Articles Provided by Dr. Christopher Hess
Fairfax Plastic Surgery Articles

The Midface Lift
Christopher L. Hess, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Any time I bring up the topic of a midface lift I get the most quizzical looks. Although it is a less frequently performed than a standard facelift, it is no less important in facial rejuvenation.

The Mommy Makeover
Christopher L. Hess, M.D., F.A.C.S.

This is one of the latest catch phrases in plastic surgery. And of course I coined the phrase (okay every plastic surgeon says that). Regardless of this, why does it resonate so well today and what does it mean?

Tummy Tuck: Mini vs Full
Christopher L. Hess, M.D., F.A.C.S.

So, that tummy just isn’t want it used to be. Did you gain weight with pregnancy and your body just won’t return to it’s prepregnancy shape or your weight just got away from you and the tummy needs to be addressed so you’re not self-conscious about going to the gym.

What is a neck lift?
Christopher L. Hess, M.D., F.A.C.S.

I see a lot of patients regarding the appearance of their necks. Many of the patients will say “can’t you just take a little skin out under my chin?” Unfortunately, treatment of the neck, no matter how minor the concern might be, may require more than you think.

Breast Augmentation Incisions: Which One is the Best?
Christopher L. Hess, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Although many surgeons would tell their patients that the incision they use is the best, without explanation, I prefer to give patients all of the options and explain their pros and cons.

Breast Augmentation with Teardrop Implants
Christopher L. Hess, M.D., F.A.C.S.

What a great idea-create a breast implant that has the same shape as a natural breast! When these implants were created it seemed that they would be the ideal for breast augmentation. Unfortunately, the idea was greater than the reality.

Abdominoplasty vs. Liposuction
Christopher L. Hess, M.D., F.A.C.S.

I have more patients make appointments with me for liposuction of the abdomen when actually they need an abdominoplasty and vise versa. So why is treatment of the abdomen so confusing for patients? I can’t imagine because the problem is simple, it’s the skin, the abdominal wall fat, the intraabdominal fat, the muscles…. Okay, it’s not so simple. In fact it’s pretty complicated.

Breast Lift with or without Breast Augmentation
Christopher L. Hess, M.D., F.A.C.S.

The moms that come to see me for a breast lift do so because they want the youthful breasts that they had in their 20’s, before their children.

Liposuction: The Good, The Bad and The Skinny
Christopher L. Hess, M.D., F.A.C.S.

During consultations for body contouring, patients will often ask me about the newest techniques such as Smart Lipo. During all of my consultations I feel that it’s necessary to educate patients regarding the different methods of liposuction and their unique uses.

Time for a Mommy Makeover?
Christopher L. Hess, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Having a baby is a beautiful experience - the new baby, the new experiences, the new you…but sometimes that new you comes with body changes you might not have expected.

Information for patients considering Breast Augmentation
American Society of Plastic Surgeons

Breast augmentation, technically known as augmentation mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure to enhance the size and shape of a woman's breast for a number of reasons.