Each year in the United States, approximately 4,400 infants are born with a cleft lip and 2,600 are born with a cleft palate, with some babies some experiencing both abnormalities. As a pediatric craniofacial surgeon, I’m using this month’s blog to raise awareness and deepen the understanding of craniofacial birth defects and other head and face conditions.

Liposuction is ideal for improving body contours, and can be used in a number of areas (both large and small) to sculpt away unwanted fat deposits. However, you may not know that this procedure can be paired with other procedures for optimal results and precision. Below, board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Sharline Aboutanos explains 5 plastic surgery procedures that are frequently combined with liposuction, and how they create a complementary outcome.

The demand for non-surgical cosmetic enhancements is growing and I often have patients asking if there are treatments that will give them results comparable to surgery without having to go under the knife. One alternative to facelift surgery, thread lift, has surged in popularity, as it may provide some of the same benefits without downtime. However, the procedure is not right for all patients and your provider’s experience is critical to a safe procedure and attractive results. Today, I’m answering some of the top questions patients at my Richmond plastic surgery practice ask about thread lifts.

With spring out in full force and summer just around the corner, now is the perfect time of year to get out and explore. Richmond is a beautiful city, rich in history and culture, and—as many are surprised to learn—a surprisingly fun vacation (or staycation) destination. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, you will find our city has more than enough to keep everyone entertained, engaged and exercising their minds and bodies. Here are our favorite activities in the Richmond area for families to spend quality time together in the great outdoors.

Recently, my Richmond plastic surgery practice has seen an uptick in women asking for smaller breast implants for an increase of about one cup size (sometimes called a “mini boob job”). Despite the commonly-held belief that breast implants are only used to achieve a full, maximal breast size, it is completely acceptable and even normal to choose a smaller size of breast implant. To help you understand why less is sometimes more, today I’ll explain more about the process of choosing the best breast implants for your body.

As common as it is for women to wonder if they are “too old” for breast implants, there is no medical reason that you cannot have breast augmentation at age 50 or above. In my latest blog, I discuss why women seek breast implants after 50, as well as some considerations that may help you decide if breast augmentation is right for you.