VIP Plastic Surgery

The practice was founded by Andrew K. Choi, M.D., a double board-certified plastic surgeon, and describes itself as well known for cosmetic surgery in Los Angeles. Andrew Choi, M.D., a double board-certified facial plastic and otolaryngology-head and neck surgeon, is also listed among its surgeons.

Surgery takes place at VIP Plastic Surgery Center, a separate organization that provides outpatient surgical services. The practice says the facility is accredited by AAAASF and is state of the art. Its stated goals include cost-effective care, patient and staff safety, policies aimed at California accreditation, and regular review of its services. Surgical offerings include upper and lower blepharoplasty, an endoscopic brow lift that uses five small incisions at the crown or hairline, a trichophytic hairline brow lift, an under-eyebrow lift, and a facial fat graft. Endoscopic brow lifts are done under general anesthesia or IV sedation, with an average procedure time of 2 to 2.5 hours and recovery of 2 to 4 weeks. The practice says 70% to 85% of patients are usually good candidates for that procedure. Facial and body surgery can be scheduled together to reduce both surgery time and cost, and body procedures can be arranged with specialists in those areas.

Non-surgical options include Botox Cosmetic for forehead lines, frown lines, crow's feet and similar concerns, and hyaluronic acid fillers from several brands along with Sculptra and Bellafill. Laser choices include Clear + Brilliant, which is listed for all skin types with minimal downtime and usually takes three to six sessions, and Endymed with RF laser skin resurfacing, which is repeated every three weeks with three to five treatments recommended. IPL skin rejuvenation is used for age spots, sun freckles, rosacea symptoms, spider veins, acne scarring and hair removal, with no recovery period. Other treatments include RF microneedling with exosome, microneedling, PRP, PRP plus filler lift, Ultherapy, Kybella, a mint thread lift, SeruGlow and cosmetic chemical peels.

A first consultation takes a couple of hours and covers the patient's goals, an examination of the area of concern, and the surgeon's view of what can be achieved, using photographs and mirror imaging. Patients can send photos ahead, and a phone interview may come before the visit. Consultations can also be held by Skype. Medical history, paperwork and pre-surgery instructions are completed at that visit, and forms can be filled out in advance. A tentative surgery date can sometimes be reserved by phone. A digital computer imaging system shows before-and-after comparisons. Procedure quotes come from the business manager. A deposit of 50% of the surgery fee is needed to schedule surgery, and the balance is due on the day of surgery. Cash, credit cards and cashier's check are accepted, and payment plans are available with financing through CareCredit.

The practice advises patients to check a surgeon's board certification through the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, and notes that in California any licensed physician may advertise as a plastic surgeon.

Care is planned around each patient's goals, with a consultation that combines an examination, photographs and the surgeon's view of realistic outcomes, and body work is arranged with specialists when needed.

The practice aims for a pleasant, efficient and friendly feel.