Franklin D. Richards, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon in Bethesda, Maryland | Serving Washington, DC & Northern Virginia

Bethesda Plastic Surgeon Serving Washington, DC & Northern Virginia

Dr. Richards sees patients at Cosmetic Surgery Associates in Bethesda, Maryland, a central location for patients throughout Montgomery County and the greater Washington, DC metropolitan area. His patients come from communities across Maryland, Washington, DC, and Northern Virginia, including Chevy Chase, Potomac, Rockville, McLean, Arlington, Alexandria, and Fairfax. Patients also travel from outside the DMV region for consultation and surgery.

Natural-Looking Facial Rejuvenation

Patients from Bethesda, Chevy Chase, Potomac, Washington, DC, Northern Virginia, and throughout the DMV seek facial rejuvenation for many different concerns. Facial aging may affect the lower face, jawline, neck, eyelids, skin laxity, or a combination of areas. Dr. Richards approaches facial rejuvenation to improve visible signs of aging while preserving the features that make each patient recognizable.

Depending on the patient’s anatomy and goals, a surgical plan may include a facelift or face-and-neck lift, a minimal-incision facial rejuvenation approach such as NaturalLift when appropriate, upper or lower eyelid surgery, or a combination of procedures. The appropriate technique is determined during consultation; no single facelift approach is right for every patient.

For patients who want to look refreshed rather than dramatically changed, Dr. Richards’ philosophy emphasizes proportion, balance, and a natural-looking result.

NaturalLift and Minimal-Incision Facial Rejuvenation

Dr. Richards has extensive experience with minimal-incision face and neck lifting. NaturalLift is one option within the facial rejuvenation services available at Cosmetic Surgery Associates. During consultation, Dr. Richards evaluates facial and neck laxity, the eyelids, facial volume, skin quality, and the patient’s goals to determine whether a limited-incision approach, a more comprehensive facelift and neck lift procedure, eyelid surgery, or a combination is appropriate.

Breast Surgery

At Cosmetic Surgery Associates in Bethesda, Dr. Richards sees breast surgery patients from Maryland, Washington, DC, Northern Virginia, and the surrounding DMV region. His cosmetic breast practice focuses on creating results proportional to the patient’s frame and aligned with her individual goals. He has extensive experience in breast augmentation and also treats patients seeking changes to previous breast surgery.

Depending on the patient’s needs, options may include breast augmentation, breast lift, augmentation with lift, implant removal or replacement, breast reduction, and breast revision. Revision surgery may be considered when a patient wants to change implant size or type, address changes that have developed over time, or improve the result of a previous breast procedure.

Dr. Richards has also contributed to professional education and publication in plastic surgery, including work related to techniques designed to reduce discomfort following breast augmentation.

Body Contouring

For patients in Bethesda and across the Washington, DC metropolitan area, body contouring can address areas that remain out of proportion despite changes in weight, pregnancy, aging, or healthy lifestyle efforts. Dr. Richards performs cosmetic body procedures designed to improve contour while maintaining natural proportion.

His body-contouring experience includes tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), liposuction, and other body-contouring procedures selected based on the patient’s anatomy and goals. Procedures may be performed individually or, when medically appropriate, combined as part of a broader surgical plan.

Revision Cosmetic Surgery

Patients sometimes seek cosmetic surgery after a previous procedure because their goals have changed, their anatomy has changed over time, or they would like an existing result evaluated or improved. Dr. Richards is sought by patients considering correction or improvement of previous cosmetic procedures.

Revision surgery requires careful evaluation of prior operations, existing anatomy, scar tissue, implants when present, and realistic treatment goals. Dr. Richards uses the consultation to determine what can reasonably be improved and whether additional surgery is appropriate.

Experience, Training, and Leadership

Board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.

Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS).

Member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).

Medical degree from The George Washington University School of Medicine, 1982.

Plastic surgery fellowship training at William Beaumont Army Medical Center.

General surgery residency training at Walter Reed Army Medical Center.

Past Chief of Plastic Surgery at John Hopkins, Suburban Hospital in Bethesda.

Former attending plastic surgeon at Walter Reed Army Medical Center.

Former Director of the Burn Unit at William Beaumont Army Medical Center during Desert Storm I.

Has presented at national meetings and contributed to professional plastic-surgery publications.

Has participated in volunteer cleft lip and palate surgical missions in Honduras and Haiti.

Recognition and Professional Contributions

Dr. Richards has earned numerous professional honors and regional distinctions throughout his career, reflecting decades of experience in plastic and reconstructive surgery. His recognitions include the American Medical Association Physician’s Recognition Award, the Certificate of Advanced Education in Cosmetic Surgery from the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, and the Meritorious Service Medal for his service as Burn Unit Director at William Beaumont Army Medical Center during Desert Storm.

Over the course of his career, Dr. Richards has also received Top Doctor and physician recognition from respected regional and national publications and organizations, including Washingtonian, Bethesda Magazine, and Castle Connolly, with recognition dating back to the 1990s. These distinctions complement his longstanding leadership and commitment to plastic surgery in the Washington, DC metropolitan area.

Why Patients Choose Dr. Richards

More than three decades of plastic-surgery experience.

An individualized approach focused on natural-looking, proportional results.

Experience across facial rejuvenation, breast surgery, body contouring, and revision cosmetic surgery.

Longstanding professional ties to the Washington, DC metropolitan area.

Hospital leadership and military medical experience.

Consultations centered on realistic goals, appropriate procedure selection, and informed decision-making.

Schedule a Consultation With Dr. Richards

Patients considering facial rejuvenation, breast surgery, body contouring, or revision cosmetic surgery can schedule a personalized consultation with Dr. Franklin D. Richards at Cosmetic Surgery Associates in Bethesda, Maryland. Conveniently located for patients throughout Montgomery County, Washington, DC, and Northern Virginia, the practice welcomes patients from across the DMV region. The consultation provides an opportunity to discuss concerns, review appropriate options, and develop an individualized treatment plan.