T.Y. Steven Ip, MD, FACS

Wow! I’m blown away with my whole experience with Dr. Ip and his staff! I had a facelift, neck lift and CO2 laser. I stayed one night at his surgery center. Everyone was wonderful from start to finish. I had no visible bruising. I was just pink from the laser and swollen from the whole procedure.I never took one pain pill. Pain was very minimal and tolerable.He’s a great stitcher too, which is important for minimal scarring. Everything is healing so fast. I’m 10 days out with makeup on and looking good and it will only continue to look better as I continue to heal. I feel great! Thank you Dr. Ip! I’m so happy I went to him.

I am so pleased with my overall experience with Dr. Ip. He did a fantastic job with my Breast Augmentation and Breast Lift. It has been less than two months and I am so impressed with my results especially the minimal scarring. From my initial consultation to my post-op appointments.

Dr. Ip has been so patient and informative. He is always on time and respectful to his team as well as patients. On the day of my surgery in the surgical center before he arrived everyone I encountered had wonderful things to say about him. He truly is such a kind and happy man.

The women in his office are so sweet and responsive to texts and calls as well. Since day one I have felt so comfortable with Dr. Ip and his team. You will be in great hands if you choose him as your plastic surgeon. I am so happy I had this surgery and I highly recommend Dr. Ip.

I go for my next post-op in three months and will post photos after. Thank you, Dr. Ip! I appreciate your amazing work so much... it is truly life-changing :)

Today I’m 6 weeks post op and ready to start writing reviews for my procedure to help others that are researching. I know I’m going backwards, but I wanted to experience it first and honestly was self conscious to post pics because my scars were super scary to me. I’ve documented and taken notes along my journey. For reference I am 43 135lbs I would workout 4 or 5xs a week and that included 2 spin classes. I previously had implants but they were sagging and a breast lift was my only option to look perky. I decided to have the tummy tuck as well and then last minute I decided on flanks liposuction. Here is my before and after pics and I will go into further details in my next review posts as soon as I can. Today as of 6 weeks I am feeling good, I I get tired and I get bloated and swollen a lot still. I went to the gym for the first time today and did 3 miles on the stationary bike on low setting (12) and I walked on the treadmill for one mile (2.5 pace 2.5 incline) as of today I’m wearing 2 layers of Spanx and a binder if I’m doing something strenuous while standing (it reminds me to take it easy)
My flanks are STILL bruised and also they are lumpy from Lipo. I am using a dry brush daily as well as T-gel with arnica. I am trying to remember to massage them. I am also taking arnica tablets 3xs a day still. I will go into more details about my procedure on other posts, but I just wanted to give an update to anyone healing :)

Updated on 29 Apr 2019:
As much research as I did, I was not prepared for what “the drains” were and what they entailed. It was a lot of responsibility for me while I was medicated and they grossed me out so my husband and friend helped me with them. Here are the details. We had to empty them every time they were full and write down the amount and time this was happening on a log. After that (helpful tip I learned later) you pinch the tube and squeeze the remainder out and keep the drain squeezed in order for it to create a suction of its own for your fluids. The drains were totally uncomfortable and tender and I had them in for about a week. They are for excess fluid and some people have them in for a longer or shorter amount of time. They just really grossed me out seeing the actual fluid and emptying it. Attaching pics

Updated on 29 Apr 2019:
Week 3 Lipo flanks area is super tender now that I’ve been off pain meds. Sort of uncomfortable sleeping on my back with this tenderness. I’m propping my legs up with pillows and sleeping on the couch so I can get up to go to the bathroom. My boobs are huge and high and I start freaking out that this is not the size that I ordered. They are just still very swollen and have not dropped yet. My abs are still tender and I learn that it’s best to not laugh or cough or sneeze or blow my nose. Also, taking colace for stool softening nightly before bed is a life saver so I don’t have to strain to go number 2. My energy levels are low and I’m trying to just rest and take it easy and heal. Lots of Netflix and green juices and arnica and lots of water.

Updated on 29 Apr 2019:
Changing out bandages and scabs are less. Still tender. Abdominal is tender on left side from a sneeze. I got nervous that I popped a stitch, but doctor has reassured me that he double reinforced my abdominal muscles. The lower part of my abdomin is numb and feels weird to tough it. Like a balloon. Hard to describe. Still low energy but starting to get stir crazy and really having gym withdrawals and impatient with healing. My left breast has “dropped” and my right has not. Trying to remember to massage my side flanks where he did the Lipo, but it’s still very tender and feels like there are a few lumps on both sides.

Updated on 29 Apr 2019:
Week 5 feeling great. Still tired from time to time and get swollen after I eat still I’m doubling up on Spanx to hold my swelling in more. Both breasts have settled in and they are not tender anymore. I hope that they are still swollen because they are still to be compared to what I had in my mind. An athletic full C... but they are very much D currently. Trying to still take arnica to see if that helps the swelling. Super excited to begin scar treatment. I have a variety of products to try and I will attach pics.
Products:
Scar out
Scar away
Biocorneum
New gel

Updated on 29 Apr 2019:
My scar treatment changes every time I change them. I keep trying new ways to stick them on or hold them in place. Tape or no tape. I end up not using tape. I find if I was them really well with dial antibacterial soap and let them air dry they are super sticky again and then I wear a sports bra and it holds them in place. After I shower I am applying biocorneum on all scars and let them sit for a few while I do my face skin care and then I put the silicone sheets on them. This seems to be working for me. I like the New Gel brand the best. It’s expensive on amazon but it is working the best and sticks well. I learned a great trick to by the long strips and cut them in half and just pop the entire strand on. As the edges start to curl just trim them little by little. Like a scar sheet haircut. Attaching scar pics

Updated on 1 May 2019:
The scars are getting less and my boobs have gone down a tiny bit more. I think they have dropped and fluffed? I still don’t really know what that means. Scars are looking good except my belly button looks really dark. Could be from the compression Spanx? Slowly transitioning to all of the clear scar new gel because they dry faster after I wash them and they stick well. Still using biocorneum under the scar sheets just for double layer of silicone. Uploading new pics

Updated on 20 May 2019:
So my scars are looking better (I think) and my boobs feel more healed(ish). My stomach still gets very swollen when I eat anything salty or greasy and when I have beer or vodka sodas. Other than that I feel great, I’ve been doing spin and treadmill walking. I’m trying hard not to do anything that would tug or pull at my abdominal scar. I’m also still numb in the mid section where he did the abdominalplasty. I have a follow up appointment tomorrow so we’ll see what the doctor says. Oh, and I’m still waiting to see if my boobs will go down in size. I’m still wearing a D bra but I wanted a C. I did however go and get measured and was told that I’m a 34D whereas previously I was a 36D. I can squeeze into a C if I want to, but there’s a little bit of spillage. Ok, picture time... and I have biocorneum scar cream on the scars and that’s why it’s shiny. I stopped using silicone sheets because I was traveling and it was a pain in the Butt.

Updated on 18 Jun 2019:
Just wanted to pop in and give an update. My side bruising has gone away. I’m doing medium weights just upper body now (arms/shoulders/triceps) and 10 miles on spin and one mile slowly walking uphill. I’m still wearing compression as much as possible. I’m still getting very bloated after I eat and still have numbness in my lower abdomen from the nerves. All in all I feel pretty good except for being super impatient with healing.

I chose Dr. Ip because my sister in law had hers done and he did a wonderful job on her, very natural.
I feel comfortable from the first visit and all the way through. The Dr. and staff are very professional and friendly, answered all my questions.
I like that Dr. Ip has you stay in the surgery center overnight, it was wonderful to wake up from surgery in the bed that you will be sleeping in and the nurses were wonderful through the night, very reassuring to be there.
My recovery has been great!! I had a neck lift and lower face lift, he did liposuction under my neck. You can see from the pictures that I did not have a lot of swelling, some minimal bruising.
He did an incredible job, I am beyond thrilled and would highly recommend him.
Best thing I ever did for myself (with the exception of my knee replacement).

I forgot to add, I had my BA done with Dr. Ip in 10/2015, and the fat transfer in 9/2017. I started seeing the ripple at about 6 months post-op, so it was a shock to me because I thought I had the all-clear! But it's true your breasts take 1-2 years to completely settle, so there's that. I also got slightly leaner (for me, that just means 2lb, so nothing crazy) since going vegan and taking up more gymnastics.

Updated on 15 Oct 2017:
Wow I'm bummed Realself erased my initial review when I only tried adding to it. Brief redo:

Dr Ip is skilled, a good genuine person and has fair prices. He is fun to talk to and cares about your outcome. I do wish I asked more about the different brands of implants - I may have gone with something more cohesive.

Dr. Ip gave me well-placed scars, implants that hardly move when I flex my chest, a perfect size and gorgeous outcome overall. My only bummer was a few ripples I see on one side breast while standing. For a small fee $500 he did a fat transfer. My expectations weren't high since I have little fat to give. I almost have a six pack. But he tried his best and I have a small improvement. He offered to touch it up again in the future if I gain some fat. Fat transfer to ripples on lean girls like myself are tough, and I really appreciate Dr Ip giving it a go - I was ready to expect zero improvement.

I have 400 cc on each breast, mod plus mentor textured memorygel under the muscle (I'm not sure yet of exact placement technique). I love them!

Update:

forgot to add, I had my BA done with Dr. Ip in 10/2015, and the fat transfer in 9/2017. I started seeing the ripple at about 6 months post-op, so it was a shock to me because I thought I had the all-clear! But it's true your breasts take 1-2 years to completely settle, so there's that. I also got slightly leaner (for me, that just means 2lb, so nothing crazy) since going vegan and taking up more gymnastics.

With over a year of research and multiple consultations around Southern California I felt completely confident in choosing Doctor Ip. Everything from the consultations to the follow up emails were completely thorough and professional. He takes the time to really get to know his patients and makes sure they are taken care of. His staff is friendly, educational, persistent and accommodating. The price you pay for the quality of care you are given is worth every penny. Steven truly cares for his patients and their needs. I didn't have to worry about a thing. He always made time for my questions and concerns. My surgery happened only a week ago and I can already tell he did an amazing job. I've never seen results so precise and beautiful!! I am very thankful I found him! He is a wonderful surgeon who is extremely skilled! I recommend coming in for a consultation so you can feel the difference.

Updated on 13 Dec 2016:
With over a year of research and multiple consultations around Southern California I felt completely confident in choosing Doctor Ip. Everything from the consultations to the follow up emails were completely thorough and professional. He takes the time to really get to know his patients and makes sure they are taken care of. His staff is friendly, educational, persistent and accommodating. The price you pay for the quality of care you are given is worth every penny. Steven truly cares for his patients and their needs. I didn't have to worry about a thing. He always made time for my questions and concerns. My surgery happened only a week ago and I can already tell he did an amazing job. I've never seen results so precise and beautiful!! I am very thankful I found him! He is a wonderful surgeon who is extremely skilled! I recommend coming in for a consultation so you can feel the difference.

I am beyond happy with my results from Dr. Ip. He is so talented and intelligent he really makes the whole process very comforting and easy. And I love my Sientra Implants! Weekly follow ups have been very helpful with the healing process. I always leave feeling very educated and excited for my progress. I highly recommend Dr. Ip !! Best experience

Hi, just a short intro since I am post op and in a little pain. I'm 42 and got implants put in at 22. I was never really motivated by anything other than to make them even. One was a smaller size and I was originally a B cup. I told my original surgeon in Atlanta that I did not want to go over a C. Well, I woke up a D and have regretted my decision ever since. I would give anything if I would have had the larger breast reduced, but my fear of scars got the best of me.

I HATED my implants the whole time I had them. I am a boater and the liquid in them would heat up and burn inside my chest. I couldn't run, dance right, had back issues which led to spine surgery, and frankly, got tired of men talking and staring at my boobs. Not to mention nothing was ever on sale because I would have to buy a dress for the boobs and spend even more on alterations. Around March I noticed a lump coming up on the top of my left breast. It was positively frightening and I imagined the worse. However, it was a bubble from an implant shift that was terribly painful and I knew they had to go.

Fast forward and I am in CA now. My first consultation was in Pasadena. I kinda liked the doctor until all he could talk about was his other patients and online reviews. He insisted I wouldn't be happy taking the implants out and not replacing them. I felt like screaming "are you kidding me?" at him. The more I told him I wanted them gone, the more he tried to talk me out of it. "You won't have anything left" he said. "You'll have saggy bags and will be back in my office in a year getting implanted again. I don't know if I can save any of your breast tissue." I literally left his office in tears and knew I had to find another doc. I had total red flag alert so I went for a second opinion.

I found a wonderful doc in Newport Beach in Dr. Ip. His office staff is awesome, the facility he does the surgery in is stacked with the kindest and gentlest nurses and doctors. He has a perfect bedside manner with a great voice, easy to talk to, and he explained EVERYTHING to me. Not once did he try to talk me out of it. In fact, his first comment was, "you have a lot of great tissue left and I an going to save everything I can." He showed me pics of breasts that looked exactly like what I had (not random photos) so I could see how my body type would look with the lift. If I didn't know better I would have thought the examples he showed was me. That's what I really liked about him. He had so many he was able to show me MY body shape and I could envision how I would look.

I had my procedure done September 10th, 2014 and I am entering my 3rd day post op. So far, I have a really really bad bruise under one. I got the lift with the anchor suture and I won't lie...it's painful. I thought my nipples would hurt the most but the scar under the fold to my armpit is what is driving me crazy. I don't remember much after going into the OR room. I hear I was rather combative when I woke and had to be knocked out again. The only thing I can remember is feeling like I couldn't breathe. I imagine that was probably right after they took the intubation tube out. I was wrapped tight, given more morphine, and began the trip home. It was a 2.5 hour trip on the road which I probably shouldn't have done looking back, but, it sure was nice to start my recovery in my own bed and not a hotel. :) If you intend to travel right after, I HIGHLY suggest you ask for a script for an anti-nausea med since morphine is really bad about motion sickness.

All in all I feel like I am going to have my bad day today. Everything has worn off and I am still on the Percocets and antibiotic. I don't see me ditching them at least until the bruising heals a little. Hopefully by Monday I can switch to Tylenol but right now I am way too sore to not take them.

I am absolutely ecstatic to have those fake water sacks out of my chest. I am a little bummed when I see the sutures and think WHY DID I DO THIS TO MYSELF to begin with??? I would never have faced this if I had just left well enough alone in my 20s. Now, I tell every woman that even mentions implants...DON"T DO IT!!!! It's just not worth it.

Here's my pics of before removal, and after lift. You can see that one of the problems I was having was the implants had drooped, let lose of the chest wall, and made my aureola disappear. I was originally a B cup preimplant, a D-DD after implant. I hope to be left with a good B after all is said and done.

I can't tell you how glad I am that I found this site. After looking at other explants and lifts on here with stories, I knew I was making the right decision. I only wish I had never had them put in to begin with.

Updated on 13 Sep 2014:
I have made it through Day 3 and 4. The 3rd night (last night) was terrible. I'm not sure if I had too many pain meds in me or it was the Cipro, but I got really sick last night. I vomited for a few hours and was able to rest after getting everything out of my stomach. The Oxycodone makes me want to rip my skin off so I am really hoping that in the next 48 hours I don't need them anymore.

I finally got a short shower today and it made me feel like a new woman. My hubby has been a real trooper and inspects my sutures daily for any signs of infection. They look better every day but the bruise and outside corners are still extremely tender. Today is the first day I see a new color in it other than black. All kinds of pretty purple and yellow coming in with some itching and that's a good thing. I'm getting more energy by the day but I get really tired quick.

I have a post op appointment Monday and I am keeping my fingers crossed for some suture removal. I have healed really quick and noticed one nipple was trying to respond this morning in the shower to the cold. Yahoo! ;)

Soooo happy! Here's my day 3 and 4 pics.

Updated on 14 Sep 2014:
Today I feel much better even though my bruise looks fierce. My pain sensations seem to be shifting. Yesterday, I felt more tender on the outside edges and today it seems to be the inside at the fold. I'm pretty sure I bruised so bad on that one side because that was the one I never had any weeping out of. My dressing on the left had a bit of blood and leakage on the night of my surgery but the right bandage was always clean. I imagine I closed really quick on that side and just didn't have time to naturally drain. The blood has pooled pretty bad but it looks to be healing well in spite of it all.

My 5 day post op is tomorrow and I hope to shed the chest bandage. I had another shower today but I still don't have the kahunas to rub or scrub near the area to get that purple mark off. Also, it felt really uncomfortable this time to let them hang in the shower. Although I am hating the bandage, It feels a lot better having it on at this point than not. When I get up, I am staying upright about 2 hours at a time and then I have to have about 3 hours of nap to recoup.

Looking forward to my appointment tomorrow and I'll post an update afterwards.

Updated on 15 Sep 2014:
My first post op went well today. I am healing fast and had some of my top stitches removed which let out the tug in my nipple. It rounded out a lot more just on the way home and definitely gave me some relief. I absorbed a good bit of the bruise I had last night and I'm hoping the rest will dissolve soon. Although the bruise looks bad, it's still my outside and middle edges that are pretty sore. I am glad to be out of the wrap and into a comfy support bra.

Updated on 17 Sep 2014:
My grandmother reminded me yesterday morning about the old home remedy she used to use for bruises. So I started yesterday morning with a soaked cotton ball of witch hazel. I squeezed the excess out and began rubbing my bruise about every 2 hours being careful not to touch my suture lines. I snapped a close pic to compare the difference in 24 hours. Needless to say, I am amazed and very happy. :)

Updated on 26 Sep 2014:
As you can see, I have made a huge improvement over the last week. I bruised out on the suture lines because I did not put any witch hazel in those areas. I have a light green stripe now but for the most part, the terribly dark bruises are gone. I feel 200% better but I wanted to give a recommendation for time off. It seems that I hit total exhaustion on about the 10th day. When I say fatigued, I mean I couldn't even stay awake. I'm not sure why this happens but a few others who have had this procedure have said the same thing happened around the same time. I suggest taking a full 2 weeks off because of this. I felt ok on days 7-9, but on days 10-12, I could hardly get out of the bed.

Also, I got constipated so bad that I had trouble going the whole time I took the meds. Get a softener and eat real soft foods about 3 days before your surgery. This particular suggestion is no joke and you will thank me for this one. :/

Today is a whole new experience as my under stitches begin to break. It causes pulling that will send you into orbit no matter where you are. I call out "needles" so when I scream my husband knows I'm ok. I have pulling on one side and I hope it will break free soon even though I dread it. It has caused my nipple to invert in on the outside of both breasts. I panicked at first but my doc assures me this is normal and they eventually let go.

On a truly positive note, I have feeling and response in BOTH nipples. YAHOOOO! I have not felt any sensation in them for the last decade because of those stupid implants. I can't tell you how much this makes me (and my husband) happy. ;)

So far, so good.... I definitely will NEVER regret my explant and lift. All my clothes fit so well now and I have my eye on a new Sue Wong flapper dress for New Years. :D

Peace.

Quality, price, and location. (in a hospital instead of a strip mall)

Vietnamese-American, 23 yrs old, I am 5'2, weigh 118lbs and I have a big butt, small waist. I am thinking of getting silicone 475cc, would this be okay for my body? Will I look too heavy on top and bottom? I am a very conservative but I like the full round look..please help..i am so indecisive and my surgery is this Friday! I am so nerous and not sure if i want to go 475 or smaller...?