Blog Archive

If your belly has gotten so large that you’ve had enough and want to look slimmer, that’s a great start — but to really get results, you need a deeper motivation. Here’s that motivation: belly fat isn’t just an unattractive physical trait. It’s a dangerous problem that could cost you...

The idea of breast reduction surgery is to give you smaller, lighter breasts to relieve your body of symptoms you may be dealing with, including chronic back, neck, and shoulder pain, improper posture, rashes or skin irritation, low self-image, and difficulty fitting into bras and clothing. Surgeons perform more than...

Aging gracefully is a beautiful idea, but reality doesn’t always feel beautiful.  That might explain why women over 50 account for nearly 59% of all face, neck, and forehead lifts, 42% of eyelid procedures, and 38% of facial fat grafting.  Despite the wonders of minimally invasive cosmetic treatments like Botox®...

If you’re thinking about getting liposuction to sculpt your body, you’re not alone. Over 23,600 Americans opted for the popular body-contouring treatment in 2023 alone. Many people in Rockville, Maryland, and McLean, Virginia, trust Frederick H. Watkins, MD, for his liposuction expertise and experience, and we’d love to meet with...

If you want the benefits of a surgical face-lift without the commitment or complications, a “liquid face-lift” may be the solution you’ve been searching for. Frederick H. Watkins, MD, one of the most experienced plastic surgeons in McLean, Virginia, and Rockville, Maryland, understands that surgery isn’t for everyone. Although some...

Giving birth is a miraculous event, but it changes your body. Post-pregnancy, many women find themselves dealing with a condition called diastasis recti, a separation of the abdominal muscles.  Although this condition often resolves on its own, some women are stuck with the condition along with its aesthetic impact and...

First, the bad news: Aging causes the dreaded “turkey neck skin” that wobbles under your chin. Gravity’s relentless pull tugs on your delicate neck skin year after year, stretching the fibers and destroying the tissue. The result is a sagging, wrinkled neck that makes you look tired and haggard.  Now,...

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...

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...

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!...

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,...

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...

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...

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...

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,...

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...

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...

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,...

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...

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....

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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....

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 —...

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...

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...

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,...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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....

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...

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...

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...

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...

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,...

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...

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 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...

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...

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...

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...

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,...

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...

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...

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...