Aesthetic & Reconstructive Plastic Surgery Plastic Surgery Center

Dr. Katzen changed my life. I used to weigh 380 pounds, I now weigh 225. I don't know what I would have done without the help of Dr. Katzen. I have had a body lift with staged liposuction followed by a leg lift. I am very happy with the results. I not only feel better- health wise, I also look better and feel more confident about myself. I would recommend Dr. Katzen to friends and family. Thank you very much from the bottom of my heart and God bless you for your kind heart.

I had gastric by-pass surgery in May of 2005; I considered it a 50th birthday present to myself. And now in 2008 with the help of Dr. Katzen, 50 really is the new 30 for me!! He has turned back the clock and I feel and look better than I did in my twenties!!. Dr. Katzen is not only highly skilled and an expert in his specialty of plastic surgery but what convinced me that he was the right surgeon for me is his extensive knowledge of the issues unique to post gastric by-pass patients and his deep devotion to each and every one of his patients. He has provided me with caring and personal treatment, including hand holding as necessary.

So far I have had a circumferential body lift and a thigh lift. My final surgery for my arm and breast lift is scheduled for the end of May. I am excited to complete my journey and transformation with the help of Dr. Katzen.

My experience has also included interacting with Dr. Katzen's professional and caring staff. Raquel, Diana and Jane have been wonderful to work with. They have always been pleasant, professional and knowable regarding any issue or question I have had.

As I sit here awaiting my second procedure to take place in 48 hours, I am struck by how much my life has changed for the better through meeting everyone at Body By Katzen. It’s a long story but one that may help someone who is on the fence about moving forward with their new life in a new body created through your skill and dedication. Please feel free to share my words as I stand behind every one of them and give them my number. I typically don’t do testimonials and I have been trained professionally to not give recommendations but I am breaking all of those “rules” in this case as I believe so strongly in Dr. Katzen and all of you at Body By Katzen.

In order to explain my comments, it is important to share with you my background. You see, I was the “chubby child” who was supposed to outgrow her baby fat. Then, I blossomed into the “Princess of Plump” Prom date and eventually grew into the “Wide Angled Wife” who embarrassed her family and friends by always being the biggest girl in the room. My excessive weight cost me my marriage, missed promotions and eventually impacted my health. In 2003, I decided to embark on a serious weight loss journey through having Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass surgery. I had researched the procedure and the local surgeons for two years in the Philadelphia Area and finally completed the procedure. Having never had surgery or ever being in the hospital as a patient, I had no idea what surgery would feel like. I can remember telling my sister to “get me a gun to shoot myself”, based on the post-op pain and the lack of aftercare that I was experiencing. Obviously, it was said in jest and desperation and I soon recovered from the experience losing 130 pounds. I was so proud of myself. My friends, family and colleagues were full of supportive and encouraging comments that made me feel good about what I had accomplished. I went out and bought an entire new wardrobe but each time I tried on clothes, although I had lost a great deal of weight, I couldn’t fit into flat front pants or dresses that showed any curves. My arms were still large and my rear-end still looked like “two Bulldogs in a bag”. I convinced myself that since I was divorced and not dating, it didn’t really matter that I had loose skin hanging and that I was still wearing granny pants. I had told myself what every heavy person tells themselves while trying to rationalize how they look- “it’s what is on the inside that matters and anyone who can’t accept me the way I am is too shallow for me anyway”. I love the movie “Shallow Hal”. It sounds good but it’s not the real world- the first impression DOES MATTER and how you look tells a story more powerful than any words could convey.

So, turn the clock forward by five years. After 50 years of a comfortable life in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, I moved for a job to Southern Orange County, California. Change just seemed to be what was happening to me as I was trying to control and plan my life. I noticed that the beautiful people really did live in LA. I decided to try one of those on-line dating services and was actually getting some responses and then it occurred to me that I might have to meet face to face with someone, it might turn into a date and at my age, holding hands for two years before the first kiss was not very probable. I looked at myself honestly in the mirror and had to admit, it was not a very attractive look. My belly hung over, the skin under my arms flapped when I moved them and my breasts hung down to my elbows. I was a smaller size and kept looking at my before pictures but it didn’t matter. The people I was meeting now never knew about my morbid obesity, nor did they care. I was back in my home in Pennsylvania and decided I would investigate some plastic surgeons referred to me by my Gastric Bypass Surgeon. I made 3 appointments and got three different opinions about how they would correct my sagging skin situation. In each situation, I met with the referred surgeon for no more than 3 minutes before he introduced me to his junior partner to explain the procedure. I never spent more than 6 minutes total talking to anyone in a white lab coat with M.D. behind his/her name. And I paid, on average, $135.00 for the privilege. I had decided to pursue one of the surgeon’s and scheduled the procedure. He recommended that I have a tummy tuck and the sagging skin on my arms removed and a breast lift. I booked the procedure at the University of Pennsylvania for December 11, 2007 and returned home to California.

As luck would have it, I was talking with some colleagues in my industry, Health Care for Johnson and Johnson, and was telling them about my plans. One of our companies, Ethicon, Inc. had been involved in manufacturing the instruments used in the gastric bypass procedures and had been making sutures and wound healing products for decades. One of the J&J Medical Directors, who had been collaborating with the top plastic surgeons for years, asked me why I was flying to Philadelphia when the absolute best doctors were in my backyard in California. I had never thought about it before and was unfamiliar with anyone in California to ask. That same evening, I was watching The Discovery Health Channel on television and saw a feature on “The Shrinking Woman”. The segment featured a surgeon named Dr. Katzen of Beverly Hills who has dedicated his practice to helping those who have lost a great deal of weight through gastric bypass and other methods, reconstruct their body and re-invent their life. I liked his demeanor with the patient and his thoroughness in explaining the procedure. I went on-line and began to research Dr. Katzen. He had built a business called “Body By Katzen” and I was very impressed with all of his credentials. Credentials and references are important since in today’s world, any doctor could be calling himself or herself a Plastic Surgeon. I also called my colleague at J&J and asked if he had ever heard of J. Timothy Katzen, M.D. I was told Dr. Katzen was “The Best of the Best” for the procedures I wanted. I noticed on his website that he was offering a Saturday Seminar somewhere in California and was also offering a free consultation. I already had my surgery date confirmed in Philadelphia, so I decided I had nothing to lose in attending.

On October 6, 2007, I drove 90 minutes to the seminar. It was in large room in a medical building and the room was a buzz with excitement. There were people wearing black shirts with “Body By Katzen” embossed on them. I assumed they were employees of Dr. Katzen. I soon learned these people were patients who had come to share with the attendees their first hand experience with Body By Katzen. There were men and women of all ages sharing their “fat pictures” and talking about this person who had changed their life called Dr. Katzen. They stood in front of me in mini-skirts, tight fitting jeans, flat stomachs, and no hanging skin. I was amazed at what I was seeing as none of these people looked as if they had ever had a weight problem. But what REALLY impressed me was what they said about Dr. Katzen. Each one of them, in their own way, told their story about how Dr. Katzen made them feel as if they were the only patient in the world. And how his office staff (Diana, Rachel and Jane) all made him or her feel welcomed and appreciaI saw a man standing in the back of the room and introduced myself. It was Dr. Katzen. I told him that I had booked my surgery in Philadelphia but would like to get a second opinion. He was so pleasant and accommodating, I looked forward to the consultation. A few hours later, Dr. Katzen and his assistant, Lieu, met with me. I asked him what he would suggest and he started to show me how he would re-shape my body. I was mesmerized with how he could look at my body and see beyond the skin and fat and craft a plan to make me look beautiful. He spent 45 minutes with me talking about me and what I was thinking. I shared with him my plans in Philadelphia and that the other surgeon was going to do 3 procedures at once. He was very professional but indicated to me that he would never put a patient in a position where they could not use their core muscles and their arms. And then he explained that unless the surgeon was superhuman, he could not physically do all three procedures by himself and that since I would be at a teaching hospital, chances were high that the senior surgeon would be using junior surgeons or interns in the procedure. It was all coming together as to why I kept getting introduced to the junior surgeons in the Philadelphia offices. We talked about how the sutures can be different on each arm as a result of different surgeon’s doing the sutures-each one having their own style of stitching, much like tailors. Dr. Katzen told me that he does ALL of the sutures himself. So, after 45 minutes of a consultation, which had provided me with more information than all of the other, surgeons that I had met put together, I made my decision. I confirmed three surgeries (360 Body Lift, Brachioplasty and Breast Lift and Thigh Lift) and three surgical dates beginning in February 2008.

I waited four months with great anticipation. I completed the battery of tests needed for the pre-op and was cleared for surgery. I arrived at the Surgical Center adorned by my Valentine Day Hearts and was ready to go. Dr. Katzen met me and began to draw funny lines on my body with Sharpie Markers- black, red, green. My sister was with me and was concerned that I was getting nervous. I had no nervousness about what was going to happen at all. I had met with Dr. Katzen enough times that I had every confidence that he knew exactly what he was doing and would be doing what he does best in the operating room. Even the Anesthesiologist had called me at my hotel room the night before to introduce himself and explain every detail of what would be happening from his end the next day. The nurses were wonderful and when I woke up after a grueling 11 hours of surgery for the team, it was Dr. Katzen’s face I saw telling me everything went great and answering my “Thank You’s” with his typical “My Pleasure” and grin.

I had heard that the pain might be difficult for me but Dr. Katzen had taken great care to ensure I was comfortable. I can honestly say that I never experience a great deal of pain from the 360 Body Lift. It is amazing that so much of the body can be cut and the pain was not even close to what I experienced after the Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass. No “guns” needed this time around at all! It’s now almost 8 weeks later and although I made a few calls to Dr. Katzen on a Saturday afternoon or Sunday evening, which he promptly responded to in 60 seconds or less (very impressive in my experience with doctors), I am very pleased with my decision with Dr. Katzen. I actually look forward to my visits to his office in Beverly Hills despite the one-way 2 ½ hour commute. His staff, Diana, Rachel and Jane are just delightful and so helpful to me in ways that go beyond “their job”. I actually miss everyone when I don’t have an appointment.

I have spent 30 years as Human Resources Executive for the Johnson and Johnson Family of Companies during which time; I have honed my skills and intuition about people. I have been able to distinguish between people who want a job or a career, between people who have integrity and those who do not and I have been able to determine those who love what they do and those who just put time in. I can say with great confidence that J. Timothy Katzen, M.D. loves what he does and has a passion for excellence that I don’t often see. He has the eye of an artist to see things that haven’t yet appeared and the hands of skilled surgeon to make a previously obese person into someone who has the chance to feel beautiful and normal. He has the patience and tenacity to ensure the patient feels comfortable and the smile that re-assures them about the future. He has chosen his staff to compliment his philosophy around excellence in patient care and his diligence to his craft is evident in everything he does. I feel very blessed to have found Dr. Katzen and his staff and would travel any amount of miles to be in his care.

If you are on the fence in deciding if you want to take that bold step to recapture your life and your happiness, don’t be, Dr.Katzen will be there to lead you every step of the way.

With Gratitude

Dr. Katzen and his helpful staff turned the whole nerve-wracking experience
of surgery into a total breeze. Dr. Katzen has a great beside manner and
is very kind and courteous. Raquel and the rest of the staff were eager to
address any questions or concerns I could come up with. If and when I need
any other procedures performed, I will not hesitate to contact Dr. Katzen
for an appointment. Thank you for everything!

December 2005 was the start of my new journey. I lost 200lbs in about a year and half, I was left with sagging skin. I went on to the OH website and found Dr. Katzen. He was having free consultation in Universal City. After meeting and speaking to a lot of his patients I felt like I was on the right path to getting my sagging skin removed. Then after hearing his presentation I knew he was the ONLY doctor for me. After consulting with Dr. katzen I went home to think about having surgery. A year later I called his office because I finally felt ready to go through with the surgery.I had surgery about 6 weeks ago and although I have not finished healing I feel like I have a great team behind me. This has not been the easiest thing for me but i am certain I will feel like a million dollars when I can wear short leave shirts and not worry. His staff goes above and beyond the call of duty. They were all very sweet and patient. Any time I had a question or concern I never felt like calling was a bother to the doctor or the staff. They made things so much easier. Thank you from the bottom of my heart to Dr. Katzen, Jane, Raquel, and Diana.

I have been a patient of Dr. Katzen since 2005. I am also a working nurse who Dr. Katzen and I have done many surgeries together in the operating room. I have not only enjoy his professionalism, techniques and ability to keep down infection, he’s strive for sterility but how his bedside manner was with his patients for that reason I chose him to be my doctor. Having that inside look where other patient can’t gave me the up hand to make a very educated decision in what doctor I placed my own care in. Not only have I been exceptionally pleased with my care and results, but overall satisfaction with his staff, hand picked nurses and even the honest and sincere staff in his office. I have recommended Dr. Katzen to friends, family and even patients that I know will be returning for plastic needs. It is a great sign when doctors asked me who I would recommend to them and I smile and introduce them to Dr. Katzen.

You are heaven sent. When I decided to have plastic surgery it wasn't about vanity. I was about all the
hard work I achieved in losing over 125lbs. Even though I had gastric by pass surgery. I still diet and exercised to achieve my goal. But one tragic day while finishing my shower, the image I saw in my bathroom mirror was of a body that went south for the winter. In my quest to become thin I developed a lot of loose skin that didn't bounce back. My arms looked like Dumbo ears. My stomach and waist area was no joke either. My inter-thighs jiggled a Jell-O and sagged to my knees. My boobs looked like the women in the National Geographic show or magazine take your pick. I had to do something.

Dr Katzen was recommended to me. Dr Katzen, specializes in post-op gastric by pass patients. When I walked into Dr Katzen office his staff took great pride in maintaining the highest quality of care before, during and after my surgery procedures.

Dr Katzen, upon meeting him made me feel relaxed and confident the minute he walked into the exam room. He listens attentively to my wish list and made some valid suggestions on what I should have done and what the out come should be. Dr Katzen and his staff made my surgery and recovery a very pleasent one. Thank you so much Dr Katzen.

"In September 2005, I took the first step of my new life by having gastric bypass surgery. At the time I had the surgery, I weighed over 300 lbs. Over the course of the next year and a half, I was able to drop nearly half my body weight! Although I felt much better overall, I had a fun new problem to deal with — lots of excess skin. Throughout the course of my weight loss, I had never really considered having plastic surgery. I thought, as long as I was finally at a healthy weight, it wouldn’t matter if I had some excess skin. I even fooled myself into believing that if I just went to the gym enough, the skin would bounce right back into place. However, it never happened.

Then, in April 2007, I attended a weekend seminar sponsored by ObesityHelp.com. At that seminar, I attended a presentation by Dr. Katzen regarding post-bariatric plastic surgery. I was quite impressed with Dr. Katzen, and particularly with the fact that he specializes in body contouring for post weight-loss patients. With all the plastic surgeons there are to choose from in Los Angeles, I had never found one who specifically focused on this specialty.

After the seminar, I took the next step of my transformation by scheduling a consultation with Dr. Katzen. At my initial visit, I was impressed by Dr. Katzen’s ability to make me feel at ease in what could have been a very uncomfortable situation. Dr. Katzen listened to my concerns, answered my questions, and then created a well thought out plan for my surgeries. I never felt pressured to do any more surgery than I initially wanted. After that visit, I was sold. I never even consulted with any other surgeons.

In October 2007, I had a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty). Then, in February 2008, I had an arm lift (brachioplasty) and a breast lift/augmentation. Both surgeries went exceptionally smoothly, and although I had some minor complications during my recovery process, Dr. Katzen was always available by telephone to answer my questions and provide any assistance needed. His staff have also been very helpful in answering my questions. I am very happy with the results of the two surgeries. I finally look as great as I feel. Dr. Katzen’s skills as a surgeon are top notch. But even more importantly, his ability to make me feel at ease, his honesty, and his genuine concern for my well-being, make him a great doctor."

My WLS date was in October, 2006. I lost 115 lbs and was not prepared for the amount of hanging skin that remained. Losing weight so fast and being in my 60's probably contributed to the elasticiity of my skin being very sluggish. Although I had lost a lot of weight, my clothes did not fit right. I knew that plastic surgery was the only answer. I had consulted with three plastic surgeons before meeting Dr. Katzen. At a Obesity Help seminar I had a consult with Dr. Katzen and I knew immediately that my searching was over. After talking with many of his postop patients at the seminar, they only confirmed that he was the surgeon I had been looking for. He is so caring and sincere. I felt so at ease with him not only for my exams but also on my surgery days as well. My first surgery on 11/07 included a circumferential bodylift, a medial thigh lift. and liposuction. My second surgery on 3/07 included a breast lift and scar revisions. I am so pleased with the results of these surgeries. My clothes fit great. My friends and family say I look fabulous. My husband says I am the sexiest woman alive! I highly recommend this surgeon. He is board certified with the American Association of Plastic Surgeons. He is extremely competent. He is sincere and caring. Dr. Katzen and his wonderful staff take excellent care of every patient. Karen Skaggs, Riverside, CA

Gastric Bypass gave me the tools to take charge of my life. After successfully loosing 147 pounds I had one step left. That step was to find a plastic surgeon. Not just any plastic surgeon, one who truly understood that Gastric Bypass patients who have lost large amounts of weight have extreme amount of excess skin. The particular plastic surgeon I needed had to understand these large amounts of skin and the conditions that they cause. This plastic surgeon must have had experience in the removal of this kind of skin and experience in “total body reconstruction”. I asked for recommendations, talked with surgeons and I found they didn’t have the knowledge or experience. Yes, they could do a simple tummy tuck or breast lift, yet they didn’t have the experience to reconstruct an entire body.
That was until I met Dr. Katzen. Dr. Katzen and his dedication to Gastric Bypass patients and the complications that are associated with our large amounts of left over skin had the knowledge, compassion and education to help me accomplish my final goal. From the 1st moment I met him and his amazing staff I knew what an incredible team I had been blessed to find. The time he graciously gave during my 1st consultation not to mention the time given pre and post op was staggering. You are not just a case number to Dr. Katzen you are someone whom he invests into. Dr. Katzen gave me back me!!!