James J. Chao, MD

As a 53-year-old woman opting to remove my 11-year-old silicone implants, I can't speak highly enough of Dr. Chao and his entire team. From the initial consultation to post-operative care, every step of my journey was marked by their expertise and compassion.

The pre-surgery process was impressively thorough. Dr. Chao and his staff helped refine my expectations and addressed my concerns about recovery, particularly regarding my work travel schedule. Their detailed explanations of the post-surgery timeline were invaluable.

On the day of surgery, everything ran smoothly. The team's constant presence alleviated any anxiety I had. What truly set them apart was their exceptional post-operative care. I received frequent check-ins via text and phone from various team members, including the nurse, staff, and anesthesiologist. They even provided a personal contact for 24/7 support if needed.

Now, a month post-procedure, I'm thrilled with the results. The scarring is minimal – only about a quarter of what I expected. Pain has been much less than anticipated, and I'm pleased with how things are shaping up.

I wholeheartedly recommend Dr. Chao and his team for anyone considering an explant and lift procedure. Their expertise, attentiveness, and genuine care throughout the entire process have made this experience not just transformative for my appearance, but also incredibly positive overall.

I recently had the privilege of being treated by Dr. Chao for my breast implant surgery revision and their exceptional team at Prime Plastic Surgery and I cannot speak highly enough of the experience. From the moment I walked in, I was greeted by the incredibly friendly and professional staff who made me feel welcomed and at ease.

Dr. Chao is an outstanding surgeon whose expertise and compassion are truly remarkable. Their meticulous attention to detail and dedication to patient care are evident in every interaction. Throughout my treatment, I felt fully informed and confident in the care I was receiving.

The entire staff at Prime Plastic Surgery demonstrated exceptional customer service. They were attentive, responsive, and genuinely caring, ensuring that all my questions were answered and my needs were met promptly. The seamless coordination among the team members contributed to a smooth and stress-free experience.

Overall, my experience with Dr. Chao and the staff at Prime Plastic Surgery was nothing short of extraordinary. I am deeply grateful for their expertise, kindness, and commitment to excellence. I highly recommend them to anyone in need of surgical care.

Had an excellent experience at Prime. The staff is friendly and makes you feel comfortable. Dr. Chao is an expert and truly listens to his patients and cares about the results. They take care of you long term even after the to make sure everything goes well.

Dr. Chao was the best surgeon I could've ever asked to work with. I trusted him fully with my surgery and my results are amazing. His whole staff was very helpful with my scheduling since I am not a local resident in San Diego but traveling to have Dr. Chao be my surgeon was 100% worth the time and all that comes with it! Will definitely see him in the future for all future surgery wants!!!

I had a huge synmastia problem with capsular contraction. From the first visit I knew Dr Chao was the only Dr who could solve my problem. He listened carefully and explained the options clearly. I had to see him several times and he was always patient and caring.
His surgery team is as professional as he is; the surgery went smoothly, I was pampered entire time.
My results are beyond my wildest dreams! He truly performed a reconstruction that looks like I never had a problem. The incisions are so fine, almost invisible.
Dr Chao and his entire team are wonderful. I could not praise him enough, he is a Godsend!

Updated on 18 Apr 2024:
It has been a year and my results have been spectacular! It’s hard to believe my synmastia could be corrected and look so natural. Throughout my recovery I was advised by Vanessa who always gave the best advice for a perfect outcome, frankly, the follow-up I received has been stellar.
There aren’t enough words to describe Dr. Chao, he is a perfectionist for sure. He thought one more tiny stitch would make my great result even better, he did it in office and didn’t charge extra. Doctors like that don’t exist anymore!
Dr. James Chao is such a skilled plastic surgeon and also a wonderful person. I only wish I had known about him 20 years ago, I wouldn’t have lived with my problem breasts for so long.

I've been wanting get breast explant surgery for years now. I was lucky to get everything with work lined up. He was great to talk to and explain everything on the cc. I appreciate him talking over the phone due to being out of state. I sent him pictures and he advised explant which I requested an enbloc and he said he could do the procedure me recommended a lift. So far everything sounds great and amazing flow with everything falling into place.

I do feel nervous about the stitches as I heard dissolvable stitches can make the scares thicker.

My surgery is March 17 2023. I fly to San Diego March 15.
Updated on 19 Mar 2023:
Just had my surgery in San Diego area at Prime Plastic Surgery. I'm doing great surgery started at 6:30 was finished at 9:38. I still swollen and sore with nausea for the first 2 hours before I fell asleep.

I had the most amazing experience with Dr.
Chao and his staff. I felt really cared for, before, during, and after my procedure.

Dr. Chao is so calm and peaceful, he understood my needs, and gave me the results I was looking for, he exceeded my expectations.

I am so grateful!!

I had the BEST experience since day one speaking with the girls in Prime SX center. They were sweet and friendly. Met Dr. Chao, he was thorough about about realistic expectations!!! Had my SX in December 2022. I had saline implants 2000 CC’s and I am sooo happy with the results!! Thank you so much Dr Chao and team!!! They are truly the BEST!!!

I had an amazing experience with Dr. Chao. He did a wonderful job on my breast they look amazing. The staff at the surgery center was amazing. And also the staff at the La Mesa office has been a blessing to work with. I couldn’t have asked for a better staff to work with during this journey.
Updated on 25 Jul 2024:
He’s an amazing doctor. I refer him to everyone. The staff here in the office is amazing. They are pleasant and help with the recovery. I had an amazing experience here. This was the best experience I could ever ask for to have.

I knew it was in my best interest to have explant surgery, but was very nervous about what results to expect and if I should also have a lift. Dr. Chao and staff provided transparent information and never tried to push for additional procedures that were not necessary. Given the fact that I had saline implants, Dr. Chao provided me an option that other surgeons had not. The ability to remove the saline from the implants to allow me to see how potential results would be, in order to make an educated decision on other potential procedures. Dr. Chao, Vanessa, Korina, Blake, Lynn and their outstanding anesthesiologist went above and beyond from start to finish and I could not be more pleased with my results. You’re in great hands with Dr. Chao and his caring staff!