Aesthetic & Reconstructive Plastic Surgery Plastic Surgery Center

I had gastric bypass in February 2011 and successfully lost 220 pounds but was left with a serious amount of excess skin around my abdomen, chest, back and legs. My breasts were sagging and not masculine at all. I saw several plastic surgeons over the past few years but could not make a final decision regarding the skin removal procedures. I finally had a consultation with Dr. Katzen at the 2016 Obesity Help conference. I knew immediately that he would be my surgeon. He made me feel comfortable and he was completely honest about what I should expect. He explained to me he would do two separate procedures because he was concerned about being under anesthesia for too long. A few weeks later I scheduled my 360 body lift for January 6, 2017.

The procedure went well and I was home in a few days. I later returned to Dr. Katzen’s office for my first post-op visit and he removed the bandages so I could see the results. I could not believe that my hanging belly and love handles were completely gone. Even though I was still swollen, I saw the dramatic change. I never remembered having a flat stomach and I’m 49 years old. I was blessed not to experience any complications and was allowed to return to work in six weeks. In April, I scheduled my legs and chest procedures but due to my lymphedema in my legs, I chose not to have the leg surgery. So on May 8, 2017, I proceeded with my chest and back surgery.

The chest and back was performed as an outpatient procedure so I was able to go home that night. I was a very nervous this time but Dr. Katzen reassured me that I would be just fine and he was right. My chest is finally flat and my back looks awesome. I returned to work after three weeks and Dr. Katzen assured me that I can resume my regular routine but I’m still taking it easy.

I realize that it’s going to be a year before I’m completely healed but it was well worth it. Dr. Katzen is remarkable a true artist who understands our struggle. He took the time to answer my questions and was patience with me. He does his best to give us the body we dream about having but he keeps it honest in regards to our expectations. Dr. Katzen has changed my life for the good and I’m lucky I found him.

SW: 234 lbs
Pre-plastic surgical weight: 135 lbs

I had gastric sleeve surgery in May 2013. I was able to lose 100 lbs within the first 9 months. As excited as I was to reach that goal, it was also disheartening to see how much loose skin I had left over from years and years of obesity. Although I started working out regularly starting 6 weeks post-sleeve, I was left with saggy wings, deflated breasts (from a DD to a AA), an apron in hanging off my belly and a flat and very dimpled butt. In May 2014, I started consulting with different plastic surgeons regarding circumferential body lift in one procedure and then breasts/arms/tummy tuck in a second procedure vs just fixing the front all at once. After meeting with the first four plastic surgeons (all with varying experience with extreme weight loss patients) I felt completely defeated and convinced that it would cost a small fortune to fix the weight loss wreckage left behind. When I drove to Dr. Katzen's office near Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, I was reluctant to even meet with him assuming that I would just be quoted an another over-inflated Beverly Hills price as I had been in Marina Del Rey and Newport Beach. Nevertheless, I pulled up my (formerly) big girl panties and sat in his office with nothing but a robe and the last remaining shred of dignity I had left, waiting patiently to stand there naked and ready to be picked apart again. I'm so glad I did. Dr. Katzen was so patient and respectful of my issues, concerns, and priorities. He understood my needs right away without trying to impose his opinion on what he thought I needed . (A previous plastic surgeon tried to convince me that I needed a big Kim Kardashian booty. I hadn't even mentioned my behind to him by that point). Together, Dr. Katzen and I agreed on a course of action that we were both comfortable with. Downtime was a big concern for me so I wanted to do as much as I could in one shot. Dr. Katzen agreed to a full arm tuck, breast lift and implant, plus an extended tummy tuck in one procedure. On August 24, 2014, together we embarked on a 12 hour journey under the knife. Phase I of my transformation was now complete.

I felt great from the front but still so self-conscious from the back. I knew I had to do something about my saggy and deflated butt but I didn't want a 360 degree scar completely across my lower half. So I started researching Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) procedures where I could have fat liposuctioned from different areas of my body and re-introduced into my deflated saggy behind to give it some volume. I only discussed it with Dr. Katzen, I didn't need to meet with any other plastic surgeons, I wouldn't imagine entrusting my body to anybody else. In December 2015, we embarked on Phase II of my transformation. I'm not going to lie, the recovery from the BBL was brutal. Much worse than I anticipated. The toughest part of the recovery was swelling and the pain associated to the swelling in the main liposuction site (medial inner thigh). As Dr. Katzen said to me, Lipo sucks. It's been three months since my BBL and although I am still a work in progress, my behind is 85% better than where I started from. I am so grateful for that. We are still working on some revisions that are still working themselves out but hopefully soon my transformation will be complete...for now.

I met Dr. Katzen 4 years ago at his office... I knew within 15 minutes he would be my surgeon when I was ready for my 365 body lift. Yesterday I had my 8 week post op appt... He is an artist... 10.5 hours he worked on me - with no break! He removed 25 lbs of skin in one clean piece... And zapped out all of my varicose veins... At 32 I have a new body for the next chapters of my life :-). My advice to anyone: get Dr. Katzen if you can... He has a lot of patients and has done thousands of body lifts.. But to me- I felt like his only patient. Listen to his instructions and take it easy for at least 2 -4 weeks- and you will truly benefit from a true surgical artist.

Dr. Katzen literally changed my life. After working hard to lose over 150 pounds, I was so disappointed in the way I looked, because I had so much saggy, excess skin, especially around my middle. I met Dr. Katzen and immediately knew he was the best, most qualified, and kindest doctor I had ever met. He performed a circumferential body lift and inner thigh lift on me. He was able to remove 26 pounds of extra skin and fat. Not only is he incredibly talented in plastic surgery, but he genuinely cares about his patients. He responded very quickly to my phone calls and emails. He is a true artist. I am so amazed with my results and sometimes can't believe that beautiful woman in the mirror is me! I can't thank him enough!

I’ve known Dr. Katzen for over a year. I met him through my doctor for lap band and I’ve been very happy with his work on reducing my very large breasts to a perfect C cup. I am also waiting for a tummy tuck and I feel really strong that the procedure will be a success. Dr. Katzen’s mannerism is very young and hip, he’s with the style and very friendly and pleasure to be around. I thank him in advance for future treatments.

I had a gastric bypass in August of 2006, I weighed 254 at the time. After keeping the weight off I decided to see Dr Katzen for the 360 Body lift. I cannot believe it's my body! My biggest problem is keeping my clothes on because I'm so happy I want to show everyone! Awesome surgeon, gifted hands, great bedside manner. You will not regret your decision to work with Dr Katzen. I sure didn't!

Originally, I was very nervous to undergo treatment for my terrible spider veins. I did not know it was going to be so easy. The procedure was quick (within my lunch hour), very little pain, and results can be seen instantly. I can say, with absolute certainty, that this procedure is for anyone looking to get rid of unsightly veins. Thank you so much Dr. Katzen.

I recently had an appointment with Dr. Katzen to have spider veins removed from my legs via laser treatment. I have always been super self-conscious of the many, small unsightly veins on my legs and knew it was time to do something. I am a three-time returning patient of Dr. Katzen’s as he has performed other more extensive surgeries on me after massive weight loss, so I was already confident in his skill and abilities of the aesthetic work he is able to deliver to his patients. Dr. Katzen was gentle during the laser treatment and let me know beforehand what to expect as he told me he has experienced the laser treatment himself. After about every 7 or so pulses of the laser on my leg, he would pause and let the minor discomfort subside then continue with the treatment. I was so impressed right after the treatment was over that I knew my unsightly veins were now gone. I have small red marks where the spider veins used to be that are now healing and was told by Dr. Katzen that these red marks will soon clear up. As a returning patient, I continue to be impressed by Dr. Katzen’s attention to detail, his work ethics, and his talent. His results help make me feel beautiful!

Dr. Katzen is a gem. He has such a great bedside manner and always takes his time to make you feel comfortable. I have recommended him to so many of my friends and family members. His office specializes in weight loss patients.

There’s no words to express how good of a doctor he is. He was and has been very supportive from the first day of my weight loss journey. I have lost more than 20 lbs. and I’m so happy with myself. My self esteem has gone sky high. Thanks to Dr. Katzen I’m a new healthy girl. I recommend him to anyone. He was the only one who believed in me and said, “You can do it!”. He gave me hope. If you’re ready for your journey of weight loss, I would go to Dr. Katzen.