J. Smythe Rich, MD

I waited for almost 6 months to review the outcome of my cosmetic surgery so that I could report after results were clearly evident and most of the inflammation had subsided. (But please don't think it takes 6 months to heal - I was out in public in just over 2 weeks). I'm thrilled with the outcome of my procedures and impressed with Dr Rich and his staff.

Prior to my surgery, I found myself dimming mirror lights so that I did not notice the signs of aging. Yet, I still hesitated to have surgery due to concerns that I'm sure most women have as they consider going under the knife. I researched many cosmetic surgeons in the Columbia, SC area. I selected Dr. Rich due to excellent reviews and professional reputation. He does his own injections and lectures through the country on various cosmetic procedures.

Dr. Rich and I spoke at length during the surgical consult. We reviewed pictures of all his successes and discussed my goals, procedure options and potential outcomes. Upon selecting a surgical date, I received thorough pre-surgical instructions and support from Dr. Rich's excellent and caring staff. My surgery was performed in Dr. Rich's office without the use of general anesthesia - only oral medication. I did not feel a thing- apparently I slept for the entire time (as far as I can remember). Home care went forward without a 'wrinkle'. I was given Dr. Rich's cell phone number just in case I had any questions or concerns. I used the number once as I noticed a little fluid pocket. He responded immediately, and there was no need for alarm.

Naturally, the early recovery had its ups and downs. There were times I asked myself: "did I do the right thing"? These uncertainties only occurred during the immediate post-operative period when I noticed many small changes including lumps, bumps, and unevenness. I worried they wouldn't go away. Silly me, they always did. These fluid shifts are simply part of the normal recovery. However, after 2 weeks I was well on my way to healing, and I was going out and about with make up. Of the cosmetic procedures that I had, the Deep Plane Lift was by far the easiest and fastest recovery - with minimal discomfort or downtime. The Dermabrasion was a slower recovery as new skin had to form. Yet, after healing, the skin over my chin and around my mouth is the smoothest it has looked in years. The lip lift also was successful. The suture line under my nose was easily hidden by make-up early in the recovery. Now, after 6 months, the suture line is so light, it is probably noticeable only to me. It is very nicely hidden.

I believe you can place your full confidence in the knowledge and skill of Dr. Rich to help you achieve your cosmetic goals. HIs work is a combination of knowledge, proficiency, experience, sincere caring, and artistry. Dr. Rich enjoys his practice, and sincerely wants his patients to look and feel their very best at any age. He is meticulous in his work, and one of the kindest and most humble medical professionals you will meet. He even prayed with my husband and me prior to my surgery.

When I was 14yrs old my nose was broken in an accident. I never went to get it fixed because it was not always super noticeable. The older I got the more aware I became of it and wanted to get it fixed. My consultation with Dr. Rich was exactly what I needed to feel more confident about going through with the procedure. He explained everything very clearly and made sure I was knowledgeable about the procedure and pricing of everything. My recovery went smoothly and Dr. Rich was very responsive whenever I had any questions! Absolutely loved my overall experience. Would definitely recommend Dr. Smythe Rich!

I am elated with the natural results and refreshed look of my deep plane face/neck lift. Dr. Rich and his office staff are wonderful. From the first consultation visit to my last visit, I felt so comfortable and confident with him and his staff. He explained everything thoroughly, with much patience, while taking time to answer all questions. The surgery went great. I especially loved having it done in his office.

My surgery was due to a traumatic injury to my nose. Smythe was able to get me in quickly for my initial appointment and from there we had a surgery date. Smythe made sure. I was well informed about what to expect and had a wonderful experience before, during and after my surgery. Highly recommend him and his professional staff.

Excellent care. Dr. Rich and his staff are caring people who spend time with their clients and answer their questions. My experience with them with two surgeries as well as other facial services has been excellent so far.

i’ve always felt my nose was lacking a proper bridge. glasses often slid down my face and in profile my face looked flattened. so i booked a consultation with dr. Rich. He surprised me with his knowledge of Asian ethnic nasal surgical procedures.
The dr. patiently answered my questions, allaying my fears he would misunderstand my goals. On his computer he drew over a photo of my face showing me how the new bridge would look like. i left feeling he had understood me. i arranged a second consult meeting with dr. rich and brought my husband.
Basically an incision is made at the base where my nostrils meet. The nose is flapped up. Donor cartilage was stacked in pieces and sewn together and sewn to my own bridge. My nose was packed with cotton pieces and tapped over
My face was swollen for a week or so. I had to breathe through my mouth for several weeks I believe. i used a nasal spray rinse to irrigate the wound site. As for pain, it was more than i expected! it hurt acutely for about three weeks. i used otc pain medicine and tried to get off it promptly. i remember using ice for swelling and later to distract myself from feeling pain. i think it took 2-3 months for my face to settle down from the healing process.
Slowly but surely i am getting used to seeing my new bridge. i feel more confident and don’t have the feeling of being less than.
dr. rich is a real professional and has excellent surgical skills. he takes his time trying to listen to what you want. his computer mock up of my new bridge was extremely accurate to the actual result. he very accurate when he told me other people wouldn't notice my nose but i definitely would ! Very happy camper!

Updated on 13 Jun 2023:
I forgot to mention because my nasal bridge was raised, Dr. Rich added a piece of donor material to the tip of my nose as well. I think he did a great job of making my nose surgery results look natural and true to my being Asian. I told him I didn’t want to be unrecognizable from before but that I just wanted a higher nose bridge to add more definition to my front and side facial views.

Smythe Rich was recommended to me by friends, and I loved their results. I wanted to get rid of my "turkey gullet" for years (I'm a young 62). He recommended a "whisper lift" (deep plane lower face lift.) I was shocked that the whole experience was almost painless AND I was "presentable" to see people after only 10 days! My tiny scars are now invisible. My biggest fear was that i would appear pulled or look really different. My grown kids said the only difference was that I looked thirty years younger. My jowls were suddenly gone and no more turkey gobbler. He gave me his cell phone in case I had any problems and I called him ONCE a few days after surgery to ask him a question. Otherwise, the whole thing was a BREEZE and well worth it. It took me over a year to get an appointment, but I would do it all over again. Thank you, Dr. Rich ... I'm still really glad I trusted you to take care of me! XO

I had a rhinoplasty and chin implant almost 2 years ago and it was the best thing I’ve ever done! The chin implant instantly took 10 pounds off my face and frame, and the rhinoplasty was a beautiful added bonus. I’ve been going to Dr. Rich for injections for 6+ years and have loved every experience. Tear trough filler has been wonderful as well.

Updated on 26 Mar 2022:
2 years later and I am thrilled with my final results! The swelling has completely gone down and everything has completely settled. Thank you so much Dr. Rich for the lovely work! The entire procedure was memorable and quick and easy and painless. I would do it over a million times.

I am totally ecstatic about my Whisper lift facelift, lip lift, neck lift and the removal of bags underneath my eyes. Dr. Rich is so professional and engaging. He spent a great deal of time with me and was eager to understand what procedures that I wanted and explained how that could be accomplished. He has an amazing staff and they could not have been be more helpful. My surgery was scheduled and I was excited but a bit nervous. There was absolutely no pain following the surgery. Saw Dr. Rich the next day and he removed the head bandage. Saw him a few days later and he removed the tubes to my neck. I never took any of the pain medication. What was even more comforting is that Dr. Rich gave me his cell number so that I could text him or send him a photo of something that may be of a concern for me. Never had to use it, but so comforting to know that he had my best interests in mind. I am 6 weeks out from surgery, and I could not be happier with the results. I feel 20 years younger and so excited for a new year with my new face and neck. There are many things to consider in having this type of surgery, but I felt comfortable with my decision and knew that I had a capable, competent surgeon.

My experience with Dr. Rich and his staff was outstanding during my initial consultation, pre-op appointment, surgery and post op visits. Dr. Rich performed surgery to remove excess skin on my chin and neck. During the initial consultation he explained the process, expected results, costs and recovery. He patiently addressed all my questions and concerns and I appreciated that he never rushed through appointments.

I was most impressed with the computer software that allowed him to compare my current profile with the results I could expect after surgery. It was amazing to see the improved difference prior to having the surgery. Dr. Rich is not only an excellent doctor but he is kind and genuinely cares for his patients.

He even prayed with me prior to the surgery. I have had 3 follow up appointments after the surgery and my recovery has been as expected. I am extremely pleased with the results and would highly recommend him based on my experience.