Secret Services: The DC Plastic Surgery Podcast

HOSTS Christopher Chang, MD  Double Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon — Washington, D.C. & Northern Virginia Dr. Christopher C. Chang is widely regarded as one of the top plastic surgeons serving Washington, D.C., Northern Virginia, and the greater DMV area. Known for his expertise in facial plastic surgery, breast surgery, and advanced reconstructive procedures, Dr. Chang sees patients from across the region — including Tysons Corner, Bethesda, and Washington, D.C. — at Congressional Plastic Surgery's two locations in Vienna, VA and Chevy Chase, MD. At Congressional Plastic Surgery, Dr. Chang offers a full range of cosmetic procedures including breast augmentation, rhinoplasty, facelift surgery, tummy tuck, and NeoGraft FUE hair restoration. Dr. Chang earned his undergraduate degree with Honors in Biological Sciences from Harvard University before attending NYU School of Medicine, where he trained at the renowned Institute for Reconstructive Plastic Surgery. He later completed a highly competitive six-year integrated plastic surgery residency at Yale University, followed by an advanced craniofacial fellowship at Johns Hopkins Hospital and the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center. This deep anatomical training informs his approach to procedures like facelift and rhinoplasty, where precision and balance are critical for natural-looking results. In addition to facial surgery, Dr. Chang specializes in breast and body contouring, from breast lift to mommy makeover. He has co-authored more than 80 peer-reviewed publications and maintains hospital privileges at Johns Hopkins Sibley Memorial Hospital in Washington, D.C., Johns Hopkins Suburban Hospital in Bethesda, Maryland, and several Inova hospitals throughout Northern Virginia. A Washington, D.C. area native, Dr. Chang lives in Bethesda, Maryland with his wife and four children.  Jackie O'Brien RN, BSN, CNOR  Clinical Director at Cedar Lane Surgery Center — Vienna, Virginia With more than 12 years of operating room experience and training at Georgetown University Hospital, Jackie O'Brien brings expert-level knowledge across plastic surgery, trauma, general surgery, vascular surgery, and ophthalmic procedures.  A proud George Mason University alum and CNOR-certified operating room nurse, Jackie leads the surgical team at Cedar Lane Surgery Center in Vienna, VA — just minutes from Tysons Corner — with precision, organization, and a passion for patient care. Her role places her at the center of the patient experience, from preparing patients for procedures to ensuring the surgical team maintains the highest safety standards in the OR. When she's not scrubbed in, Jackie enjoys exploring D.C.'s restaurant scene, attending concerts and wineries around the DMV, and spending time with her cat, Biggie Smalls, the real boss at home. About Secret Services In Washington, D.C., everyone has secrets — especially when it comes to cosmetic surgery. On Secret Services, double board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Christopher Chang and his team pull back the curtain on what really happens inside a modern plastic surgery practice serving the DMV with two locations in Vienna, VA and Chevy Chase, MD. Every week, you'll get answers to confidential patient questions about cosmetic surgery, recovery, expectations, and results, from rhinoplasty and facelift to breast augmentation and beyond. Because in an era when aging gracefully and looking natural is easier than ever, it all depends on who you know — and what they're willing to tell you. Until now.  Links Learn more about Washington, D.C. plastic surgeon Dr. Christopher Chang Follow Dr. Chang on Instagram @dcplasticsurgeon  @congressionalplasticsurgery  And on TikTok @congressionalpsurgery

  1. Sep 8

    Wrong Patient, Wrong Surgery

    A woman waiting for a routine procedure asks staff if they have the right person. The reply: “You’ll do.” Minutes later, surgeons remove part of her external genitalia instead of the small skin tag she came in for — and she never even meets the surgeon beforehand. Dr. Christopher Chang and Jackie break down the surgical timeout most people never think about — the ID checks, armband scans, and consent verification every OR runs before the first incision — using the news out of Melbourne’s Sunshine Hospital as the jumping-off point, where Debra Buchanan was mistaken for another woman with the same first name. Jackie also tells her own family’s version of the same mistake: her mother was admitted to the ICU after a heart attack and treated under someone else’s name entirely, a mix-up that took weeks to unwind and delayed her cardiology care. They close out answering a listener question from someone about to get a rhinoplasty who’s more nervous about an administrative slip-up than the surgery itself. ABC News, Investigations underway into surgery mix-up at hospital in Melbourne’s west HOSTS Jackie O’Brien RN, BSN, CNOR Clinical Director at Cedar Lane Surgery Center With 12 years of OR experience and training at Georgetown University Hospital, Jackie brings expert-level knowledge in plastic, trauma, general, vascular, and ophthalmic surgery. A proud George Mason alum and CNOR-certified perfectionist, she leads with passion, precision, and a love for all things surgical. Off the clock, she’s exploring new restaurants, hitting concerts and wineries, or hanging out with her cat—Biggie Smalls, the real boss at home. Christopher Chang, MD Plastic Surgeon Considered to be one of the top plastic surgeons in DC, Dr. Chang specializes in facial and breast augmentation surgery and has acquired several advanced degrees and training from some of the most selective universities in the country. Double board certified in plastic and facial plastic surgery, with specialized experience in facial surgery and pediatric reconstruction, Dr. Chang prioritizes precision over trends and thoughtful care over pressure. Based in Washington, DC, he serves a diverse community, respecting each patient’s preferences for discretion, communication, and natural-looking results. About Secret Services In DC, everyone has secrets — especially when it comes to cosmetic surgery. Plastic surgeon Dr. Christopher Chang and his sharp-witted team see everything and say nothing — except on this podcast, where every week you’ll get answers to confidential patient questions. Because in an era when aging gracefully and looking natural is easier than ever, it all depends on who you know—and what they’re willing to tell you. Links Learn more about Washington, D.C. plastic surgeon Dr. Christopher Chang Follow Dr. Chang on Instagram @dcplasticsurgeon @congressionalplasticsurgery And on TikTok @congressionalpsurgery Host: Christopher Chang, MD Producer: Eva Sheie @ The Axis Assistant Producers: Mary Ellen Clarkson & Laura Mayusa Engineering: Chris Mann Theme music: Harry’s Perfume - Harry Edvino Cover Art: Dan Childs Secret Services is a production of The Axis

  2. Sep 1

    He Read It on Reddit So It Must Be True

    One Reddit comment was all it took — now her husband keeps a bag of ice within reach around the clock, and after a year of trying, she still isn't pregnant. Dr. Chang has news for the biohackers: the s*****m already auto-regulates its own temperature, and no protocol from a stranger's post knows your body better than it does. Jackie and Carey bring the trends — Medicube and salmon sperm skincare, at-home microneedling, and a clinic advertising non-surgical breast enhancement that amounts to injected saline. The news gets bigger from there: Bryan Johnson posts his sperm count and half a million men copy the protocol, the Department of Defense announces testosterone screening for every service member over 30, and the FDA loosens its prescribing limits. Dr. Chang explains what happens when men dose testosterone without anyone watching the whole person — and why the side effects show up exactly where nobody wants them. CBS News, Hegseth requires testosterone deficiency screening for service members over 30 HOSTS Jackie O'Brien RN, BSN, CNOR Clinical Director at Cedar Lane Surgery Center With 12 years of OR experience and training at Georgetown University Hospital, Jackie brings expert-level knowledge in plastic, trauma, general, vascular, and ophthalmic surgery. A proud George Mason alum and CNOR-certified perfectionist, she leads with passion, precision, and a love for all things surgical. Off the clock, she's exploring new restaurants, hitting concerts and wineries, or hanging out with her cat—Biggie Smalls, the real boss at home. Carey McLaughlin Licensed Master Esthetician With a Bachelor of Science degree from Frostburg State University and a Master Esthetics education from the Esthetic Institute in Vienna, VA, Carey brings both clinical knowledge and hands-on expertise to her role as Master Aesthetician. Since joining the practice in 2019, she's been dedicated to helping patients feel confident and cared for—whether through customized skincare treatments or supporting them before and after surgery. When not in the office, you can find Carey in a Pilates class or catching up on the latest reality shows on Bravo. Christopher Chang, MD Plastic Surgeon Considered to be one of the top plastic surgeons in DC, Dr. Chang specializes in facial and breast augmentation surgery and has acquired several advanced degrees and training from some of the most selective universities in the country. Double board certified in plastic and facial plastic surgery, with specialized experience in facial surgery and pediatric reconstruction, Dr. Chang prioritizes precision over trends and thoughtful care over pressure. Based in Washington, DC, he serves a diverse community, respecting each patient's preferences for discretion, communication, and natural-looking results. About Secret Services In DC, everyone has secrets — especially when it comes to cosmetic surgery. Plastic surgeon Dr. Christopher Chang and his sharp-witted team see everything and say nothing — except on this podcast, where every week you'll get answers to confidential patient questions. Because in an era when aging gracefully and looking natural is easier than ever, it all depends on who you know—and what they're willing to tell you. Links Learn more about Washington, D.C. plastic surgeon Dr. Christopher Chang Follow Dr. Chang on Instagram @dcplasticsurgeon @congressionalplasticsurgery And on TikTok @congressionalpsurgery Host: Christopher Chang, MD Producer: Eva Sheie @ The Axis Assistant Producers: Mary Ellen Clarkson & Laura Mayusa Engineering: Chris Mann Theme music: Harry's Perfume - Harry Edvino Cover Art: Dan Childs Secret Services is a production of The Axis: theaxis.io

  3. Aug 25

    She Tried to Check Herself In. They Said No.

    Twelve psychiatric medications from a rotating cast of prescribers who never compared notes, and a detailed journal begging someone to read it. When the same woman asked to be admitted to a psych unit, she was sent home, and Dr. Chang flags exactly why that's the strangest part: a voluntary admission is supposed to be the one door that's always open. Jackie and Carey have been glued to the Lindsay Clancy trial — the Massachusetts labor and delivery nurse whose defense says postpartum psychosis, and the system that brushed her off, led to the unthinkable. Between trial recaps, Dr. Chang answers a listener on Lexapro who's worried her surgeon will turn her down for a mommy makeover, revisits his psychiatry rotation at Bellevue, and explains what he's really screening for when someone discloses a psych history at a consult. Court TV, Lindsay Clancy trial coverage HOSTS Jackie O'Brien RN, BSN, CNOR Clinical Director at Cedar Lane Surgery Center With 12 years of OR experience and training at Georgetown University Hospital, Jackie brings expert-level knowledge in plastic, trauma, general, vascular, and ophthalmic surgery. A proud George Mason alum and CNOR-certified perfectionist, she leads with passion, precision, and a love for all things surgical. Off the clock, she's exploring new restaurants, hitting concerts and wineries, or hanging out with her cat—Biggie Smalls, the real boss at home. Carey McLaughlin Licensed Master Esthetician With a Bachelor of Science degree from Frostburg State University and a Master Esthetics education from the Esthetic Institute in Vienna, VA, Carey brings both clinical knowledge and hands-on expertise to her role as Master Aesthetician. Since joining the practice in 2019, she's been dedicated to helping patients feel confident and cared for—whether through customized skincare treatments or supporting them before and after surgery. When not in the office, you can find Carey in a Pilates class or catching up on the latest reality shows on Bravo. Christopher Chang, MD Plastic Surgeon Considered to be one of the top plastic surgeons in DC, Dr. Chang specializes in facial and breast augmentation surgery and has acquired several advanced degrees and training from some of the most selective universities in the country. Double board certified in plastic and facial plastic surgery, with specialized experience in facial surgery and pediatric reconstruction, Dr. Chang prioritizes precision over trends and thoughtful care over pressure. Based in Washington, DC, he serves a diverse community, respecting each patient's preferences for discretion, communication, and natural-looking results. About Secret Services In DC, everyone has secrets — especially when it comes to cosmetic surgery. Plastic surgeon Dr. Christopher Chang and his sharp-witted team see everything and say nothing — except on this podcast, where every week you'll get answers to confidential patient questions. Because in an era when aging gracefully and looking natural is easier than ever, it all depends on who you know—and what they're willing to tell you. Links Learn more about Washington, D.C. plastic surgeon Dr. Christopher Chang Follow Dr. Chang on Instagram @dcplasticsurgeon @congressionalplasticsurgery And on TikTok @congressionalpsurgery Host: Christopher Chang, MD Producer: Eva Sheie @ The Axis Assistant Producers: Mary Ellen Clarkson & Laura Mayusa Engineering: Chris Mann Theme music: Harry's Perfume - Harry Edvino Cover Art: Dan Childs Secret Services is a production of The Axis: theaxis.io

  4. Aug 18

    Slop Face: Why Does Everyone Suddenly Look the Same?

    Jackie brings five reference photos to a cosmetic consult and the surgeon points out that all five women have the exact same nose. She hadn't noticed — now she can't unsee it. That's the quiet trap behind "slop face," the name the trade press finally pinned on the eerie sameness creeping across Hollywood. Dr. Christopher Chang and Jackie use the Hollywood Reporter's 2026 aesthetics issue — and its report that casting directors keep complaining performers all look alike — to get at why beauty is converging. Dr. Chang explains why you can't cherry-pick one celebrity's nose and another's lips and expect them to work on your face; proportion and how a feature fits your forehead, chin, and jawline decide the result, not the part in isolation. They dig into the filler backlash (people publicly dissolving even as filler volumes climb), veneers erasing the imperfect '90s smile, and the argument that too much Botox flattens an actor's range — right down to the commentary about Eleven in the newest Stranger Things. The Hollywood Reporter, "Slop Face" Is Taking Over Hollywood — and Making Beauty Boring. HOSTS Jackie O'Brien RN, BSN, CNOR Clinical Director at Cedar Lane Surgery Center With 12 years of OR experience and training at Georgetown University Hospital, Jackie brings expert-level knowledge in plastic, trauma, general, vascular, and ophthalmic surgery. A proud George Mason alum and CNOR-certified perfectionist, she leads with passion, precision, and a love for all things surgical. Off the clock, she's exploring new restaurants, hitting concerts and wineries, or hanging out with her cat—Biggie Smalls, the real boss at home. Christopher Chang, MD Plastic Surgeon Considered to be one of the top plastic surgeons in DC, Dr. Chang specializes in facial and breast augmentation surgery and has acquired several advanced degrees and training from some of the most selective universities in the country.Double board certified in plastic and facial plastic surgery, with specialized experience in facial surgery and pediatric reconstruction, Dr. Chang prioritizes precision over trends and thoughtful care over pressure. Based in Washington, DC, he serves a diverse community, respecting each patient's preferences for discretion, communication, and natural-looking results. About Secret Services In DC, everyone has secrets — especially when it comes to cosmetic surgery. Plastic surgeon Dr. Christopher Chang and his sharp-witted team see everything and say nothing — except on this podcast, where every week you'll get answers to confidential patient questions. Because in an era when aging gracefully and looking natural is easier than ever, it all depends on who you know—and what they're willing to tell you. Links Learn more about Washington, D.C. plastic surgeon Dr. Christopher Chang Follow Dr. Chang on Instagram @dcplasticsurgeon @congressionalplasticsurgery And on TikTok @congressionalpsurgery Host: Christopher Chang, MD Producer: Eva Sheie @ The Axis Assistant Producers: Mary Ellen Clarkson & Laura Mayusa Engineering: Chris Mann Theme music: Harry's Perfume - Harry Edvino Cover Art: Dan Childs Secret Services is a production of The Axis: theaxis.io

  5. Aug 11

    Did She or Didn’t She? Adele’s New Face

    Adele goes to a car race with her son, and by dinner strangers who have never met her are confidently explaining what she "had done." The real answer has almost nothing to do with a scalpel — it's a documented 100-pound weight loss, and the face gives up fat the same way the rest of the body does.Dr. Chang hands the mic to plastic surgeon Dr. Hillary Jenny, PA, Monica Thompson, who runs the practice's GLP-1 program, and master esthetician Carey McLaughlin for a girl-chat takeover on what fast weight loss does to your face. They get into why the face is the one place nobody wants to slim down, the honest trade-off between filler now and fat transfer later, why the dreaded "turkey neck" sits — in Dr. Jenny's words — "just below solving world hunger," and how a fat-transfer result gets protected with a simple rule: feed the fat.Adele's July 5 appearance at the British Grand Prix — her first major public outing in nearly two years — set off days of speculation, and the group uses it to separate what surgery actually changes from what 100 pounds and ordinary aging do all on their own.Source: IBTimes UK, Adele's new look at the British Grand Prix HOSTS Hillary Jenny, MD, MPH Plastic Surgeon Dr. Hillary Jenny is a plastic surgeon at Congressional Plastic Surgery specializing in head-to-toe aesthetic surgery, with particular interest in rhinoplasty, facelift, and mommy makeovers. She graduated with honors from MIT with a double major in neuroscience and music, earned her MD and MPH at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, completed her plastic surgery residency at Johns Hopkins, and trained in aesthetic surgery in Beverly Hills before returning to Northern Virginia. Carey McLaughlin Licensed Master Esthetician With a Bachelor of Science degree from Frostburg State University and a Master Esthetics education from the Esthetic Institute in Vienna, VA, Carey brings both clinical knowledge and hands-on expertise to her role as Master Aesthetician. Since joining the practice in 2019, she's been dedicated to helping patients feel confident and cared for—whether through customized skincare treatments or supporting them before and after surgery. When not in the office, you can find Carey in a Pilates class or catching up on the latest reality shows on Bravo. Monica Thompson, PA Physician Assistant Monica is an experienced Physician Assistant with over a decade of expertise in Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery. Known for her precision, warmth, and gentle touch, Monica is passionate about helping patients look and feel their best. When she's not in the clinic, you'll find her hiking and exploring the outdoors with her husband and two children, squeezing in a good run, relaxing with a book, or enjoying a chocolate chip cookie. Her current guilty pleasure? Love is Blind—because even the most skilled injector needs a little drama now and then. About Secret Services In DC, everyone has secrets — especially when it comes to cosmetic surgery. Plastic surgeon Dr. Christopher Chang and his sharp-witted team see everything and say nothing — except on this podcast, where every week you'll get answers to confidential patient questions. Because in an era when aging gracefully and looking natural is easier than ever, it all depends on who you know—and what they're willing to tell you. Links Learn more about Washington, D.C. plastic surgeon Dr. Christopher Chang Follow Dr. Chang on Instagram @dcplasticsurgeon @congressionalplasticsurgery And on TikTok @congressionalpsurgery Host: Christopher Chang, MD Producer: Eva Sheie @ The Axis Assistant Producers: Mary Ellen Clarkson & Laura Mayusa Engineering: Chris Mann Theme music: Harry's Perfume - Harry Edvino Cover Art: Dan Childs Secret Services is a production of The Axis: theaxis.io

  6. Aug 4

    China’s “Bubble Face” Problem

    Somewhere in China, a woman woke up looking like someone else. She had paid for a rounder, more youthful look, and for a few months it worked — then the tissue kept expanding. Cells that were told to divide were never told to quit. Dr. Hillary Jenny explains what is actually happening under the skin, and why lipomas buried in the facial muscle are the part nobody gets warned about. Dr. Jenny joins Dr. Christopher Chang for her first episode, fresh off a Hopkins residency and an aesthetic fellowship in Beverly Hills. In Classified, a mom finds a clinic willing to prescribe growth hormone for her perfectly healthy 13-year-old — a kid who has never once asked for it. They also get into what to ask when someone wants a treatment that is only legal overseas, why exosomes belong on top of the skin and never under it, and the growth factor already being sold for under-eyes in the US: the same molecule surgeons have put on diabetic foot ulcers for 20 years, carrying a black box warning for malignant transformation. Nothing that grows tissue only grows the tissue you asked for. South China Morning Post, China dad’s growth hormone investment for daughter sparks debate over societal pressure Instagram, Bubble face trend  HOSTS Jackie O’Brien RN, BSN, CNOR Clinical Director at Cedar Lane Surgery Center With 12 years of OR experience and training at Georgetown University Hospital, Jackie brings expert-level knowledge in plastic, trauma, general, vascular, and ophthalmic surgery. A proud George Mason alum and CNOR-certified perfectionist, she leads with passion, precision, and a love for all things surgical. Off the clock, she’s exploring new restaurants, hitting concerts and wineries, or hanging out with her cat—Biggie Smalls, the real boss at home. Christopher Chang, MD Plastic Surgeon Considered to be one of the top plastic surgeons in DC, Dr. Chang specializes in facial and breast augmentation surgery and has acquired several advanced degrees and training from some of the most selective universities in the country. Double board certified in plastic and facial plastic surgery, with specialized experience in facial surgery and pediatric reconstruction, Dr. Chang prioritizes precision over trends and thoughtful care over pressure. Based in Washington, DC, he serves a diverse community, respecting each patient’s preferences for discretion, communication, and natural-looking results. GUEST Hillary Jenny, MD, MPH Plastic Surgeon Dr. Hillary Jenny is a plastic surgeon at Congressional Plastic Surgery specializing in head-to-toe aesthetic surgery, with particular interest in rhinoplasty, facelift, and mommy makeovers. She graduated with honors from MIT with a double major in neuroscience and music, earned her MD and MPH at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, completed her plastic surgery residency at Johns Hopkins, and trained in aesthetic surgery in Beverly Hills before returning to Northern Virginia. About Secret Services In DC, everyone has secrets — especially when it comes to cosmetic surgery. Plastic surgeon Dr. Christopher Chang and his sharp-witted team see everything and say nothing — except on this podcast, where every week you’ll get answers to confidential patient questions. Because in an era when aging gracefully and looking natural is easier than ever, it all depends on who you know—and what they’re willing to tell you. Links Learn more about Washington, D.C. plastic surgeon Dr. Christopher Chang Follow Dr. Chang on Instagram @dcplasticsurgeon and @congressionalplasticsurgery And on TikTok @congressionalpsurgery Host: Christopher Chang, MD Producer: Eva Sheie @ The Axis Assistant Producers: Mary Ellen Clarkson & Laura Mayusa Engineering: Chris Mann Theme music: Harry’s Perfume - Harry Edvino Cover Art: Dan Childs Secret Services is a production of The Axis

  7. Jul 14

    The Non-Refundable Deposit Is When You Walk Away

    Two people die weeks apart after procedures at the same Miami-area clinic — one of them a woman having a mommy makeover — and a single lawyer now represents both families while local authorities investigate. Dr. Chang and Jackie ask what it takes for a clinic to pause and reassess once something goes wrong, let alone twice. The episode opens with an anonymous question: someone found a surgeon in another state charging a third of the going rate, with a non-refundable deposit and a flight booked two days before surgery. Dr. Chang doesn't hesitate on the answer. From there, the conversation turns to why Miami accounts for nearly half of all BBLs performed nationwide, how some clinics cut costs with unqualified staff or ghost surgeons who aren't even in the room, and why a shut-down clinic can simply reopen under a new name at the same address. Jackie breaks down Quad A's new Florida-specific accreditation rules, created because the state has so few of its own. NBC 6 South Florida, more on the case HOSTS Jackie O'Brien RN, BSN, CNOR Clinical Director at Cedar Lane Surgery Center With 12 years of OR experience and training at Georgetown University Hospital, Jackie brings expert-level knowledge in plastic, trauma, general, vascular, and ophthalmic surgery. A proud George Mason alum and CNOR-certified perfectionist, she leads with passion, precision, and a love for all things surgical. Off the clock, she's exploring new restaurants, hitting concerts and wineries, or hanging out with her cat—Biggie Smalls, the real boss at home. Christopher Chang, MD Plastic Surgeon Considered to be one of the top plastic surgeons in DC, Dr. Chang specializes in facial and breast augmentation surgery and has acquired several advanced degrees and training from some of the most selective universities in the country. Double board certified in plastic and facial plastic surgery, with specialized experience in facial surgery and pediatric reconstruction, Dr. Chang prioritizes precision over trends and thoughtful care over pressure. Based in Washington, DC, he serves a diverse community, respecting each patient's preferences for discretion, communication, and natural-looking results. About Secret Services In DC, everyone has secrets — especially when it comes to cosmetic surgery. Plastic surgeon Dr. Christopher Chang and his sharp-witted team see everything and say nothing — except on this podcast, where every week you'll get answers to confidential patient questions. Because in an era when aging gracefully and looking natural is easier than ever, it all depends on who you know—and what they're willing to tell you. Links Learn more about Washington, D.C. plastic surgeon Dr. Christopher Chang Follow Dr. Chang on Instagram @dcplasticsurgeon @congressionalplasticsurgery And on TikTok @congressionalpsurgery Host: Christopher Chang, MD Producer: Eva Sheie @ The Axis Assistant Producers: Mary Ellen Clarkson & Laura Mayusa Engineering: Chris Mann Theme music: Harry's Perfume - Harry Edvino Cover Art: Dan Childs Secret Services is a production of The Axis

  8. Jul 8

    Five Doctors Said No and She Lost Her Legs

    A 21-year-old in the UK is facing a double leg amputation after her legs locked bent backward at a 45-degree angle — for eight years. She was turned away by five surgeons before one agreed to help, by which point the damage was irreversible.  Dr. Chang and Jackie break down what went wrong, who bears responsibility, and why a delay in care can turn a treatable problem into a permanent one. Jackie raises the anonymous question that frames everything: "I've told four different doctors something is wrong and they keep telling me it's anxiety. How do I keep advocating for myself?" Dr. Chang addresses why women's health in particular remains understudied and why two things can be true at once — you can have anxiety and a real problem. The conversation ends with practical advice: find doctors who listen, use the internet to locate specialists, and never stop pushing. Source: People, Locked and Turned Upwards at a 45-Degree Angle. Now, She Needs an Amputation HOSTS Jackie O'Brien RN, BSN, CNOR Clinical Director at Cedar Lane Surgery Center With 12 years of OR experience and training at Georgetown University Hospital, Jackie brings expert-level knowledge in plastic, trauma, general, vascular, and ophthalmic surgery. A proud George Mason alum and CNOR-certified perfectionist, she leads with passion, precision, and a love for all things surgical. Off the clock, she's exploring new restaurants, hitting concerts and wineries, or hanging out with her cat—Biggie Smalls, the real boss at home. Christopher Chang, MD Plastic Surgeon Considered to be one of the top plastic surgeons in DC, Dr. Chang specializes in facial and breast augmentation surgery and has acquired several advanced degrees and training from some of the most selective universities in the country. Double board certified in plastic and facial plastic surgery, with specialized experience in facial surgery and pediatric reconstruction, Dr. Chang prioritizes precision over trends and thoughtful care over pressure. Based in Washington, DC, he serves a diverse community, respecting each patient's preferences for discretion, communication, and natural-looking results. About Secret Services In DC, everyone has secrets — especially when it comes to cosmetic surgery. Plastic surgeon Dr. Christopher Chang and his sharp-witted team see everything and say nothing — except on this podcast, where every week you'll get answers to confidential patient questions. Because in an era when aging gracefully and looking natural is easier than ever, it all depends on who you know—and what they're willing to tell you. Links Learn more about Washington, D.C. plastic surgeon Dr. Christopher Chang Follow Dr. Chang on Instagram @dcplasticsurgeon @congressionalplasticsurgery And on TikTok @congressionalpsurgery Host: Christopher Chang, MD Producer: Eva Sheie @ The Axis Assistant Producers: Mary Ellen Clarkson & Laura Mayusa Engineering: Chris Mann Theme music: Harry's Perfume - Harry Edvino Cover Art: Dan Childs Secret Services is a production of The Axis

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

HOSTS Christopher Chang, MD  Double Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon — Washington, D.C. & Northern Virginia Dr. Christopher C. Chang is widely regarded as one of the top plastic surgeons serving Washington, D.C., Northern Virginia, and the greater DMV area. Known for his expertise in facial plastic surgery, breast surgery, and advanced reconstructive procedures, Dr. Chang sees patients from across the region — including Tysons Corner, Bethesda, and Washington, D.C. — at Congressional Plastic Surgery's two locations in Vienna, VA and Chevy Chase, MD. At Congressional Plastic Surgery, Dr. Chang offers a full range of cosmetic procedures including breast augmentation, rhinoplasty, facelift surgery, tummy tuck, and NeoGraft FUE hair restoration. Dr. Chang earned his undergraduate degree with Honors in Biological Sciences from Harvard University before attending NYU School of Medicine, where he trained at the renowned Institute for Reconstructive Plastic Surgery. He later completed a highly competitive six-year integrated plastic surgery residency at Yale University, followed by an advanced craniofacial fellowship at Johns Hopkins Hospital and the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center. This deep anatomical training informs his approach to procedures like facelift and rhinoplasty, where precision and balance are critical for natural-looking results. In addition to facial surgery, Dr. Chang specializes in breast and body contouring, from breast lift to mommy makeover. He has co-authored more than 80 peer-reviewed publications and maintains hospital privileges at Johns Hopkins Sibley Memorial Hospital in Washington, D.C., Johns Hopkins Suburban Hospital in Bethesda, Maryland, and several Inova hospitals throughout Northern Virginia. A Washington, D.C. area native, Dr. Chang lives in Bethesda, Maryland with his wife and four children.  Jackie O'Brien RN, BSN, CNOR  Clinical Director at Cedar Lane Surgery Center — Vienna, Virginia With more than 12 years of operating room experience and training at Georgetown University Hospital, Jackie O'Brien brings expert-level knowledge across plastic surgery, trauma, general surgery, vascular surgery, and ophthalmic procedures.  A proud George Mason University alum and CNOR-certified operating room nurse, Jackie leads the surgical team at Cedar Lane Surgery Center in Vienna, VA — just minutes from Tysons Corner — with precision, organization, and a passion for patient care. Her role places her at the center of the patient experience, from preparing patients for procedures to ensuring the surgical team maintains the highest safety standards in the OR. When she's not scrubbed in, Jackie enjoys exploring D.C.'s restaurant scene, attending concerts and wineries around the DMV, and spending time with her cat, Biggie Smalls, the real boss at home. About Secret Services In Washington, D.C., everyone has secrets — especially when it comes to cosmetic surgery. On Secret Services, double board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Christopher Chang and his team pull back the curtain on what really happens inside a modern plastic surgery practice serving the DMV with two locations in Vienna, VA and Chevy Chase, MD. Every week, you'll get answers to confidential patient questions about cosmetic surgery, recovery, expectations, and results, from rhinoplasty and facelift to breast augmentation and beyond. Because in an era when aging gracefully and looking natural is easier than ever, it all depends on who you know — and what they're willing to tell you. Until now.  Links Learn more about Washington, D.C. plastic surgeon Dr. Christopher Chang Follow Dr. Chang on Instagram @dcplasticsurgeon  @congressionalplasticsurgery  And on TikTok @congressionalpsurgery

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