Plastic Surgery Body Contouring Center Plastic Surgery Center
After losing more than 200 pounds, I was left with massive amounts of excess skin that would certainly require a specialist in extreme weight loss cases. I found Dr. Agha in 2010 while researching plastic surgeons.
I came to Dr. Agha August, 2014, for my consult. I was extremely nervous, as in the past, I was either turned away because the surgery was too complex, or told that only partial work could be completed . I was consistently left hurt and discouraged.
As soon as I walked into Dr. Agha’s office, I felt immediately welcomed by a warm and inviting staff. Photo albums with his before and after work made me feel hopeful.
I realized that I was coming with challenges above and beyond excess skin, including mesh from a hernia repair and a botched tummy tuck job. Dr. Agha was confident and explained everything to my fiancée and me.
We booked my first surgery for October 13, 2014. This would include a vertical thigh plasty, thigh liposuction, buttock fat transfer, partial tummy tuck and an arm lift. I was amazed and so happy with my results and I could not wait to continue my journey.
I went on to have my next surgery on May 20, 2015. At that time, I had a lower body lift which included elevation of front thigh, outer thigh lift, buttock lift, liposuction of lower back, liposuction of abdomen, liposuction of flanks, and buttock fat transfer. I also had an arm lift revision, liposuction of saddlebags, liposuction back of thighs, and my tummy tuck was completed. With my prior tummy botched job in 2007, my new tummy tuck had to be done in stages. The results are unbelievable. I still have more surgeries to do, which I look forward to doing as soon as I am able.
Dr. Agha has changed my life not just in looks but the way I feel physically and mentally. I have faith in his abilities, because he can see the big picture. I see him as an artist who knows what will compliment your body. I have come so far and I cannot wait to continue with Dr. Agha. He has given me a new life and I will be forever grateful for his services.
I was so used to living with my excess skin, I never really stepped outside myself to take a good look. Last week I got up the courage to take a look at the photos from the day before each of my surgeries. Tearfully, I realized what a drastic change I have undergone.
I cannot wait to continue on to the next phase of my journey with Dr. Agha, who has truly changed my life.
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I lost over 170 pounds and had the skin to prove it. In 2001, insurance covered the removal of my excess abdominal skin, a brachioplasty, and a thighplasty. I was only in my late twenties recently out of college in debt and grateful that insurance was going to pay, however it was a nightmare. Every plastic surgery nightmare possible happened. I got a staff infection in my belly button (took a year to recover from), I pulled drains, and incisions burst open because of the infections. I had to heal from the inside out. The surgeon that did my arms had never done one and put the incision in the wrong location, so my arms are scared for life. I was basically butchered and truly traumatized. My body looked fine in clothes, but I felt like a creature naked. I took me 12 years and a lot a research to get the courage to consider going under the knife again.
I looked at many websites and visited 3 surgeons. I live in northern California and Dr. Agha is in Southern California.
The office - When you arrive at the office you are greeted and offered coffee or tea. The office is clean and well kept. It is shared with one other doctor, a dermatologist. I have always been taken back within minutes. They run a very tight ship when it comes to time management.
The Staff - I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the staff. After my last experience, I think I might be a bit of a handful and they are so wonderful! They are exceptionally professional, but also compassionate. I call them "hugs." I feel like a get a hug every time I go there. Danielle generally is at the front counter and she is a super direct and about business at all times, but so sweet and funny at the same time. She will do anything to help you she can and I mean that literally! Thanks for everything Danielle. ; ) Shireen is generally in the back office and she is the super nurturing and super sweet. She is the where I originally came up with the nickname "hug." But again, she is all business and I love that. She makes you feel safe and cared for physically, financially, and emotionally. Last there is Kimberli, she is not really a part of the staff, but kind of, she is the aftercare person they most refer to and she is a dream. She is so compo tent and so sweet all at the same time. Much better that the nursing service that is also offered.
The Doctor - Dr. Agha is amazing. He is truly gifted. I think it is this simple. Plastic surgeons put their best work on their websites. When I was researching I would look at pictures on other surgeons websites and the best had crooked or wide incisions, lumpy and bumpy liposuction and/or extreme lack of symmetry. With Dr. Agha, it was the opposite, everything looked almost perfect and the volume of examples was testimony enough. Then I met him. He IS NOT a sales man! I went to other surgeons who wanted to do all kinds of crazy things on me just because. Dr. Agha listened to me, my history, my financial situation and what I wanted and told me what he could and COULD NOT (a surgeon admitted they "could not" do something, that was new for me) do for me. He didn't make crazy promises, he just told me the truth, some of which I didn't like, but I appreciated the truth. He is quiet and very sweet in his approach. He doesn't bend and doesn't compromise, not because he inflexible, but because he know what is best for his patients and it is based on scientific research and practice. He is a scientist and a physician, something I truly value! Another very important distinction with Dr. Agha is his nutritional protocol. He expects all of his patients to follow a nutritional protocol for optimal healing. This was life changing for me. It not only made the healing easier, it improves my overall health.
The procedures - I had my arms revised, my breast revised, my tummy revised, Brazilian butt lift and a lower body lift, with fat transfer to the breast and butt. I am very happy with the outcome. Tiny (smaller than a sharpie)), super symmetrical incisions cover the areas of my body he performed surgery, just a few months ago and are fading fast due to the nutritional protocol. I feel like a normal person, actually a little like a super model, but we won't go there. I am just thankful I don't feel like a creature anymore and my husband can't keep his hands off me. ; ) I think it's the butt. I am going to Mexico in May and will wear a bikini for the first time in my life. Thanks Dr. Agha! ; )
The overall experience - It took me two years after meeting Dr. Agha to have the surgery, the primary reason was money and the secondary was a little fear from my previous experience. This was nothing like it. I did not have one complication. I received a telephone call everyday, form Danielle to check on me, I was not alone. His prices are extremely competitive if not low! Dr. Agha practice is the complete practice, - a gifted, kind surgeon, and a warm caring professional staff that manages patients
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I chose Dr. Agha for a few reasons; he’s very knowledgeable about what happens to the body after extreme weight loss and the importance of proper nutrition pre/post surgery. The before and after pictures are amazing. He truly listens to you during your consultation. He explains step by step what he can do for you to get the results that you are looking for. The part that really was important to me was that he would use my own tissue to enhance my breast and buttocks. I didn’t want to have implants to get the results I wanted. All of the other PS I saw preferred to use implants and wouldn’t use my tissue. (I had plenty to spare). I had gastric bypass surgery in 2006 and wanted to have the excess skin removed. I always was heavier on my hips and thighs, so I knew this would be a challenge for any PS. I had a high definition body lift with a spinal thigh left and buttock augmentation for my first surgery in August 2012 and a breast lift with fat transfer and revision of lower body left for my second surgery in April 2013. During my first surgery Dr. Agha removed 20 lbs of skin. That was amazing. Because my thighs were so heavy a revision was needed and another 3 inches was pulled up and removed. He also reshaped my buttock, which I was very happy with the results. I also had
lipo done during both surgeries. The office staff is great. They always responded to my questions quickly via email and called to check in on me while I was healing at home. I could not be any happier with my results. Dr. Agha is a true artist at his work. After losing 117 lbs, I didn’t think I would ever be happy with the way I looked but today I am and it was all thanks to Dr. Agha.
In 2004-2005 I lost about 80# and was more than proud of up-righting myself and leaving the limitations of plus sized clothing behind. As an African American women an athletic thickness was a happy existence, skinny was never a sport of choice. The victory of weight loss was diminished by the deflation of my standard of beauty: full breast, thick thighs and ample bottom. Spanx and pushup bras became necessities. With clothes on, I was polished and sleek, body amour off…uh not so much. Between the years 2006-2011 I lost another hard fought 12#, ran 2 half marathons and 1 triathlon and possessed my best physical endurance and strength ever. I was spiritually sound, mentally strong and looking like a million bucks with clothes on… yet feeling a certain way about my deflated, breast, thighs and butt.
No matter how many miles I ran nor weights lifted there was no recourse other than surgery and I painstakingly searched for an expert in body contouring and a surgeon who was familiar with the challenges of African American skin as scarring was a grave concern of mine. I didn’t want to replace one source of angst for another. Choosing Dr. Ag ha’s expertise has been a life changing experience for me. He’s extremely personable and respectful, but most importantly an absolute perfectionist!! Initially, with caution I only sought a breast lift and was amazed by the precision in which he created my breast shape and projection. They were so perfect, in my second post-op I actually asked him if he had given me implants because I really wasn’t sure ... simply gorgeous, I have nearly invisible suture lines. A year later I fully trusted him to sculpt a high definition abdominoplasty and lower body lift with butt lift. Dr. Agha has helped me achieve what I call “naked fine” old fashioned thickness but goodness, clothes on or off, I AM HOT. I sought balance in the reflection of the Superwoman I felt on the inside and how I looked on the outside. Dr. Agha has helped me achieve that balance and for his assistance with what I could not do on my own… I am forever grateful.
I begin my journey of weight loss in 2009 and to date have lost near 120lbs. I began looking for a surgeon to correct the massive skin laxity in my abdomen, back, thighs, and chest. I met with many surgeons and never felt quite at ease until I met Dr Agha. My initial consultation was very different from other surgeons. His attitude was very caring, empathetic, understanding of my personal needs, and also explained the potential complications in detail. I did not feel as if he was a salesman putting on a show.
After my first consultation I knew that this was the person and practice I was going to put my trust and investment into. I was very comfortable selecting Dr Agha as his experience in post weight loss surgery is unmatched almost anywhere in the world. I felt lucky that I was within an hour of his office and didn't need to travel while I went through my operations.
Shireen, the patient coordinator was very professional and prepared me in detail for my operation. She answered all of my questions quickly and made herself available whenever I needed it. They stress the importance of proper nutrition and adhering to the pre operative supplementation plan they prescribe. Also. the cost of the procedure was very competitive and because Dr Agha can combine multiple procedures into one operation, they ended up saving me a lot of money
My first surgery was on Nov 17th 2011. I had a high definition lower body lift which entailed a circumferential abdominoplasty. inner spiral thigh lift, outer thigh lift, liposuction, and fat transfer to my buttock. The procedure went as planned and although the recovery being a bit harsh as expected. I recovered fully within 6 weeks. The results were astounding. I sometimes can not believe the body I now have. Dr Agha is truly an amazing surgeon and I think works on another level than most.
My second operation was in January of 2012. This entailed a J upper body lift which removed a majority of the laxity in my chest and upper back. We also did another update to my midsection to tone my abdonmen further which I was not charged for. Dr Agha will work with you in any way he can to deliver optimal and realistic results for his patients. His practice is the archetype that others should be measured by. The support staff are incredible and they treat you like family. Dr Agha resolved a major issue that I had and reconstructed my body in ways that I thought were not possible. I was treated with respect, kindness, thoroughness, professionalism, and for that I am forever grateful and consider Dr Agha a friend.
I recommend his service to anybody who has lost a significant amount of weight and wants to transform their body.
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I lost 240 pounds. No amount of running, squats, lunges, chest presses and upper body workouts could remove the extra skin that has stayed despite my lifestyle change. There is simply no way you can lose that much weight and not have excess skin. It took me about 3 years to drop it and i've settled into my body. Even began to love it despite the saggy breasts and flappy arms. Being a 28 year old single woman, I will admit the arms and breasts bothered me the most. I have always loved strapless dresses and low cut tops. I didn't wear them because i'm very aware of my body and I don't want to be a girl wearing things that are 3 sizes too small in complete size denial. I was comfortable at a size 14 on bottom and a 12 on top or large. I couldn't wear shirts with sleeves unless they were too big on my stomach. I needed an XL to fit my arms but i could rock a L and even a M in more brands than i thought possible. I am writing this review 9 days post op for an upper body lift from Dr. Agha. He did my arms, breast, back and a reverse tummy tuck. He used the extra fat from my arms and back to build up my breasts. The pain was sooo much less than i thought! Yes, it hurts, but it's controlled well with meds. After about a week you can barely believe you just had surgery. I have never felt this beautiful in my skin. My arms are totally proportionate to my forearms, my breasts are PERKY and seriously awesome and my back..... I can't get over the sexy smooth curve of it. There is not one roll. Nothing, Just a sexy, well defined back. I can't wait to see my body after everything settles in a few months. In less than 7 hours Dr. Agha gave me a new body that I love and can't wait to spend the rest of my life enjoying. It's going to be weird to not have armpits but think of all the money i will save on deodorant and not shaving them anymore lol. If you have been thinking about removing extra skin, do your homework. You will see why he is the best. He gives you curves and really knows how to shape a woman. I guess i had hollow armpits so he actually placed fat in my armpits to give me a normal appearance. Who would have thought of that? He looks for the best possible outcome and he delivers. Look through his gallery and you will see why he is the best for people who have lost extreme amounts of weight. You don't just get sliced and stitched up tightly to look as thin as possible. He shapes you and takes into account all of the pieces aesthetically. I would do this surgery again in a heartbeat and doubt I could ever thank his staff enough for being so kind, compassionate and wonderful throughout this whole experience. I should also point out how kind Dr. Agha is, he is very humble and knows his stuff. He doesn't sugar coat things and he makes sure you understand everything fully. I work in a hospital and it's very common to see arrogant surgeons and poor bedside manner. Dr. Agha is the best you could hope for. He will exceed your expectations, even if they are high. He certainly did mine :)
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Though Dr Agah seemed professional, knowledgeable, and friendly, I have extremely poor results with the surgery he provided. I have before and after pics on my profile, and they speak for themselves. I went to Dr Agah's seminar, and was strongly considering a circumferential lower body lift, but instead opted to go for a neck lift first. At time time, i was 29 years old. My neck and jowl area was saggy and wrinkled due to 100lb weight loss. We opted for in office surgery, instead of anesthesia, and when he started to give me the injections I passed out from the pain. Not his fault, though he did tell me to tell him when it was too much, and I did...however he kept going..i think thinking that if i got enough injection i wouldn't feel it soon.
We rescheduled, and I went in for the full under anesthesia surgery.
Things seemed fine.
The next day after surgery i noticed that there was a huge glob of my hair that had been stapled into the wound behind my ear. It was in the wound, and the staples were over it. I also noticed that on my ear lobe...there was a SLICE of skin missing. No where near the surgical area...this was on the front of my lobe, at the bottom, next to where my earring hole is (which i had none in during the surgery). As the days progressed, I began to notice how uneven everyone was. Behind my left ear, was a knot of folded skin that distorted my hairline. Behind my right ear, once i was able to clear the hair out by working it out a little each day (at least a quarter inch wide grouping of hair) was fine, and had a clear and easy looking scar that ended right behind my ear.
The skin around my mouth ...the laugh lines...are still sagging. My neck is still sagging, and wrinkled. When I went back to Dr Agah for both follow-ups, he agreed that the surgery was not a complete success. He Insisted that there was improvement, which was all he had guaranteed in his paperwork, and that If i wanted it fixed, it was something he may work with me on "when" i decided to have the lower body lift with him.
Which, I am not going to do.
I had this surgery in November of 2010. The right side of my jaw and ear, are still numb and the nerves are damaged...something he said would heal after six months to a year. It's felt the same since the surgery.
I have a strange "line" that angles up from my left jawline, where the skin is pulled tight, but the lower part still sags. I still have very prominent laugh lines, and worst of all and most disappointing, is the double chin is *still* there. After weight loss surgery, and then neck surgery, all this time and money, I still have a very noticeable double chin...that is sagging wrinkled skin. My neck looks like the neck of someone twice my age, even though I've had surgery on it.
I'm now 31, I've consistently stayed at one weight since my weight loss surgery. I exercise, stay healthy, and have done everything right after both surgeries. I should not have been such a hard case. It was a simple matter of a neck lift, and now I've gone through it all, paid all that money, and for such poor results that when i look in a mirror i feel like nothing has changed.
Thinking about the surgery, seeing the results in the mirror, even putting on an earring (which is difficult and sometimes painful, due to the nerve damage) makes me feel sick. I'm so disappointed with my surgery with Dr Agah that it's indescribable.
4 people found this helpful
In one sentence: Dr. Agha is your first pick for cosmetics surgery. When I first researched surgeons, the most important criteria were certifications and experience. Dr. Agha exceeded expectations in both of these areas. Next, and almost as important, was the doctor’s personality and sensitivity to my needs. I’m a male in my 20s, so I’m not a typical plastic surgery patient. It took some self-motivation to move forward with something that is out of the norm and comfort zone for a guy like me. At my consultation appointment, all of my nerves were settled by Dr. Agha and his staff. Dr. Agha was so open and approachable! He provided a lot of insight for me to consider, and shared pictures of his work on guys who were in similar situations as I. Fantastic! Then I met Shireen who provided quotes for the different surgical options Dr. Agha presented, and answered additional questions regarding the surgery center, pre- and post-operation expectations, etc. Shireen was a complete sweetheart, and a helpful and readily-available resource to answer my every question – specifically, she would answer my spontaneous questions via email, which I found most convenient! Tania was also very helpful in keeping all the appointments organized, and diligent in reminding me of appointments as they approached. With such knowledge, experience, personality, and preparation, you can imagine how flawlessly surgery went with Dr. Agha. I am so happy with surgery results, and so is Dr. Agha. In fact, I am amused at how enthusiastic and proud he is of his work. Those that are close to me with whom I’ve shared my surgery with are just as impressed. In fact, through this experience, I’ve learned of some of their personal cosmetic surgery desires, and I have had no reservations in recommending Dr. Agha to them. Perhaps they will be able to share their stories soon! ?
I am honored to write a positive review on Dr. Agha, as there are so many wonderful things to say about him and his work. After losing more than 100 pounds, I was left with a thinner, yet still unattractive body due to excess skin. In two stages, Dr. Agha performed a breast lift/augmentation (with virtually invisible scars!), arm lift, lower body lift, spiral thigh lift and butt augmentation. That’s a lot, and could be scary, especially for someone like me who hates even walking into a doctor’s office, let alone having surgery. In my initial consultation, Dr. Agha spent almost two hours with me explaining the procedures he thought would be best for me and I felt comfortable with him and confident that he was the doctor I should select to help transform me.
Fast forward one year later with my surgeries now completed, and I know without a shadow of a doubt that selecting him was the right choice. As others have stated, he is a perfectionist and his work is phenomenal, helping to create an atheistically pleasing body. When I compare my before to my after pictures, the transformation is incredible. He is an expert in working with the unique issues of weight loss patients and a true master at his surgical craft. More than being a good surgeon though, I have found him to also a good person. Through my surgeries and recoveries, he and his wonderful staff were always comforting and helpful, and made me feel like they truly cared. There aren’t enough wonderful things to say about my experience. I would recommend Dr. Agha to anyone considering cosmetic surgery!
Having had a weight problem for the vast majority of my life, it can be a bit intimidating going to see a plastic surgeon. However, I found that Dr. Agha made me feel comfortable. In addition, I also got, right off, that he is a perfectionist and knew that he would be the surgeon for me. After I met with him, I booked a date, on the spot. In 2005, I had a tummy tuck, breast implants, and a thigh lift performed by a plastic surgeon in San Francisco. However, I started seeing sagging and the results were never 100%. Dr. Agha is more of an artist and I feel that my tummy and breasts have never looked better. I also got my arms done. After covering up my arms up for most of my life, it was so nice to go sleeveless yesterday and look pretty darn good!
If I was asked if I would go back to Dr. Agha, the answer is absolutely yes….I likely will, in the near future.