SoCal Plastic Surgeons - Newport Beach
1401 Avocado Ave., Ste. 501A, Newport Beach, California, 92660
Matthew J. Nykiel, MD
DESTINATION DOCTOR
VERIFIED
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
1192 Questions Answered
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
MEET MATTHEW J. NYKIEL, MD
🩺13 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
Dr. Matthew J. Nykiel, MD is a board-certified plastic surgeon in Southern California with offices in Newport Beach and Upland. A leading expert in butt augmentations, body contouring, facial cosmetic surgery, and cosmetic breast revisions and reconstruction,
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SoCal Plastic Surgeons - Upland
409 N. Mountain Ave., Ste. A, Upland, California, 91786
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@socalplasticsurgeon
🏆 Board Certified Plastic Surgeon 🎓 Vaser & Renuvion Trainer ⭐️ Before/Afters: @realsocalplasticsurgeon ☎️ 949-416-0038 📍Newport Beach & Upland, CA
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QUESTIONS ANSWERED
Hey Charming! An option you may want to look into is Alloclae. It's one of our most requested procedures at the moment. It's a non-surgical solution to enhance body contours, correct hip dips, and add volume in targeted areas using highly purified donor fat, without incisions, liposuction, or general anesthesia. It's considered a good option for patients who don't have enough body fat for a surgical BBL. Do some research on it, it may be a good choice for you! Good luck!
Matthew J. Nykiel, MD
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Thanks for the great question!
Fat transfer traditionally involves removing fat from one part of your body and injecting it into areas that need more volume—common examples include the face and buttocks. One of the key benefits of using your own fat is that it contains live stem cells, which may help improve skin texture and overall appearance.
However, not everyone has enough fat available for transfer. In these cases, we now have allograft fat options—donor fat from another individual. In the U.S., there are currently two main FDA-approved products:
1. Renuva
FDA Approved: 2021
Longevity: Reported to last up to 10 years
Processing: The fat is processed to retain the extracellular matrix (ECM)—a structural framework that supports fat regeneration—but does not contain live cells
Consistency: Very smooth, allowing for precise injection into facial or superficial fat layers
Volume: Comes in small syringes (3cc), making it ideal for smaller treatment areas like the face or hands
2. Alloclae
FDA Approved: 2025
Processing: Uses X-ray sterilization, preserving both the ECM and the cell wall - cellular components are removed, which may provide added regenerative benefits
Texture: Firmer than Renuva—designed for use in larger-volume body areas, not the face
Volume: Available in larger sizes (12.5cc and 25cc), making it more practical for body contouring
Longevity: Still being studied, but early expectations suggest similar duration to Renuva—however there is a difference in processing - so the longevity may be the same, worse, or better.
In summary:
If you have enough of your own fat, it’s usually preferred because of the added skin-rejuvenating benefits. But for patients without sufficient donor fat, Renuva and Alloclae offer exciting alternatives, each with unique advantages depending on the treatment area and goals.
Matthew J. Nykiel, MD
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Thighs are uneven with multiple dents after fat grafting. Will Renuva and/or Alloclae recreate curves?
Asked By:AnonymousANSWERS (1)Hi, and thank you for your question!
I’ve used Alloclae successfully to improve contour irregularities or “divots” that can occasionally result from liposuction. It’s a great option when a patient doesn’t have enough of their own fat available for grafting.
Renuva is a similar product but has a few key differences:
Volume: Renuva comes in much smaller syringe sizes—typically 3cc—compared to Alloclae, which is available in larger 12.5cc or 25cc syringes.
Cost: Renuva is also significantly more expensive, often costing about 3 times more than Alloclae per volume.
When possible, I generally prefer to use your own fat to fill in divots or contour irregularities, since it offers the most natural result and regenerative benefits. However, based on your question, it sounds like you may not have enough donor fat—which makes options like Alloclae or Renuva worth considering.
I hope this helps clarify the differences! Feel free to reach out if you have more specific concerns about your case.
Matthew J. Nykiel, MD
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Great question! I would recommend the micro-fat transfer to the face. Here’s a simple breakdown of the key differences between Micro Fat, Alloclae, and Renuva:
Micro Fat
This is fat taken from your own body and then processed into very small particles. Because of its size, micro fat can be placed more superficially, making it ideal for facial areas. One of the biggest benefits of using your own fat is that it contains stem cells, which may help improve skin texture and overall skin quality in the treated areas.
Alloclae
Alloclae is processed donor fat (from another individual). It’s a thicker, firmer product and is not designed for use in the face. It does not inject smoothly and is better suited for larger-volume areas like the body—not for creating natural, refined facial contours.
Renuva
Like Alloclae, Renuva is also derived from donor fat but is processed to be smooth and injectable for facial applications. However, unlike your own fat, Renuva does not contain live cells or stem cells, so it won’t provide the regenerative benefits associated with your own micro fat.
In summary, if you're looking for skin quality improvement and natural facial volume, micro fat is typically preferred due to the presence of your own stem cells. Renuva is a good alternative if you’re not a candidate for fat harvesting, while Alloclae is better for body contouring—not the face.
Matthew J. Nykiel, MD
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Hi, thanks for the question. Sorry to hear what is going on with you. Based on the photos - it looks like the implant is not covered by muscle. Either the implant was placed over the muscle or during the early healing period the implant migrated to above the muscle. Another possibility is: the implant appears to be a large implant and the sheer size/weight of the implant may have caused this issue.
Treatment options are: 1) Remove the implant 2) Replace the implant into a intra-muscular pocket - with downsizing the implant. The implant look large and in my opinion I would want to downsize them - my average implant size falls around 300-350cc at this point.
Matthew J. Nykiel, MD
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Could I achieve a big enough butt with the amount of fat I have? (Photos)
Asked By:AnonymousANSWERS (1)Hello and great question. I appreciate the time you are spending researching this procedure. My name is Dr. Matthew J. Nykiel. I am a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, a Fellowship Trained Cosmetic Surgeon, and a Butt Augmentation Specialist.
Whether or not you are a good candidate depends on what your surgical goals are. Based off your photos I believe you would be a great candidate for a Brazilian Butt Lift. You would be considered a ‘Skinny BBL’. If you desire more drastic results, butt implants would be a good option for you.
I would definitely recommend doing an in person consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon who specializes in this procedure and who can suggest what is needed. I hope that helps! Best of luck!
Matthew J. Nykiel, MD
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Hello and great question. I appreciate the time you are spending researching this procedure. My name is Dr. Matthew J. Nykiel. I am a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, a Fellowship Trained Cosmetic Surgeon, and a Butt Augmentation Specialist.
I recommend discussing this with your surgeon to ensure you get desired outcome for surgery.
I would definitely recommend doing an in person consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon who specializes in this procedure and who can suggest what is needed. I hope that helps! Best of luck!
Matthew J. Nykiel, MD
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
What is best skin tightening procedure in 2020 for loose skin on thighs/butt after my lipo? (Photos)
Asked By:AnonymousANSWERS (1)Hello and great question. I appreciate the time you are spending researching this procedure. My name is Dr. Matthew J. Nykiel. I am a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, a Fellowship Trained Cosmetic Surgeon, and a Breast Augmentation Specialist.
Based on your photos you may be a good candidate for a minimally invasive skin tightening procedure called J Plasma or Body Tite. I recommend an in person consultation to discuss surgical goals. However, the golden standard for skin tightening is still lifting or cutting procedures.
I hope that helps! Best of luck!
Matthew J. Nykiel, MD
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Hello and great question. I appreciate the time you are spending researching this procedure. My name is Dr. Matthew J. Nykiel. I am a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, a Fellowship Trained Cosmetic Surgeon, and a Butt Augmentation Specialist.
Based on your photos, you are a candidate for a Liposuction/ Fat Transfer revision for improvement. l recommend you to make an appointment with a board certified plastic surgeon to talk about your desired outcome. I hope that helps! Best of luck!
Matthew J. Nykiel, MD
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Hello and great question. I appreciate the time you are spending researching this procedure. My name is Dr. Matthew J. Nykiel. I am a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, a Fellowship Trained Cosmetic Surgeon, and a Butt Augmentation Specialist.
It is hard to tell without a physical examination. It may be scar fluid that can be improved with a short well tolerated procedure to help break up the inflammation in that area. I would definitely recommend doing an in person consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon who specializes in this procedure and who can suggest what is needed. I hope that helps! Best of luck!
Matthew J. Nykiel, MD
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
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10 Results
Killxattyx
Lost 30lbs on Semi Glutide
The staff here rocks and are so helpful with whatever your goals are. Have had procedures with dr.nykiel in the past and have medspa visits with trish and love it all. For semi glutide-Side effects were minor at the beginning, headaches the first few weeks and on the 2nd month dosage the nausea hit me hard for 2 days but havent had any side effects since then. Tapering off now and about to start the last dosage back down to .25 and have not gain any weight back which is fantastic, even with some cravings coming back. I make healthier choices on snacks and portion control and seems to be working for me.
Response from Dr.Matthew J. Nykiel, MDThank you for sharing your experience! I’m so glad to hear that both your procedures and your Medspa visits with Trish have been so positive. It’s great to know that you managed the early side effects of semaglutide well and are now tapering successfully while maintaining your results—that’s an incredible accomplishment. Your focus on healthier choices and portion control will definitely help support your long-term success. I’ll be sure to share your kind words with the team—they’ll be so happy to know they’ve been part of your journey!
Emilee Tully
Choosing Dr. Nykiel for my Breast Augmentation Was One of the Best Decisions I’ve Made.
I am six weeks post breast augmentation and couldn’t be happier! My experience with Dr. Nykiel and his team was absolutely amazing. From the very first consultation, he took the time to listen to my goals, explain my options, and make sure I felt completely comfortable. His professionalism and eye for detail gave me so much confidence going into surgery. The procedure and recovery went so smoothly, and his staff was supportive and attentive every step of the way. The results are beyond what I imagined—natural, beautifully proportioned, and exactly what I had hoped for. Choosing Dr. Nykiel for my breast augmentation was one of the best decisions I’ve made.
Response from Dr.Matthew J. Nykiel, MDThank you for sharing your experience! I’m so glad to hear how happy you are with your breast augmentation results. From our first consultation, it was important to me that you felt comfortable and confident about your choices, so it’s wonderful to know that came through. I’m thrilled your recovery went smoothly and that the results feel natural and beautifully aligned with your goals. I’ll also share your kind words with my team—they’ll be so happy to know they made your journey a positive one. It’s an honor that you chose me for your surgery!
Gorgeous535450
Amazing Experience
I have had the pleasure of being a patient of Dr. Nykiel on four separate occasions, and each experience has been exceptional. Dr. Nykiel’s expertise, precision, and commitment to excellence are evident in every aspect of his work. His results are consistently natural, refined, and exceeded my expectations each time. Beyond his surgical skill, Dr. Nykiel is professional, compassionate, and genuinely attentive. He takes the time to understand your goals, thoroughly explains all aspects of the procedure, and ensures you feel informed and comfortable throughout the entire process. His staff reflects the same level of professionalism and care, making every visit smooth and stress-free. Dr. Nykiel has earned my complete trust, and I am truly grateful for the care and results I have received. I highly recommend him to anyone seeking the highest standard in plastic surgery.
Response from Dr.Matthew J. Nykiel, MDThank you so much for your continued trust—it truly means the world to me and my team. Having the opportunity to care for you on four different occasions and knowing that each experience has been exceptional is the greatest compliment I could receive. I’m so glad you’ve felt supported, well-informed, and comfortable throughout the process, and that your results have consistently met—and even exceeded—your expectations. I’ll be sure to share your kind words with the staff; they take great pride in making each visit as smooth and stress-free as possible. It’s an honor to be your surgeon, and I’m grateful for your heartfelt recommendation!
chillsgal
Exemplary Services!!!
Dr. Nykiel and his staff are simply AMAZING!!! Being a mom of three boys and breastfeeding all three, my body needed some work. I wanted and needed a Tummy Tuck and I wanted full breasts!!! So the research began and I found Dr. Nykiel. From the consultation to Pre Operative to Surgery and Post Operative appointments the process has been exemplary. Thank you to Dr. Nykiel, Krista, Marie, Erika, Amanda Vanessa and additional staff members for making my dream possible!!! I will be definitely recommending to all my friends, family and colleagues.
Response from Dr.Matthew J. Nykiel, MDThank you for your wonderful review! I’m so glad we could help you achieve the tummy tuck and breast enhancement you’ve been wanting—it’s an honor to be part of such a meaningful transformation. Hearing that your entire experience, from consultation through post-op, felt smooth and supportive is exactly what we strive for. I’ll be sure to pass along your kind words to Krista, Marie, Erika, Amanda, Vanessa, and the rest of the team—they’ll be thrilled to know they made such a positive impact. We’re so grateful for your trust and your recommendation!
Shayshay1313
Best Doctor Hand Down!
I’ve had nothing but the best experience with Dr. Nykiel and his practice. I was looking for a breast augmentation and had no idea where to start. I looked into a few doctors in my area and found Dr. Nykiel and his practice. I had a few consultations with other doctors, but after researching Dr. Nykiel and reading all the great reviews, I decided to meet with him. He’s board-certified and has a lot of experience, and I just felt like he was the right person for me. From the moment I walked in for my consultation, the staff was so kind and attentive. They always had a great smile and made me feel welcome. Dr. Nykiel took his time to listen to my concerns and answer my questions. He was very caring and made me feel safe and comfortable. I decided to go ahead and schedule my surgery that day. I had my surgery on June 26th and I’m about four weeks post-op. My healing has been great, and the staff has been amazing in checking in on me. Dr. Nykiel has also checked on me many times since the surgery. I’ve met with him in person and he’s so reassuring that everything is going the way it should. I’m so excited for my results! I can’t wait for the healing to continue. I’ll definitely be coming back for other procedures in the future, and this will definitely be my go-to place. I want to thank the staff and everyone there for all their help and support.
Response from Dr.Matthew J. Nykiel, MDThank you so much for your thoughtful review! I’m thrilled to hear how happy you are with your breast augmentation journey so far. Choosing a surgeon is such an important decision, and I’m honored that after your research and consultations you felt confident moving forward with me and my team. It’s wonderful that your recovery has been smooth and that you’ve felt supported every step of the way—from consultation to post-op check-ins. I’ll be sure to share your kind words with the staff—they truly enjoy making each patient feel welcome and cared for. I’m excited for you as your results continue to settle in, and I look forward to being here for you in the future!
shortee344
Life Changing Mommy Makeover- Tummy Tuck and Breast Lift with Implants!
After having kids, I struggled with how my body looked and felt. I finally decided to have a breast lift and tummy tuck with Dr. Nykiel, and it was the best decision I’ve ever made. I canceled all my other consultations after meeting with him because I knew he was the doctor for me after the initial appointment!!!! Its only been 9 days and the results are amazing—natural, lifted, and smooth. I feel confident in my skin again, something I hadn’t felt in years. Dr. Nykiel was kind, honest, and incredibly skilled. I felt supported every step of the way, and the care I received was outstanding. Marie, Amanda, Erica and his entire staff at the Upland location are wonderful! The surgery center was super easy to get to in Ontario,And it was a really fast check-in process. I was already off the pain medication after day . I'm not usually a fan of narcotics, and Dr Nykiel inject your abdomen with something to numb it for 3 to 7 days. Before the surgery, I was so hesitant because of hearing how much a tummy tuck hurts pain wise, and I was going to also be getting a breast lift implant exchange. But Dr Nykiel ensured me that the pain is manageable, which he is absolutely right!! do not hesitate in booking a consultation with this incredible surgeon! I am so grateful—this experience gave me me back. Pics to come!!! Updated on 17 Jul 2025: Here is an update with a picture of my tummy tuck and breast lift with augmentation at 4 weeks post op! There is still swelling on my sides and stomach, but you can already see the sculpting and definition Dr Nykiel created in my abdomen. The recovery was a breeze and honestly overall pain level was a 4-5 the first few days post op, but manageable and dropped down to a 1-2 for the first few weeks. I think my breasts were more sore than my abdomen and tummy tuck scar area that first week. I am obsessed with the work that was done, and will be forever grateful to Dr Nykiel and his team for giving me this confidence back ! 3 month before and after pics to come!
Response from Dr.Matthew J. Nykiel, MDThank you for sharing such a heartfelt review. It means so much to hear how your breast lift and tummy tuck have helped you feel confident in your skin again. I’m glad that from your very first consultation, you felt at ease and supported—that’s always our goal. It’s wonderful to know your recovery has been smooth, especially with minimal pain and such quick progress. I’ll be sure to pass your kind words along to Marie, Amanda, Erica, and the rest of our Upland team—they’ll be so happy to hear this. I’m grateful you chose me for your surgery, and I can’t wait to see your results continue to shine as you heal!
Persistent782654
Amazing Experience!
I will definitely recommend Dr. Nykiel to anyone that is looking for a plastic surgeon! I am only 3 weeks post op (lipo 360/BBL/chin lipo) and I am already amazed with my results! He and his team made my process a breeze! I know every person recovers differently, but I felt almost no pain and my recovery has been amazing. Thank you Dr. Nykiel and team!
Response from Dr.Matthew J. Nykiel, MDThank you so much for your kind words and recommendation! I’m thrilled to hear how happy you are with your results so early on after your lipo 360, BBL, and chin lipo. Recovery experiences can vary, so it’s wonderful that you’ve felt almost no pain and are healing so smoothly. My team and I are so glad we could make the process easy and comfortable for you—we’re excited to see your results continue to take shape in the weeks ahead!
KKnechtt
Best Decision Ever
I had the best experience with Dr. Nykiel. I went to other consultations, and I felt that Dr. Nykiel knew exactly what I needed. He listened and addressed any concerns I had. He made sure every question was answered. I felt like I was in the best hands. After surgery he proved to be such a caring and genuine doctor. He provided direct contact info for any concerns. Over the weeks I would reach out, and he never made me feel like I was bothering him. His bed side manner, and care of his patients is visible! I am beyond pleased with my results. I could not be any happier! I had very bad sag, and I was afraid it could not be corrected. They look amazing! I also want to shed light on the Amazing staff. Each person that helped me was truly amazing!! I felt so cared for.
Response from Dr.Matthew J. Nykiel, MDThank you so much for your incredibly kind words and thoughtful review. It truly means the world to me and the entire team to know that you felt heard, cared for, and supported throughout your journey.
My priority has always been to listen carefully, provide honest guidance, and deliver the best possible care—and I'm so glad that came through in your experience. Knowing that you’re happy with your results and felt well cared for, both before and after surgery, is the greatest reward.
Your trust in me and our team is something we never take for granted. I’ll also be sure to share your compliments with our staff—they are truly dedicated, and I’m proud to work alongside them.
Thank you again for sharing your experience. We’re always here for you.
allana85
Thank you for making this such a positive experience!
I’m now six weeks post-op, and I couldn’t be happier! From the initial consultation to the final follow-up, my experience with Dr. Nykiel and the entire team has been exceptional. The recovery was surprisingly quick and smooth, and I felt supported every step of the way. Thank you for making this such a positive experience! Updated on 2 May 2025: I’m now eight weeks post-op with 650cc implants, and I couldn’t be happier with my results. The healing process has been smooth, and I’m loving the shape, size, and how natural they look and feel.
Response from Dr.Matthew J. Nykiel, MDThank you for your wonderful feedback! We’re so happy to hear that you’re loving your results eight weeks after your breast augmentation with 650cc implants. It’s great to know your healing process has been smooth and that you’re pleased with the shape, size, and natural look and feel. We truly appreciate you sharing your experience!
Helpful197947
Lost 25 Pounds with Semaglutide – So Grateful!
I’ve been using semaglutide for several months now, and I’m down 25 pounds! The medication really helped curb my appetite, which made it easier to make healthier food choices and cut down on snacking. The weight came off gradually but consistently, which I appreciated. I had a little nausea in the beginning, but it passed quickly. Overall, I’m thrilled with how it’s helped me and would absolutely recommend discussing it with your doctor if you're considering it.
Response from Dr.Matthew J. Nykiel, MDThank you for sharing your journey! We're so glad to hear that semaglutide has been a helpful tool in reaching your goals and that you're feeling great about your progress. It’s always encouraging to see consistent, sustainable results, and we’re happy to know any side effects were manageable. Your experience is truly appreciated, and we’re grateful you chose to share it!
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