Patients get the best results from laser skin resurfacing when they give their skin a little time to prepare beforehand, then follow the aftercare steps closely afterward. Richmond plastic surgeon Dr. Sharline Aboutanos walks every patient through that timeline before recommending a CO2RE or UltraClear treatment, since the laser itself only takes an appointment, while the results unfold over the weeks on either side of it.

GLP-1 medications have changed how thousands of patients reach their goal weight, and they are changing what comes next. If you have lost significant weight with medications similar to Ozempic®, Wegovy®, or Zepbound®, you may find that your skin and body contours haven't quite caught up with your new size. Plastic surgery after GLP-1 weight loss has become one of the fastest-growing reasons patients seek out body contouring, because for many patients, surgery is the step that finally completes the transformation their medication started.

Every patient who comes through my door for surgery—whether it is a tummy tuck, a breast lift, or a smaller procedure—hears the same five things from me before their procedure. Over the years, I have found that patients who understand these points tend to recover more smoothly and feel more confident heading into surgery. I am sharing them here so you can come prepared.

Stretch marks on the upper breasts are notoriously difficult to treat. If you are considering a breast lift, it’s natural to wonder whether surgery might take care of them at the same time. The reality is that a breast lift can eliminate some stretch marks, improve the appearance of others, and leave some largely unchanged. Which outcome applies to you depends almost entirely on where your stretch marks are located. Dr. Sharline Aboutanos breaks down what patients considering mastopexy need to know.

Few moments in parenting feel as overwhelming as when you learn that your child may require surgery for craniosynostosis. Knowing what to ask during a surgical consultation can help to make the process feel more manageable. Dr. Sharline Aboutanos works closely with Richmond-area families facing a craniosynostosis diagnosis. Here, she shares the ten questions that can help you gain clarity during your meeting with your child’s surgeon.

Summer will be here before you know it, and our Richmond patients are already thinking ahead to beach trips, pool days, and outdoor gatherings. While planning vacations and updating your wardrobe, it’s easy to overlook an important detail: preparing your skin for increased sun exposure and warmer weather. Dr. Sharline Aboutanos created this pre-summer skin checklist to help you achieve your best skin before the season arrives.