Facial PLastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, Dr. Jennifer Parker Porter

Dr. Jennifer Parker Porter, MD has a tremendous career as a Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon and Medical Director of Chevy Chase Facial Plastic Surgery, LLC. In addition, Dr. Porter is a Clinical Associate Professor at Georgetown University Medical Center, Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery.

Dr. Porter received her undergraduate degree at Brown University and was awarded a full tuition merit scholarship to attend Duke University School of Medicine. After completing her residency in Head and Neck Surgery at Baylor College of Medicine, she completed a fellowship in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery.

Dr. Porter was recruited to return to Baylor College of Medicine as an Assistant Professor, leading the Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery training for the residency program as well as establishing the Baylor Facial Plastic Surgery Center. With a return to the DC area in 2003, Dr. Porter established Chevy Chase Facial Plastic Surgery, LLC.

She is certified by both the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology. Additionally, she is a Fellow of the prestigious American College of Surgeons. 

Dr. Porter was recently elected this year to serve as a Director for the American Board of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. 

We had some questions for Dr. Porter so we could get to know her better. 

Tell us about yourself before becoming a plastic surgeon. Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Silver Spring, Maryland, a suburb of Washington DC. My father was an engineer and my mother a social worker, so the medical field was a good blend of both. 

What made you decide to become a doctor?

My AP Biology class and teacher, Ms. Crabtree. I loved that class so much; it really sparked my interest in medicine.

For readers that do not know, can you tell them at a basic level, what is a rhinoplasty?

A rhinoplasty is a surgery that can change the appearance of the nose.  The surgery involves changing the underlying structure of the nose to which the skin conforms.

What are some reasons a person would seek a rhinoplasty?

To fix a hump on the bridge, lack of a bridge, large tip, wide nostrils, or droopy tip. There are many other requests, but these are the most common. 

What cosmetic improvements will it potentially provide for a patient?

It will provide a nose that appears to be better proportioned to itself, the face, and the body.

What is the difference between an open and closed rhinoplasty?

An open rhinoplasty requires a scar in between the nostrils. A closed rhinoplasty has no external scar.  I always tell patients not to get hung up about the scar – it is the ultimate result that matters most.  

Is a rhinoplasty different based on ethnicity?  

Proportions that are ideal can vary based on ethnicity. Likewise, the thickness of the skin can be highly variable. Finding a surgeon that can provide guidance on the possibilities is key.

What is the one beauty tip you learned from a loved one and who is that person? 

True beauty comes from within -My Parents 

When do you feel most beautiful?

When getting dressed up for a special event. 

You can find Dr. Jennifer Porter at:

• Website: ChevyChaseFace.com 
• Facebook: Chevychaseface
• Twitter: Chevychaseface
• Instagram: thechevychaseface
• Instagram: drjenniferparkerporter