Meet Dr. Chong
Lavinia K. Chong, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Born in London, England, Dr. Lavinia Chong has enjoyed life as a Newport Beach resident since 1972. She is a second generation plastic surgeon who was mentored by her father, Dr. J. Kenneth Chong, M.D., F.R.C.S., F.A.C.S. Dr. Kenneth Chong launched his own practice right here at our current location in 1973.
After completing her undergraduate education at University of California, Irvine, she went on to earn her M.D. from Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan in 1988. From 1988-1993, she completed her General Surgery residency at University of California, San Diego Medical Center. During her Plastic Surgery residency, at the University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, she took externships at M.D. Anderson Hospital, Houston, Texas in microvascular surgery, and with Dr. Tom Baker, M.D., Miami, Florida, in aesthetic surgery.
Dr. Chong returned to Newport Beach to practice with her father in 1996, and joined the Medical Staff of Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian. In 2000, she was certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, and later that year, she was inducted as a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. She is an active member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the California Society of Plastic Surgeons.
Dr. Chong has served as a member of the Orange County Medical Association Ethics Committee since 1997. From 2003-2005, she presided as Chairman of the Division of Plastic Surgery and was elected to the Hoag Leadership Elite in 2006.
Licenses:
Physician and Surgeon, State of California, 1989 to present
Certified American Board of Plastic Surgery, 2000
Fellow American College of Surgeons, 2000
Advanced Cardiac Lifesaving (ACLS) 10/05
Memberships:
American Society of Plastic Surgery (Active)
American College of Surgeons
Orange County Medical Association
Honors and Offices:
Chairman, Division of Plastic Surgery, 10/03-9/05
Hoag Memorial Hospital, Newport Beach, Ca.
Hoag Leadership Elite
Hoag Memorial Hospital, Newport Beach, Ca.
Orange County Medical Association Ethics Committee
1997-2006
Mission Statement:
Dr. Lavinia Chong's mission, goal and objective is to provide the highest quality Ambulatory Surgical Care and service to the patient. This objective will be reached in a manner that is cost effective without compromising quality of care. Her policies and procedures reflect quality of care, the service process, and explicit communication. All staff members recognize and respect the rights of the patient. Our goal is to provide a pleasant and safe environment for the patient as well as for the employees.
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About the Facility:
Since 1996, Assembly Bill 595 mandated that all ambulatory surgical facilities should be accredited. Our facility has been accredited continuously since 1996, initially by AAAHC and subsequently by the Institute of Medical Quality through the California Medical Association.
What this means 
to the patient is that our facility is designed, staffed, and equipped with the highest standards and personnel to ensure consistently excellent and safe patient outcomes.
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About the Staff:
Debbie Snodgrass, Office Manager
Debbie Snodgrass has over 10 years experience in the field of cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. She is extremely professional, knowledgeable, and caring. Her commitment to our practice and to our patients is remarkable. Her welcoming smile and friendly personality are just the beginning of your journey into the world of cosmetic and reconstructive surgery.
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Jenny-Lynn Quilico, CST
Jenny Lynn is a Certified Surgical Technologist who works directly alongside Dr. Lavinia Chong. Her commitment and knowledge about cosmetic and reconstructive procedures makes her a valuable asset to our practice. Jenny Lynn’s background in patient care allows her to make our patients comfortable in all phases of their surgical experience. Jenny Lynn is also an experienced and licensed medical aesthetician who supports our patients in cosmetic needs.
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Kelly Ehrsam, Billing Manager
Kelly has been in the medical billing field for 15 years. Although Dr. Chong is not a contracting insurance provider, Kelly helps patients seek reimbursement for insurance covered procedures. Kelly also bills Medicare for Medicare covered patients. If you have any questions, give Kelly a call.
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Heather Fackiner
Heather Fackiner is a Certified Medical Assistant. Her expertise in the cosmetic and reconstructive surgical field maintains confidence in our patients throughout their surgical experience. She is directly involved in all clinical aspects of the office, including cosmetic consultations, patient education, and assisting in post-operative
patient care. Heather is also a licensed aesthetician, bringing an added wealth of knowledge to pre-and post-operative skin care.
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Lavinia Chong, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Newport Medical Plaza 1401 Avocado Avenue, Suite 803
Newport Beach, CA 92660
M-Thrs: 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Fri: 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Phone: 949.644.1400 Fax: 949.644.5988
"Thank you for the professional, yet comforting way in which I am always treated. Each and every member of your staff is top notch and so appreciated. I’m hooked." - C.P.
"I was very impressed with my experience. Dr. Chong and her staff were wonderful – informative, caring, efficient, compassionate, and very skilled. It made my experience much easier. Thank you everyone!"
- W.P.
"Everyone in your office is so nice and pleasant. I am so pleased with the surgery; it made me feel like a new person."
- F.L
Dr. Chong is knowledgeable, personable, and makes you feel important and cared for. She is simply the best!
-Anonymous
"Very good results and I still look like myself."
- M.K.
"Dr. Chong and her staff have been kind, not only to me but to all patients I met coming and going from her office. I am very happy with the results of my reconstructive surgery, and when I have any more reconstructive surgery she will be my only choice. Dr. Lavinia Chong, you are the best. Thank you."
- M.C.
"My life is changed forever for the better due to my surgery so I would like to give you a sincere "thank you." Dr. Chong, you are truly an artist! Thanks a million."
- S.M.
"You certainly are a gifted and skilled surgeon, but your thoughtfulness, compassion and caring are incredible. Thank you."
- N.G
"Each of my surgeries had some discomfort; however, Dr. Chong and the girls in the office helped me make it very manageable, and all were very caring and gentle. Unpleasantries are always possible, but working together as we did made everything tolerable. I have wonderful comments about Dr. Chong and her office staff. Thank you for all you have done for me and to me, at a difficult time in my life. I’ll miss you all."
- W.R.
"Dr. Chong is one of the most compassionate doctors I know. Myself and my family have been through breast and various cancers and she was with me every step of the way with the surgery, reconstruction, chemo then back to reconstruction. If I had to change surgeons I would be devastated. She’s extremely confident, professional and I would recommend her, which I have, to Hoag cancer patients and friends."
- N.D.
"Very pleasant experience. Everyone was professional and caring. I am pleased with the outcome."
- M.B.T.