Dr. Chao, MD FACS, is a nationally renowned plastic surgeon who serves a clientele of celebrities, elite athletes, and individuals seeking cutting-edge non-invasive and surgical solutions. He founded Prime Plastic Surgery & Med Spas to unite his expertise with other leading medical professionals, ensuring that patients receive the highest standard of care in the field of plastic surgery. Dr. Chao boasts certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) and holds the distinguished title of Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. He is an active member of major plastic surgery societies, including ASPS, ASAPS, AAPS, ASRM, and PSRC. His clinical excellence is underscored by his role as the plastic and hand surgeon for the San Diego Chargers NFL Football team and ESPN X Games, where he is frequently seen on the sidelines attending to athletes' injuries. Dr. Chao's expertise extends to the media, as he has made appearances on The Doctor's Show and is regularly featured in publications such as the San Diego Union-Tribune, alongside other regional and national outlets. He also previously served as a Clinical Professor in the Division of Plastic Surgery at UC San Diego.
Dr. Tom Pousti, double board certified Plastic Surgeon specializing in Reconstructive and Cosmetic Plastic Surgery and is dedicated to restoring appearance, self-esteem, function, and quality of life to his patients. Dr. Pousti is noted for his warm, personal demeanor and has passion for his work.
Dr. Robert Singer is a highly experienced cosmetic surgeon with over two decades of practice. He specializes in a wide range of cosmetic surgical and non-invasive procedures, known for his exceptional technique that consistently delivers beautiful, natural-looking results for his patients. Based in La Jolla, California, Dr. Singer is an internationally recognized plastic surgeon who holds board certification from the American Board of Plastic Surgery. He completed his medical degree at the State University of New York-Buffalo. Dr. Singer provides a comprehensive array of surgical and non-surgical treatments to enhance the breasts, body, and face. His expertise covers procedures such as facelift, breast augmentation, rhinoplasty, abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), and more. He firmly believes that confidence in one's appearance can lead to an improved quality of life and greater success in personal and professional relationships. With a keen sense of aesthetics and balance combined with artistic talent, Dr. Singer has played a pivotal role in helping numerous individuals achieve the refreshed and revitalized appearance they've long desired, not only in Southern California but also worldwide.
Dr. Michael S. Wong, MD is a board-certified plastic surgeon with over two decades of experience, and he is widely recognized as an esteemed authority in the field of body contouring. His specialization encompasses breast augmentation, breast lift, and breast reduction procedures, either individually or in conjunction with tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) or mommy makeover surgeries. Dr. Wong possesses particular expertise in body contouring following significant weight loss, where he distinguishes himself by utilizing a patient's own tissues to enhance the volume and shape of the breast and buttocks, often in tandem with upper and lower body lifts. Dr. Wong earned his medical degree from Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston, Massachusetts, and subsequently completed his plastic surgery residency at Duke University Medical Center in Durham, North Carolina. Beyond his thriving practice, Dr. Wong holds the role of Associate Dean for Academic and Career Advising at California Northstate University College of Medicine. He also serves as Vice President of Clinical Practice at California Northstate University and holds the title of Professor Emeritus at the University of California, Davis. During his tenure at UC Davis, he served as the Director of Body Contouring After Weight Loss and the Plastic Surgery Residency Program Director.
Dr. Daniel Brown is a board-certified plastic surgeon, serving the greater San Diego area with offices in Del Mar, La Jolla, and Coronado, California. Dr. Brown specializes in breast enhancement, including breast augmentation, breast lifts, breast reduction, and gynecomastia surgery (male breast reduction). He also has expertise in tummy tucks (abdominoplasty), liposuction, Brazilian butt lifts, and full mommy makeovers, as well as facelift surgery. His practice, Daniel Brown Cosmetic Plastic Surgery, also offers numerous nonsurgical treatments for the face and body, including BodyTite and FaceTite, Cellulaze cellulite treatment, Botox, and Juvéderm dermal fillers. Currently, Dr. Brown is an Assistant Clinical Professor of Plastic Surgery at UC San Diego Medical Center where he teaches the newest, most innovative plastic surgical techniques. Dr. Brown received his bachelor’s degree in neuroscience at the University of Pittsburgh. He went on to attend medical school at The Medical College of Pennsylvanian and Hahnemann University School of Medicine (now Drexel College of Medicine) in Philadelphia, where he supported himself by working as an emergency medical technician (EMT). He completed his training in plastic surgery at UC San Diego Medical Center and his general surgical training at St. Vincent’s Hospital and Medical Center in New York City, prior to a prestigious fellowship in microsurgical and craniofacial research at New York University Medical Center’s Institute for Reconstructive Plastic Surgery. His research focused on the effects of stem cell therapy on wound healing, novel techniques to grow facial bones for syndromic children, and the effects of radiation on wound healing and new blood vessel growth. While living in New York City, Dr. Brown treated multiple trauma victims during the tragedy of the 9/11 terror attacks on the World Trade Center, as well as victims of the Staten Island Ferry crash in October of 2003. He brings a competent, focused, and calming force to critical situations. When he is not working at his private practice, Dr. Brown strives to stay abreast of the latest plastic surgical innovations and technological advancements. His own findings are frequently published in prestigious medical journals and have been presented on an international level. He takes pride in giving back to the San Diego community by performing emergency surgeries for trauma victims. He also regularly volunteers with InterFACE, a nonprofit organization that funds and performs cleft lip and palate repairs for children in Mexico. Dr. Brown has been recognized as a Castle Connolly Top Doctor and a RealSelf Top Doctor for three years running.
A: There are a variety of procedures that can produce a good cosmetic result in the appropriate patient: liposuction, a mini tummy tuck, a modified with an umbilical float, or a variety of a full abdominoplasty. All of the tummy tuck variations may or may not include tightening of the muscle and liposuction. Generally if there is significant loose skin above the umbilicus (belly button), a full tummy tuck will result in a greater correction and better outcome. Keep in mind that following the advice from a surgeon on this or any other website who proposes to tell you exactly what to do based on limited photos without examining you, physically feeling the tissue, assessing your desired outcome, taking a full medical history, and discussing the pros and cons of each operative procedure would not be in your best interest. I would suggest you find a plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and ideally a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) that you trust and are comfortable with. You should discuss your concerns with that surgeon in person. Robert Singer, MD FACS La Jolla, California
A: Your age is certainly not a contraindication to having a Mommy Makeover. There are a number of factors that are more important: Your general health, individual anatomy, realistic expectations, and a full understanding of the benefits as well as the potential problems that can occur with the procedure. I would suggest you find a plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and ideally a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery ASAPS) that you trust and are comfortable with. You should discuss your concerns with that surgeon in person. If you decide to undergo the procedure, I would suggest a medical clearance from your primary physician before proceeding with a tummy tuck. Robert Singer, MD FACS La Jolla, California
A: The best cosmetic result in any particular breast augmentation patient depends on a variety of factors, including: Your individual anatomy, desired outcome, realistic expectations, a thorough discussion with the plastic surgeon about the options, and an understanding of the pros and cons of any particular implant choice. Proper sizing is not just about the number of cc’s. or the type of implant. The thickness of your tissue, breast dimensions which include the width, height, and projection, as well as chest wall width all need to be considered when choosing an implant. Trying on implant “sizers” of various shapes and volumes while wearing a tight t-shirt, bra, or bathing suit at a preoperative visit will help you and your surgeon choose the optimal implant. Keep in mind that following the advice from a surgeon on this or any other website who proposes to tell you exactly what to do without examining you, physically feeling the tissue, assessing your desired outcome, taking a full medical history, and discussing the pros and cons of each operative procedure would not be in your best interest. I would suggest that your plastic surgeon be certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and ideally a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) that you trust and are comfortable with. You should discuss your concerns with that surgeon in person. Robert Singer, MD FACS La Jolla, California
A: Every nose is different and unique to that individual. If the appearance of your nose concerns you enough to do something about it, it can be improved with a natural artistically performed rhinoplasty. What would be the best option and exact procedure would depend on an examination and discussion about desired outcome. Excellent results can be achieved with either a closed or open technique. Keep in mind that following advice from a surgeon on this or any other website who proposes to tell you exactly what to do based on very limited photos without examining you, physically feeling your tissue, assessing your desired outcome, taking a full medical history and discussing the pros and cons of the operative procedure would not be in your best interest. Natural appearing results need to be individualized and what is appropriate for one patient is not necessarily the best for someone else. I would suggest that you find a surgeon with extensive rhinoplasty experience certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and one who is ideally a member of The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) that you trust and are comfortable with. You should discuss your concerns with that surgeon in person. Robert Singer, M.D., FACS La Jolla, California
A: Every nose is different and unique to that individual. If the appearance of your nose concerns you enough to do something about it, it can be improved with a natural artistically performed rhinoplasty. What would be the best option and exact procedure would depend on an examination and discussion about desired outcome. Excellent results can be achieved with either a closed or open technique. Keep in mind that following advice from a surgeon on this or any other website who proposes to tell you exactly what to do based on very limited photos without examining you, physically feeling your tissue, assessing your desired outcome, taking a full medical history and discussing the pros and cons of the operative procedure would not be in your best interest. Natural appearing results need to be individualized and what is appropriate for one patient is not necessarily the best for someone else. I would suggest that you find a surgeon with extensive rhinoplasty experience certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and one who is ideally a member of The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) that you trust and are comfortable with. You should discuss your concerns with that surgeon in person. Robert Singer, M.D., FACS La Jolla, California