you should never settle for good enough. To help you decide on the best plastic surgeon for your procedure, we have devoted several pages to helping you make the best, most informed decision. Here is our helpful overview page on choosing a plastic surgeon, and don't forget to look at our phone consultation questions for a plastic surgeon and personal consultation questions for a plastic surgeon. In addition, here are a few more helpful tips.

Talk to more than one doctor. This should be self-evident, but not everyone realizes the importance of talking to several doctors to find out which one is right for you. At the Virginia Center for Plastic Surgery, Washington, D.C. plastic surgeon Eric Desman is confident that he is the right surgeon for many people and is not afraid of comparison. Also, he wants those who will do better with another surgeon to find that perfect match.

Don't shop price. Again, this should be self-evident. Don't look for a bargain price on your plastic surgery. The potential risks of working with an unqualified surgeon far outweigh any monetary savings you may see. But also don't assume that a doctor that charges more must be better. Look at the quality of a doctor's work, judge qualifications independently, and find someone you can work with personally.

Make sure your surgeon knows your procedure. During the phone interview and the personal consultation, make sure the plastic surgeon's experience with your procedure comes up. Some doctors know a facelift, but don't have much experience with a rhinoplasty (nose job). Others may know breast augmentation, but not a tummy tuck.

Check credentials. Anyone can call themselves a "cosmetic surgeon." Ophthalmologists, dentists, and other medical professionals do this on a regular basis. Make sure you're really choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon for your procedure.

Whether we are the first plastic surgical practice you talk to, or the last, we invite you to interview us about our qualifications and results. Please schedule a plastic surgery consultation today.

The Importance of a Licensed/Board Certified Plastic Surgeon to Perform Surgical Procedures

2009-02-26T16:32:00.000-05:00

Before you decide to have a cosmetic surgery procedure like breast augmentation or a tummy tuck, there are many factors to consider. You have to think about when you’ll have the procedure, how much time off work (if any) you will need, if you want to have more than one procedure at a time, can you afford it and do you want to pursue financing.

By far the most important decision you will make is selecting the right surgeon to perform your procedure. When you’re researching the internet and talking to your friends about who performed their procedures, make sure the person you choose is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). When you select a surgeon that is ABPS certified, you can rest assured that he or she has had rigorous training including 5 years of surgical training plus additional training in plastic surgery. He or she has passed arduous written and oral tests to become certified. Obtaining board certification is optional and not all cosmetic surgeons are certified by the ABPS. So make sure you ask not only if your doctor is board certified, but ask which board are they certified by.

For more information on Dr. Desman’s board certification by the ABPS, please contact the Virginia Center for Plastic Surgery today by emailing us or calling 703.924.3144. We can schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation or an in-person consultation with Dr. Desman.

Is Botox safe?

2009-02-13T12:27:00.000-05:00

The short answer is yes. When Botox® Cosmetic is administered by a licensed and experienced professional like Dr. Desman, using Botox to decrease the appearance of wrinkles is a safe procedure.

While Botox injections appear to be simple on the surface, the administration actually takes quite a bit of skill and knowledge of the facial muscles to get it right and produce a natural look. It is possible for side effects like drooping or a “frozen” look to occur if the drug is injected in the wrong place or improperly.

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), of which Dr. Desman is a member, over 4.6 million Botox procedures were performed in 2007. Botox is by far the most requested and performed cosmetic procedure in the United States today and has been FDA-approved for cosmetic use since 2002. Since 1989, it’s also been used or other non-cosmetic medical treatments and found to be safe.

If you’re interested in finding out more about Botox® Cosmetic, please contact Dr. Desman of the Virginia Center for Plastic Surgery for your free Botox® consultation. We offer 15-minute phone consultations or in-person consultation at our Alexandria, Virginia office.

Breast Augmentation and Cancer Screenings

2009-02-06T18:17:00.000-05:00

One concern that many of our breast enlargement patients have is how breast implants will affect the results of their mammograms – a very valid concern.

It’s important for every woman, especially women with implants, to conduct breast self-exams (BSEs) on a monthly basis and report any changes to your doctor. If you’re over 40, schedule a mammogram every year. Breast implants can make mammograms a little bit more difficult and here are a few guidelines to make sure you get the most accurate results possible.

When you call to make your mammography appointment, be sure to tell them then that you have implants so that they can schedule a slightly longer appointment for you. It is also important to work with a screener who has experience working with women with implants, so ask about the screener's experience.
On the day of your appointment, remind the technician that you have implants and let her know whether they are silicone or saline implants.
The technician will take more views of your breasts than someone who doesn’t have implants but this is necessary.

There is some research suggesting that submuscular placement of implants reduces the obstruction on the mammogram readings. If you are considering breast enlargement and are concerned about their affect on mammograms, please contact Dr. Desman at the Virginia Center for Plastic Surgery for a free consultation at his Alexandria, VA location. He’ll be happy to answer all of your questions.

Grow Your Eyelashes

2009-01-30T12:29:00.007-05:00

Latisse is here and is available in our office!

Latisse (bimatoprost ophthalmic solution 0.03%) is the only FDA approved drug that can actually improve the appearance of your eyelashes. Simply apply the serum to your upper eyelid at the lash line nightly, and in about 4 weeks, you will start to see fuller, longer eyelashes. Maximum results are seen at 16 weeks.

We expect nearly 4 out of 5 patients to see a significant increase in eyelash length, fullness, and darkness. A one month supply costs about $120.

What happens after 16 weeks? In my opinion, nobody knows exactly. The official party line is that if you stop using Latisse, your eyelashes are expected to return to their previous appearance over several weeks to months.

In my opinion, I suspect that a maintenance dose may work out fine for most patients where you don't need to use it every night, but maybe only once or twice a week. This stuff is so new that nobody has a vast experience with using the product. We will keep you up to date with our experience on this blog.

Some people (less than 5%) do experience itchy or red eyes. This may resolve itself with continued use, but there is no guarantee. Therefore, some patients may need to stop using Latisse in order to get rid of their red or itchy eyes.

How did they come up with this wonder drug? Well, the active ingredient, bimatoprost, has been used to treat glaucoma patients. Doctors prescribing Lumigan, the brand name of bimatoprost, noticed the unintended side effect of increased lash growth and density. Allergan, the company that makes Botox Cosmetic, diluted and repackaged the stuff, and now we have Latisse. If I may digress, this is how they discovered minoxidil, a drug initially used for high blood pressure that was noted to improve baldness. This was repackaged as Rogaine.

How does Latisse work? Well, nobody knows for sure. Hair, including eyelashes, has several different phases of growth. (Anagen -growth, Catagen – transition at end of anagen, and Telogen – resting phase) Experts believe that Latisse prolongs the growth phase (anagen). This increases the percentage of hairs in the growth phase and allows lashes to grow longer, thicker and darker.

Call Kelley at (703) 924-3144 if you have any questions.

Virginia Center For Plastic Surgery Receives 2008 Best of Alexandria Award

2008-08-08T10:04:00.003-05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: WASHINGTON D.C., August 8, 2008 -- Virginia Center For Plastic Surgery has been selected for the 2008 Best of Alexandria Award in the Physicians & Surgeons category by the U.S. Local Business Association (USLBA).

The USLBA "Best of Local Business" Award Program recognizes outstanding local businesses throughout the country. Each year, the USLBA identifies companies that they believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and community.

Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2008 USLBA Award Program focused on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the USLBA and data provided by third parties.

VASER Liposelection Now Available

2008-08-01T14:03:00.002-05:00

I am pleased to announce the addition of VASER liposelection to the practice. This technique is a form of ultrasonic liposuction. What distinguishes VASER is its ability to differentiate the targeted fat from other important tissues, like nerves, blood vessels, etc.

The VASER probes emulsify (liquefy) the fat while ti is still in your body, preserving the nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. The next part of the procedure removes the liquefied fat with minimal trauma to the surrounding tissues. This allows for a faster recovery with less pain and bruising compared to traditional methods.

In contrast, traditional liposuction removes unwanted fat via avulsion (forceful tearing), causing your body more trauma. The tools used in traditional liposuction cannot differentiate between fat, nerves, and blood vessels, thus removing other important tissues along with the fat, which can ultimately lead to a longer and more uncomfortable recovery process.

Call (703) 924-3144 for more information.

The Classical Nose

2008-04-23T15:46:00.002-05:00

The Greeks were mathematicians, and much of their art reflects this. From their cities to their temples to their sculpture, everything was assigned an ideal mathematical ratio. Sometimes, these ratios were completely arbitrary, but in other cases, they seem to have some real significance, like the precisely-expressed ratios of harmonies in music.

In their sculpture, the Greeks worked for centuries to find the ideal form of every part of the human body, and their discoveries have shaped our ideals of beauty ever since, although some are more subject to taste than others.

One area where the Greek ideal still holds significant sway is in the nose. To the Greeks, the ideal nose had a geometric perfection. The bridge was straight, and its ratios were precise. If you drew a vertical line drawn through the crease on the side of the nostrils and a horizontal from that line to the tip of the nose, you would define a pair of triangles. The larger, vertical triangle should have a 3-4-5 proportion, while the smaller triangle, defining the lower portion of the nose, should be closer to a 1:1:√2 proportion. Although when you look at Greek sculpture, the noses are of course rounded, not triangular, many of them incorporate these mathematical proportions.

In fact, modern nose surgery (rhinoplasty) derives much of its success from utilizing the precise proportionality established by classical sculpture, adjusted, of course, for the unique structure of your face, including the proportions of your forehead and chin, as well as your ethnicity to create a nose that is at once mathematically precise and personally pleasing.

To learn more about the science of rhinoplasty, please contact the Virginia Center for Plastic Surgery to set up a consultation.

Mommy Makeovers: Feel Like a Woman Again for Summer

2008-04-15T16:36:00.002-05:00

Motherhood is one of the greatest joys of a woman's life. Once you have a child, you look into their eyes and the world is a different place, suddenly sunnier, fresh and newly-created like the world's first spring.

Although you would never trade your child for anything, you probably don't want to hold onto that baby weight forever. And wouldn't it be nice if you could have your child, and have the breasts you had before pregnancy and breastfeeding? And what about stretch marks and slack abdominal muscles that keep your body from being bikini-ready? And then there's the effects of stress on your face, and the neglect you have been showing your skin while caring for the new skin of your newborn.

If you are suffering from any or all of these effects of motherhood, a Mommy Makeover can help you look as good as you did before the ravages of childbirth. Although your package can be tailored to your personal situation, Mommy Makeovers often include:

Liposuction to get rid of your baby fat and a tummy tuck to tighten up the muscles, remove the stretch marks, and give you a bikini-ready body for the summer swimsuit season. If your breasts have lost tone, a breast lift can bring them back up to where they should be, and if they've lost volume, breast implants can make them look as good as ever.

Finally, you can make your skin look fresh and young again with a combination of procedures from vitalize peels to spider vein removal to Botox injections.

Just because you have a child, it doesn't mean your life is over. In fact, the best years of your life are to come. Why shouldn't the best appearance of your life be to come as well? Please contact the Virginia Center for Plastic Surgery today for a consultation.

Patient to Patient Network

2008-02-29T14:35:00.004-05:00

Are you considering surgery? Are you curious about the experience? Message boards are one way of getting information.

However, at the Virginia Center for Plastic Surgery, we have started our own Patient to Patient Network so that you can speak directly to past patients who have had surgery done with us.

We will put you in touch with people who have had the surgery, and you will be able to talk to them from the privacy of your own home. Chat them up. Ask about how they liked the office. What they thought of the surgical facility. How did their results match their expectations. Whatever you want to ask, feel free & they will give you their honest answers.

We think this takes our testimonial page one step further - live, interactive testimonials from our patients. Call (703) 924-3144 & ask for Kelley to get you started.

Valentines Special

2008-02-01T13:45:00.000-05:00

February is a time when people think about their loved ones. Plump lips are sexy. As a secondary sex characteristic, lips send signals that register deep in the male brain. Whether men consciously realize it or not, they’re programmed to desire women with succulent lips. Now that cosmetic surgery has made buttery, pleasing lips available to everyone, they’ve become more popular than ever.

During the entire month of February, you can receive a free lip plumper with each Juvederm injection. Juvederm is a wonderful filler that lasts about a year that can be used to plump your lips, or even soften the jowl lines or lines in your cheeks (nasolabial folds).

Get Summer-Ready Now with a Breast Augmentation Procedure

2008-01-30T18:19:00.000-05:00

It may still be cold outside, but it's time to start thinking fun in the sun if you are considering breast augmentation. If you have sundresses that have never fit you right because your breasts never fully developed, or if they used to fit you right, but have shrunk or sagged following pregnancy, you don't have to dread the coming of May. Instead, you can look and feel better than ever with breast augmentation surgery. However, to look your best in the spring, it's best to plan now, since breast implants can take several months to fully heal and settle. If you are interested in doing a little springing of your own, contact the Virginia Center for Plastic Surgery to schedule your initial consultation today.

Winter is the Perfect Time for Cosmetic Surgery

2008-01-30T18:11:00.000-05:00

Although it's the dead of winter, it's time to start thinking spring, if you are considering plastic surgery. Several of the most enhancing plastic surgery options require several months before acquiring a natural look. Even if you stuck to your diet and exercise regimen despite all the tempting foods over the holidays, you might find that shedding your oversize sweaters with the warmer weather is not a pleasing thought. For some people, there are fat deposits whose location and size are genetically determined, and not subject to exercise or dieting without an overall wasting of the body. If you are one of these people, liposuction may be the only way to achieve the look you want. If you are interested in looking your best when warmer weather makes you put your puffy clothes back in the closet, contact the Virginia Center for Plastic Surgery to schedule your initial consultation.

The New Face of Fillers

2008-01-15T08:57:00.000-05:00

Are you concerned about wrinkles and lines on your face? For a number of years, we have had good fillers such as Restylane, and more recently Juvederm. The nice thing about these hyaluronic acid fillers has been their naturalness and pliability. Restylane lasts about 6-8 months, while Juvederm can last up to a year.

However, one of the newly approved products for facial filling is called Radiesse, and it is in a different category of products. Radiesse (formerly Radiance) is made of small spheres of calcium hydroxyapetite that are injected. These microspheres are then replaced by your body with collagen.

A new study out in the journal Dermatologic Surgery compared the results of injecting one side of the face with Restylane and the other side of the face with Radiesse. In this head to head comparison, Radiesse had better results at 6, 9, and 12 months.

Give us a call at (703) 924-3144 if you are interested in trying Radiesse!

Mommy Makeovers Take Over

2008-01-02T13:16:00.000-05:00

A recent trend seen in our practice in the past two years is making news these days. A large percentage of our patients are mothers between the ages of 30-50 with 2-4 children who now want their bodies back. These women work hard, have devoted a lot to their children and families, and now want to feel better about how they look. This has resulted in a number of women not only looking for a tummy tuck or liposuction, but rather a whole "Mommy Makeover." Even Newsweek has recognized the trend.

We now have the ability to combine procedures safely and effectively. Thus, we can perform a breast lift (mastopexy) along with a breast enlargement (augmentation). We can even combine a tummy tuck with an augmentation.

Take a look at our comprehensive Mommy Makeover page and see what works best for you.

Look Your Best for Holiday Parties

2007-12-20T15:20:00.001-05:00

It's December again, which means not only Christmas shopping, but Christmas parties. Christmas parties are when everyone puts away their office casual and shows their coworkers that they can clean up good. For men this usually means little more than putting on their suit and tie, but for women it often means putting on a new or infrequently-worn formal gown. This year, the fashion in formal wear is strapless, which means baring shoulders unseen in public since swimsuit season.

If the thought of exposing your shoulders causes you anxiety because of freckles or age spots on your shoulders, now is the time to consider a Vitalize peel, which can dramatically reduce the appearance of sun damage on your shoulders, making your skin look noticeably fresher and younger. It takes only 30 minutes and can be one step in a comprehensive program of skin care for the new year.

If you are meeting your husband's coworkers for the first time and want to look years younger, it's time to consider treatment with BOTOX cosmetic or injectable fillers. These can erase lines and wrinkles, making you more confident as you meet all those associates you've "heard so much about." Either of these procedures can be done in a mere 15-30 minutes and will give excellent results, making you look even better than those pictures on his desk.

To find out more about how you can look better for the formal galas this season, please call or email us today.

December Is Here

2007-12-10T13:37:00.000-05:00

December is here, which means a whole new year is on the horizon. Unfortunately, this can often lead to depression, as we realize we are not as young as we once were. We look in the mirror and see the evidence of our vanished youth, and think that as the next year goes by, we will only look older and older. Or will we? This year, as the new year approaches, don't let it get you down. Instead, make a resolution to look better by this time next year.

Now is the time to start thinking facial rejuvenation. Since many cosmetic surgery procedures that revitalize the skin and make you look younger, such as Vitalize Peel, work better if you stay out of the sun, it's best to get started now, while you're likely to be indoors or wearing heavy clothing.

It is also the time to start thinking about breast augmentation. If you've always wanted to get it done, but have never found the courage, make a resolution to start your research in the New Year. That will give you time to find a doctor that you trust and get the procedure done so you will be completely healed and ready to hit the beach in early summer.

And why not get a head start by getting fuller, sexier, more kissable lips for New Year's Eve? With Restylane Lip Enhancement, you can be the one everyone wants to kiss at the stroke of midnight.

As we get ready to enter a new year, there's no need to be depressed. Realize that you are in control of your body, and make a resolution to take control. We can help you be the you you've always wanted to be.

December Open House

2007-12-05T10:09:00.000-05:00

We are holding an open house on Tuesday December 11th from 6-8pm to discuss Juvederm, a hyaluronic acid filler that lasts about a year. Juvederm is a crystal-clear biodegradable gel based on a natural substance, called hyaluronic acid. The gel is injected into the skin in tiny amounts using a very fine needle. The results can be seen immediately. Juvederm creates a long-lasting, natural look that is gentle and safe on your skin.

Also, don't miss our December specials listed on the left. The holidays are a busy time, but don't forget to take time for yourself!

Common sense and plastic surgery

2007-11-19T23:25:00.000-05:00

The tragedy of Donda West, the death of the mother of hip-hop star Kayne West, has focused quite a bit of attention on my specialty in the past several weeks.

Her surgeon, Jan Adams, was not board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, nor was he a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. This highlights the fact that just because someone is on TV, or is in a magazine, does not mean that they are a good surgeon or that the place where your surgery takes place is a safe facility. Take a look at 15 steps to take before your consultation.

There is heightened awareness that plastic surgery procedures are available to most people these days. However, no surgery is without risk. When procedures are combined, risks increase. Factors that need to be taken into account for considering any surgery, but particularly for combined surgeries include: overall medical condition of the patient in combination with the amount of blood loss, the amount of fluid shifts related to surgery (particularly important in liposuction and abdominoplasty), the amount of anesthesia, the length of the procedures, the type of anesthesia, and the risk/preventative measures for deep vein thrombosis.

Just last week, a patient came in desiring liposuction to areas of her lower body, a tummy tuck, a breast lift, some facial work, and arm liposuction. In my opinion, this was too much surgery for one session. We discussed the things that were bothering her the most, and then formulated a surgical plan that divided all of these procedures into several combined sessions.

So when I talk about common sense and plastic surgery, there are several main themes that I come back to:

You have to have realistic expectations for results.
You have to do procedures in multiple stages when safety issues dictate this
You can't get something for nothing - meaning that to a certain degree, in order to obtain substantial long term results, there needs to be substantial changes to your tissues and that there are no quick, easy fixes (think Thermage.)

So please, do your homework; ask questions of your prospective surgeon before you even set foot in his office as well as a lot of questions during your consultation.

Another new filler to the stable

2007-11-08T20:11:00.001-05:00

Not only is Artefill ( a permanent filer for smile lines) now available at the Virginia Center for Plastic Surgery, but we also now have Radiesse available.

Radiesse is injected into the skin through a simple, safe and minimally invasive procedure. Radiesse is made of very tiny calcium based microspheres that are suspended in a natural gel.

Now we have a full range of dermal fillers for our patients.

Hyaluronic acid fillers like Restylane and Juvederm, which in my clinical practice last about 8-9 months (though Juvederm is marketed to last a year.)

Calcium based fillers that seem to last about a year to year and a half. And finally . . .

Artefill, the only product labeled as a permanent filler. It is made of miniature beads (microspheres) of PMMA (polymethylmethacrylate) that are suspended in bovine collagen. PMMA has been used for many years in medical implants.

New services on the horizon

2007-11-02T11:09:00.002-05:00

Dr. Desman just returned from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons meeting in Baltimore. Look for exciting new information coming up on this blog about the cutting edge in plastic surgery. For example, we have added the permanent injectable filler Artefill to our stable of hyaluronic acid fillers. Dr. Desman can now provide a permanent solution to the deep wrinkles of the smile lines (nasolabial crease) using Artefill.

On the move

2007-10-29T00:15:00.000-05:00

10/28/07: Dr. Desman is in Baltimore this week at the American Society of Plastic Surgery annual meeting. He is taking continuing education courses on breast augmentation, abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), and liposuction. This allows him to bring cutting edge techniques and the latest advances in cosmetic surgery directly to you.

Dr. Desman to be on Retirement Living Channel

2007-07-18T11:52:00.000-05:00

Watch Dr. Desman July 31st at 9am on the Retirement Living Channel (Comcast and DirecTV channel 8)

Herbal Medications and Plastic Surgery

2007-03-16T09:08:00.000-05:00

Herbal medicines are medicinal products that contain plant materials as their pharmacologically active components. Herbal sales in the United States exceed $5 billion annually. Many herbal remedies possess significant pharmacological activity and, consequently, potential adverse effects and drug interactions.

This is an area of medicine that physicians have traditionally received little education and therefore have given little attention. Perhaps in response to that, up to 70% of patients do not reveal their use of herbal medicines to their physicians and pharmacists. You can improve your chances for an optimal outcome by communicating your usage of these medications with the Virginia Center for Plastic Surgery.

You should know that the US Food and Drug Administration has not evaluated products labeled as supplements and that no guarantee of product quality could be made. For most herbal medicines, the specific ingredients that determine the pharmacological activity of the product are poorly characterized. All extracts are not the same, and commercially available extracts vary greatly in their quality and potency. We recommend that you stop all herbal supplements 14 days prior to any surgical procedure.

Bleeding: All surgery carries some risk of problems with bleeding. The following common herbal remedies may increase the risk of bleeding during surgical procedures: feverfew, garlic, ginger, St. John’s Wort, ginkgo, and Asian ginseng.

Photsensitivity: St John's wort poses a risk of photosensitivity reaction attributed to its hypericin component. Thus, this should not be used in conjunction with retinoids like Renova. Concomitant use with other photosensitizing agents, such as tetracycline hydrochloride, fluoroquinolones, and sulfonamides, should also be avoided. Angelica root and fruit, celery, dill, fennel, agrimony, bergamot peel and others may also increase photosensitivity.

Surgery: The interaction of herbal medicines with anesthetic medicines is now only partially understood. Ephedra is one agent well documented to increase blood pressure and heart rate. There have been over 1,000 reported adverse reactions related to the use of ephedra and anesthesia. Stress from surgery normally tends to lower blood sugar to some degree (hypoglycemia). Ginseng can further lower blood sugar to a dangerous level. Kava and valerian can interact with many anesthetics to unpredictably increase the sedation effects of the anesthesia medications. St. John’s Wort can increase metabolism of many drugs used in the perioperative period, thus decreasing the effectiveness of the anesthesia medications.

Skin Care: Numerous herbal medicines may profoundly affect the skin and thereby adversely interact with efforts to improve skin quality through resurfacing techniques. Kava (Piper methysticum) preparations are used as natural anxiolytics and can result in classic skin problems that include reddened eyes, scaly skin eruptions, and yellowish discoloration of the skin, hair, and nails.

Phytoestrogens may potentiate or antagonize estrogen effects. Among the more commonly used phytoestrogen-containing herbs are dong quai (Angelica sinensis), red clover (Trifolium pratense), alfalfa (Medicago sativa var italica), licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra), and black cohosh. These compounds may contribute to changes in skin pigmentation following resurfacing procedures such as laser resurfacing or chemical peel resurfacing. Other estrogenic implications should be discussed with your primary care physician.

Wound Healing: Several herbal medicines, such as aloe vera gel, contain pharmacologically active ingredients that may aid in wound healing.

Comfrey should be avoided in wound healing because of the herb's constituent pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which have shown hepatotoxic, carcinogenic, and mutagenic properties in rats.

In vitro studies have demonstrated anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects attributable to arnica's helenalin component. However, the claim that homeopathic arnica is efficacious beyond a placebo effect is not supported by rigorous clinical trials. Despite this, we frequently recommend the use of homeopathic arnica supplements as there is good anectdotal evidence of its efficacy.

Numerous botanical remedies formulated as essential oils have been shown to have antimicrobial and anesthetic effects, including tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia), peppermint oil (Mentha piperita), and various conifer-derived oils. Aloe vera (Aloe vera) gel is very commonly used.

Breast Reconstruction

2007-01-22T20:21:00.000-05:00

For most women, the diagnosis of breast cancer and the possibility of a
mastectomy can be devastating. Although some women are spared total
mastectomy, the changes that occur in the breast as the result of surgery may still be drastic enough to warrant reconstruction. A number of women make the decision to simply accept these changes, be they major or minor, and may or may not choose to use an external breast prosthesis (an artificial breast worn outside the body) to regain their feminine contours. But for others, the loss of these natural contours is unacceptable and they want an alternative to a prosthesis. The alternatives all require surgical procedures.

One of the alternatives is to have a breast implant. Breast implants are made of the same materials as those used for breast augmentation. They are silicone shells filled with either silicone gel or saline water and are not considered lifetime implants. This means they will need to be replaced and/or possibly removed sometime during your lifespan. Although the materials are the same as for breast augmentation, the procedure for implanting them is different and more complex. The implants are always placed behind the muscle in your chest (pectoral muscle) rather than having the choice of placing it in front of the muscle. This is necessitated by the fact that after a mastectomy, the skin is too fragile to support the implant.

Depending upon the outcome of the mastectomy, the surgeon may be able to immediately place a breast expander under the chest muscle and skin. The breast expander is a balloon that is periodically injected with a salt-water solution, which stretches the skin over time to the point that the area can accept an implant. In some cases, the breast expander is considered as an implant and no further surgery is necessary.

The most common problem resulting from breast implants is capsular contracture. This occurs if the scar or capsule around the implant begins to tighten and causes the soft implant to feel hard. Capsular contracture may require removal or replacement of the implant.

The alternative to breast implants is the use of one's own body tissues. There are two types of surgery in this category: pedicle flap and free flap. Pedicle flap surgery means the surgeon tunnels tissue and blood vessels under your skin from another part of your body to the chest area to create a new breast mound or pocket for an implant. In free flap surgery, the surgeon disconnects the tissue from one part of your body and reattaches it to new blood vessels near your chest. Free flap surgery is a longer procedure because of the intricacy of reattaching the blood vessels.

The surgeon uses one of the two flap surgeries in different ways based on what area of the body is chosen as the tissue donor. The areas of your body that are potential donor sites are the abdomen, upper back, and possibly the buttocks. In all cases, your surgeon will discuss the pros and cons of using any of these areas, including the amount of muscle loss that can occur or be maintained with either of the two types of flap surgeries. There is a third type of flap surgery called deep inferior epigastic perforator (DIEP) that can be performed if there is enough skin and fat available on the abdomen. This surgery takes only the skin and fat so as not to disturb the abdominal muscles. This procedure is not possible on a thin or muscular body.

Choosing breast reconstruction means at least two surgeries, and possibly more. The first is obviously the mastectomy, and reconstruction is performed in a second separate operation. It is highly unusual that it can all be accomplished in one surgery. As pointed out earlier, if implants are involved, another surgery will be required in the future to remove and/or replace the original implant.

Breast reconstruction is available to almost any woman regardless of age. However, there are certain physical conditions that may preclude reconstruction. This includes smokers, those with diabetes, vascular disease or connective tissue disorder, and possibly those who are obese. Because of the risks of infection and delayed healing, it is imperative that your health history be thoroughly discussed with your physician.

Getting back to normal activities will take at least six weeks, but more will be required depending upon the extent of the reconstruction process. This is especially true if transplanting of tissues is involved because two separate areas are undergoing surgery. Your doctor will discuss the restrictions to be placed on your activities and pain medication during the recovery period.

Above all, be realistic about the outcome of reconstruction. The surgery will improve your contours but you will not be exactly as you were before or have the same sensation. There will be scarring, which will fade over time but not completely disappear. There is also the possibility of nipple reconstruction that can be augmented with tattooing to define the dark area around the nipple to resemble the areola.

Finally, you may choose to have surgery on your opposite breast, even if it's healthy, so that it more closely matches the shape and size of your reconstructed breast.

YOU can be Pucker Pretty with Fuller, Sexier Lips in Minutes

2007-01-16T10:24:00.000-05:00

This is an exclusive on-line offer!!!

Are you ready to have fuller, sexier lips in minutes?

Ask for Restylane Lip Enhancement!

What is Restylane Lip Enhancement? Dr. Desman injects a small amount of the natural filler Restylane into your lips, defining the edges, removing the lines that make your old lipstick leak up onto your skin, and then he plumps up your lips for a smooth beautiful "lipstick ready" surface. The results are wonderful and instantaneous!

It still is YOU, just fresher and younger looking - and sexier! The treatments last - 7 to 9 months of beauty, and re-treatment is a breeze!

Guys: Looking for a gift idea? Looking for a HINT to give your significant other? Look no more!

HERE IS OUR SPECIAL VALENTINE'S DAY OFFER:

Between January 22 and February 14, 2007 you can get ... or have somebody else get YOU ...

Restylane Lip Enhancement for . . . 10% OFF!

Call (703) 924-3144 today for Awesome Lips! Mention this blog to receive your 10% discount.

Hurry - appointment times go quickly and you don't want to be disappointed!

PS: I have reserved a fixed quantity of Restylane for this event and when it's gone, it's gone. Don't be left out! Get in on this quickly before it runs out!

The early votes are in . . .

2006-12-15T14:00:00.000-05:00

Well, it has been about one month since silicone breast implants were approved, and the early patient response has been mixed. Approximately 40% of new patients have elected to use silicone, while the majority are happy to stick with saline implants. It will be interesting to see how this ratio progresses over the next year, as well as the next several years. Around the world, where silicone implants were not taken off the market, approximately 90% of augmentations are performed with silicone. Will that be the trend here? We shall see.

New information about silicone filled breast implants

2006-11-21T13:06:00.000-05:00

Our webmaster has come through and there is now new information on silicone filled breast implants.

Silicone Filled Breast Implants Approved

2006-11-20T00:48:00.000-05:00

Dr. Desman is now using the newly approved silicone filled breast implants for breast augmentation.

On November 17, 2006, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved silicone-filled breast implants for use in breast augmentation, reconstruction and revision surgery. This approval was for specific silicone filled breast implants made by Mentor and Allergan (formerly Inamed). Dr. Desman has completed both the Mentor and Allergan silicone filled breast implant training and certification requirements, and is now offering silicone filled breast implants to his patients.

Here is some basic information

The implants are approved for augmentation in women at least 22 years old. The advantages of the implants are their natural feel and tissue characteristics. In general, incisions will need to be larger than used for saline implants in order not to damage the implants. Overall operative time should be comparable to saline implants. Overall recovery should also be comparable to saline implants. They are not to be considered lifetime devices. Saline implants are still available as well.

Stay tuned for more information regarding silicone filled breast implants. Dr. Desman has his webmaster working at this time to add more content to give you more information.

In the mean time, you can find out a ton of information at the following websites from Allergan and Mentor.

Announcing our Winter Skin Care Open House

2006-11-15T16:54:00.000-05:00

We are having an Open House on December 5th, 2006 from 5:00pm-7:30pm in our office.

The Virginia Center for Plastic Surgery is introducing the Vitalize Peel® at our Winter Skin Care Open House. We will be providing a light snack and the opportunity to learn about the Vitalize Peel® and Botox Cosmetic® from Dr. Desman and our wonderful staff. Door prizes and gift bags will also be part of the fun!

The Vitalize Peel® helps fight the effects of sun damage and environmental injury. This amazing new peel is clinically proven to improve photo damaged skin and works on acne-affected skin as well.

We will also be featuring Botox Cosmetic® at the Open House. Botox Cosmetic® temporarily reduces moderate to severe frown lines and is FDA approved. It is frequently used for dynamic wrinkles of the forehead, frown lines between the eyes, and crows feet.

During our Open House, we will be offering scheduling for these exciting procedures. Of course, there will be special pricing to our guests who attend. In addition, we will be offering to a limited number of patients who sign up in advance to receive a live demonstration of the Vitalize Peel at a 50% discount. We will be offering a limited number of live Botox demonstrations as well, and those patients will receive a gift certificate for a complimentary Vitalize Peel to be redeemed at a later date.

Space is limited, so please call to register for the open house (703) 924-3144. To take advantage of the live demonstrations of the Vitalize Peel and Botox Injections, please call Kelley at 703-924-3144, while spaces are still available.