Ponte Vedra Plastic Surgery strives to provide their patients with cutting-edge technologies and advanced techniques in cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery. They treat them with utmost respect and compassion, like their own family.
I am eleven days post op and thrilled with the entire process so far. So seamless! After thorough research, I had decided to go with Dr. Erez Sternberg at Ponte Vedra Plastic Surgery. I am Type-A however, Dr. Sternberg’s bedside manner immediately put me at ease, I trusted him completely. I had always desired cleavage and upper pole fullness, something I didn’t think was possible given my anatomy. Dr. Sternberg took the time to discuss my options and we pondered on potentially doing a lift as well. After much discussion, we decided on a simple bilateral breast augmentation in the sub-glandular plane (over the muscle). I can always do a lift later if desired however, he was confident I likely wouldn’t even need or want one as going with a larger implant can provide some lift. He’d test different sizes on the table/sit me up and ultimately choose the implant that would provide me with my desired look in the OR from the Natrelle Inspira line of implants. Surgery day rolls around and I am the first case of the day. I arrive by 7:30 and am taken back promptly. His nurse Lisa is amazing!!! Dr. Sternberg comes in and maps me out, I get hooked up to an IV (my first ever), I speak to the anesthesiologist and before I know it I’m walking into the OR exactly on time. I lay down on the table and the last thing I remember is the anesthesiologist telling me he is going to give me a couple glasses of wine through the IV and I was out! Next thing I know I am waking up and I have a new pair. I was super comfortable encased in a heated blanket. Dr. Sternberg comes by and he told me he went with SCF-520 implants (520cc-smooth, cohesive, full profile) which we discussed he’d probably lean toward pre-operatively. I was thrilled to hear that because I always read about those that regret not going bigger. Everyone was so nice to me before I was picked up, ensuring I was comfortable and all of my questions were answered. I arrived home and was shocked that I hadn’t felt any pain whatsoever. The nurse said I may start to feel a bit when the local wore off but this never happened. I never had to take any of the prescribed pain medicine and didn’t have any bruising, recovery has truly been so easy! I even was able to work from my computer the very next day! Now I am going to warn you, they’re going to look a little crazy at first. They’ll look super high and a little distorted. I am telling you TRUST THE PROCESS. It took about a week to feel like they were mine and ladies, let me tell you I cannot stop looking at them now! They are literally perfect! He gave me the exact look I’ve always wanted! This procedure has done volumes for my confidence in such a short amount of time. Dr. Sternberg is a class act! I had my first post op the other day with the sweetest nurse, Caroline! My incision sites look so small, I barely notice them. Very pleased with the post op care thus far. I will continue to update on my experience! My next post op is in two weeks with the doctor. To Dr. Sternberg, his team and the amazing staff at Ponte Vedra Plastic Surgery, thank you! You all have truly changed my life. If you have been contemplating having this procedure done, look no further than choosing Dr. Erez Sternberg at Ponte Vedra Plastic Surgery.
I recently had a rhinoplasty surgery with Dr Ellen Hancock, and I must say I am so SHOOK with how much I love it. I was very worried in the beginning because, you know, it’s your face. The results are so amazing, I 10/10 recommend doing it if you’re thinking about it!!! I had my rhinoplasty on a Thursday, cast removal on the following Wednesday, swelling was minimal for me but very manageable. I was rarely in any pain. Thank Dr Hancock!!!
37 yo mom of 2, 127 lbs, previously 34AA wanting to enhance with a more natural look - 335CC Natrelle full profile highly cohesive “gummy bear” tear drop implants under the muscle I have wanted larger breasts since adolescence but wasn’t ready to pull the trigger until recently. I was referred to Dr. Hancock at Ponte Vedra Plastic Surgery by a friend who had a great experience with her last year. I had my consult on March 14 and due to my work schedule, they were able to schedule my surgery for a week later. It was a busy week to get prepped but the coordinator and nurse both made things incredibly easy to get done in time and answered all of my questions promptly. At my consult, I wasn’t sure which size CC I wanted based on the testers but I knew I didn’t want to go too big given my smaller frame and higher level of activity. Dr. Hancock ended up choosing 335CC full profile silicone implants for me during the surgery and she got me just the size and shape I was looking for. The day of surgery went incredibly smoothly - everyone on the team was so professional and friendly. I felt so at ease even with it being my first time under anesthesia. I woke up with zero nausea and some discomfort but the medicine they provided worked great. Her nurse was incredibly responsive any time I had questions regarding my recovery process and always put my mind at ease. I needed a full week to recover before going back to my remote job but by two weeks, I felt almost normal. It became a matter of me telling myself I couldn’t do certain things! I just had my six week follow-up and they have settled well. So happy I finally did it! Highly recommend Dr. Hancock!
Dr. Hancock is hands down the best! She treats you like you are a friend. My surgery was great and results couldn’t be better. I had a breast reduction and she has me feeling so much better and looking better and natural! She never sets you up for unrealistic expectations. Her staff and support personnel are just as amazing.
I am exactly 3 weeks post-op and absolutely floored by my results. Dr. Sternberg exceeded every expectation. He's a genius! All of my incision lines are paper thin. My breasts aren't just what i wanted...they're better. I'll never forget the feeling of removing my surgical bra and seeing them for the first time. after two kids my breasts were saggy, large nipples, just the worst. Now they are high, tight, perky, perfect size nipples. My lipo was perfect, not too much, not too little. Tummy tuck is the biggest game changer. i had a large pooch over my c-section scar. its gone. my tummy is so cinched and back to pre-baby. I think its going to take my mind a long time to catch up that this is my new body! I have confidence i haven't felt in years. I look forward to bathing suit shopping, bra shopping, finding dresses for events - things i used to loathe before. This is all thanks to Dr. Sternberg. Also important to mention: my comfort post-surgery was amazing. I was REALLY scared for the potential pain and discomfort of it all. and while it was NO walk in the park, Sternberg and the staff at PVPS really set you up for success. One thing i will note, that his patient coordinator, Sophia is not great at responding to emails/calls. I had to track her down after my initial consultation to schedule surgery and pay my deposit. but you only deal with her prior. Once you have your first pre-op appt you can speak directly with his nurse, Lisa, who is amazing and incredibly responsive. If you are reading this review and considering him for your breast augmentation/lift/and or/mommy makeover let this be the sign that he is your guy!
I gained 90+ pounds at 18 when I got pregnant with my son. My stomach never went back to “normal” and my years of yo yo dieting didn’t help with the elasticity of my skin. I could not have picked a better physician. I told him from the very beginning I wanted to look natural and he hit that goal right out of the park. I’m thrilled with my results.
I loved the way my implants looked, but I began to have several severe health problems after hitting my breast jumping from a waterfall. After going to the er, and multiple doctors without any reason for my declining health I emailed Dr Sternberg to get his opinion. I trust him completely, which is really saying a lot as I am usually very cautious of physicians. He contacted me back and had me come in for a check up to see what was going on. He decided that although not certain, my symptoms could possibly be related to the breast implants. So for health reasons, we decided to have them removed instead of replaced. Dr Sternberg did an enbloc implant removal and capsulectomy. He is by far the best surgeon practicing. Out of the multiple doctors I went to searching for help and to regain my health he was the only one who truly cared about me. I have seen a cardiologist, my primary care physician, two functional medicine doctors, my gynecologist, and the emergency room physicians, along with thousands of dollars worth of blood work and other testing. Not a single one even cared about my health, or listened to my body's symptoms. I can not even begin to explain how amazing Dr Sternberg and his staff are. Lisa, Robin, and Dr Martin (The anesthesiologist) are all amazing as well and make you feel as comfortable as possible. I was nervous about surgery when I went in, and the one thing that sticks out to me was he cared so much about my well being. He told me that he believed this would make me feel better, and if it did not we WOULD find out what was making me sick. He gave me hope. As someone who works in the medical field, I can assure you that this stood out to me and spoke volumes to me. I would trust him 100%. He is a perfectionist. If you are unhappy with his work, I highly doubt you would find any solace elsewhere. If you are considering him, you are making the right choice. I am now 1 week post op and I feel amazing. I have a long way to go in my healing process, but I think I am getting my life back on track, thanks to him. I feel he has truly saved my life. Updated on 17 Jul 2020: I am three weeks post op and I feel absolutely amazing. Incisions are healed, and breasts are less sore every day. I got the go ahead to resume normal activities such as running, horseback riding, etc. I had been too sick to do anything I loved for the past several months. My severe joint pain, heart palpitations, and high resting heart rate (among other symptoms) had me practically bed ridden. I did not think I would be feeling so much better so soon. To be honest, I thought I would never feel normal again. My joint pain is 100% gone, and heart issues have drastically decreased, along with many other vanishing symptoms. I have my life back. Thank you so much Dr Sternberg. I can’t thank this doctor enough. He has been a blessing to me, and I am overjoyed to be back to living. Here is an update of some of the symptoms I was experiencing pre explant, that are now gone by 3 weeks post op if anyone is interested: severe fatigue, muscle pain, joint pain, insomnia, vertigo, burning pain around L implant/underarm, shortness of breath, cold hands and feet, numbness/tingling limbs. Heart palpitations/heart pain has become less frequent to the point it is almost gone.
Brand new to RealSelf but it has been tremendously helpful thus far so I figured I'd repay this community and add my own story in case anyone wants to follow along. My surgery is booked for Monday, July 6th. I have my COVID-19 test tomorrow, I'll get those results Saturday and then hopefully I am good to go! Stats: 32 years old, 5'8, typically fluctuate between 135-140lbs. I have one child and I breastfed him. I have always been extremely small, sitting at a 32A, and it's been a source of insecurity for like 15 years. I would love to feel good naked, and not have such a struggle finding clothes and lingerie that fits nicely. I am pretty active and am looking for a result that won't interfere with moderate weightlifting, etc. My doctor, Dr. Erez Sternberg, and I have decided to go with Natrelle smooth full profile, between 310-345ccs, under the muscle and inserted in the breast crease. I will need two different size implants due to my left being slightly larger than my right. My only request of my doctor is to not make them too big and to not exaggerate any nipple wonkiness. I am aiming for a full C but would be okay with a small D. My dad is coming up to care for me for at least the first three days, and my son will be with his other grandparents during my early recovery. Updated on 2 Jul 2020: For anyone who hasn’t had one- it’s not as awful as I’ve heard. Maybe just my experience but I was dreading it. If I don’t hear from my nurse by Saturday around noon then I am good to go for surgery on Monday morning. I feel fine but heard asymptomatic positives are pretty common and Florida is insane for Covid right now, so fingers crossed I’m good. I will post my digital simulation pictures from my surgeon, they are through crisalix Updated on 4 Jul 2020: So, no call regarding my Covid test so I think we’re good to go! I spent the day cleaning up and getting some last minute things in order. My dad is coming up tomorrow and staying for about 3 days so I’m hoping I’m feeling decent by 3 days post op. Feeling mostly excited, with only a little anxiety. Posting my crisalix and some wish boobs. Updated on 7 Jul 2020: Went in for surgery yesterday at 11:30. Everything went smoothly. The doctor came in and asked some final questions, they had me take a pregnancy test and gave me some antibiotics through my IV and we were good to go. Only waited about an hour before i was in the operating room. Doctor wanted to stay at a modest 365 and 345 (two different size breasts, slightly bigger on my left). I woke up, pain and pressure was probably at a 6 with some light nausea. She gave me more nausea meds followed by some dilaudid. I stayed for about 30 minutes to get my bearings. Everyone was super nice and accommodating and they laughed at my ridiculous anasteshia (canny spell this word for the life of me, sorry). The ride home was okay, though I was dying to lay back down. Got home and started buddying up on tylenol, ibuprofen and my oxy and Valium. Got slightly nauseas for a few minutes but nothing overwhelming. Fell in and out of sleep. Started feeling really great with pain to around a 2 or 3, even after I was well overdo for more pain meds. I wanted to see if i could skip the narcotics and went to bed at roughly 1am, woke up at 4ish and felt pain was around a 5 or so so took them. I will wean off tomorrow and just take the heavy ones at nighttime. (Family history of RX addiction, important to me to get off of them quickly if possible). I love my boobs and am surprised about the lack of major swelling and boxiness. I have been icing for 30 min at a time a few times, will continue to do that. My only concern is that even though my left side is smaller by 20ccs, it still looks noticeably bigger than my right. I read that the exaggeration can be more prominent during swelling and healing, so I’m hoping they’ll even out a bit as they heal over the next few months. I see my doctor in a week and I’ll ask him then. Other than that, I feel pretty good overall and can’t wait to see the final result. I love that my nipples didn’t shoot off to the side like I expected they might. More updates soon, trying to be a compliant patient and leave my bra on. Updated on 7 Jul 2020: I am hoping to wean myself off of oxy today until bedtime, and so far the pain has been manageable. I went book shopping and to lunch and we ended up boxing up lunch because I think I overdid it and was starting to feel more pain. It’s subsided a lot since I laid back down and took more Tylenol. They’re starting to swell more and they’re starting to look more even which I am relieved about. I took a peek under the bandages and they look decent, with some mild bruising by the incision on the left side. Taking the bra off for a few minutes a day helps relieve a lot of the pressure I’m doing my best to leave it on and ice as much as possible. I’m so happy I had this done. I tried on some of my favorite button down work shirts that I was afraid would no longer fit and they still do, so that makes me super happy. So far so good. Looking forward to showering tomorrow. Updated on 7 Jul 2020: Sorry, have to fill this space ..............................................,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,??????????????!!!!!!!!!!....................,..................,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,zzzxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx. Xxxxx Updated on 9 Jul 2020: I was allowed to shower yesterday which was nice but I didn’t wash my hair as I’m going to need help with that. I only take my oxy and Valium at night and so pain levels during the day are around 4/5 I’d say. Nothing crazy to report. Weirded out by how boxy my lower poles appear, but hoping/assuming that will go away as they come down. Emailed my nurse just in case. My post op appointment is 8 days after my surgery which I find to be on the long side but I’m sure it’s fine. I have been doing my best to stay super hydrated, to keep the compression bra on and to ice throughout the day. Still very happy with this decision and looking forward to how they change in the coming months. Stats again are: 5’8, 135, 365cc and 345cc silicons unders. Updated on 11 Jul 2020: Hello! Moving along, getting more used to my boobs every day. Pain has been minimal and so I haven’t been taking very much OTC pain medication. I have reserved my oxy for nighttime so I get decent rest. My boobs are still boxy and high but swelling seems to have gone down a little. I notice my boobs changing ever so slightly every day. I have tried on a few old tops/lingerie just for fun and it’s so great to be able to fill them out :) still waiting for my lower poles to round out, nurse said everything looks normal thus far (emailed her pics a few days ago). My post op appt isn’t for another 2.5 days- looking forward to that and hopefully being told I can stop wearing my surgical bra. At this point I just feel like I’m super engorged, like i felt when I was overdue for breastfeeding. Still very happy with my choice :) I’m having a hard time uploading all of the pictures I want, RealSelf keeps rejecting them. Updated on 15 Jul 2020: Had my post op appt yesterday, Dr. Sternberg is happy with my results thus far. He cleared me to start low impact cardio and lower body exercise, so I started that today and it feels good to be exercising again. He also said I can now sleep however, no need to be propped up on my back. No need to wear my surgical bra anymore either thank god! He said to wear light bras, and to even go bra-less for a few hours a day to help them settle. He wants me in a light bra overnight though. They looked at my incisions and covered them with new steri tape. I took a look and they seem to be healing well. No pictures since they’re taped back up. I asked him about massage and he doesn’t recommend it, as he says there’s not really any solid evidence behind its effectiveness, and that he feels a majority of women are active enough/get enough movement in so he doesn’t see the need. I trust his judgment so I’ll skip it. He is seeing me in 3 weeks for another follow up. I am really happy with my new boobs! I think I went with a good size and I’m excited to see them drop and fluff, and to feel that they’re more naturally a part of me. Not much pain, just still some pressure. Will report back with my progress soon :) Updated on 16 Jul 2020: I entrusted Dr. Sternberg and his team and they have done a great job thus far. I had Breast Augmentation on 7/6/2020 and I am pleased with my results, and look forward to seeing my new boobs continue to heal and settle to look more natural in the coming months. Dr. Sternberg and his team have been extremely attentive, caring, and considerate toward me. Dr. Sternberg helped guide me to the right choice for me, and did not try to push me to go bigger than I wanted. He is easygoing, down to earth, but extremely knowledgeable and professional. If you live in north Florida and are looking to get cosmetic surgery I highly recommend him. I will be back to upload pictures when my boobs drop and fluff completely. Updated on 18 Jul 2020: All is well! Swelling has gone down a bit and I think they’re starting to settle a little. Sleeping is easier though still not able to sleep on my side without some discomfort. They still feel somewhat foreign to me but every day gets better. Nothing crazy to report :) I hope everyone is healing up nicely! Updated on 29 Jul 2020: All is well! I was hoping that side-sleeping would feel comfortable by now but it still feels like it puts too much pressure on my boobs/incisions. I can sometimes get comfortable if I hug a pillow and use it to prop up my boobs but it doesn’t always work. A few days ago I noticed a new bruise (albeit small- like the size of a dime) an inch or so above my incision, on my lower pole. It freaked me out so I contacted my nurse. She passed it along to my PS and he says it’s normal- possibly residual bruising coming to the surface from the surgery or I may have broken a capillary over-doing something. I think it was the latter because I vacuumed/carried in groceries a day or two prior to the bruise showing up and felt some new soreness/pain that I wouldn’t have expected at 3 weeks post op. So- the takeaway here- try your best to avoid ANYTHING that requires you to push/pull/lift more than 10 lbs, even if it’s just for a moment, this early on. I know this is common knowledge but it’s a lot easier said than done when you return to your normal day-to-day routine. At my first post-op appt my nurse replaced my steri strips and my PS advised me to leave them on as long as possible, but I could take them off if they started to peel. He cleared me to be in a pool ( not for swimming laps). I figured my strips would be gross if left on after I went into the pool so I took them off and replaced with 1” 3M Micropore surgical tape (also called paper tape, for sensitive skin, it’s white, I couldn’t find the steri-strips). I googled around and saw a lot of research/mentions of paper tape for scar reduction/healing and since my incisions seem to be closed up I feel comfortable using something other than the strips. Tape over scars has been proven to reduce the puffy appearance of scars, and helps with healing overall. It applies pressure to the scar which helps flatten it, and the tape reduces tension pulling on your scar. Some suggest you use tape over your scars for up to a year. Just something to consider :) I have another week until a follow up and I feel okay with my progress. They still don’t feel like they are a natural part of me. It’s hard to notice a difference in drop and fluff day to day, but I know I’m still early in my recovery. Only 1.5 of my nipples get hard; there’s a line down my left nipple, and the lower portion has no feeling/does not get hard. I’m hoping it comes back but won’t be too heartbroken if it doesn’t. I’m still very happy in my decision and know that things will take more time. Anyone reading to do research and still on the fence: do your research and go for it. I already feel so much better about my body despite still being a few months from having more normal looking boobs. Everybody who has seen them says that I picked the perfect size for me. I originally thought 365 would be too much and then I scoured this site and realized it really wouldn’t be. I can’t wait to see how they drop and fluff, and for them to become more comfortable. Recap: I am 5’8, 135lbs, breastfed 1. I was 32A, and went with 365 & 345cc natrelle soft touch silicone unders. Good luck everyone :) Updated on 4 Aug 2020: No real news! They’re getting slightly more comfortable each day. It’s hard for me to tell if they’re changing much but I think the lower poles are starting to fill out a little. I was slightly concerned with my incisions, as they were kind of bumpy/raised, but they have smoothed out a lot in the last few days. I’ve heard two random pops at my incision sites (usually when i replace my tape)- I read that could be scar tissue breaking up or a dissolvable internal stitch breaking apart, but it didn’t hurt, my boobs seem fine and the scar smoothed out almost immediately after the pop. So weird. I see my PS in two days so I’ll ask him then. I’m getting kind of impatient about how firm they still feel but I know it just takes time. Took some braless selfies, feels great to feel more womanly :) Updated on 17 Aug 2020: Slowly but surely seeing them drop and fluff. They finally feel a part of me, and I’m more comfortable sleeping on my side now. My doctor is happy with my results and I won’t see him until November. He cleared me for all exercise last week, and I’ve slowly started getting back into it. Anything that uses my upper body freaks me out though. I’m hoping I’ll start to feel less fragile about working out soon. One weird thing- my left boob squeaks when I massage it, and feels weird when I workout and make certain movements. It freaks me out but I’m reading that it’s not super uncommon. I think it’s cool to see how much they’ve changed in just the last two weeks. I am going to get fitted this week to see what size I am. My best guess is a 34C, we shall see :) I get mild morning boob still and a weird burning ache the day after I exercise but nothing drastically painful. Excited to see how I continue to heal. Extremely happy with my size.
First-time cosmetic surgery patient; first-time surgery/anesthesia patient Period! My Dr. & staff met me at my level of experience, ignorance, & education regarding the procedure. This journey began with a dreams convo with the hubby & evolved to the results I’ll share in pictures. After hubby’s homework, we choose Dr. Sternberg of Ponte Vedra Plastic Surgery. We completed an initial consultation, received quotes for several options we were considering, & made a decision within the next week or so. I’ll credit our decisiveness to Dr. Sternberg’s professionalism, expertise AND my husband’s due diligence with researching doctor’s credentials, years of experience, etc. Reviews were considered as well, but we had to consider that results are based on the individual. Any reviews we found for our doctor was nothing but positive. So, we decided on a mommy makeover-Abdominoplasty with Liposuction and Breast Augmentation/Lift with Liposuction Surgeries. After the consult, I had pre-operative appointment to sign my life away (lol)-mostly medical awareness, precautions, & pre-/post-op instructions. The only significant preparations I made were adjusting my work schedule & sending my toddler to my in-laws. My husband & other children picked up the slack during my downtime. This is important to keep in mind; while this is elective in nature, it is still a REAL medical procedure that will require some alterations to your normal schedule. I also purchased post-op meds, stocked on water/Gatorade, & altered diet items (broth, soup, applesauce, jello). I dressed in what I would need to wear home post-surgery-a front-zipped-down mumu, a long-sleeved front-button-down nightgown, oversized jogging pants, fuzzy socks (to keep on during surgery), comfy slippers, a scarf, & beanie (it was freezing the day of and after). My surgery took a total of 6 hours, but I probably wasn’t fully aware that it was over until about 1 hr 15min later. I was so cold & shivering because naturally the temperature is very low in the surgery room. I was also a little disoriented from the anesthesia-I began talking myself through what I slowly began remembering was happening. I was also talking my self out of what I thought was hearing from a nearby patient to be death-talk. Again, it was from the anesthesia-the more I became aware, the less disoriented I was. Because of the complexity of my surgery, I was an overnight stay but successfully discharged the next morning. The entire experience was very personal, seamless, and discreet. 5 weeks, 4 post-op visits later & I’m healing well and cleared to return to normal activities. My abs are still not 100% cleared (this is usually an 8-week healing process, per Dr.). Otherwise, I’m returning to as much normalcy with minimum aches and NO complications. I’d recommend Dr. Sternberg hands-down!
12/26/19 I had a breast implant exchange with Capsulorrhaphy from over the muscle saline to under the muscle silicone. Recovery was much easier than my first breast augmentation. However, since my first check up, my right boob has looked great and is dropping in nicely...BUT my left boob is still high and tight. Should I be worried or is this normal? Is there any way to speed up the “drop and fluff” process for my left breast?
