Dr. Mark E. Richards, MD

Media Releases

Get to know Plastic Surgeon Dr. Mark E. Richards, who serves patients in Bethesda, Maryland.

An internationally recognized leader in plastic surgery, Dr. Richards is the Founder of Ageless Impressions ~ Plastic Surgery Institute in Bethesda, Maryland. He combines a wealth of experience, extensive training, and an artistic eye to achieve the natural-looking results he is known for.

He has been an educator for the Johns Hopkins and the Georgetown University Plastic Surgery residency programs, has developed and published new and innovative procedures in the Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Journal, and has taught internationally on subjects ranging from “Salvaging the Unsatisfactory Facelift” and “Minimal Incision Brachioplasties” (which he invented) to the scientific basis of testosterone pellet therapy for enhancing men and women’s health and well-being.

Educated in the United States, Dr. Richards began his career as an undergraduate at Yale University, where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree with honors and first developed an interest in the plastic and reconstructive surgery field. He attended the University of Maryland School of Medicine where he discovered his passion for improving human form and function and determined to pursue a career in this relatively new and growing field. 

Following medical school graduation, he completed seven years of residency training: five years of general surgery residency at Saint Barnabas Medical Center, followed by two years of plastic surgery residency at Lahey Clinic Medical Center at Boston University. He extensively trained in microsurgery, complex reconstructive surgery, and aesthetic surgery. 

A member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, Dr. Richards was certified by the American Board of Surgery in 1989 and by the American Board of Plastic Surgery in 1991.

Plastic surgery is a surgical specialty involving the restoration, reconstruction, or alteration of the human body. It can be divided into two main categories – reconstructive surgery and cosmetic surgery. A plastic surgeon’s primary responsibility is performing surgical and non-surgical procedures, and they use a variety of reparative and reconstructive techniques to get the job done.

Recognized as a Top Doctor by Castle Connolly Magazine, Dr. Richards has been the recipient of the Top Doctor Award by Bethesda Magazine (2019), Compassionate Doctor Recognition (2018, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012), Patients’ Choice Award (2018, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012), On-Time Doctor Award (2016, 2015, 2014), and Top 10 Doctor – City (2014).

Recommended Articles

• How Effective is Laser Hair Removal?

  Unwanted hair is a common cause of distress for both men and women. Many options are available for removing hair, including waxing, shaving, and tweezing. Laser hair removal is a popular cosmetic procedure in which a concentrated beam of light is focused onto the hair follicles and ultimately...

• What Specialist Performs Plastic Surgery?

  What Is Plastic Surgery?Plastic surgery is a type of surgical process performed with the aim of reconstructing or changing a part of an individual’s body. The scope of this surgery covers the following:...

• Everything You Need to Know About Septoplasty

  The septum is the bone and cartilage that divides the nose into two different nostrils. The two nostrils are normally of equal size. However, when the septum moves towards one side of the nose making one smaller or larger than the other, the condition is referred to as deviated septum. There are...

• The Most Common Misconceptions About Breast Cancer

  There is so much information you can read online about breast cancer. Some information may be acquired in the community, friends, or family that is totally misleading or incorrect. Although not backed up with solid evidence, such information can cause a lot of media attention, which can further...

• Reasons for Undergoing a Breast Augmentation

  One of the leading cosmetic surgery procedures performed in the US is breast augmentation. According to research, approximately 307,000 women received breast implants in 2011. Many of the surgeries were different, and the reasons for the surgeries also varied. The majority of women who decide to...

• How Long Will I Not Be Able to See After Undergoing Blepharoplasty?

  Blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery as it's commonly known, is performed to correct droopy upper and/or lower eyelids and under-eye bags. The surgery may be performed for functional or medical reasons. Functional blepharoplasty corrects problems related to upper eyelids that sag or droop enough to...