Pregnancy and weight loss often leave behind excess skin and fat in the midsection that diet and exercise alone may not be able to fully address, and a traditional tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, has been the standard procedure to achieve a smoother, more youthful midsection and also address abdominal separation (diastasis recti).

A newer tummy tuck technique called a “reverse tummy tuck” removes excess skin from the top portion of the abdomen with an inframammary incision placed discreetly along the natural creases of the breast. This is different from other tummy tuck techniques, which address the midsection through a horizontal incision placed just above the pubic area. Here, Fairfax board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Christopher L. Hess explains this lesser-known tummy tuck technique and provides insight on how plastic surgeons determine the ideal technique for their tummy tuck patients.

How is a reverse tummy tuck performed?

Reverse tummy tuck is performed under general anesthesia. Your surgeon will make an incision along the breast crease (inframammary fold) that extends across your torso. Liposuction is usually used to remove unwanted fat in this area and to further refine your shape for optimal body contouring results. If upper abdominal muscle separation repair is needed, your surgeon will reposition and tighten these muscles and secure the tissue with permanent nylon sutures.

Your surgeon will then pull the skin on your abdomen up towards your breast, and once a pleasing contour is achieved, excess skin will be trimmed, and the incision line will be carefully sutured. Once surgery is complete, your midsection will be wrapped in surgical gauze and you will wear compression garments to encourage a safe, speedy recovery.

What is reverse tummy tuck recovery like?

Recovery from reverse tummy tuck is similar to that of a traditional tummy tuck and requires 1-2 weeks off from work and most daily activities. You’ll experience soreness, swelling, and bruising for about 2 weeks, and you’ll be asked to wear your compression garments during this period, or until your surgeon advises otherwise.

As with a traditional tummy tuck, strenuous activities like exercise should also be paused for 4-6 weeks. If you have an infant, toddler, or young children, you will also likely need to arrange supplemental childcare as you will not be permitted to lift anything over 5-10lbs for at least a month.

For the right patient, a reverse tummy tuck can achieve natural-looking tummy tuck results with no lower abdominal scar.

How is a reverse tummy tuck different from other tummy tuck techniques?

While there is much overlap between tummy tuck procedure goals, differing techniques have been developed to address each patients’ unique anatomy and aesthetic goals.

Reverse tummy tuck vs traditional tummy tuck

A reverse tummy tuck is performed via a single incision across the natural breast crease and can only address sagging skin and abdominal muscle separation in the upper portion of your abdomen. In contrast, a traditional tummy tuck is performed via an incision just above the pubic area and at the navel. From there, extensive abdominal muscle separation can be repaired from the upper and lower abdomen, and the belly button is repositioned for a natural appearance once excess skin and fat have been removed.

Reverse tummy tuck vs mini tummy tuck

For patients who only require improvement to the lower abdomen to achieve their tummy tuck goals, a mini tummy tuck is performed using a shorter incision to remove excess skin and fat and tighten only the lower abdominal muscles if necessary. This is almost a mirror procedure to a reverse tummy tuck as it addresses only the lower half of the midsection. The belly button is not repositioned during a mini tummy tuck, but the right candidates typically enjoy a shorter recovery time with this less invasive technique.

Reverse tummy tuck vs umbilical float tummy tuck

Unlike a reverse tummy tuck, an umbilical float tummy tuck requires a shorter incision just above the pubic area to detach the umbilicus (belly button) from the abdominal wall and tighten abdominal skin and underlying musculature. The belly button will naturally move down lower on the abdomen or “float” as the skin is pulled taut to create a smooth contour and is then reattached to the abdominal wall. While less commonly performed, an umbilical float tummy tuck may be the ideal technique for patients with minor skin laxity and a belly button that can be lowered 3-4 centimeters while still appearing completely natural.

Who could benefit from a reverse tummy tuck?

Reverse tummy tuck is less commonly performed than other techniques, but it can achieve outstanding results for the right patient.

Previous tummy tuck refinement

Patients who have previously undergone a tummy tuck may experience skin laxity on the upper portion of their abdomen while the bottom portion remains taut and smooth. This could be caused by weight fluctuations or the natural aging process. A reverse tummy tuck can tighten the skin of the upper abdomen without the downtime of a second full or mini tummy tuck.

Improvement is needed in the upper abdomen only

Each patient has unique anatomy and physiology, and a few may hold excess skin and fat above their belly button instead of below. If your symptoms are primarily located on your upper abdomen, and you do not require lower abdominal muscle separation repair, a reverse tummy tuck could be a good option for you.

The treatment plan includes multiple procedures

Mommy makeover patients who wish to combine a tummy tuck with breast surgery such as breast augmentation, breast reduction, breast lift, or breast implant revision may be good candidates for a reverse tummy tuck as multiple procedures could be performed using a shared incision, allowing patients to enjoy an easier recovery.

Chest wall reconstruction is needed after breast cancer

A reverse tummy tuck may be used for reconstructing the chest wall following breast cancer. In the event of recurrent breast cancer, this technique also allows for easier removal of cancerous tissue thru the reverse abdominoplasty flap instead of the pedicled flap—the tissue used to reshape the breast.

Is a reverse tummy tuck safe?

Like any surgery, reverse tummy tuck carries some risks—all of which are shared with its sister techniques and may include:

• Infection
• Bruising and swelling
• Asymmetrical results
• Poor scar appearance
• Seromas (fluid collection beneath the skin)
• Hematomas (blood accumulation beneath the skin)

When performed by a highly-experienced board-certified plastic surgeon, patients can rest assured they will receive optimal care before, during, and after surgery, and their provider will have the expertise to limit surgical risks and quickly identify and treat any issues that may arise.

How do I know if a reverse tummy tuck is right for me?

A personal consultation with an expert tummy tuck surgeon is the best way to determine if a reverse tummy tuck would safely achieve your body contouring goals. To help you get an idea of what your surgeon will consider when determining which tummy tuck technique will best suit you, here are some common indicators used when assessing patients:

• Full tummy tuck candidates will have skin laxity in the upper and lower abdomen.
• Mini tummy tuck candidates will have mild skin laxity in the lower abdominal area only and a relatively smooth and firm midsection above the belly button.
• Reverse tummy tuck candidates will have mild skin laxity in the upper abdominal area only (typically seen after weight loss or a previous tummy tuck), while their lower abdominal area is relatively smooth and firm.

To learn more about your body contouring options, schedule your tummy tuck consultation with Fairfax plastic surgeon Dr. Christopher L. Hess. At Hess Plastic Surgery, patients receive compassionate care and achieve beautiful results from the latest and most advanced surgical techniques. Whether you are looking for transformative surgical procedures, expert Botox and injectable filler results, or proven medical spa and skin care treatments, our highly-experienced team is ready to help you every step of the way. Our practice can be reached at (703) 752-6608 or contact us online.

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Fairfax plastic surgeon Dr. Christopher Hess of Hess Plastic Surgery was featured in a recent Healthline article, Everything You Need to Know About Gynecomastia Surgery. For many men who suffer from gynecomastia, a condition marked by excess breast tissue, gynecomastia treatment can be a life-changing procedure. In the article, Dr. Hess and two other respected plastic surgeons cover a variety of aspects of the surgery—including what the procedure entails, other procedures that are commonly performed in combination to treat gynecomastia, and how to prepare for a gynecomastia procedure.

Types of Gynecomastia Surgeries

During gynecomastia surgery, a plastic surgeon removes breast tissue to create a flatter, more sculpted chest. There are a few different male breast reduction techniques: liposuction, excision, and combination. Liposuction is a proven surgical method for contouring specific areas of the body, and when used to treat enlarged male breasts, it involves removing fatty tissue in the area; the glandular tissue may be left completely intact. The primary benefit of this option is that the scarring is minimal. It is most effectively used in patients who are prone to accumulating fat in the chest area. However, as Dr. Hess notes, liposuction is only a good option for patients whose skin has good elasticity, and for those who don’t have enlarged glandular tissue.

“Liposuction on its own is really only an option for people with good skin elasticity and minimal glandular tissue.”

True gynecomastia involves the glandular tissue and requires excision. This procedure is a bit more involved, as your plastic surgeon will make larger incisions to remove glandular breast tissue, but it offers dramatic results and recovery is typically quite easy. Because the sculpting power of liposuction is key to refining results, it’s often best to use a combination of liposuction and excision to achieve a rejuvenated, masculine chest contour.

Gynecomastia Recovery

A key part of preparing for gynecomastia treatment is understanding what the post-op recovery requires. Gynecomastia is typically an outpatient surgery, and in most cases, once the patient has recovered from anesthesia, they are able to return home that same day. Some discomfort around the surgical site is common, Dr. Hess explains, but your physician will prescribe medication to help manage these effects.

“Typically, patients return to work after about 1 to 2 weeks,” he says. “But they wear a compression vest for at least a month.”

A compression vest can help minimize discomfort, protect the surgical site, and reduce swelling. Patients are required to avoid soaking or swimming for at least 2 weeks; one must also avoid any vigorous physical activity or exercise for at least 1 month following surgery. It can take up to a year for a surgical scar to fully mature, but in most cases, they fade to near invisibility.

“Sun avoidance, scar massage, scar cream, and/or fractionated laser treatments all can help improve healing and minimize the appearance of male breast reduction scars,” he adds.

Once fully recovered, the overwhelming majority of male chest reduction patients find the procedure to be worth it. Dr. Hess can certainly attest to his own patients’ satisfaction. “The surgery opens up options for more fitted clothing and the opportunity to enjoy many activities with greater freedom and ease, which can result in increased confidence and improved self-image, and even more fulfilling relationships with themselves, friends, family, and co-workers,” he explains.

Male breast reduction surgery typically brings increased confidence and improved self-image.

Choosing Your Gynecomastia Surgeon

If you are looking for a plastic surgeon to perform gynecomastia surgery, it is essential you choose someone with significant experience and relevant qualifications. “Selecting a properly trained and qualified surgeon will greatly increase your chances for a successful and safe operation,” says Dr. Hess. Be sure to choose a board certified plastic surgeon who operates in an accredited facility and is supported by a qualified medical team.

Read the full article on Healthline

Board certified plastic surgeon in Northern Virginia

Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Christopher L. Hess specializes in face, breast, and body aesthetics. He has served patients in the Fairfax/Northern VA area for over 20 years and has been repeatedly named one of Northern Virginia Magazine’s Top Plastic Surgeons. Find out why Dr. Hess’s patients leave reviews like, “I could not achieve the body of my dreams just with exercise alone! It has only been less than 36 hrs and I feel great and look great!”

Dr. Hess would love to meet with you one-on-one at his Fairfax plastic surgery practice and help you create a customized treatment plan to achieve your goals. Schedule your consultation with us online or call (703) 752-6608 to get started on your personal transformation.

The post Dr. Christopher Hess Discusses Gynecomastia in Healthline Article appeared first on Dr. Hess.

Are you considering getting an enhanced backside contour with the popular Brazilian butt lift, or BBL, procedure? As common as this surgery seems to be, it is actually quite dangerous—and board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Christopher Hess advises his patients to think twice before seeking it out. Below, we explain why.

The technique required to perform a BBL can be deadly

A Brazilian butt lift—technically “gluteal fat grafting”— is a two part procedure: first, a surgeon uses liposuction to strategically remove fat from the waist, hips, flank, or thighs. This harvested fat is then purified, placed in a syringe, and re-injected into the buttocks to create the desired appearance.

The reason that a Brazilian butt lift, or BBL, is dangerous is that a surgeon can easily and accidentally inject fat into a blood vessel, causing blood clots or pulmonary fat embolism in the blood vessels of the lungs. To avoid potentially deadly complications, injected fat should be placed just below the skin (in the subcutaneous plane) using a thick, blunt-tipped cannula to avoid injecting into a blood vessel or into the muscle; if the fat is injected into the gluteus maximus muscle (deeper than the layers of skin and fat), there is an increased risk of the fat reaching a blood vessel.

A surgeon can easily and accidentally inject fat into a blood vessel, causing blood clots or pulmonary fat embolism in the blood vessels of the lungs.

A 2017 task force found that numerous doctors were using the dangerous technique of injecting into the muscle

In response to an alarmingly high percentage of patient deaths after the Brazilian butt lift, various plastic surgery professional organizations created a task force to study the issue. Their 2017 report made it clear why the BBL was so deadly: numerous surgeons were injecting fat into the muscles of the buttocks, thinking that this technique led to a better, more natural-looking outcome. In fact, this method led to patient deaths and other life-altering complications.

From 2017-2020, surgeon education initiatives helped to reduce the number of surgeons utilizing this technique. But, even with our increased collective knowledge, the risks of receiving enhanced buttocks through this method outweigh the benefits, and plastic surgeons who limit their practice to only the safest procedures do not offer BBL.

Watch for unethical BBL providers

As Brazilian butt lift remains extremely popular, reports continue to surface of doctors who offer this procedure in less-than-hygienic conditions, performing numerous discount procedures a day in order to capitalize on demand. This “BBL factory” or “chop shop” type of operation is highly dangerous, and should be avoided at all costs. Red flags to look for include:

• The doctor does not hold board certification from the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
• The price quoted for a BBL seems lower than that charged by qualified, experienced, medically-respected plastic surgeons.
• The surgeon does not have glowing reviews from their previous patients on sites with verifiable patient reviews such as Real Patient Ratings.
• The surgeon does not hold privileges at a trusted local hospital.
• The surgeon does not take time to hear about and discuss your health history, goals, and desired outcome.

When considering any plastic surgery procedure, you should have a face-to-face meeting with your surgeon in which they answer all of your questions and discuss all of the procedure options to meet your goals. Surgeons should also provide you with a personalized, comprehensive fee quote based on your procedure details. If anything about their credentials, experience, or compassion for you as a patient seems “off,” walk away.

If anything about their credentials, experience, or compassion for you as a patient seems “off,” walk away.

Alternatives to the BBL

The apparent size of your buttocks can often be enhanced by sculpting nearby areas of the body. A plastic surgeon with extensive experience can help you learn about all of the available safe options for creating an hourglass figure, including tummy tuck, CoolSculpting, and waist and flank liposuction. Plastic surgeons work with numerous patients of all shapes and sizes, and are able to offer highly customized advice for you.

For patients intent on increasing the projection and size of their buttocks, gluteal implants may be the safest option—but buttock implants still carry risks. To safely reach your appearance goals, schedule a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon who is experienced in body contouring procedures.

About board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Christopher Hess of Fairfax, VA

Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Christopher Hess has served patients in the Fairfax, Virginia area for over 20 years. He is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. Dr. Hess prioritizes learning about each patient’s goals in an in-depth consultation, and he helps you to learn about all of your options and their safety to empower you to make an informed decision about your plastic surgery. To schedule a consultation today, call 703.752.6608 or contact us online today.

The post A Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Advises Against the BBL—Here’s Why appeared first on Dr. Hess.

Plastic surgeons often combine plastic surgery procedures for their patients: Arm liposuction and arm lift, for example, yields a complementary result and may be performed all at once. Procedure combinations allow patients to have a single recovery, attend fewer appointments, and to save on certain costs.

However, plastic surgery isn’t always “mix and match,” and there are certain cases in which combination plastic surgery is ill-advised or even dangerous. Below, board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Christopher Hess explains the situations in which he does not offer combined procedures, and why.

Plastic surgery should not be combined in these 3 situations

1. Combination plastic surgeries that take over 6 hours

Certain procedure combinations may require many hours for your surgeon to complete. But we know that as operative time under general anesthesia becomes longer, the risk of complications—like infection or bleeding—increases. For this reason, Dr. Hess (like most cosmetic plastic surgeons) only performs combination operations that require no more than 6 consecutive hours in the operating room.

As operative time under general anesthesia becomes longer, the risk of complications—like infection or bleeding—increases.

2. Facial plastic surgery before body procedures

As a breast and body specialist, Dr. Hess frequently works with facial plastic surgeons to offer his patients a combined face and body transformation. However, it is key in these scenarios to always undergo body surgery before facial surgery since facial fluid is not considered “clean.” This consideration is especially key if a patient is undergoing breast augmentation, where the sterility of the breast implants is critical to avoiding complications such as capsular contracture.

3. Arm lift or medial thigh lift for hidradenitis combined with another procedure

Hidradenitis suppurativa is a skin condition that creates painful skin sores, pimples, or lumps in areas of the body where there is skin-on-skin contact, like the upper arms or inner thighs. This condition requires treatment and can significantly worsen over time, leading to infection and scarring. For these reasons, patients may seek an arm lift or thigh lift for relief. In these cases, to lower risk of infection, we do not combine this procedure with others.

When it is safe to combine plastic surgery procedures

Still, these unsafe procedure combinations are not a reason to avoid multiple plastic surgeries altogether. For patients in good health, numerous common combinations are frequently performed safely and under 6 hours, including:

• Breast augmentation and breast lift to both address drooping in the breasts and increase volume and projection
• Breast surgery, tummy tuck, and liposuction—a.k.a. a “mommy makeover” to reverse the effects of childbearing and/or aging
• Liposuction and a lifting procedure are often performed together—the liposuction first removes excess fat, allowing Dr. Hess to achieve more pronounced results from procedures that remove excess skin like arm lift, thigh lift, or tummy tuck
• Facelift and eyelid lift or brow lift to address aging in both the upper and lower face

Choose board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Christopher Hess for your Fairfax plastic surgery

Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Christopher L. Hess has served patients in the Fairfax, VA area for over 20 years and has been named one of Northern Virginia Magazine’s Top Plastic Surgeons. He offers a full range of procedures for the breast and body. To learn more about your options, schedule your consultation with Dr. Hess online or call (703) 752-6608.

The post When It Is and Isn’t Safe to Combine Plastic Surgery appeared first on Dr. Hess.

On their own, tummy tuck, arm lift, facelift, and breast augmentation surgeries are some of the most transformative and satisfying procedures available. Yet, pairing each of these touchstones with its companion procedure can help our DC-area patients take their results to the next level. Below, we explore 5 of our favorite plastic surgery procedures and explain how each can be enhanced when combined with its complementary procedure.

But first, why should you consider combining your surgeries?

Why combine plastic surgery procedures?

Combining plastic surgery procedures can offer numerous benefits, including cost savings, shorter recovery times, and fewer appointments. Here are a few reasons you may choose to combine your desired plastic surgery procedures:

• You’ll already be at a hospital or accredited surgical suite
• You’ll already be under general anesthesia
• You’ll already be prepared for a recovery period

Now that we’ve covered why you may want to consider combining procedures, let’s dive into our 5 favorite plastic surgery combinations:

1. Tummy tuck and liposuction

While a tummy tuck, also called abdominoplasty, can tighten separated muscles and remove extra skin from the abdomen to help you achieve a firmer, flatter stomach, liposuction is needed to address unwanted fat. This powerhouse combination is called lipoabdominoplasty and is ideal for patients who wish to remove unwanted fat from around their abdominal wall, as well as eliminate sagging skin around the hips.

Who’s a good candidate?

You may be a good candidate for lipoabdominoplasty if you have recently lost a significant amount of weight but are still struggling with stubborn fat on your belly. Lipoabdominoplasty is also often included as part of a mommy makeover procedure, helping post-partum women regain their pre-pregnancy shape.

2. Breast augmentation and lift

If you’d like to increase the size of your breasts and enhance their shape, implant-based breast augmentation is the perfect procedure. However, if you’re also looking to restore your breasts to a more youthful position, consider combining this traditional procedure with a breast lift. Together, breast augmentation with a lift can help you achieve a perky, shapely chest that will make you feel great and look even better, whether you’re sunbathing in a bikini or wearing a blouse at the office.

Who’s a good candidate?

You may be a good candidate for breast implants with a breast lift if you have sagging tissue and “deflated” breasts—usually women in their 40s, 50s, and 60s who want to restore their chest after breastfeeding, or simply wish to reverse the toll that aging takes on the breasts.

3. Arm lift and liposuction

An arm lift, clinically referred to as brachioplasty, tightens droopy skin in the upper arms (colloquially referred to as “bat wings”). While an arm lift can remove and tighten these sagging arm tissues, liposuction is often needed to reduce unwanted fat deposits and further slim the arms. After this initial liposuction is performed, a non-surgical body contouring treatment, such as CoolSculpting, may be adequate for future touch-ups.

Who’s a good candidate?

Good candidates for an arm lift combined with liposuction have extra fat and skin in their upper arms they’d like to have surgically removed. Oftentimes, these are men and women who have recently lost a lot of weight due to diet and exercise or bariatric surgery. Arm lift patients look forward to wearing sleeveless clothing or a bathing suit without the risk of embarrassment that can come from having loose, saggy upper arms.

Combining plastic surgery procedures can offer numerous benefits, including cost savings, shorter recovery times, and fewer appointments.

4. Facelift and eyelid lift

Facelift and eyelid lift often go hand-in-hand: this is because lined, baggy eyelids contrasted with a smooth lower face & neck would be a dead giveaway that someone has had a facelift. As such, patients often choose to balance their facelift surgery with an eyelid lift, also referred to as blepharoplasty.

Blepharoplasty removes loose or sagging skin, fatty deposits, and fine lines surrounding the eyes to help patients look younger and more refreshed. When performed together, a facelift and blepharoplasty can rejuvenate one’s face from the brow to the neck.

Who’s a good candidate?

If your facial appearance is keeping you from truly appreciating your inner beauty, or you simply want to look younger and more refreshed, a facelift combined with an eyelid lift can help tighten aging tissues in the lower face and diminish lines & wrinkles from around the eyes.

5. Facelift and fillers

Facelift surgery lifts and tightens loose tissues in the lower face and neck, helping patients turn back the hands of time 10 or more years. But while a facelift can correct jowling, it typically doesn’t address deep lines or wrinkles or volume loss. In order to correct these tell-tale signs of aging, we often recommend patients pair their facelift with fat grafting or a dermal filler, such as Juvéderm or Restylane.

Who’s a good candidate?

Good candidates for a facelift with filler are those looking to correct a full spectrum of facial aging concerns—usually men and women in their 50s-60s who want to improve their confidence in relationships or appear more refreshed at work. Consider the following when choosing which filler is right to pair with your facelift:

• Fat grafting: We recommend facial fat grafting for those looking for a longer-term solution to volume loss beneath the eyes or in the cheeks, or to fill in deep facial folds. During fat grafting, your plastic surgeon will use liposuction to harvest fat from an area of your body with a little extra (typically the abdomen, hips, or thighs), process it in a centrifuge, then inject it into your facial hollows. Since about 40-60% of fat will “take,” your surgeon will likely inject a little more than is needed in order to account for fat reabsorption. The ultimate results of fat grafting should last indefinitely as long as a healthy diet and lifestyle are maintained.

• Dermal fillers: For patients looking for a more temporary and non-invasive facial filler, Juvéderm and Restylane present ideal options. These dermal fillers are made of hyaluronic acid (HA), a naturally occurring substance found in our bodies that help lift sunken areas of the face and smooth & tighten skin around the nose and mouth. HA-based dermal fillers usually last 6-12 months, at which point they are naturally absorbed by the body.

Enhance your physique with DC-area plastic surgeon Dr. Hess

Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Christopher L. Hess has been serving patients in the Northern Virginia/Fairfax area for over 20 years. Dr. Hess specializes in breast, body, and face procedures, and would love to help you create a customized treatment plan to achieve your aesthetic goals. Find out why Dr. Hess’s patients leave reviews like, “Dr. Hess made me feel comfortable throughout my entire treatment process through surgery. He is incredibly talented and knows exactly what he is doing.” Schedule your consultation with us online or call (703) 752-6608 to get started on your personal transformation.

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If you are fed up with shoulder pain, bra straps digging into your skin, and difficulty exercising, you may be a good candidate for breast reduction surgery (also known as reduction mammaplasty). This procedure provides relief from a number of symptoms associated with large breasts. But you will be making an investment of time and money in your surgery, so you are wise to investigate the risk of future changes that could affect your breast reduction results.

The fact is, your breasts can get bigger again after breast reduction surgery, but it rarely happens (and this doesn’t mean that breast reduction isn’t for you). Below, we outline how this can happen, and how to prevent unwanted changes to your breast size.

What happens during breast reduction surgery?

During your breast reduction surgery, Dr. Hess will make a “lollipop” or “anchor” shaped incision. The lollipop incision encircles the areola, with a line that extends to the bottom breast fold, and an anchor incision involves the same with an additional incision along the breast base. Through your incision, a portion of the glandular breast tissue, fat, and excess skin is removed. Dr. Hess uses the superomedial pedicle technique to minimize risk of complications and ensure the upper pole of the breast remains round and “full” looking, to help give you natural-looking results and avoid a deflated appearance.

With Dr. Hess’ years of experience achieving gorgeous results with breast reduction, he is careful to plan your results to appear natural in proportion with your other features. Before surgery, you will have worked with Dr. Hess to determine your ideal “look” that is in proportion with your overall figure.

Dr. Hess will talk with you during your breast reduction consultation about your family medical history, your age,  and any other factors that may affect breast regrowth.

How long after breast reduction will I know my size?

While you will be able to enjoy smaller breasts immediately following surgery, it takes several months after breast reduction before swelling goes down completely and your results are final. Subtle changes are possible up to a year after surgery, so to be safe, allow a full year to pass before assuming your breast size is completely settled.

What does it mean if my breasts look bigger soon after surgery?

If you are experiencing an increase in breast size within the first few weeks or months after surgery, this could be a sign that you are too physically active too soon after surgery, leading to excess swelling. Contact Dr. Hess (or your plastic surgeon) if you are experiencing an unusual or unexpected increase in swelling. To prevent unwanted swelling, follow your post-operative instructions carefully (it will be several weeks before you can be fully physically active).

If I get a breast reduction, will they grow back?

Breast size is very stable after breast reduction surgery. That said, you will still experience normal, slight variations in size over the course of your hormonal cycle or with minor weight fluctuations.

Your reduced breasts may more noticeably increase in size in the following circumstances:

1. Pregnancy and breastfeeding after breast reduction

Both pregnancy and breastfeeding can enlarge the remaining breast tissue (glandular tissue, in particular) after breast reduction surgery.

2. Hormone changes after breast reduction

Starting birth control pills, experiencing menopause, and taking certain medications may all affect hormones and thereby cause a change in breast tissue volume.

3. Adolescent development after breast reduction

For patients who undergo breast reduction while their bodies are still developing, further hormonal changes and development can affect the breast size.

4. Weight gain after breast reduction

When we gain weight, we gain weight throughout our bodies, so future weight gain can increase breast size.

How to prevent breast growth after breast reduction

The best way to prevent changes to your breast size is to keep your weight stable. While you may be unable to prevent glandular breast tissue from enlarging in some of the above scenarios, you can prevent excess fat from enlarging your breasts through weight maintenance. For this reason, if you are thinking about breast reduction, be sure you are at a stable weight that you plan to maintain before scheduling your surgery.

Dr. Hess will talk with you during your breast reduction consultation about your family medical history, your age, pregnancy and breastfeeding plans, and any other factors that may affect breast tissue regrowth. He will help you weigh your personal risks and benefits of breast reduction surgery, so rest assured that you will not have to be alone as you consider whether or not now is the time for surgery.

Breast sagging after breast reduction

Great surgical technique prevents a deflated or sagging appearance in the years immediately after surgery. But sagging is a normal and natural part of the aging process, and getting a breast reduction will not shield your tissues from the effects of time. Still, getting the breast reduction now can pay off by reducing the inevitable sagging that comes with age: your breasts will have less weight to exacerbate the issue, so it likely won’t be as severe if you have the surgery.

Schedule your consultation with Dr. Christopher Hess in Fairfax, VA

To schedule a breast reduction consultation with board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Christopher L. Hess, call us at (703) 752-6608 or contact us online. Dr. Hess has served patients in Northern Virginia for over 20 years. He was named one of the Top Plastic Surgeons in the region by Northern Virginia Magazine for 8 years, and he offers a full range of breast procedures.

The post Can my breasts get bigger after a breast reduction? appeared first on Dr. Hess.

You’ve seen the before and after photos of patients who have had tummy tucks and liposuction of the belly area. It’s clear there are similarities: slimmer waistlines, flatter stomachs. But when you look in the mirror, it may not be obvious which procedure will achieve the kind of results you want for your shape.

The question of which procedure is right for you depends less on what you see in the “after” photos, and is largely determined by your personal “before” photo—do you have loose skin that needs to be addressed, or is fat your main concern? Whether a tummy tuck or liposuction will give you great results depends on the concerns you have that led you to research plastic surgery to begin with. Let’s discuss how these procedures each affects the abdomen, and how you can tell which is right for you.

Why you may choose liposuction

Liposuction is ideal for patients who just want to eliminate some fat. Anywhere that you have stubborn fat, such as a stomach pooch or love handles, liposuction can be customized to eliminate it. To be a good candidate for liposuction, however, you must have good skin elasticity and have no excess skin. If your skin doesn’t readily bounce back after being stretched, then liposuction may leave loose skin behind after the fat is removed.

Why you may need a tummy tuck

You will see better results from a tummy tuck than liposuction if you have any of these concerns:

• You have excess skin
• You have poor skin elasticity
• You require the surgery in order to treat diastasis recti
• You desire a change in the appearance of your belly button
• You would like to remove certain stretch marks or scars

The tummy tuck gives your surgeon the power to truly revamp your figure; the procedure affects the muscles, fat, and skin of your stomach, tightening the foundation and sculpting the waist that you desire. A tummy tuck may also, in fact, include liposuction.

What will my experience be like with a tummy tuck versus liposuction?

With tummy tuck, you’ll see a dramatic change in the shape of your abdomen, with the trade-off of more downtime than you will have after liposuction. With liposuction, on the other hand, you will see a reduction in fat (your musculature won’t be tightened, as it is in a tummy tuck), with slightly less downtime.

The question of which procedure is right for you depends on your specific needs—do you have loose skin that needs to be addressed, or is fat your main concern?

The difference in the two procedures begins with your incisions. Liposuction requires just a small incision about the width of a pencil eraser, so you do not have to worry about noticeable scarring. You’ll need about a week to recover, but it can vary depending on the size and location of areas you have treated. You’ll wear a compression garment for a few weeks after your procedure, and wait 3-4 weeks before returning to strenuous activity like exercise.

Tummy tuck requires an incision along the base of the stomach, beneath the bikini line, so that your surgeon can reach your abdominal muscles and create a tightened, sculpted waistline. After surgery, you’ll wear a surgical drain at the incision site, and your incisions will be covered in bandages. You’ll need at least two weeks of downtime before you can resume normal activities, and have to avoid movement that could stress the area and certain activities (including vigorous exercise or swimming) for about six weeks.

Surgical body contouring vs. non-surgical procedures

While liposuction surgery can quickly and precisely remove undesirable fat, non-surgical fat reduction treatments are a helpful alternative for patients who do not have room in their schedules for surgical downtime. CoolSculpting® is the most well-known example, and we offer it at our Fairfax plastic surgery center. We find that CoolSculpting works well for patients who have excellent skin elasticity and are willing to return for multiple treatments.

Talk to a board certified plastic surgeon to understand your options

Want to understand exactly what kind of results you can expect from various body contouring procedures? While online procedure information and photos are helpful, there’s no substitute for a personal consultation with a highly qualified plastic surgeon. They can help you understand which options are best for your unique anatomy.

If you are in the greater Fairfax, VA or Washington, DC area, schedule your consultation today with board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Christopher Hess by calling 703.752.6608 or contacting us online.

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RealSelf’s 20 most “worth it” procedures of 2020 are in, and we think they’re pretty spot-on. From weight loss surgery to Dysport and everything in between, the RealSelf team has compiled a list of patients’ top-ranked cosmetic surgery procedures of the “Zoom Boom” year. If you’re considering plastic surgery to enhance your appearance in 2021, here are our patients’ favorite procedures from RealSelf’s list to help inform your decision.

Gynecomastia Treatment – 99% RealSelf “Worth It” rating

Man boobs (colloquially known as “moobs”) are a feature many men find embarrassing. Gynecomastia surgery, a.k.a. male breast reduction, restores a flat, firm, masculine appearance to the chest through liposuction and/or removing excess tissue. Contrary to the belief that man boobs are caused solely by weight gain, gynecomastia is often the result of an imbalance in estrogen and testosterone hormones, meaning that exercise and diet alone aren’t enough to reduce their appearance.

It’s no surprise to us that gynecomastia surgery was rated the number two most “worth it” procedure by RealSelf patients: we too have seen countless men develop a new sense of self-worth and confidence after undergoing this procedure. And guys, with summer finally in sight, now is the perfect time to get the enviable beach body you’ve been craving.

Breast augmentation – 97% RealSelf “Worth It” rating

While breast augmentation surgery has evolved tremendously over the years, this keystone procedure never goes out of style. Breast surgery allows a woman to achieve rounder, perkier, more symmetrical breasts and feel more sexy & confident in her own skin. And thanks to advances in the plastic surgery field, breast augmentation surgery now boasts a quicker and easier recovery period than ever before.

At Hess Plastic Surgery, we understand that each of our patients has their own unique goals, needs, and anatomies. Dr. Hess accommodates this individuality by encouraging his breast augmentation patients to try on 15 to 30 different pairs of implants and empowering them to make decisions regarding their augmentation by giving them plenty of in-depth information during their consultations.

Mommy makeover – 96% RealSelf “Worth It” rating

The mommy makeover has risen in popularity over the years due to its ability to reduce surgery & recovery time and costs by combining multiple procedures. Though there is no standard set of procedures that comprise a mommy makeover, the surgery typically includes a combination of breast augmentation, tummy tuck, and liposuction—but as the RealSelf article points out, a mommy makeover can also include a breast lift, breast reduction, and even non-surgical facial treatments, such as dermal fillers and Botox. The beauty of a mommy makeover lies in its ability to be custom-tailored to each patient’s needs and desires with the ultimate goal of returning a woman’s body to its pre-pregnancy state.

If you’ve been considering plastic surgery to shed excess skin and fat, now is the perfect time. As one RealSelf patient smartly noted, “I wouldn’t have ever found the right time for my [mommy makeover] surgery during a ‘normal’ year.”

Tummy tuck – 96% RealSelf “Worth It” rating

At its core (pun intended), a tummy tuck, a.k.a. abdominoplasty, reduces excess skin & fat and tightens the abdomen. Depending on a patient’s goals and body type, a tummy tuck also may include:

• Removal of the skin pouch that hangs over the pelvis (clinically referred to as a panniculectomy)
• Diastasis recti repair (re-tightening abdominal muscles that cause the belly to protrude)
• Liposuction of the belly, flanks, hips, and/or thighs

The ultimate goal of a tummy tuck is to undo the stretching and sagging that pregnancy, childbirth, and weight fluctuations cause to the skin and muscles of the belly over time.

At Hess Plastic Surgery, we also offer a mini tummy tuck, perfect for patients who wish to address a more limited amount of sagging skin in the lower belly. A mini tummy tuck also requires less downtime and cost than a full tummy tuck.

Botox – 94% RealSelf “Worth It” rating

Consistently one of the most popular non-surgical cosmetic procedures, Botox hardly needs an introduction. It’s fast (injections take just minutes), requires no downtime, and is incredibly effective at temporarily reducing the appearance of dynamic wrinkles (think: crow’s feet, frown lines, and forehead lines). Botox takes about a week to take full effect and results usually last between three to six months. And like the RealSelf article points out, Botox can also help reduce teeth grinding, migraines, and eye twitches.

If you’re new to Botox, we recommend starting out small. You’ll be surprised how just a few precisely-placed injections (commonly referred to as “Baby Botox”) can take years off your face and soften your expression, making you look instantly more approachable. You can learn more about micro Botox injections by contacting our office.

What makes a procedure “Worth It”?

RealSelf’s “worth it” rating is based on actual reviews from RealSelf patients. While this is one good measurement of a patient’s overall satisfaction with a procedure, we believe that a procedure’s worthiness depends largely on working with a board certified plastic surgeon who has extensive expertise in that procedure. Board certification ensures that a surgeon has gone through rigorous training in a full range of plastic and reconstructive procedures, has passed numerous written and oral exams, and is considered to be a fully qualified plastic surgeon by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.

Dr. Christopher L. Hess is a board certified plastic surgeon with over 17 years of experience serving patients in the Fairfax, VA & Washington D.C. area. He is also a RealSelf Top Contributor, meaning he is considered a trusted source of knowledge and expertise in plastic surgery by the RealSelf community. To learn more about any of the procedures mentioned in this post or in RealSelf’s Top 20 list, contact us online or call (703) 752-6608 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Hess.

The post Thinking of Having a Cosmetic Procedure in 2021? Here Are the Ones Patients Say are Most “Worth It” appeared first on Dr. Hess.

As a board certified plastic surgeon with over 16 years of experience, I have helped numerous women achieve their dream breast augmentation results. Getting beautiful results that last for years isn’t easy, but working with a board certified plastic surgeon who will take the time to help you find the breast implants that best fit your body, lifestyle, and aesthetic desires will set you up for success. In this post, I’ll discuss why your results depend on the right breast implants, and how a plastic surgeon can guide their patients in making the best choice for them.

Empowering patients to make the right choice

Choosing to undergo a breast augmentation is a big decision, and with all the details involved, it can be tempting to let your plastic surgeon choose your implants for you. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying you shouldn’t follow your surgeon’s implant advice; rather, you should actively participate in the discussion so you can feel confident you are making an informed decision versus simply taking someone else’s advice without careful thought. Remember that while your plastic surgeon may be an expert in breast surgery, they are not yet experts in your lifestyle and particular aesthetic goals!

My patients may try on as many as 15 to 30 pairs of implants before their augmentation, which makes our practice very unique.

As a RealSelf Top Contributor, I have noticed that it is surprisingly common for plastic surgeons to give their patients choices for implant volume and profile but actually choose the final implant size for their patients either preoperatively or in the operating room. I prefer to empower my patients to choose the perfect breast implants long before they reach the operating room. After all, by the time you arrive at my office, you’ve likely been thinking about what your breasts should look like after surgery for a considerable amount of time.

My job at the implant-choosing stage is to be your guide. I encourage my patients to look at, feel, and try on as many implants as they want before surgery to make sure they are fully happy with their implant choice. My patients may try on as many as 15 to 30 pairs of implants before their augmentation, which makes our practice very unique in the plastic surgery world.

Using breast implant sizers versus requesting a cup size

Many of my patients are surprised to find that I actually discourage them from focusing on their desired cup size during the sizing process. This may sound counterintuitive, but bra cup sizing is notoriously unreliable: you may wear a C cup in one brand or style and a DD in another, meaning you’re not comparing apples to apples when discussing bra cup sizes with your surgeon. Also, the number of cubic centimeters (cc’s) needed to move up a cup size can vary widely depending on a patient’s existing breast size and shape. That said, size is an essential piece to achieving successful breast augmentation results, and implant sizers are your best friend when it comes to finding your perfect size.

What are breast implant sizers made of?

Implant sizers are actual sample breast implants used to give patients a sense of what their breast size may look like after surgery. They are made of the same material as actual breast implants (allowing you to get a feel for silicone vs saline fills) and are available in a variety of sizes and styles.

How can I get the most out of my implant sizing session?

When you come to your plastic surgeon’s office to try on implants, I recommend bringing several outfits with you so you can better understand how different implant sizes will look and feel in various clothing.

I think it’s important to wear a tight sports bra while trying on sizers, as this helps unite the sizers with your existing breast tissue and thus provides a more accurate idea of your potential post-surgical breast size.

Note: one of the major downsides of sizers is that they tend to sit lower in the bra than surgically-placed breast implants, therefore your surgeon should guide you while trying them on.

Should I go bigger?

While my overall goal is to help patients find a size that feels comfortable and complements their natural figure, I advise my patients who are stuck choosing between two similar sizes to go with larger implants, as the number one non-medical reason for breast revision surgery is to switch to bigger implants.

Why breast implant shape matters

Round implants are the most common breast implant shape thanks to the fact that their round, unstructured shape can create a visually-pleasing result in a variety of patients. They can also provide more fullness in the upper portion of the breast (referred to as the upper “pole”) than comparably-sized “shaped” form-stable implants. Both saline and silicone fill options are available for round breast implants.

However, round implants are not for everyone. For patients with minimal natural breast tissue, I sometimes recommend shaped, or “gummy bear”, implants because they have a form-stable teardrop shape (meaning they hold their form and are contoured at the bottom & tapered at the top). This structure helps them look more natural on slimmer women with smaller breasts. Available in cohesive silicone gel only, shaped breast implants provide a firmer feel than round breast implants.

Textured vs. smooth implants

All breast implants, regardless of fill type, have a silicone shell that is either smooth or textured. As their name implies, textured implants have a texture applied to prevent them from rotating in the breast implant pocket; this is particularly important for shaped implants that have a slimmer top and fuller bottom and must stay right-side up. Round implants, on the other hand, often have a smooth shell, as rotation within the breast implant pocket will not affect the appearance of the breast.

Textured implants have recently declined in popularity because certain highly textured implants have been associated with a very rare form of lymphoma, breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL). One particular line, Allergan’s Biocell breast implants, was recalled over this risk. It’s important for patients to be aware that not all textured implants are implicated and those with more standard shell textures have been safely used for years.

For the majority of patients, I recommend smooth implants, as they provide beautiful results and are offered in a wide range of sizes and profiles. In cases where a patient wants textured implants or I think they will provide the best result, we can choose textured implants that have been shown to have the lowest risk.

Considering breast implant profile

A common misconception is that the word profile determines how high or low on the chest the implant is placed. This is not true; when it comes to breast implants, the word “profile” refers to how much your breast implants will project outward from your chest.

The 380 cc implants that were perfect for your friend might not be right for you: if your breast width differs by just a few centimeters, you would need a different amount of cc’s to get a similar end result.

Note that implant profile isn’t tied to implant size because implants are made in a range of widths to fit patient breast measurements. Imagine two 380 cc implants where one has a 12 cm base and the other has a 16 cm base. The one where the same amount of ccs is constricted to a 12 cm base will be taller than the implant where the 380 ccs is allowed to spread over a 16cm surface. In other words, the narrower the implant base is, the greater the projection will be.

This is also why the 380 cc implants that were perfect for your friend might not be right for you: if your breast width differs by just a few centimeters, you would need a different amount of ccs to get a similar end result.

High profile breast implants

High profile implants work best in women who want a large, curvaceous bust because they provide more upper pole fullness and therefore increase cleavage. High profile implants can create very aesthetically-pleasing results for women who have narrow breasts and a good amount of natural breast tissue; the outcome is breasts that appear rounder while maintaining a good amount of projection.

Low profile breast implants

Low profile implants are ideal for slimmer women with wider chests who are physically active and don’t want to be impeded by large breasts. They allow you to increase fullness with less projection, creating a natural-looking breast that won’t get in the way at the gym. Low profile implants can also work well for women with wide breasts that want to maximize volume at the edges of their breasts, especially in the cleavage and upper pole, without increasing projection.

Moderate profile breast implants

Moderate profile implants tend to be ideal for most of my patients, as they create well-proportioned, natural-looking breasts. With just the right amount of projection, moderate profile implants are a safe choice if you’ve tried on both high and low profile implants and still aren’t sure which is best for you.

Choose Dr. Hess for your breast augmentation

Let board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Christopher L. Hess help you choose your perfect breast implants. With over 16 years of experience performing breast augmentations in northern Virginia and the Washington, DC area, Dr. Hess has the knowledge, skill, and experience to help you achieve your dream breast surgery results. Contact Dr. Hess online or call our practice at (703) 752-6608 today.

The post A Plastic Surgeon Explains How to Choose Your Perfect Breast Implants appeared first on Dr. Hess.

What’s the first thing most people do when looking for a plastic surgeon? It’s natural to start with browsing various doctor’s “before” and “after” photos given they are a key way to gain insight into what results a surgeon can give you, as well as what results are possible with your anatomy.

But how do you know if what you are seeing is “real”? And how can you judge a surgeon’s skill from their patient photos? Here are some key factors to consider when viewing a plastic surgeon’s B&A gallery:

• Consistent views
• Consistent (but not “cookie cutter”) results
• Consistent positioning and sizing
• Patients who look like you in their “before” images
• Proven skill with a range of patients
• Natural-looking results
• Incision placement
• When the images were taken

Consistent views

It’s important that your potential plastic surgeon publishes consistent views (often 2-3 views including side, front, and ¾ images) of patients in their online gallery. If a practice randomly selects views instead of displaying consistent images, this could mean they are choosing only the most flattering images and thereby disguising flaws in their results.

Consistent (but not “cookie cutter”) results

If a surgeon’s B&A photos show inconsistent results, you should be skeptical, as this could indicate inexperience or lack of specialization in the procedure you seek. On the other hand, if a surgeon’s results seem too “cookie cutter”, you may want to avoid him or her.

Consistent positioning and sizing

“After” photos should show patients in a nearly identical position to their “before” photo position. Plastic surgeons do this by having patients stand on certain marks on the floor, and look towards other marks on the wall in their photo room.

Additionally, the “after” image should show the patient at the same size as the “before” and “after” image (not slightly more zoomed in or zoomed out). This matters quite a bit with procedures like liposuction: if the “after” photo is made smaller, it will exaggerate the result.

There’s one caveat when it comes to consistency: addressing concerns that have made a patient feel insecure for years can have a profound impact on their self confidence, therefore it’s common for patients to stand taller or smile bigger in “after” photos.

Patients who look like you in their “before” images

Finding patients who look like you in “before” photos can help you visualize the kind of results you can expect for your surgery. For example, if you’re interested in a tummy tuck, look for patients who have a similar body type, fat deposits, and degree of skin laxity in their “before” pictures as you currently have.

Whatever procedure you are considering, find patients who look like you and note how the issues you want to address were resolved in their “after” pictures. While there is no guarantee you will get the same results, if you see a number of patients with improvements you would be thrilled to have, you’re on the right track to finding the right surgeon.

You can view Dr. Hess’s B&A gallery here.

Proven skill with a range of patients

As a rule of thumb, it’s easier for a surgeon to provide excellent results when a patient has a large degree of symmetry before surgery. Only a great plastic surgeon has the skill to give patients with more challenging anatomies beautiful results. For example, it is more difficult to get beautiful breast augmentation results when a patient has asymmetric and/or tuberous breasts, uneven shoulders, or rib cage conditions like pectus excavatum (sunken chest).

Natural-looking results

Don’t let the term “plastic surgery” fool you—beautiful surgical results will never look manufactured. When browsing a surgeon’s B&A gallery, assess how natural each patient looks in their “after” photos. Putting the patient’s transformation from “before” out of your mind and looking at the “after” photo alone, would you guess they had plastic surgery?

Don’t let the term “plastic surgery” fool you—beautiful surgical results will never look manufactured.

When it comes to appearance, “natural” is a subjective term, but even more dramatic results can look very attractive when expertly handled. For example, a breast augmentation patient who has chosen to move from a B cup to a D cup will have larger, rounder breasts than a patient who has gone up just a single cup size. However, the results can still look proportionate: an expert surgeon will know how to use surgical technique and the right implants to flatter the patient’s body. (You can learn more about choosing the right breast implants here.)

There are limitations.

Some variations in outcomes can be the result of a patient’s anatomy. An experienced plastic surgeon can make remarkable changes, but there are limitations. If a patient has clear structural asymmetry or other unusual contours in their “before” images, their results may not look as stunning as other patients. If you think you may have anatomical differences that would affect your procedure, be sure to choose a plastic surgeon who has experience helping patients like you.

Incision placement

Incision placement can give you insight into both technique and the surgeon’s skill. You’ll see a variety of scar types across different photos, especially when it comes to body and breast lifting procedures. A shorter incision isn’t always better, and to get a beautiful result, proper access is needed. Incisions are also necessary anywhere a patient needs skin to be surgically excised and lifted. Still, a surgeon can show finesse in using the smallest effective incisions, and place them in inconspicuous locations. Well-healed final surgical scars should be relatively flat, blend in with the patient’s skin color, and look attractive & symmetrical.

When the images were taken

Why is it important to note when a patient’s “after” photos were taken? Some online galleries will show patients as soon as a few weeks after surgery (when scars tend to be red and fresh), while others will show the patient six months or even a year after surgery (when scars are typically well-healed). Checking on the time frame noted for the “after” photo can be helpful if the scars look fresh; you also may be able to request photos of the patient at a later stage of healing.

Beyond healing incisions, it takes longer to see the full results from some procedures compared to others. For example, facelift results can take up to a year to fully reveal themselves. Breast augmentation results also improve over the course of the first year: implants will initially sit higher on the chest and look more rounded, but will eventually “drop and fluff,” resulting in a more natural appearance.

If you’re unsure when a photo was taken, or if you would like to see gallery images with a certain amount of time elapsed between shots, ask the practice to show you photos of patients at various stages in their healing process. A qualified surgeon will be happy to share additional patient photos and discuss the healing process with you in detail.

Dr. Hess performs plastic surgery in northern Virginia

Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Christopher L. Hess has over 16 years of experience performing plastic surgery in northern Virginia and the DC area. Dr. Hess has been named a RealSelf Top Contributor based on his high patient ratings and helpful answers to patient questions. Contact Dr. Hess online or call (703) 752-6608 to discuss your aesthetic goals.

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