Cleft lip and cleft palate are among the most common congenital facial anomalies, affecting approximately 1 in every 700 births worldwide. They can influence the appearance of your child’s face and also impact eating, speaking, and breathing abilities. The overall prognosis for children with cleft conditions is excellent, and treatment can help them lead healthy, fulfilling lives. However, learning that your child has been diagnosed with a cleft lip or palate can be overwhelming, and you likely have questions and concerns about what lies ahead for your little one. As a specialist in pediatric reconstructive procedures, I am here to help support you and your child as you navigate these conditions. Here are 4 things you need to know about a cleft lip or cleft palate diagnosis.

Plastic surgeons are extensively trained in a range of cosmetic and reconstructive procedures for the face, breast, and body, but have you ever wondered if they have a favorite? Here, Dr. Sharline Aboutanos—the female plastic surgeon Richmond patients seek for surgical and non-surgical procedures—shares her top 5 favorite procedures and explains why they hold a special place in her practice. 

Deciding to undergo plastic surgery is a deeply personal and exciting step toward enhancing your appearance and confidence. Therefore, whether you choose to have a loved one accompany you during your consultation is entirely up to you, as their presence during this initial meeting can impact your experience. We discuss the benefits and drawbacks of having someone special by your side as you take this first step.

They say “Virginia Is For Lovers”—lovers of history, nature, art, culture, and all things beautiful. The capital city of Richmond has all of these things and more, making it a gold mine of visual content for social influencers and budding photographers. In this post, we share our favorite local backdrops to make your Instagram feed pop. Grab your smartphone and explore these hidden gems in RVA!

If you’re thinking about breast implant removal, there are a few key components to consider to ensure you are well-informed and feel empowered about your decision to make a change. Dr. Sharline Aboutanos is a female plastic surgeon Richmond patients count on for honest, transparent plastic surgery information. Here, she shares 7 things you should know if you’re considering breast implant removal.

In the world of beauty, many trends come and go, while some stay and stand the test of time. One ancient skincare practice that has been in the spotlight lately is gua sha. This holistic healing technique gently scrapes and massages the skin and promises a range of benefits, from facial contouring to improved complexion. But does it really live up to the hype? In this post, Richmond plastic surgeon Dr. Sharline Aboutanos dives into the details behind this buzzworthy practice.