Helping hands

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)

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Your Patient Care Team

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 Nicole Arnold, Certified Surgical Technician

CST Nicole works alongside Dr. Chong 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 is coming up on her 10 year anniversary working alongside 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.

And 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.

Jessica begg headshot
Jessica Begg, Registered Nurse

Nurse Jessica was born and raised in Southern Oregon, is PNW at heart. Growing up in the Pacific Northwest (PNW), she played 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 theirs 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 joined our clinical team last Fall. She can be found guiding patients through consultation, pre-op, admission, recovery, and routine wound care in our daily clinic. She has seamlessly integrated physical and emotional well-being into her daily routine, helping our patients along their healing journeys.

Fun Fact: health and fitness continues to be a passion. She can be found at CAZ Training Club working as a strength/HIIT trainer Tuesdays/Wednesdays at 6pm, and Saturdays at 7:30am. Or catch Nurse Jessica at the CAZ Cycle Studio Saturdays at 9:45am.


 

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Lavinia K. Chong, M.D., F.A.C.S., Medical Director

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.

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Erika Terzani, Patient Concierge

Joining our office with more than 30 years of customer relations experience within a variety of industries, Erika provides patient support in several areas and in a variety of ways. From coordinating patient appointments, to assisting with 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.