Frequently Asked Questions

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Dr. Leong understands that you probably have many questions about your visit. She wants you to feel completely comfortable with your experience, so if you find these FAQs do not answer your questions, please reach out for more assistance. Since each procedure with Dr. Leong is customized to meet your needs, details will vary. We recommend a consultation if you want to learn more about a particular procedure in detail.

Dr. Leong FAQs
Who is Dr. Leong?

Dr. Karen Leong is a board-certified plastic surgeon focusing on enhancing your natural beauty and self-confidence. Dr. Leong performs a wide range of surgical and non-surgical procedures; she has a particular passion for minimally invasive face and neck procedures as well as vaginal restoration. She spent seven years at Ivy League, Brown University, where she developed a high level of skill and expertise in plastic and general surgery. She then spent an additional year in a specialized fellowship focusing on aesthetic surgery. She continuously researches advances in surgical and non-surgical aesthetics to stay on the cutting edge of her field; she participates in education at the local, national and international levels and travels to visit specialists in their home countries to further her surgical knowledge. Dr. Leong lives in Newport Beach with her pediatrician husband who’s afraid of blood and her 4 year old daughter who isn’t fazed by seeing all the surgical videos and photos on mommy’s phone. When not working or chauffeuring her daughter around, she reads voraciously and trains for obstacle races to keep fit and sane.

Why Should I Choose Dr. Leong?

When you choose Dr. Leong for your procedure, you will learn how rewarding a truly personalized experience can be. Dr. Leong will take the time to learn about your goals and concerns, then customize a treatment plan to address them. Along with an eye for the artistic and a focus on natural beauty, she also has an open, welcoming personality that will make you feel comfortable asking all of your questions.

What are Dr. Leong’s Specialties?

Dr. Leong specializes in surgical and non-surgical aesthetics, including plastic surgery, laser treatments, and non-invasive body shaping. As a female plastic surgeon in a male-dominated industry, she specializes in addressing women’s intimate concerns, through feminine rejuvenation, with empathy and compassion. She will help you open up about issues you may never have shared before, helping you access treatments that can restore your confidence and intimacy.

Consultation FAQs
What Information Should I Bring?

We recommend that you bring all your medical information to the consultation, “wish” pictures, and a list of questions to ask Important medical information includes:

  • Any conditions you have
  • All the medications, supplements, and vitamins you take
  • Your surgical and other medical histories
  • Any allergic reactions you have had to medications
  • Most recent mammogram (breast patients)

Consider bringing a list of all the skincare products you use. In consultation with dermatologist Dr. Zena Gabriel, Dr. Leong may recommend additions or changes to your current routine.

What Happens During My Consultation?

Your consultation is an important time to discuss your concerns and goals. Dr. Leong will work with you to develop a clear picture of your desired results. She will also review your health history and determine whether you are a good candidate for the procedure you want. If not, you may have numerous other options to explore. Dr. Leong will also use this time to explain the procedure and recovery process. Dr. Leong’s patient care coordinator will review quotes, financing, and scheduling procedures.

What Questions Should I Ask During My Consultation?

You should ask any and all questions during your consultation. You may want to start making a list to bring to your appointment. Common questions people ask during their consultation include:

  • What should I do to prepare for my procedure?
  • How long will the procedure take?
  • What type of anesthesia will I receive?
  • What should I expect during the procedure?
  • What will my recovery be like?
  • How soon can I go back to work?
  • How long before I can exercise?

The answers to these questions vary widely depending on the type of procedure. Surgical procedures may have a recovery time of a few days to a few weeks, while many non-surgical treatments have little to no downtime.

Procedure FAQs
Surgical Procedures

Each surgical procedure is customized to meet your specific needs and to help you achieve your goals. Dr. Leong performs both facial and body procedures, including but not limited to:

  • Facelift
  • Necklift
  • Rhinoplasty
  • Brow and eye lifts
  • Liposuction
  • Fat transfers (Face, Breasts, Buttocks, Labia Majora)
  • Breast augmentation, lift, or reduction
  • Mommy makeover
  • Labiaplasty
  • Vaginoplasty
Aesthetic Procedures

Dr. Leong offers a wide range of aesthetic procedures that work alone or in combination with surgical methods. Non-surgical procedures include:

  • Laser resurfacing treatments
  • Skin tightening
  • Vaginal rejuvenation
  • Fillers and other injectables
  • Chemical Peels
  • Body sculpting
  • Weight loss
Skin Care With Dr. Zena Gabriel

Dr. Leong collaborates with dermatologist Dr. Zena Gabriel to help you develop a customized skin care plan that enhances your results and improves your skin’s health and appearance. If you are not sure your current skincare routine meets your needs, we recommend upgrading to dermatologist-developed premium skincare products.

Recovery and Results FAQs
How Much Recovery Time Will I Need?

Recovery time varies depending on the procedure. Surgical treatments have a longer recovery time than non-surgical ones, and you can expect to need at least a few days off from work. More extensive procedures like a tummy tuck may require a couple weeks. Many non-invasive treatments have no downtime at all.

How Long Will it Take to See My Results?
You will usually be able to see a difference immediately after a surgical procedure, but you will need to wait a few months for all swelling to resolve. Some non-surgical treatments, like fillers, provide immediate results, while others trigger collagen production that takes several weeks.
How Long Will My Results Last?
Results from surgical procedures can last a decade or more with good skincare and maintaining a consistent weight. Some non-invasive treatments have similarly long-lasting results, while others last a few months to a few years.