Drs. Michael Chiaramonte’s and Anya Costeloe recently sat down to discuss their work at Bella Cosmetics and their journey into the field of plastic surgery. Dr. Chiaramonte, who founded the practice, reflected on the early days of his career and the path that led him to plastic surgery.

“I moved to Maryland in 1978 during high school when my uncle built a hospital in Southern Maryland,” Dr. Chiaramonte shared. “I spent my summers working in that hospital, particularly around the operating room, which sparked my interest in surgery. After training at the University of Maryland and Johns Hopkins, I opened my first practice in 2001 on the campus of Southern Maryland Hospital Center.” He hails from a family of physicians, including not only his father and uncle, but also his son Michael Jr., who is now the mentor rep for breast implants in the DMV area.

In 2008, Dr. Chiaramonte relocated his practice to National Harbor, where Bella Cosmetics remains today. “We were the first tenants in the building,” he recalled. “It was a strange start, with empty, unfinished space all around us, and we had just entered the Great Recession. But we’ve been here ever since.” His loyal patient coordinator, Denise Massey, has also been with the practice since day one.

Over the years, Dr. Chiaramonte has developed a specialized procedure, the Bella Body Lift, combining liposuction and abdominoplasty. “It’s become one of our most popular offerings, in addition to breast augmentation,” he said. “But I wanted to expand our offerings and facial aesthetics capabilities, which is why Dr. Costeloe joined our team in 2023.”

Dr. Costeloe, who specializes in facial plastic surgery, came to Bella Cosmetics after completing her training in California. “I grew up in Boulder, Colorado, and did my medical training in California and Michigan,” she explained. “After completing a fellowship in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery in San Francisco, I moved to D.C. to join my fiancé. I’ve been enjoying working at Bella since.”

Both doctors were asked about the most fulfilling aspect of their work. Dr. Chiaramonte reflected on the transformative power of plastic surgery. “I’ve seen patients whose confidence was completely changed by a procedure,” he noted. “I remember early in my career, a patient who had always dreamed of being a flight attendant but never felt confident enough to apply. After her surgery, she went for it and got the job. It’s moments like those that make this work so rewarding.”

Dr. Costeloe emphasized the impact of facial surgery on patients’ lives. ”I focus on the face and neck, and the face is the first thing people see,” she said. “For many patients, fixing something they’ve been self-conscious about — whether it’s a broken nose or aging concerns — can be life-changing. Many individuals shy away from photos or social interactions because of these insecurities. It's incredibly fulfilling to help them regain their confidence and self-esteem. . People avoid photos or social interactions because of insecurities, and it’s incredibly rewarding to help them regain confidence. I have treated patients who have suffered facial trauma resulting in disfigurement or noticeable scarring. Restoring their appearance to its original state is deeply gratifying. Similarly, with rhinoplasty, there is a delicate balance of aesthetics and function. Often, patients not only face cosmetic issues but also experience difficulty breathing. Being able to address both aspects and improve their quality of life is immensely rewarding.”

Both doctors also expressed enthusiasm for their growing connection with the community. “We’re just a bridge away from Del Ray,” said Dr. Chiaramonte. “National Harbor has developed into a great destination with restaurants and hotels, and we make it as convenient as possible for patients to visit, including online scheduling.”

Dr. Costeloe added, “We’re always trying to make it easier for patients to connect with us, and we run regular promotions and events to stay involved with the community.”

Bella Cosmetics continues to thrive under the leadership of Drs. Chiaramonte and Costeloe, offering a wide range of cosmetic and reconstructive procedures designed to help patients feel their best.

 

“My results turned out to be much better than expected and I am so happy with the way they look and feel. Dr.Chiaramonte is a phenomenal surgeon and would never think of going to anyone else!” —Anonymous

“Dr Chiaramonte is very professional and made me feel like I was in the best hands. He was very thorough and explained the whole procedure to me and did not make me feel rushed when asking questions.” — Anonymous