Our staff has been assembled by female plastic surgeon Dr. Lavinia Chong with the mutual goal of providing our patients with the highest quality of service. We have created a welcoming and safe environment in which to serve our diverse clientele. Whatever your needs may be, surgical or non-surgical, our team members are able, affable, and available to address any questions or concerns. Please feel free to reach out to your Patient Care Team at our Newport Beach office by calling/texting (949) 644-1400 or email your patient concierge.
Our private surgical facility has been accredited continuously since 1996, initially by AAAHC, then subsequently by the Institute of Medical Quality through the California Medical Association, and most recently by QuadA, the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities. Our facility is designed, staffed, and equipped with high standards and well-trained personnel to promote excellent and safe patient outcomes.
“Dr. Chong is someone you can truly trust. She is honest and genuine. She always explains in detail the procedure she is giving you. The whole office has a wonderful environment – relaxing and welcoming. I highly recommend Dr. Chong!” -M.F. (Patient since 2006)
Your Patient Care Team
Kaia Medby, Certified Medical AssistantKaia’s travel experiences have allowed her to observe international medicine while in Athens, Greece, further expanding her perspective on patient care and healthcare. She recently joined our clinical team as a patient advocate in the Spring of 2026. But some of you may recognize her from her previous time spent with us as an intern. She is excited to continue growing her clinical experience, while supporting patients along their journeys.
In her free time, Kaia can usually be found studying or spending time with friends and family.
Nicole Arnold, Certified Surgical Technician
CST Nicole has worked alongside Dr. Chong for more than 10 years, providing patients support and assistance during all stages of their surgical journey. As a Certified Surgical Technologist with extensive experience in facial plastic surgery, her experience goes well beyond the face, having completed her externship at the Woman’s Pavilion at Hoag Hospital in Newport Beach.
She assists Dr. Chong in both the operating room and in the daily clinic setting. We are fortunate she has chosen to focus her talents in our office. She has a passion for helping patients, and brings a calming demeanor to their experiences.
As a Certified Personal Trainer, CST Nicole is able to help safely guide patients from consult to recovery, while providing guidance on proper nutrition and weight management. Questions about transitioning back into a workout routine once cleared after recovery? Nicole can help safely guide you with supportive suggestions.
Shelby Minarik, Registered Nurse
Nurse Shelby began her nursing career in Las Vegas, where she gained hands-on experience in critical care and as an OR circulating nurse specializing in neuro-spine surgery. After relocating to Orange County, she found her passion in plastic surgery, where she now works alongside Dr. Chong, continually expanding her clinical skills and knowledge. Her ultimate goal is to become a Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA), furthering her commitment to providing exceptional surgical care.
Fun Facts: In her free time, Shelby enjoys kickboxing and reading psychological thrillers. Being new to Orange County, she and her fiance enjoy trying new restaurants and attending stand-up comedy shows.
Nurse Jessica was born and raised in Southern Oregon. Pacific Northwest (PNW) at heart, she grew up playing soccer and developed a passion for snow skiing and competitive ski racing throughout high school. “I am a proud Washington State University alum—Go Cougs!” In her free time she enjoys spending time with her husband and Golden retriever. They enjoy their days together in the sunshine, traveling, fishing, cooking, and watching sports.
Her nursing career began in a Cardiac Step-Down unit. She then went on to spend five years in a Critical Care unit. During that time, she earned her CCRN certification and was a member of the Rapid Response Team. Nurse Jessica can be found guiding patients through consultation, pre-op, admission, and recovery. She has seamlessly integrated physical and emotional well-being into her daily routine, helping our patients along their healing journeys.
Fun Fact: fitness continues to be a passion, working as a strength/HIIT trainer at CAZ Training Club.
Vanessa Kash, Registered Nurse
Born and raised in Southern California, Nurse Vanessa joins us with more than with six years of dermatology experience. She wholeheartedly welcomes being your go-to for personal advice on skincare regimens and brands (Plated, ISDIN, Alumier, and more). She can be found in daily clinic assisting with consultations, post-op and pre-op appointments. You can also find her behind the chair, offering services for Cutera Secret RF Microneedling.
Her nursing career began in the South, as she headed to Texas for nursing school. A passion for caregiving quickly expanded. Her kind heart and comforting demeanor found her rescuing at-risk dogs from the local shelter. Now back home in California, she manages a lively household, with her husband and their menagerie of furry friends.
Fun Fact: she is one half of a twin duo!
Dr. Chong is a second generation plastic surgeon. She has had the past honor of serving as Division Chief of Plastic Surgery at Hoag Memorial Hospital in Newport Beach. She is a board-certified plastic surgeon, and is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.
She is a Newport Beach local who has stayed rooted in her community, completing her undergraduate studies at the University of California, Irvine. Her next chapter in life found her attending medical school at Wayne State University, where she completed a general surgery medical residency at the University of San Diego Medical Center, and a plastic surgery residency at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston. Additionally, she has completed externships at M.D. Anderson in Houston in micro-vascular surgery, and in aesthetic surgery under Dr. Thomas Baker, M.D. in Miami.
Keep an eye out for her on the beaches and at local yoga studios. Dr. Chong loves yoga, noting, “it relates my practice philosophy – you cannot have a really good cosmetic outcome just from a physical sense, you have to have a whole package … the person has to be intellectually robust and emotionally healthy.” The trifecta of the mind, body, and spirit aids in relaxation and helps to ensure that she maintains flexibility, strength, and balance … keeping her in peak performance mode. Read more…
*Dr. Lavinia K. Chong, pictured in photo (above): Gomukhasana pose.
Joining our office with more than 30 years of customer relations experience within a variety of industries, Erika assists with coordinating patient appointments and scheduling cosmetic surgery procedures. Your patient concierge can be reached by phone, text, or email and is always just a click away. Questions about financing for your breast augmentation, facelift, necklift, tummy tuck, or facial rejuvenation options? She is here to help explain your options and to direct you to a variety of resources.
Prior to her time with us, Erika spent many years within the health and beauty industry as an industry educator, day spa owner, and service provider (licensed with the State of California). She has also been a longstanding member of the National and Orange County chapters of PRSA (Public Relations Society of America). She incorporates the core values of PRSA (advocacy, honesty, loyalty, professional development, and objectivity) into every patient encounter.
Erika enjoys local travel, be it a day trip to Malibu or San Diego, or a weekend trip up the coast to Morro Bay or Sausalito. With her shelter pup by her side, she loves digging her toes in the sand, and finding great new eateries. If you are planning your out-of-state visit, feel free to ask about her favorite hidden treasures.
*Patient Concierge Erika, pictured in photo (above): Eka Pada Raja Kapotasana pose.
