ER Call: Do Your Job

Yesterday was the first time in 10 years, that I took ER call for Hoag. As my practice thrived, I dropped off the call schedule, naively believing that younger Plastic Surgeons shared the perception that service to Hoag, our base hospital was a prerequisite to building a practice… Read More »

All About Arm Lift in Newport Beach

The Arm Lift is a procedure that is designed to improve the appearance of the upper arms—an area that many people struggle with, especially as they get older or after losing weight. The upper arms can be a tough area for some people to tone, even as the rest of their body responds to a healthier diet and stricter exercise regime… Read More »

Late Summer

Thank you all who took the time to vote for me in Locale magazine’s “Who’s your favorite Plastic Surgeon in Newport Beach?” For me, the nomination was equivalent to being selected as an Olympian. Win, lose or draw, the chance to compete is what mattered, however the poll, following close on the 2016 summer games… Read More »

Mallorquin Style

This is the 2nd week back at work, following a family wedding in Seville and the obligatory visit to mother­-in­-law in Mallorca, which is located in the sunny Mediterranean and arguably one of Europe’s top ten topless sunbathing destinations. Being happily “off work”, I enjoyed one of my favorite past times… Read More »

What’s In Your “Cosmeceutical”

“Cosmeceutical” is a neologism, a word combining cosmetic and pharmaceutical and applied to products, which contain biologically active ingredients, purported to have medical and/or anti­aging benefits. The term applies exclusively to topical products such as lotions, creams, serums, ointments… Read More »

Not Blue Flame Enough

When I asked my brother whether any of his peers were contemplating a “nip and tuck” and he introduced me to a VC insult, #“not blue flame enough”. Apparently, it justifies my suspicion that youth has become commoditized and… Read More »

Waterpolo 2016

Yes, this is the last season that my family & I will be sports fanatics who ditch, leaving home at 05:00h to travel to the tournament, chant the institutional “war cry” and cluck about sore muscles, banged lips & plays that didn’t quite happen. Our daughter is starting her final waterpolo season at… Read More »

Second Generation Plastic Surgeon

Is it in the genes? Some of my late father’s patients believe that a talent for the “metier” (career) of Plastic Surgery can be inherited. While I am not sure that a predisposition for a certain advocation may always be passed down generations, I… Read More »

Do These Breasts Make Me Look Fat? Part I

2016’s Academy Awards were punctuated with the usual Red Carpet gowns and the statement is clear, small breasts are de rigueur where haute couture is concerned. Particularly fetching were Alicia Vikander in Louis Vuitton, Charlize Theron in Dior, Rachel McAdams in August Getty Atelier, Priyanka Chopra in Zuhair Murad. Controlling for design elements, fabric choice, drapery, color, etc… Read More »

Dr. Lavinia K. Chong Wins RealSelf 500 Award

Newport Beach Plastic Surgery Recognized as Top Social Influencer in Cosmetic Medicine Newport Beach, CA–March 1, 2016 – Local physician Dr. Lavinia K. Chong is one of 500 doctors in the nation to receive the prestigious RealSelf 500 Award, out of nearly 13,000 board certified specialists with a presence Read More »