Questions
Whether you’re considering plastic surgery, medical wellness, longevity treatments, or aesthetics, having the right information matters. Explore answers to some of the questions we hear most often at VedaNu Wellness.
About VedaNu & Getting Started
Where is VedaNu Wellness located?
VedaNu Wellness serves patients from our San Diego and Beverly Hills locations. Our San Diego practice is located at 8901 Activity Road, Suite 102, San Diego, CA 92126, and our Beverly Hills location is at 433 N Camden Drive, Suite 610, Beverly Hills, CA 90210. Please confirm your appointment location with our team before your visit.
Do I need a consultation before booking a treatment?
Most treatments begin with a consultation or medical evaluation so our team can understand your goals, review your health history, and determine the most appropriate options for you. The exact process varies depending on the service you’re considering.
What should I expect during my first visit?
Your first visit is centered around you. We’ll discuss your goals, concerns, medical history, and any previous treatments or procedures. Your provider will evaluate your needs, answer your questions, and discuss appropriate treatment options so you can make an informed decision without feeling pressured.
How do I book an appointment?
You can request an appointment through our website or call our team at 858-222-2883. We’ll help you determine the appropriate consultation or appointment type based on the services you’re interested in.
Do you offer virtual consultations?
Yes. Virtual consultations may be available for select services and can be especially helpful for patients traveling from outside the San Diego area. Our team can let you know whether a virtual or in-person consultation is most appropriate for your needs.
What services does VedaNu Wellness offer?
VedaNu Wellness brings together plastic surgery, medical wellness, longevity-focused care, and advanced aesthetics in one integrated practice. Services include cosmetic surgery, medical weight management, hormone health, peptide-based programs, injectables, laser treatments, microneedling, PRP, medical-grade skincare, and more.
Can I schedule multiple services during the same visit?
Potentially. Because VedaNu offers plastic surgery, wellness, longevity, and aesthetic services within one practice, our team can help coordinate appointments when appropriate. Whether treatments can be performed together or close to one another depends on the services involved and your individual care plan.
How much do treatments cost?
Pricing varies depending on the treatment, procedure, product, dosage, or individualized plan. After your consultation, our team can provide applicable pricing and review payment or financing options with you before you decide to move forward.
What should I bring to my appointment?
Please bring a valid photo ID, an up-to-date list of medications and supplements, relevant medical information, and any records or photographs our team has specifically requested. Additional instructions may be provided based on your appointment type.
What if I have questions after my treatment or procedure?
We want you to understand what to expect throughout your care. You’ll receive appropriate post-treatment or postoperative instructions, including guidance on when and how to contact our team with questions or concerns.
Why choose VedaNu Wellness?
VedaNu brings plastic surgery, medical wellness, longevity-focused care, and advanced aesthetics together through one coordinated approach. Rather than viewing each concern in isolation, our team focuses on understanding your broader goals and creating personalized care that can evolve with you over time.
PLASTIC SURGERY
How do I know if I’m a candidate for surgery?
The best way to determine whether you’re a candidate is through a consultation with Dr. Chao. Your overall health, anatomy, goals, medical history, previous procedures, and expectations are all considered before a surgical recommendation is made.
Who performs plastic surgery at VedaNu Wellness?
Plastic surgery at VedaNu Wellness is performed by James J. Chao, MD, FACS, a board-certified plastic surgeon with more than 25 years of experience in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery.
What procedures does Dr. Chao perform?
Dr. Chao performs a broad range of facial, breast, and body procedures, including facelift and neck lift, eyelid surgery, brow lift, breast augmentation, breast lift, breast reduction, breast revision, tummy tuck, liposuction, mommy makeover, body contouring, rhinoplasty, arm lift, thigh lift, and other cosmetic and reconstructive procedures.
How much is a plastic surgery consultation?
The consultation fee for plastic surgery is $150. During your consultation, you’ll have the opportunity to discuss your goals with Dr. Chao, receive personalized recommendations, and learn more about anticipated costs and next steps.
Can I combine multiple procedures?
In some cases, yes. Procedures may sometimes be combined when Dr. Chao determines that doing so is appropriate and safe. The decision depends on your health, the procedures being considered, anticipated surgical time, recovery requirements, and other individual factors.
How far in advance should I schedule surgery?
Surgical availability varies throughout the year. If you have a particular date, season, vacation, wedding, or other event in mind, we recommend starting the consultation process early to allow enough time for scheduling, preoperative requirements, and recovery.
How long will recovery take?
Recovery varies considerably depending on the procedure and the individual patient. Dr. Chao and your surgical team will discuss expected downtime, activity restrictions, postoperative appointments, and anticipated recovery milestones as part of your surgical plan.
Will my results look natural?
Dr. Chao’s approach emphasizes balance, proportion, and results that complement your individual anatomy. Rather than following a one-size-fits-all aesthetic, each surgical plan is tailored to the patient’s features, goals, and desired outcome.
Do you offer revision surgery?
Yes. Dr. Chao evaluates patients seeking revision or corrective surgery, including patients who had their original procedure performed elsewhere. Revision procedures can be more complex, so an individualized consultation is necessary to determine what may be possible.
What precautions are in place for patient safety?
Patient safety is central to every surgical plan. Your health history, medications, previous procedures, and other relevant factors are reviewed before surgery. Appropriate preoperative testing or medical clearance may also be required. Dr. Chao and the surgical team will provide detailed instructions before and after your procedure to support a safe surgical and recovery experience.
WELLNESS
What wellness services does VedaNu offer?
Our medical wellness services are designed to support health, energy, body composition, and overall well-being. Services include medically supervised weight management, hormone health evaluation and treatment, and other personalized wellness programs.
Do you offer medical weight loss?
Yes. VedaNu offers medically supervised weight management programs that may incorporate prescription medications, including GLP-1-based therapies, when clinically appropriate. Treatment is individualized based on your health history, goals, response to treatment, and provider recommendations.
Do I need a consultation before starting a medical weight loss program?
Yes. An initial consultation allows our clinical team to review your medical history, current medications, weight-loss goals, previous experiences, and other relevant health information before determining whether treatment is appropriate.
How often will I need follow-up appointments?
Follow-up frequency varies based on your treatment plan and clinical needs. Regular follow-up allows your provider to evaluate your progress, discuss side effects or concerns, and make adjustments when appropriate.
Do you offer hormone therapy for both men and women?
Yes. VedaNu evaluates hormone-related concerns in both men and women. Recommendations are based on symptoms, medical history, appropriate laboratory testing, and your individual clinical picture.
How is a hormone treatment plan determined?
Hormone treatment should not be based on a single symptom or laboratory value alone. Your provider considers your symptoms, health history, laboratory results, goals, and potential risks and benefits before recommending an individualized plan.
LONGEVITY LAB
What is the VedaNu Longevity Lab?
The Longevity Lab is VedaNu’s personalized approach to proactive, longevity-focused care. Programs are organized around areas such as recovery, performance, vitality, intimacy, and healthy aging, with recommendations tailored to each patient rather than using a one-size-fits-all protocol.
What is peptide therapy?
Peptides are short chains of amino acids that act as signaling molecules within the body. Different peptides have different biological functions and areas of clinical interest. At VedaNu, peptide-based therapies are considered within the context of your health history, goals, and provider evaluation.
How do I know which longevity treatment is right for me?
You don’t need to choose a treatment before your consultation. Your provider will discuss your goals, health history, current concerns, and other relevant factors before recommending which options, if any, may be appropriate.
Does everyone receive the same treatment protocol?
No. Longevity-focused care at VedaNu is personalized. Treatment selection, dosing, duration, and monitoring may vary based on the individual and the therapy being considered.
How are treatments administered?
Administration depends on the specific treatment. Some therapies may be administered in the office, while others may be prescribed for use at home. When applicable, our team provides detailed instructions regarding administration, dosing, storage, and proper use.
Will I need ongoing monitoring?
Depending on your treatment, follow-up visits, laboratory testing, or other forms of monitoring may be recommended. Ongoing evaluation allows your provider to assess your response and determine whether changes to your treatment plan are appropriate.
AESTHETICS
What aesthetic treatments do you offer?
Our aesthetic services include Botox® and Dysport®, dermal fillers, CO₂ laser resurfacing, microneedling, PRP-based treatments, and medical-grade skincare, along with other treatments selected to support your individual aesthetic goals.
How do I know which aesthetic treatment is right for me?
Your consultation is designed to help answer exactly that. We’ll evaluate your skin, facial anatomy, areas of concern, desired outcome, and comfort with downtime before recommending a treatment or combination of treatments.
Do you offer Botox® and Dysport®?
Yes. VedaNu offers both Botox® and Dysport® for appropriate candidates. Treatment is customized based on your facial anatomy, muscle movement, concerns, and desired outcome.
Do you offer dermal fillers?
Yes. Dermal fillers may be used to restore volume, enhance facial contours, improve balance, or address specific areas of concern. Product selection and placement are individualized to the patient.
Do you offer laser skin resurfacing?
Yes. VedaNu offers CO2 laser resurfacing with treatment intensity selected based on your skin, concerns, desired results, and acceptable level of downtime. A consultation helps determine the appropriate approach.
How much downtime should I expect after an aesthetic treatment?
Downtime varies considerably by treatment. Some injectable treatments may involve little interruption to your routine, while more intensive treatments such as CO₂ laser resurfacing require a more significant recovery period. Your provider will review expected downtime before treatment.
Can aesthetic treatments be combined?
Yes, certain treatments may complement one another and can sometimes be incorporated into a broader treatment plan. Your provider will recommend the appropriate timing and combination based on your goals, skin, anatomy, and safety considerations.
PRICING, POLICIES & FINANCING
Do you offer financing options?
Yes. VedaNu Wellness works with third-party healthcare financing providers including Cherry, CareCredit®, and PatientFi®. Available plans, approval amounts, interest rates, promotional terms, and eligibility are determined by the individual financing provider.
Will insurance cover my procedure?
VedaNu Wellness primarily provides elective and cosmetic services that are generally paid for directly by the patient. Insurance coverage varies based on the procedure, medical necessity, and individual insurance plan. Our team can clarify the payment expectations for the service you’re considering.
Do you require deposits?
Yes. Surgical procedures require a $2,500 non-refundable deposit to reserve your surgery date. Any additional payment requirements and due dates will be reviewed with you before scheduling.
What is your cancellation policy?
Cancellation policies vary by appointment or service. For surgical procedures, cancellation fees may apply based on how close the cancellation occurs to the scheduled surgery date. All applicable cancellation and rescheduling terms will be reviewed with you before booking.
What forms of payment do you accept?
VedaNu accepts major forms of payment and also offers access to third-party healthcare financing options. Our team can review available payment methods and financing resources when discussing your treatment plan.
Do you offer treatment specials?
Yes. VedaNu periodically offers special pricing or promotions on select treatments and programs. Visit our Special Offers page or contact our team for current offers and eligibility requirements.
Can financing be used for both surgical and non-surgical treatments?
Financing may be available for a variety of eligible services. Available financing depends on the provider, treatment amount, and financing program selected. Our team can help you explore the options available for your treatment.
OUT-OF-TOWN PATIENTS
Can I begin my consultation virtually?
Yes. Many out-of-town patients can begin with a virtual consultation, allowing you to meet with Dr. Chao and discuss your goals before traveling to San Diego.
How long will I need to stay in San Diego?
The recommended length of stay depends on your procedure, individual recovery, postoperative appointments, and Dr. Chao’s recommendations. Your anticipated timeline will be discussed before you finalize your travel arrangements.
When should I arrive before surgery?
Your required arrival date depends on your procedure and any necessary preoperative appointments. Your surgical team will provide specific instructions so you can plan your flights and accommodations appropriately.
Can I fly after plastic surgery?
Air travel may be restricted for a period after surgery depending on the procedure and your recovery. Dr. Chao will provide individualized guidance regarding when it is appropriate for you to travel. We recommend confirming your anticipated travel timeline before purchasing non-refundable return airfare.
Do I need someone to travel with me?
For many surgical procedures, a responsible adult is required to accompany you after surgery and may need to remain with you during the initial recovery period. Your team will explain the specific caregiver requirements for your procedure.
Can VedaNu recommend hotels and local resources?
Yes. Our Out-of-Town Patient Guide includes helpful information about nearby accommodations, transportation, airports, restaurants, groceries, pharmacies, and things to do while you’re in San Diego.
What happens with follow-up care after I return home?
Your postoperative plan will be individualized based on your procedure and recovery. Follow-up may include virtual appointments as well as future in-person visits when appropriate. Before returning home, your surgical team will review your ongoing recovery instructions and follow-up schedule.