Blog Archive

Brazilian Butt Lift: Your Step-by-Step Guide to an Optimal Recovery May 2nd, 2024

The Brazilian butt lift (BBL) has surged in popularity, and if you’re one of the more than 28,600 people who have gone the surgical route to enhance their curves, understanding the recovery process is paramount.  Ensuring a smooth rehabilitation is just as crucial as choosing the right surgeon and procedure...

My Eyelids Droop: Can You Help? Mar 20th, 2024

The aging process presents lots of changes, some more welcome than others. For many, a telltale sign of time’s constant march is the subtle shift of their eyelids — sound familiar? What was once a firm curtain above your windows to the world begins to sag and may even obscure...

Will a Breast Reduction Eliminate My Back Pain? Mar 1st, 2024

As a board-certified plastic surgeon, Frederick H. Watkins, MD, encounters many women dealing with physical discomfort due to their large breast size.  One of the most frequent complaints is back pain, and the most common question is: Can a breast reduction take away my back pain?  The answer is yes!...

I Just Had My Last Baby: When Can I Get a Tummy Tuck? Feb 1st, 2024

You wouldn’t trade your family for the world, but you would give anything to get your pre-pregnancy body back. If you’re considering a tummy tuck to restore your abs and feel like yourself again, you’ve come to the right place. Frederick H. Watkins, MD, is one of the most sought-after,...

Can I Get Botox and Fillers at the Same Time? Jan 10th, 2024

From your favorite social media influencer to TV and magazine ads to your best friend, you’re bombarded with the terms Botox® and dermal fillers, and you have more than a few questions, like: What’s the difference? How do they work? What do they treat? Can they be used together? You’ve...

3 Treatments to Refresh Your Eyes Dec 7th, 2023

Wrinkled skin makes you look old whether you are or not. Droopy eyelids make you look tired even when you’re wide awake. If your eyes are sending unintended messages, we have three treatment options that can restore them. Board-certified plastic surgeon Frederick H. Watkins, MD, is one of the most...

Your Complete Guide to a Mommy Makeover Nov 1st, 2023

You binge-watch home improvement shows that transform dilapidated shacks into stunning new living spaces, and you’ve probably stepped up to the cosmetic counter a few times to get a makeup makeover. But if you’re a mother with one or more kids and have never heard of a mommy makeover, you’re...

How Soon Can I Get a Breast Lift After Childbirth? Oct 1st, 2023

Most women consider pregnancy and childbirth the most joyful, rewarding, and meaningful experiences of their lives. But that doesn’t mean they love how their body changes with each birth. Hips widen, abdomens pooch, and breasts enlarge, shrink, then sag. Moms throughout McLean, Virginia, and Rockville, Maryland, trust Frederick H. Watkins,...

Can I Get a Face-Lift at 40? Sep 1st, 2023

Something in your body switches at 40 — you’re less flexible, it’s harder to lose weight, and you can’t read things up close. It’s also the age when you notice your skin beginning to sag and wrinkle.  It’s subtle at first, and you may be the only one who sees...

Tips for Maximizing Your Breast Augmentation Aug 14th, 2023

The choice to get a breast augmentation is only the first decision of many, and those decisions will impact your results. That’s why Frederick H. Watkins, MD, a renowned board-certified plastic surgeon with locations in McLean, Virginia, and Rockville, Maryland, works closely with you from the moment you walk in asking questions about...

Mommy Pooch? Here's How We Can Help Jul 1st, 2023

Having children is the most noble and rewarding thing you’ve ever accomplished, but it did a number on your body. Even if you were fit and trim before you had kids, pregnancy and childbearing can transform your body — and not in a good way. If you’re like many moms,...

Life After a Tummy Tuck Jun 1st, 2023

Once you decide to get a tummy tuck, your thoughts immediately turn to the future you, and it can feel frustrating to wait for your final results.  We want to alleviate some of your frustration by filling you in on the post-tummy-tuck recovery process. Frederick H. Watkins, MD, has been expertly...

Diet Changes to Make If You Want Healthy Skin for the Long Haul May 1st, 2023

Everything you eat either helps or harms your health, including your skin. That means that every meal is an opportunity to enhance your glowing skin or accentuate its problems.  Frederick H. Watkins, MD, our board-certified plastic surgeon, sees the negative effects of poor lifestyle choices on the skin every day....

I'm a Man — Why Do I Have Breasts? Apr 1st, 2023

There are certain things you can rely on, like death and taxes — and that men don’t have breasts. So why are yours suddenly getting larger? You may be surprised to learn that several underlying reasons can cause breast development in men, most of them involve a hormonal imbalance, and...

What You Never Knew About Liposuction Mar 1st, 2023

Liposuction got its start in the roaring 1920s when a French surgeon introduced the concept. Unfortunately, the technique was primitive, and although European surgeons tried to perfect it, inconsistent results and negative side effects made it impractical.  By the 1970s, an Italian surgeon used a blunt tunneling instrument to suction fat...

Why Is the Skin on My Face Sagging? Feb 3rd, 2023

You can ballpark someone’s age just by looking at their face — tight, plump skin equals youth, and loose, saggy skin means the person is getting on in years. But why? Here, Frederick H. Watkins, MD, our board-certified plastic surgeon and expert in facial anatomy, explains what happens to your...

How Your Body Changes After Extreme Weight Loss (And How We Can Help) Jan 17th, 2023

There’s no question about it — losing weight boosts your health by: Lowering your blood pressure Decreasing your risk of heart disease Lowering your risk for certain cancers Improving your insulin resistance Increasing mobility Enhancing sexual function Reducing triglyceride levels Alleviating stress on your joints There’s seemingly no downside to...

4 Benefits of Scheduling Your Plastic Surgery During Winter Dec 1st, 2022

Plastic surgery has the potential to change your looks subtly or dramatically, but the results aren’t instant. You need to plan time for researching your options, selecting a physician, scheduling the procedure, and recovering. So, if you have a special occasion coming up, work backward from that date to account...

How to Know if You Need a Breast Implant Revision Nov 1st, 2022

Most people enjoy the results of their breast augmentation for 10-20 years before their implants need replacing, but there are several reasons why you may need a breast implant revision sooner.  At Frederick H. Watkins, MD, in McLean, Virginia, and Rockville, Maryland, Dr. Watkins and our team are here to help remedy your common breast...

What's the Best Age for an Eyelid Lift? Oct 10th, 2022

Some surgeries we associate with advancing age: tummy tucks, breast lifts, and hair transplants, to name a few. But is there a right and wrong time to undergo eyelid surgery?  Here, Frederick H. Watkins, MD, weighs in on how your age may influence your decision to get blepharoplasty to lift your sagging eyelids.  Are you...

Botox vs. Jeuveau: Which Treatment Is Right for Me? Sep 1st, 2022

Most people are familiar with Botox®, the neuromodulator that’s been smoothing out faces since 2002. A few other similar products have followed, the newest of which is Jeuveau®. Frederick H. Watkins, MD, offers both at our McLean, Virginia, and Rockville, Maryland, offices. Here, Dr. Watkins explains the similarities and differences. Botox Botox’s roots...

Tips for Recovering from Breast Surgery Aug 1st, 2022

All surgical procedures require a little TLC afterward, and breast surgery is no different. The good news: If you’re like most women, you’ll be back to work and your daily routine within a week.  But that doesn’t mean your recovery is complete. At Frederick H. Watkins, MD, in McLean, Virginia, and...

Learn Why Breast Lifts Are More Popular Than Ever Jul 1st, 2022

Plastic surgery that changes your breasts, commonly called a boob job, comes in different forms. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution that addresses every type of breast dissatisfaction. Although there are many varied techniques and results, breast plastic surgery typically falls into one of three main categories: breast reduction, breast augmentation (enlargement), and breast lift.  Although...

How a Breast Reduction Can Reduce Back Pain and Enhance Self-Confidence Jun 1st, 2022

At Frederick H. Watkins, MD, in Rockville, Maryland, and McLean, Virginia, we talk to women every day about the pain and suffering related to large breasts. From shoulder grooves to neck pain and backaches, oversized breasts can lead to chronic health issues. If your big boobs have become a source of...

The Secret to a Natural-Looking Face-Lift May 1st, 2022

It’s no secret that a surgical face-lift is the best way to get dramatic results. But to ensure those results are exactly what you envision means you have to do some research about the different procedures available, physician qualifications, and exactly what to expect. We’ve done that legwork for you....

Get the Flat Stomach You've Always Wanted with a Tummy Tuck Apr 1st, 2022

Surgery should never be considered as the first method of weight loss, nor should it be viewed as an effortless path toward a slimmer figure. However, there are times when abdominoplasty — also known as a tummy tuck — is absolutely the best answer. When it becomes clear that traditional...

Say Goodbye to Those Bat Wings with Brachioplasty Mar 1st, 2022

If you’ve finally resigned yourself to the fact that nothing you do is going to get rid of your flabby arm fat that wobbles, droops, and makes your sleeves too tight, you’ve just learned what doctors have known for years — bat wings don’t respond to diet and exercise. They...

Start the New Year with a Brazilian Butt Lift Jan 1st, 2022

What makes your body beautiful? The answer lies in a complex blend of cultural, generational, societal, and personal factors, and your standard may change over time. If you’re like many women today, you’re longing for the curvaceous booty you see on celebrities.  If your bottom is flat and small, there’s...

Give Your Partner the Gift of a Mommy Makeover this Holiday Season Dec 1st, 2021

Having children comes with countless rewards for both parents, but it also comes with some physical changes for only one of them. Pregnancy leaves its mark on mothers in every way possible, and most of them are desirable: They love more deeply, think more purposefully, respond more protectively, and turn...

Prepare for These Temporary Effects After Eyelid Surgery Nov 1st, 2021

Every year, more than 325,000 Americans undergo blepharoplasty, in which excess skin and fat are removed from eyelids so they don’t droop. This popular surgery can not only provide an aesthetic improvement, but, in some cases, it can also improve vision. Frederick H. Watkins, MD, has years of experience sculpting...

8 Causes of Gynecomastia Oct 1st, 2021

There are certain physical traits that are classically male: facial hair, a deep voice, and larger muscles to name a few. Large breasts, on the other hand, fall into the feminine category. So, when a man’s breasts become enlarged and take on the rounded, softer look of a woman’s —...

Say Goodbye to Those Worry Lines with BOTOX Sep 1st, 2021

Between the horizontal creases across your forehead and the deep-set crevices between your brows, your face is a veritable map of your past emotions. When you were a kid, your skin had so much elasticity and resilience that no matter how you scrunched it during a temper tantrum, or wrinkled...

Who Needs Eyelid Surgery? Jul 8th, 2021

Age can take a toll on your body, including your eyelids. Unfortunately, the delicate skin around your eyes can be easy prey for the constant tug of gravity over the years. The good news is eyelid surgery can restore a tighter, more youthful appearance. Also called blepharoplasty, eyelid surgery is...

Everything You Should Know About Ear Surgery Jun 24th, 2021

Regardless of your age, teasing hurts. And if you have a facial feature that stands out, it can become fodder for others to ridicule. Ears are notorious for drawing taunts from school children, but it doesn’t end when you grow up. Ears that stick out can make you stick out,...

Noncosmetic Reasons to Consider A Rhinoplasty May 19th, 2021

Often called nose jobs, rhinoplasties are very popular procedures in the United States. In fact, more than 207,200 of them occurred in 2019 alone. And while many people think about rhinoplasties in terms of cosmetic reasons, many are also performed for medical reasons. Frederick H. Watkins, MD, our board-certified plastic...

What Causes Swollen Breasts? (gynecomastia) Apr 13th, 2021

Newborn boys, young men going through puberty, and men over age 50 sometimes share something in common — a puffy chest. Known as gynecomastia, this condition increases the breast and glandular tissues and produces soft, swollen breasts. It can affect one or both of your breasts and may involve a...

How Can Fillers Enhance My Lips? Mar 12th, 2021

Even if you’re still in your 20s or 30s, you may have noticed that your lips have begun to thin. But if you’re blessed with a genetic makeup that staves off the inevitable for a while, certainly by the time you reach your 40s and 50s, you’ll face the same...

When to Consider Cosmetic Ear Surgery Feb 11th, 2021

It’s well-established that kids tease and bully other kids who have unusual features, and ears tend to be a primary target. But children aren’t the only ones guilty of cruel judgment. Adults with noticeable ears can face similar taunts, and regardless of age, the remarks can affect your confidence and...

Benefits of Male Breast Reduction Surgery Jan 13th, 2021

You hide them with big, loose shirts and are careful to stay covered at the pool, beach, and gym, but that doesn’t really solve the problem. If you’re a man with large breasts, you may feel isolated and alone, but you’re not. Gynecomastia affects at least 1 in 4 men...

Choosing the Right Facelift for Your Goals Dec 7th, 2020

Aging affects the body inside and out, but one of the first places most people notice it is in the face. The delicate skin around the eyes can start to wrinkle, and once-firm cheeks can start to sag. At the first signs of aging, many people go out and buy...

Brazilian Butt Lift: The Ultimate Fat Transfer Nov 10th, 2020

It’s not your fault, and it’s out of your control. Diet and exercise are the cornerstones of staying fit and healthy, but genetics rule when it comes to your overall musculoskeletal composition. You don’t get to decide where your body stores fat or where it loses fat when you diet....

Tips for Recovering from a Tummy Tuck Oct 7th, 2020

Making the decision to improve your body image by getting a tummy tuck is one of the best things you can do for your confidence, self-esteem, and health. You’ll love your slimmer silhouette and your ability to participate in so many more activities. Maybe that’s why it remains one of...

Your Treatment Options for Gynecomastia Sep 8th, 2020

As a man, living with gynecomastia (enlarged breasts) may make you feel isolated and embarrassed. If this sounds like you, you’re not alone. In fact, an estimated 65% of adult men ages 27-92 develop gynecomastia. While the causes can vary, the treatment options are effective for all men. Our board-certified...

Am I a Good Candidate for Liposuction? Aug 20th, 2020

Have you exercised and eaten a good diet, but no matter what you do, you just can’t seem to lose those last few pounds? If you’re nearing your goal weight, but fat isn’t budging in certain areas, liposuction could get you to the final shape you want. Renowned plastic surgeon...

Breast Lift Recovery: What You Need to Know Jul 23rd, 2020

Age, pregnancy, genetics, weight loss, and gravity can take a toll on your breasts. Fortunately, a breast lift can have your breasts looking great again. But, getting a lift is just the first part of the process. The second part is your recovery, and you need to do a few...

Unhappy with Your Ears? Consider Otoplasty Jun 23rd, 2020

Most people seem to be happiest with ears that are unremarkable, because anything out of the ordinary offers fodder for teasing or taunting. Children with oversized or undersized ears often get bullied, and adults can feel self-conscious about ears that call attention to themselves. Ear surgery, also known as otoplasty,...

Top Benefits of Fillers May 27th, 2020

As time passes, your skin can lose elasticity and firmness. The natural layer of fat just beneath the surface of your skin can diminish, and your skin can get thinner, less resilient, and crepey. Add to that the years of exposure to sunlight, smoke, pollutants, acne, and gravity, and you...

Right-Sizing Your Ears with a Quick-and-Easy Otoplasty Mar 11th, 2020

Childhood can be tough. But if you have a physical trait that looks different than the norm, merciless teasing and ridiculing can follow. One of the characteristics kids tend to focus on is misshapen ears, which can add to a victim’s poor self-image, which in turn can lead to mental...

Breast Augmentation or Breast Lift — Which One is Right For You? Feb 10th, 2020

Breast enhancements have topped the list of plastic surgery procedures in the United States since 2006, with more than 423,000 performed in 2018 alone. And each one of those women has a very personal reason for choosing to change her breasts.    At his plastic and cosmetic surgical practice in...

Celebrate a New Year with New Eyelids! Jan 9th, 2020

New year, new you, right? Everyone has a New Year’s resolution, but not all of them can be accomplished. However, if how you look on the outside doesn’t match how you feel on the inside, our team at Frederick H Watkins, MD can help you. Your eye region is one...

Get Your Pre-Baby Body Back with a Mommy Makeover Dec 4th, 2019

Bouncing back after having a baby can be challenging, regardless of factors like weight or fitness levels before pregnancy. The term mommy makeover has gained popularity in recent years. It refers to a combination of plastic surgery procedures, from breast augmentation to skin tightening and body contouring, that helps new...

Get Your Face Ready for the Holidays with Dermal Fillers and Botox Nov 1st, 2019

Thanksgiving to New Year’s is, for many Americans, an extended period of celebration, of friends and family, and of accomplishments and hopes for the future. It’s also a time to see and be seen, a busy time on many a social calendar, so it’s not unusual to want to look...

Why Breast Reduction Surgery Has Such a High Satisfaction Rate Oct 11th, 2019

Having large breasts can be a big source of stress for women (and men). Breast reduction surgery, also known as mammaplasty, offers a good solution for people with large breasts. During breast reduction surgery, excess breast tissue, fat, and skin are surgically removed from your chest, leaving you with smaller,...

What's the Best Age to Have a Facelift? Sep 1st, 2019

Year after year, you watch your face slowly succumb to the effects of aging — your skin droops and sags, wrinkles develop, and fat travels downward. If you find yourself in front of the mirror, pulling back your skin to rediscover that younger version of yourself underneath, we can help...

Tummy Tuck or Liposuction? Which Is Right for Your Muffin Top? Aug 1st, 2019

For women, it’s called a muffin top. For men, it’s called love handles. Either way, it’s that stubborn roll of fat above your waistline that sticks out over your jeans, pants, and workout leggings.  Stubborn fat doesn’t just look bad, it can be problematic to your health. Exercise and diet...

Male Breast Reduction Surgery: We Answer all of Your Questions Jul 1st, 2019

For 25% of men who have breast tissue enlargement, medically known as gynecomastia, summer, in particular, can be stressful. Sometimes this condition resolves on its own. But when it doesn’t, gynecomastia surgery is a safe and effective solution. Dr. Frederick H Watkins, with offices in Rockville, Maryland and McLean, Virginia...