Surgical Care With a Personalized Approach

When surgery is recommended, HM Medical helps you understand your options, prepare with confidence and recover well. Many procedures are minimally invasive and done as same-day outpatient surgery.

WHAT WE OFFER

Surgical Options, Clearly Explained

Our surgeons use the least invasive approach that is right for you, and take the time to explain each option, what recovery looks like and what to expect.

Minimally Invasive Laparoscopic Surgery

Surgery through a few small incisions, often with less pain and a faster return to daily life.

Hysterectomy Options

Vaginal, abdominal, laparoscopic or robotic approaches, chosen with you based on your condition and goals.

Endometrial Ablation

A procedure to reduce or stop heavy menstrual bleeding without removing the uterus.

Uterine Fibroid Surgery

Surgical treatment for fibroids that cause heavy bleeding, pain or pressure.

Permanent Sterilization

A permanent birth control option for women who are sure they are finished having children.

Vaginal & Vulvar Surgery

Surgical care for conditions of the vagina and vulva, provided with sensitivity and respect.

Thoughtful Surgical Care

Clear guidance and individualized treatment options at every step.

SURGICAL APPROACHES

How Your Surgery May Be Done

The right approach depends on your condition, your health and your goals. Your surgeon will explain which is best for you, and why.

Laparoscopic

A few small incisions — typically two to four near the belly button and lower abdomen — and a camera to guide the surgery.

Vaginal & Hysteroscopic

Many procedures can be done through the vagina, with no incision on the abdomen.

Abdominal

Through a low, horizontal “bikini” incision (rarely a vertical one) when this is the safest approach for you.

Robotic-Assisted

One of the approaches your surgeon may discuss for hysterectomy, depending on your situation.

From Consultation to Recovery

Every step is planned with you. Here is what the path usually looks like, from your first visit to your recovery at home.

1. Consultation & Planning

We review your symptoms and options, answer your questions and decide together whether surgery is right for you.

2. Approvals & Scheduling

Our office calls with your surgery date, usually a few days after your visit. Insurance or your medical group may need to approve the surgery first, which can take several days.

3. Pre-Op Testing

Blood tests within 7 days of your surgery and, for most patients, a chest X-ray and an EKG.

4. Getting Ready

Some surgeries need a bowel prep, and your anesthesiologist talks with you beforehand about the type of anesthesia.

5. Day of Surgery

You arrive a few hours early. Nurses start your IV and review your paperwork, and you meet your anesthesiologist and surgeon before surgery.

6. Recovery & Follow-Up

Many procedures are same-day; more complex cases may need a hospital stay. We follow up to check your healing.

AFTER YOUR SURGERY

Comfort and Healing

We plan your pain control and recovery before surgery, so you know what to expect afterwards.

Pain Control

Your anesthesiologist reviews options with you, which may include long-acting spinal medication, an epidural, a patient-controlled pump or a small pump that delivers numbing medicine at your incision.

Eating Again

After vaginal or minimally invasive surgery you can usually start with fluids right away. After abdominal surgery your bowel may take a few days, and your diet advances slowly.

Incisions & Scars

Most incisions close with dissolving stitches or skin glue; staples, when used, are removed 5 to 10 days after surgery. Some scarring is normal.

Family & Waiting Room

Your family can stay with you while you are prepared for surgery and wait in the surgical waiting room. Your surgeon aims to speak with them afterwards.

Your Questions, Answered

We never rush your questions — before, during or after surgery.

AFTER SURGERY

When to Call Us

Call our office right away if, after surgery, you notice any of the following. For a medical emergency, call 911.

  • A fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher
  • Bleeding that soaks a pad every hour
  • Pain that is severe or not controlled by your medicine
  • Redness, swelling, drainage or opening of an incision
  • Vomiting that will not stop, or being unable to urinate

Call 911 for chest pain or trouble breathing.

Gynecologic Surgery Questions

Answers to common questions about preparing for and recovering from surgery.

Will my surgery be done as an outpatient?

Many gynecologic procedures are same-day (outpatient) surgeries. More complex cases may require a hospital stay and a longer recovery. Your surgeon will tell you what to expect.

Our office usually calls with a date a few days after your consultation. Insurance or your medical group often must approve the surgery first, which can take several days.

Blood tests are needed within 7 days of surgery. Most patients also need a chest X-ray and an EKG. We will tell you exactly what applies to you.

Only for some surgeries. It can range from a mild laxative with a one-day clear liquid diet to a stronger laxative with a two-day clear liquid diet. Cleansing the bowel helps surgery go more smoothly and lowers the risk of infection.

What anesthesia will I have?

Your anesthesiologist chooses the type of anesthesia with you before surgery and answers your questions on the day.

Laparoscopic surgery typically leaves two to four small incisions near the belly button and lower abdomen. Abdominal surgery usually uses a low horizontal (“bikini”) incision. Some scarring is normal, and scar strips or creams may help it fade.

After vaginal or minimally invasive surgery you can usually eat right away, starting with fluids. After abdominal surgery the bowel can be slow for several days, so we advance your diet gradually.

Yes. Family can stay with you while nurses prepare you for surgery and can wait in the surgical waiting room. Your surgeon aims to speak with them afterwards.

Questions About Surgery?

Schedule a consultation to talk through your options — we will help you decide what is right for you.

Book An Appointment

Provide your details below to begin your appointment request.

Profile

Dr. Candace Howe, M.D.

Dr. Candace Howe, M.D. is a board-certified Obstetrician/Gynecologist with extensive experience providing comprehensive women’s healthcare. She completed her medical education and residency at UCLA’s David Geffen School of Medicine.

During her training, Dr. Howe was recognized with multiple scholarships and academic awards and was involved in teaching, research, and medical education. Her residency work included research and publications in gynecologic oncology and chronic pelvic pain.

Following residency, Dr. Howe served as an attending physician at Ventura County Medical Center, where she also educated family medicine residents and served as Department Chief. Her clinical experience has included chronic pelvic pain, high-risk pregnancy, infertility, urogynecology, and menopause management. HM Medical OBGYN

Dr. Howe is a Menopause Society™ Certified Practitioner. She is committed to providing thorough, compassionate, evidence-based care and personalized treatment that considers each patient’s individual health needs and goals.

Outside of medicine, Dr. Howe enjoys spending time with her family, skiing, running, and being with her children and dog.

Details

Specialty:
Obstetrics & Gynecology


Education:
MD — David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA


Certification:
Menopause Society™ Certified Practitioner

Contact

Email:
info@hmmedicalobgyn.com

Call: (949) 646-2800

Availability:
Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–5:00 PM

Profile

Dr. Marina Maslovaric, M.D.

Dr. Marina Maslovaric, M.D. is an Obstetrician and Gynecologist dedicated to providing thoughtful, personalized care for women at every stage of life. Originally from Croatia, she moved to the United States with her family at the age of sixteen.

Dr. Maslovaric earned her B.S. in Neuroscience from the University of California, Irvine, graduating with honors and Cum Laude while receiving multiple merit-based scholarships. She later attended the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California and completed her internship and residency at Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles.

Throughout her education and residency, Dr. Maslovaric developed a strong passion for teaching and patient education. She believes patients should have the time and information they need to understand their health, discuss their concerns, and actively participate in medical decisions. Her commitment to education was recognized with the Distinguished Resident Teaching Award.

Dr. Maslovaric is deeply committed to women’s health and believes in empowering patients to make informed healthcare decisions that align with their individual needs and values. She brings enthusiasm, knowledge, experience, and compassion to every patient interaction.

Outside of medicine, Dr. Maslovaric enjoys hiking, spending time in nature, traveling, and being with family and friends. She is fluent in Croatian and is semi-fluent in medical Spanish.

Details

Specialty:
Obstetrics & Gynecology


Education:
MD — Keck School of Medicine of USC


Residency:
Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles

Contact

Email:
info@hmmedicalobgyn.com

 

Call: (949) 646-2800

 

Availability:
Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–5:00 PM

Profile

Jennifer Rawson, PA-C MSPA

Jennifer (Jenn) Rawson, PA-C MSPA brings more than nine years of experience providing patient care in both emergency room and medical office settings. She joined HM Medical in January 2017 after working at Huntington Beach Hospital.

Before joining HM Medical, Jenn worked at Hubert H. Humphrey Health Center in Downtown Los Angeles, where she discovered her passion for women’s health while counseling and educating underserved female patients. Her approach to care centers on education, prevention, and helping women feel confident and informed about their health.

Her clinical interests include preconception care, pregnancy care, preventive women’s health, and adolescent care. Jenn is passionate about empowering patients through education and believes that understanding your body and health is an important part of making informed healthcare decisions.

Jenn earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology from San Diego State University and her Master of Physician Assistant Practice from the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California.

As a patient herself at HM Medical, Jenn has a personal understanding of the compassionate care the practice strives to provide. She experienced her own pregnancies through the practice and continues to bring that firsthand perspective, along with her clinical experience, to the care of her patients.

Outside of medicine, Jenn is active in her community and enjoys running, working out, and traveling with her family. She lives in Belmont Shore with her husband and two sons.

Details

Specialty:
Physician Assistant — Women’s Health


Education:
Master of Physician Assistant Practice — Keck School of Medicine of USC


Undergraduate Education:
B.S. in Biology — San Diego State University


Experience:
9+ years of patient-care experience

Contact

Email:
info@hmmedicalobgyn.com

Call: (949) 646-2800

Availability:
Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–5:00 PM

Profile

Chantalle Garcia, PA-C

Chantalle Garcia, PA-C is a board-certified Physician Assistant from Los Angeles, California, with a passion for providing compassionate, patient-centered women’s healthcare. She is dedicated to helping women feel comfortable, informed, and supported throughout their healthcare journey.

Chantalle completed her undergraduate studies at the University of California, Davis, where she later continued her education and earned her Master of Health Sciences in Physician Assistant Studies.

Before beginning her career in women’s health, Chantalle gained valuable clinical experience in San Diego. She worked as a medical assistant in an orthopedic office and also as a dental assistant, experiences that strengthened her commitment to patient care and helped build a broad foundation in healthcare.

Now practicing in Southern California, Chantalle is proud to focus on women’s health, providing thoughtful and individualized care for women at every stage of life. She believes in creating a welcoming environment where patients can openly discuss their concerns and feel heard throughout their care.

Outside of medicine, Chantalle enjoys exploring new restaurants, traveling, and spending quality time with her loved ones.

Details

Specialty:
Physician Assistant — Women’s Health


Education:
Master of Health Sciences — Physician Assistant Studies, UC Davis


Certification:
Board-Certified Physician Assistant

Contact

Email:
info@hmmedicalobgyn.com

Call: (949) 646-2800

Availability:
Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–5:00 PM

Profile

Melissa Heavirland, PA-C

Melissa Heavirland, PA-C grew up in Southern California and developed an early appreciation for community, wellness, and helping others. Her first job as an ocean lifeguard introduced her to the importance of vigilance, teamwork, and calm decision-making in high-pressure situations, helping inspire her path toward a career in medicine.

Melissa earned her Master of Medical Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Midwestern University Glendale and developed a strong foundation in comprehensive medical care and women’s health. She also earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology from San Diego State University, graduating Cum Laude.

Before entering women’s health, Melissa gained valuable clinical experience in urgent care, where she developed skills in acute evaluation, diagnostics, and collaborative care for a diverse patient population. This experience allows her to approach both routine and more complex healthcare needs with thoughtful and efficient care.

Melissa believes that compassionate care begins with understanding each patient as an individual. Her clinical experience, communication skills, and dedication to women’s health allow her to provide supportive care in a welcoming environment.

Outside of the clinic, Melissa enjoys spending time with her husband and son. Her family enjoys exploring the beach, staying active outdoors, and discovering local restaurants throughout Orange County. She values maintaining a healthy balance between her professional and family life.

Details

Specialty:
Physician Assistant — Women’s Health

 

Education:
Master of Medical Science in Physician Assistant Studies — Midwestern University Glendale

Undergraduate Education:
B.S. in Biology — San Diego State University, Cum Laude

Contact

Email:
info@hmmedicalobgyn.com


Call: (949) 646-2800


Availability:
Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–5:00 PM

Visit Our Office

500 Superior Ave, Suite 330
Newport Beach, CA 92663

Office Hours

Monday - Friday : 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM Saturday - Sunday : Closed

Email Us

info@hmmedicalobgyn.com