Dr. James J. Chao, MD 91942

Name: James J. Chao, MD
Last name: Chao
Gender: male
Began aesthetic medicine in: 1995
Years experience: 28
Primary Specialty: Plastic Surgeon
Website: https://www.primeplasticsurgery.com/about/our-team/james-chao-md-facs/?utm_source=RealSelf&utm_medium=Spotlight&utm_campaign=Promo
Business: Prime Plastic Surgery
Address: 8200 La Mesa Blvd
Phone: (619) 304-6273
International phone number: +16193046273
City: La Mesa
State: California
Zip Code: 91942
Country: US
Statement: 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.
Consulting Fees: 150$
Consultation note: Book your consultation
Has Sponsored Offer : No

Clinical Privileges:

Procedures done in office

Education:

Undergraduate:
BA, Psychology, Honors
BS, Biology, Honors
Graduate:
MBA, UCSD Rady School of Management
MS, Microbiology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, 1992
PhD, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
Medical: MD, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York

Postdoc Training:

Residency:
General Surgery, Institute of Reconstructive Plastic Surgery, NYU Medical Center
Plastic Surgery, Institute of Reconstructive Plastic Surgery, NYU Medical Center
Fellowship: Hand Surgery, NYU Medical Center/Bellevue Hospital Center

James J. Chao, MD

Member of:

American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS)
American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)

Board Certification:

James Jee-Ling Chao (ABMSUID -658636)

Viewed: 7/25/2008
Day of birth:
4/25/1962

Status: Alive
Certification: American Board of Plastic Surgery
Plastic Surgery – General

Status: Certified
Active Time-Limited Initial Certification: 9/8/2001 – 12/31/2011
Education: 1993 MD (Doctor of Medicine)
Location: 9014 Montrose WaySan Diego, CA 92122-1517 (United States)

GPS coordinates on map: 32.7645258,-117.0206974

Primary location:

Location name: San Diego
State: CA
Country: US
Map point: 32.7188,-117.1640015

Treatments:

African American Rhinoplasty
Areola Reduction Surgery
Arm Lift
Asian Rhinoplasty
Belly Button Surgery
Body Lift
Botox
Botox for Gummy Smile
Botox for Hyperhidrosis
Botox for Migraines
Botox for TMJ
Botox for Vaginismus
Brazilian Butt Lift
Brazilian Butt Lift Revision
Breast Augmentation
Breast Fat Transfer
Breast Implant Removal
Breast Implant Revision
Breast Implants
Breast Lift
Breast Lift with Implants
Breast Reconstruction
Breast Reconstruction Revision
Breast Reconstruction with DIEP Flap
Breast Reconstruction with Fat Transfer
Breast Reconstruction with Latissimus Flap
Breast Reconstruction with SGAP Flap
Breast Reconstruction with TRAM Flap
Breast Reduction
BroadBand Light (BBL)
Brow Lift
Butt Augmentation
Butt Implant Removal
Butt Implants
Butt Lift
Cheek Augmentation
Cheek Lift
Cheekbone Reduction
Chemical Peel
Chin Filler
Chin Implant
Chin Liposuction
Cleft Lip And Palate Repair
Clitoral Hood Reduction
CO2 Laser
Coolaser
CoolMini
CoolPeel
CoolSculpting
Cyst Removal
Dermal Fillers
DiamondGlow
diVa Vaginal Laser
Double Eyelid Surgery
Drainless Tummy Tuck
Dysport
Ear Surgery
Earfold
Earlobe Repair
Embrace Scar Therapy
Emsculpt
Endermologie
Eyelid Surgery
Facelift
Facelift Revision
FaceTite
Facial
Facial Fat Transfer
Facial Reconstructive Surgery
Fractional Laser
Fraxel Laser
Gastric Balloon
Genioplasty
Glycolic Peel
Green Peel
Gynecomastia Surgery
Halo Laser
Hand Reconstructive Surgery
Hand Rejuvenation
Hip Augmentation
Hyaluronidase
HydraFacial
HydraSolve
Hymenoplasty
i-Lipo
Inverted Nipple Surgery
IPL
Jaw Reduction
Jet Peel
JuVaShape
Juvederm
Kybella
Labia Puffing
Labiaplasty
LaseMD
Laser Hair Removal
Laser Liposuction
Laser Peel
Laser Resurfacing
Latisse
Lifestyle Lift
Lip Fillers
Lip Lift
Liposuction
Liposuction Revision
Liquid Facelift
Low-Level Laser Therapy
Lower Facelift
MACS Facelift
Male Tummy Tuck
Mastectomy
Mesotherapy
Micro Botox
Microdermabrasion
Mini Facelift
Mini Tummy Tuck
Mole Removal
Mommy Makeover
Neck Lift
NeoGraft
Nipple Reduction
Nipple Surgery
Nonsurgical Breast Lift
Nonsurgical Butt Lift
Nonsurgical Facelift
Nonsurgical Neck Lift
Nonsurgical Nose Job
Obalon Intragastric Balloon
PCA Skin Peel
Pec Implants
PlasmaPen
Power-Assisted Liposuction (PAL)
ProFractional Laser
PRP for Hair Loss
PRP Injections
QuickLift
Radiesse
Rejuvapen
Restylane
Restylane Defyne
Restylane Lyft
Restylane Refyne
Restylane Silk
Retin-A
Revision Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty
SAFELipo
Salicylic Peel
Scar Removal
Sclerotherapy
Sientra Breast Implants
Sientra Breast Reconstruction
Sinus Surgery
Skin Lightening
Skin Rejuvenation
Skin Tightening
SlimLipo
Smart Lipo
Subcision
Tattoo Removal
Thigh Lift
Tumescent Liposuction
Tummy Tuck
Tummy Tuck Revision
Ultherapy
ULTRAcel
UltraShape
Vaginal Rejuvenation
Vaginoplasty
Vampire Facelift
Vampire Facial
Vanquish
Vaser Liposuction
VI Peel
Vivace
Viveve
Vollure
Voluma

RealSelf Info

Awards:

American Legion Medal of Distinction
City of Beverly Hills Community Service Award
Heritage Fund Scholarship, Stanford University
Forest Whitaker Research Scholarship
John G. Beach Excellence in Research Award
Iron Arrow Award
Excellence in Research Award, Eastern Student Research Forum
NYU Resident’s Night Basic Science Research Award, IRPS

Rating: 5.0
Profile views: 16957
Answer count: 71
Review count: 89
5 star count: 45
Total star count: 45
Star rating: 4.6271008454415
Lead count last three months: 6
Anonymous votes: 0
Offer count: 0
Profile created: Aug 12, 2008
Profile modified: Sep 23, 2023
Profile photo modified: Sep 23, 2023
Profile promotion: Yes
Profile inactive: No
Premier status: Performance
Tier: Free-Unclaimed
RealCare Promise: No
Directory link: Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
RealSelf’s PRO: Yes
Doctor Designation Start Time: Jul 20, 2020
Doctor Designation End Time: Jan 1, 2033

Locations

San Diego, CA, US. GPS coordinates: 32.7188,-117.1640015

Latest ratings of treatments

Mommy Makeover (Mar 2015) – Overall rating: 5/5 (Wait times: 4/5, Doctor’s bedside manner: 5/5, Phone or email responsiveness: 5/5, Payment process: 5/5, Time spent with patient: 5/5, After care follow-up: 5/5, Staff professionalism & courtesy: 5/5, Answered questions: 5/5)
Breast Lift with Implants (Sep 2023) – Overall rating: 5/5
Breast Augmentation (Sep 2023) – Overall rating: 5/5
Biocorneum (Sep 2023) – Overall rating: 5/5 (Wait times: 5/5, Doctor’s bedside manner: 5/5, Phone or email responsiveness: 5/5, Payment process: 5/5, Time spent with patient: 5/5, After care follow-up: 5/5, Staff professionalism & courtesy: 5/5, Answered questions: 5/5)
Tummy Tuck (Oct 2018) – Overall rating: 5/5
Breast Augmentation (Mar 2020) – Overall rating: 5/5
Gynecomastia Surgery (Sep 2023) – Overall rating: 5/5
Breast Implant Revision (Jul 2020) – Overall rating: 5/5
Neck Lift (Jul 2020) – Overall rating: 5/5 (Wait times: 5/5, Doctor’s bedside manner: 5/5, Phone or email responsiveness: 5/5, Payment process: 5/5, Time spent with patient: 5/5, After care follow-up: 5/5, Staff professionalism & courtesy: 5/5, Answered questions: 5/5)
Breast Augmentation (Jun 2020) – Overall rating: 5/5 (Wait times: 5/5, Doctor’s bedside manner: 5/5, Phone or email responsiveness: 5/5, Payment process: 5/5, Time spent with patient: 5/5, After care follow-up: 5/5, Staff professionalism & courtesy: 5/5, Answered questions: 5/5)
Tummy Tuck (Sep 2023) – Overall rating: 5/5
Botox (Dec 2020) – Overall rating: 5/5
Breast Augmentation (Sep 2023) – Overall rating: 5/5 (Wait times: 4/5, Phone or email responsiveness: 5/5, Time spent with patient: 5/5, Staff professionalism & courtesy: 5/5, Answered questions: 5/5
Tummy Tuck (Mar 2021) – Overall rating: 5/5
Liposuction (Jun 2021) – Overall rating: 5/5
Mommy Makeover (Mar 2021) – Overall rating: 5/5
Breast Lift with Implants (Aug 2020) – Overall rating: 5/5
Tummy Tuck (Jun 2021) – Overall rating: 5/5
Breast Augmentation (Aug 2021) – Overall rating: 5/5
Breast Augmentation (Oct 2021) – Overall rating: 5/5
Gynecomastia Surgery (Nov 2021) – Overall rating: 5/5
Breast Augmentation (Sep 2021) – Overall rating: 5/5
Breast Implant Revision (Oct 2021) – Overall rating: 5/5
Breast Implant Removal (Oct 2021) – Overall rating: 5/5
Mommy Makeover (Sep 2021) – Overall rating: 5/5
Breast Lift (Sep 2021) – Overall rating: 5/5
Breast Augmentation (Dec 2022) – Overall rating: 5/5
Breast Augmentation (Sep 2023) – Overall rating: 5/5
Breast Augmentation (Sep 2023) – Overall rating: 5/5

Latest Prices

Mommy Makeover Prices

$10000 – Mar 6, 2015 – San Diego, CA
$11750 – Sep 28, 2021
$11750 – Sep 28, 2021
$11750 – Sep 28, 2021
$10000 – Mar 6, 2015 – San Diego, CA

Breast Augmentation Prices

$7750 – May 6, 2020
$9000 – Aug 5, 2021
$9200 – May 18, 2022
$9200 – May 18, 2022
$9200 – May 18, 2022
$8500 – Dec 29, 2021
$8500 – Dec 29, 2021
$8500 – Dec 29, 2021
$8500 – Aug 27, 2021
$8500 – Aug 27, 2021
$8500 – Aug 27, 2021
$8500 – Aug 27, 2021
$9000 – Aug 5, 2021
$9000 – Aug 5, 2021
$9000 – Aug 5, 2021
$9000 – Aug 5, 2021
$7650 – Jul 24, 2020
$7650 – Jul 24, 2020
$7750 – May 6, 2020
$7750 – May 6, 2020
$7750 – May 6, 2020

Breast Implant Revision Prices

$8000 – Jan 22, 2021
$20000 – Jul 9, 2021
$20000 – Jul 9, 2021
$20000 – Jul 9, 2021
$8000 – Jan 22, 2021

Neck Lift Prices

$14500 – Jul 10, 2020
$14500 – Jul 10, 2020
$14500 – Jul 10, 2020
$14500 – Jul 10, 2020

Liposuction Prices

$11000 – Feb 2, 2022
$11000 – Feb 2, 2022
$11000 – Feb 2, 2022
$4000 – May 20, 2020
$4000 – May 20, 2020
$4000 – May 20, 2020

Breast Implant Removal Prices

$20000 – Mar 17, 2023
$20000 – Mar 17, 2023
$20000 – Mar 17, 2023
$4100 – May 17, 2021
$4100 – May 17, 2021
$4100 – May 17, 2021
$4100 – May 17, 2021
$4100 – May 17, 2021

Breast Lift Prices

$20000 – Mar 17, 2023
$20000 – Mar 17, 2023
$20000 – Mar 17, 2023
$20000 – Mar 17, 2023
$20000 – Mar 17, 2023

Other Prices

$20000 – Mar 17, 2023

Eyelid Surgery Prices

$3500 – Jul 28, 2020
$3500 – Jul 28, 2020
$3500 – Jul 28, 2020

Practice Locations

Name & Website

Prime Plastic Surgery & Med Spa – La Mesa, https://www.primeplasticsurgery.com

Address

8200 La Mesa Blvd, La Mesa, California, US, 91942 (GPS coordinates: 32.7645258,-117.0206974)

Phone

(619) 466-8851

Working Hours

Mon: 9:00am – 5:00pm
Tue: 9:00am – 5:00pm
Wed: 9:00am – 5:00pm
Thu: 9:00am – 5:00pm
Fri: 9:00am – 5:00pm

Created / Modified

Mar 20, 2020 / Jul 16, 2023

Name & Website

Prime Plastic Surgery & Med Spa – Sacramento, https://www.primeplasticsurgery.com

Address

3000 S St., Sacramento, California, US, 95816 (GPS coordinates: 38.5629038,-121.4707017)

Phone

(916) 333-5353

Working Hours

Created / Modified

May 2, 2021 / Apr 18, 2023

Name & Website

Prime Plastic Surgery & Med Spa – La Jolla, https://www.primeplasticsurgery.com

Address

9834 Genesee Ave.Ste. 100, La Jolla, California, US, 92037 (GPS coordinates: 32.8842234,-117.2258598)

Phone

(858) 285-4667

Working Hours

Created / Modified

May 2, 2021 / Apr 1, 2023

Name & Website

Prime Plastic Surgery & Med Spa – San Diego, https://www.primeplasticsurgery.com

Address

4645 Carmel Mountain Rd.Ste. 208, San Diego, California, US, 92130 (GPS coordinates: 32.9203376,-117.2137738)

Phone

(858) 285-4667

Working Hours

Created / Modified

May 2, 2021 / Apr 1, 2023

Name & Website

Prime Plastic Surgery & Med Spa – Del Mar, https://www.primeplasticsurgery.com

Address

2670 Via De La ValleSte. A210, Del Mar, California, US, 92014 (GPS coordinates: 32.9811146,-117.2502507)

Phone

(619) 466-8851

Working Hours

Created / Modified

May 2, 2021 / Apr 1, 2023

Doctor’s answers

Question

Answer Header & Date

Answer Snippet

I lost 135lbs and I want a smooth, flat stomach. Tummy tuck? Panniculectomy?

I lost 135lbs and I want a smooth, flat stomach. Tummy tuck? Panniculectomy?
Jun 14, 2021

Hello kaciqp,

Thank you for your questions and photos. Based on your photos I would recommend a Tummy Tuck procedure instead of a Panniculectomy. The Tummy Tuck procedure would allow for muscle tightening to you give you more of waste along with a flat stomach. I would recommend an in person consultation to discuss liposuction and fat transfer if you are considering a BBL procedure. Please call us for a consultation, we look forward to hearing from you.

Thank you!

Will I need a TT or lipo to get rid of the pouch or if lipo might be enough?

Will I need a TT or lipo to get rid of the pouch or if lipo might be enough?
Jun 10, 2021

Hello NewBodyforMama,
Thank you for your question and photos. Depending on your goals and the time you have for recovery there are two options.
You can do liposuction and follow up with EmSculp NEO treatment to not only increase the reduction process by 30% but also increase muscle toning by 20% which is very helpful after having babies.
A tummy tuck procedure can also be recommended with muscle repair. Leaving you with a flatter tummy.
In person consultation are very important we look…

What type of breast lift procedure would you recommend? I’m interested in breast lift with no implant

What type of breast lift procedure would you recommend? I’m interested in breast lift with no implants.
May 13, 2021

Thank you for your question and photos. Based on your photos I would recommend a Stage 3 Lift (also known as an anchor lift). In person consultation are always recommended for accuracy and to help answer questions. Thank you.

Follow-up question: To lift or not?

Follow-up question: To lift or not?
May 13, 2021

Thank you for your question and photos. A decision of a lift or not will depend on the “look” you are trying to achieve. For example if you decide to go with a 500cc implant or higher I would recommend no lift. If you go with an implant lower than 500cc I would recommend a Stage I lift (Areolar Lift) along with the augmentation. In person consultation are always recommended. Thank you

Are my breasts saggy or tubular? Is there a way to fix them without an implant?

Are my breasts saggy or tubular? Is there a way to fix them without an implant?
May 13, 2021

Thank you for your question and photos. Based on your photos yes, you are able to lift your breast with out the use of implants. I would suggest a stage 3 breast lift (also known as the anchor lift). In person consultation are always suggested for accuracy and to be able to answer all your questions.

Am I good candidate for a lip lift?

Lip Flip!
Sep 17, 2020

Hi there,

Dr. Chao here. You should consider a non-surgical lip flip using botox. It will make your upper lip appear larger and reduce the distance from lip to nose without the need for surgery.

I am 5’3, 117lbs. After 3 kids and breastfeeding my breasts are non existing. Just skin and a nipple.

Helping you find your ideal breast size
Sep 8, 2020

Hi there, Dr. Chao here.

Deciding on your ideal breast size is a matter of the look you would like to achieve and finding the most comfortable size, shape and placement to fit your body frame and lifestyle. Finding a reputable plastic surgeon that you can trust is also an important factor to avoid complications which are common with women like yourself who have low body fat % and a small frame. I would recommend finding photos of breasts you would like to have and then scheduling a virtual…

Breast augmentation/ what do I need to achieve this look?

Your look is achievable with overfilled, under the muscle, silicone “gummy bears”
Aug 24, 2020

Hi there,
Dr. Chao here. We can create this look for you by using an overfilled implant inserted under the muscle. Your current breast tissue will give you a natural look that sits on your chest as shown in your inspiration photos. You should be most concerned that whomever does your implants focuses on the ideal placement so that you don’t end up with too much separation between the breasts, especially when not wearing a bra.
Wishing you lots of success with your surgery and achieving…

After recent weight loss, coupled with time, I’ve noticed loss of volume. Breast implants, breast lif

Breast lift and implant
Aug 17, 2020

Dr. Chao here,
The longest lasting results for your body will be to combine a breast implant with breast lift. This will allow you to go larger and create a more attractive shape for your physique.
Our practice uses computer generated simulations so that patients can see different sizes and shapes on their body. This allows you to see various results for yourself.
Hope this is helpful and good luck to you!

What breast implant size would you recommend for someone who’s small/underweight?

Please schedule a virtual consultation and consider all of your implant options
Aug 10, 2020

Dr. Chao here,
Since every body is unique, you’re most likely to achieve your ideal result by doing a consultation with a licensed specialist in breast implants. For example, at my offices our software can give you a simulated result of how your figure will look with different breast implant types, sizes and shapes. It seems that you are looking for the most dramatic result in terms of size, given your frame. In a virtual consultation or in-person consultation, your doctor should be able to…

I have saggy skin after pregnancy. Who do I go to to fix this?

Saggy Skin
Jul 22, 2020

Hello Dr.Chao here, thank you for your question.
So this can be fixed in the office under local anesthia.
Thank you for your time,
James J. Chao, MD. FACS

Is EnBloc really necessary if you don’t have BIA ALCL?

Full Enbloc Procedure
Jul 22, 2020

Hello, Dr. Chao here, thank you for your question.
So when choosing to perform an enbloc procedure compared to a capsulectomy procedure, the Physician and patient should sit down and discuss this in detail based off of the patients concerns.
Implant Removal With Capsulectomy:
This procedure consists of removing the breast implant, as well as removing the capsule surrounding the implant. This procedure can be a partial capsulectomy or total capsulectomy. A total capsulectomy involves…

How long after a hysterectomy is it okay to have breast explant surgery?

When can I have surgery?
Jul 22, 2020

Hello Dr.Chao here,
Thank you for your question. I reccommened you should wait approxtiamtly 3 months to 6 months (depeding on how your healing) to have your breast implant removal surgery.
Thank you for your time,
James J. Chao, MD, FACS

My nipples are huge post BA, my doctor said silicon settles in 3 months and they will go down, is my

Post Operative Breast Augmentation
Jul 22, 2020

Hello Dr.Chao here,
Thank you for your question. So with implants placed under the muscle it may take 2-3 months for the implants to suttle into your breast pocket. With the help of breast massage this can help with the setttlement of the breast implants.
When the breast implants do seetle then there appears to more roundness towards the bottom of the breast and nipple may move up.
Thank you for your time,
James J. Chao, MD, FACS

Adviseable to do liposuction before having children? photos)

Lipo before pregnancy versus after
Jul 20, 2020

Lipo will give you the result and aesthetic you’re trying to achieve. Non-invasive options or additional procedures may be necessary after you give birth, but given that you diet and exercise well, you may not need it. Find a board certified plastic surgeon who specializes in this procedure and in mommy makeovers like myself or other doctors in your area so that you are able to achieve a longer lasting result.

Latest Before And After Photos

Dr James J. Chao, MD, La Mesa, California (91942) Boobs Augmentation Image

Doctor James J. Chao, MD, La Mesa, California (91942) Overfilled 800cc Saline Surgery On Boobs Enlargement Candidate

Dr. Chao, La Mesa, California (91942) 20 Year Old Miss Treated With Perfect Breast Implants

Dr. Chao, La Mesa, California (91942) Mommy Makeover Surgery -- Extended Tummy Tuck, Breast Surgery Procedure And Lift

Dr Chao, La Mesa, California 26 Year Old Female Treated With Breast Implant Revision

28 Year Old Lady Treated With Mammary Implants Picture By Dr James J. Chao, MD, La Mesa, California (91942)

Dr. Chao, La Mesa, California (91942) 32 Year Old Lady Treated With Female Breast Implants Pic

32 Year Old Ms. Treated With Cosmetic Breast Surgery With Doctor Chao, La Mesa, California

Doctor James J. Chao, MD, La Mesa, California (91942) 26 Year Old Mrs. Treated With Best Breast Implants

Last updated on 11/22/2023