Your First Visit

Here in San Diego, there is certainly no shortage of plastic surgery practices or cosmetic dermatology practices, but La Jolla Plastic Surgery & Dermatology™ is unique in that it offers both specialties under one roof. Led by triple board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Richard Chaffoo, and his wife and business partner, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Susan Stuart, La Jolla Plastic Surgery & Dermatology™ is truly a full-service aesthetic center, designed to meet your every cosmetic need.

To meet with one of the board-certified physicians at La Jolla Plastic Surgery & Dermatology™,  request a complimentary cosmetic consultation  online or call (800) 373-4773 for an appointment.

What To Expect

This page explains a little more about what you can expect when you visit La Jolla Plastic Surgery & Dermatology™.

Meet With Our Patient Coordinator

If this is the first time you’ve seriously considered a cosmetic treatment or surgery, you’ll want someone to walk you through the entire process. That’s why each initial complimentary consultation begins with a meeting with a patient coordinator. She will review your patient intake forms, which you can download, print and complete at home, provide you with the information you need and answer your questions.

“Dr. Chaffoo and his staff are truly the best, most professional, courteous and friendly staff I have ever had the pleasure to work with. From my initial consultation, to my final checkup, they made me feel like I was family.
“
-Dawn D. on Yelp.com
Your results may vary.

Share Your Vision

Next, if you are seeking a surgical procedure, you will meet with Dr. Chaffoo. He appreciates that you’re an individual and takes the time to treat you like one. You will be given all of the time you need to openly express the vision you have for yourself. It can be helpful to bring along photos of people who have attributes similar to the ones you’d like to attain. Dr. Chaffoo has found that these photos often prove to be a productive starting off point in a relaxing, non-judgmental conversation that’s all about you.

Once he’s developed an understanding of the improvements you hope to attain, Dr. Chaffoo will provide you with his expert opinion, based on his years of experience exceeding the expectations of his plastic surgery patients.

If a non-surgical procedure would be a better fit for you, Dr. Chaffoo may refer you to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Stuart. Having ready access to a non-surgical aesthetic specialist is one of the significant perks you will automatically receive at La Jolla Plastic Surgery & Dermatology™. If you are seeking a skin rejuvenation procedure or non-surgical body contouring, your consultation will be with Dr. Stuart.

She will listen carefully to your goals, then educate you about each of your options. Together, you will develop a treatment plan that includes cosmetic dermatologic treatments based on her extensive experience and medical knowledge.

Receive A Physical Exam

After discussing your goals, your doctor will perform a physical exam to assess how your goals fit with a number of physical factors, such as your:

Review Your Medical History

Dr. Chaffoo or Dr. Stuart will ask you questions regarding your and your family’s medical history, and discuss any health related issues that might affect your procedure.

Set Realistic Expectations

Your physician will work with you to set realistic expectations for your surgery or treatment by clearly explaining what is possible. In addition to looking through our online  patient photo gallery, you will have an opportunity to look through photos of men and women in La Jolla who have elected similar procedures.

In addition to helping you understand your possible outcome, Dr. Chaffoo or Dr. Stuart will review how the procedure is performed, the anesthesia they plan to use (when appropriate), the risks of treatment, how to prepare for surgery, what to expect during recovery, and post-operative care.

Next, a patient coordinator will give you a written estimate of the costs associated with your procedure. We offer several financing options for qualified patients.

Prepare For Treatment

At La Jolla Plastic Surgery & Dermatology™, we do not pressure patients into having a procedure. If you need time to think it through or talk it over with a loved one, or you want to get a second opinion, our doctors understand and support you 100%. If you’re ready to move forward with your procedure at the conclusion of your consultation, you will have a chance to take care of scheduling and initial paperwork while you are here. In the case of smaller treatments, such as injectables, you may be treated immediately.