Stephen M. Chen, MD

I am 27 years old, 125 lbs, and 5'6". My breasts were a DD (maybe bigger but I didn't like to measure), saggy, and disproportionate to the rest of my body. I have always struggled with my posture, back pain, shoulder pain, overall body image, and therefore my confidence.

I am two days post surgery and could not be more pleased with the results. Dr. Chen is an absolute artist and did a better job than I could have ever imagined. I took my first shower today so was able to see my breasts without the bandages for the first time. Of course, they are still slightly swollen but the result is exactly what I dreamed of. So very grateful for Dr. Chen. He is warm and friendly and his whole team was incredible with easing my anxiety the morning of my procedure. They got it done in about 2 hours and I was home by 11:30am. The pain and soreness is there but tolerable. Could not be more pleased. Thank you Dr. Chen!!

Will continue to provide updates as the swelling subsides.

I have a breast reduction and 360 liposuction scheduled with Dr. Chen for 12/23 and wanted to document the process. I am currently a 34G with asymmetry. I am really hoping to end at a c and even them out a bit. I have been in PT for a year now for back and neck pain and am excited to get to the other side where I can walk around with feeling pulled forward.

Updated on 24 Nov 2021:
Had a great pre op visit with Dr. Chen yesterday. He answered all of my questions and is super personable which helped put me at ease. Michelle is amazing and went over everything with me. I can’t believe my surgery is a month away!

Updated on 23 Dec 2021:
I am so excited, and a little nervous. Surgery is in less than 2 hours. I have prepped everything and ate my weight in pineapple this week since I bruise like an old banana. I am hoping for a great outcome with a smooth and quick recovery so I can snuggle with my little ones.

Updated on 24 Dec 2021:
I had my surgery yesterday and it went great. It took about four hours and everyone was so nice and helpful. Dr. Chen was awesome. Today I am feeling ok. My breasts don’t hurt at all, but where the liposuction was feels like I did a billion crunches. They feel like they are on fire every time I get up or lay down. Also one of the openings on the right side has been leaking like crazy. I tried to shower but only made it about a minute before I had to stop since I felt like I was going to pass out. I didn’t look too closely, but from what I saw every thing is looking good so far. I will try to update with pics later.

Updated on 28 Dec 2021:
I am now 5 days out from my surgery and feeling pretty good. I had one of my two drains removed this morning and was shocked that it did not hurt at all. I am really hoping the other drain will be ready to remove later this week. So far I am healing up well and transitioned over to Tylenol only for pain. I can definitely see why someone else described Dr. Chen as an artist. The lipo 360 is looking incredible, even with the swelling. And my breasts look amazing, even with stitches in them. I can’t wait to get a better look once they heal up a bit more. The whole team has been wonderful about checking in on me, making sure I am doing well, and answering questions which is especially appreciated since it’s the holidays.

My reduction is scheduled for 4/5/21. I wish I had done it when I had my "mommy makeover" 7 years ago, but I wasn't ready then. I'm more than ready now to get rid of the back and neck pain and for my clothes to fit properly. I've done a good job maintaining the work done when I had the tummy tuck and lift. Now I want smaller boobs and my side boobs gone!



Updated on 4 Apr 2021:
I check in to the surgery center at 6:30am tomorrow. I CANNOT wait!!!! I’m uploading some “before” pictures so I can keep track of my journey.

Updated on 8 Apr 2021:
I am now 4 days post op (photos are from 1 day post op). The pain is manageable. The drains are a pain but necessary. I hope they come out in another few days but I really didn’t want to spend the weekend with them. I have 3 - one in my lower back that is draining a TON from the lipo and one under each arm. Day 3 was hands down the worst recovery day so far - I could barely move without severe pain and nausea even on Percocet every 4 hours. Day 4 is much better - I was able to work some and move around much more. I’m THRILLED with my results so far. I’m already more comfortable and just overall feel lighter. Can’t wait for recovery to continue and to see the full results over the next few months!!

Dr. Chen is a magician! He agreed to try to help me with the breast implant extraction and fat transfer mess made by another doctor, and he was totally successful! I could not be more pleased with the outcome.

33 years old and wanted to feel confident in my own body. Along with muscle repair. I opted to have a complete mommy makeover in one day instead of breaking it up into different surgeries. I selected my surgeon by recommendation from one of my clients who had a breast lift. Dr. Chen was upfront and honest with me what to expect (realistically) a true artist!
Surgery was completed on 7/2/18
Breast didn’t give me any trouble at all! Minimal pain. Lipo I think was worse. Four sights on my back one on my groin and two near my arm pit. The tummy tuck incision goes around to the back so laying/sitting has been very uncomfortable. Mons pubis was extremely swollen which freaked me out! I didn’t expect to see it like that ????

Updated on 26 Jul 2018:
My breast are looking fantastic! Very natural and perky. I was nervous of loosing sensation in my nipples but fear not! Still being very cautious with the girls. I showed them last night to my bf and definitely got his approval ;)
My tummy has a puffy area above my BB. met with my surgeon and he said it was flat after surgery and we may need to have a revision. Not too worried at this point. It’s not even been 4 weeks post op so I’m hopeful to let my body heal more.
Went back to work after 15 days off. I’m a fully booked stylist and I should have had 3 weeks off but I always feel like I let my clients down when I’m not there. Luckily I have shampoo help and that’s been a blessing!

Updated on 27 Jul 2018:
Took new pics this morning. I am absolutely loving my new body. So far I’m swelling a lot after work (full time stylist) I’m still numb from my bb down to my mons. It’s only been 3 1/2 weeks and I’m lucky to be this far along.

Glue is still on my tummy and no open sights ????????. Starting to get feeling in my back we’re lipo was done as well.

Updated on 14 Aug 2018:
Back to my fully booked schedule at work! 6 weeks post op and feeling 85% myself. I still have a lot of swelling in my lower abdomen and on my mons. I have a few areas that have “spit” stitches but they seem to be healing up nicely!
I’m wearing spanks and a sports bra right now. I wore my compression garment for a full 6 weeks. I felt that since I’m on my feet for 40+ hours a week I needed extra help. I do have an indent on my abdomen that looks like it was causing too much pressure. Going to call the surgeons office in the morning. I won’t see him until my 12 week check up. Hopefully I’ll start my scar cream/silicone strips soon!

Very good doctor. He throughly went over the procedure and what I could expect. I would go back to him for othe procedures. His staff is polite and quick to respond to any questions. I have had a great outcome and he was also willing to work with my other doctor.

I had a liposuction of my arms, stomach, back & flanks 6 weeks ago. I HAVE To say I LOVE Dr. Chen! His bedside manner is easy going, friendly & super professional! He answered all of my questions & had me going into surgery excited with no fear! I saw my results day one! 6 weeks post op I feel amazing! It's no need to go to Miami or DR when we have a scuplting aritist right here in Richmond, VA! I love Dr. Chen!

Dr. Chen is a wonderful Doctor. He makes you feel so comfortable during the process. I had a breast reduction,tummy tuck and liposuction done at the same time. I would highly recommend Dr. Chen for all of your cosmetic needs.

Dr. Chen has been awesome throughout this process. I'm so pleased with my new tummy! At 56, I know there's only so much you can do to make a more youthful outcome, but Dr. Chen did a wonderful job! His staff is very courteous, and answered my many questions. I highly recommend Dr. Chen and the staff at Richmond Plastic Surgeons!

He is amazing and very professional! Dr. Chem performed my breast reduction in August of this year. As a younger woman, I was very nervous about having a surgery, but he quickly made me feel calm and relaxed. 4 days after the procedure I was able to go on vacation with my family. He was so great I recommended my friend to him for the same procedure and she had hers in October and she was also very pleased with him and her results.