Dr. Yamini is an Artist! - Beverly Hills, CA

I lost close to 65 pounds and found myself with a lot of unwanted, loose skin. Even when I held in my stomach, my lower abdomen was large, flabby, and pronounced.

I found Dr. Yamini by researching the surgeon who revised Tara Reid's botched surgeries. Dr. Yamini's partner was the brilliant surgeon who did those revisions, but while on their website I found I preferred Dr. Yamini's aesthetic.

I scheduled a consult with Colleen (a lovely lady; all of his staff- Liz, Daniella- are fantastic). When I met with the doctor, I felt very comfortable. My only critique is that he will probably not tell you you don't need a procedure, but rather trust that you know what you want and tell you how to make it work. This is perfect for a patient who is certain about what s/he wants, but it's a little difficult if you're on the fence about a procedure. I scheduled the abdominoplasty with liposuction of the flanks, medial thighs, and knees for a few months later after being given plenty of no pressure time to think about it.

Surgery:
On the day of the surgery I had a rough start because the surgery center that was used (NOT Dr. Yamini's staff) opened late, and the nurse (Mary) complained, while I was changing into my surgical gowns in the bathroom, to the other nurse that I was waiting for her when she pulled up. When I came out and told her that I wanted to be on time since I was told I'd be charged $350 for every 30 minutes I was late, she did not apologize for complaining about me within earshot. Later, the unprofessional nurse then took my medical history. When I told her I had an orthodontic jaw surgery in my teens and still had screws in my jaw she proceeded to tell me that she thought my face was a little off and was wondering why it looked asymmetric. When I started to tear up at being told my face was obviously asymmetric and that I looked off, she said "Ooh, girl. Why are you crying? I didn't realize you were so sensitive." Really, Mary? You didn't realize a person about to face the risks of general anesthesia and pay $15,000 to alter her appearance was a wee bit sensitive about her appearance! Besides, once again, this is another example of her unprofessionalism. I'd like to believe that if Dr. Yamini had control, he would not allow such a person on his staff.

Thankfully Dr. Yamini and his fantastic anesthesiologist showed right when I was about to walk out. Dr. Yamini marked me with supreme precision- he even brought a laser level! The anesthesiologist hooked me up to an IV- while Mary complained in the background- and the next thing I know I'm waking up and being asked to cough- not fun after abdominal surgery. I was then wheeled out to my car, although the wheelchair lift was broken (ADA violation, btw) so I had to walk up some stairs. No surprise Mary was hurrying me to walk faster.

Recovery:
Ironically the most painful thing was the insertion point for the pain pump. It stung like a melon farmer! I suggest you get some ice packs ready; that's the only thing that worked for that pain. Otherwise the pain was very manageable. My mom said the liposuction would hurt the worst, from her experience, but it was all totally doable- not pleasant, but I could handle it!

Dr. Yamini is not an operate and see ya kind of surgeon. His follow ups were, if anything, too frequent (all I wanted to do was sleep). He drained my seroma (very common), changed my tape, gave me binders and silicone tape, and handled everything wonderfully!

Oh, and if you get this done, sleep in a recliner for the first few nights. Unfortunately I learned this after three days of trying to climb in and out of bed. Also, put a cane, or I used a trekking pole, by the toilet to help you up and down those first few days.

My surgery was December 18, 2014, and I was back at work (supine seated position mostly) the first Monday in January. I was super tired for the first two months after surgery.

It's now three months and a week post-op and I LOVE the way I look in a bikini and show off my tummy and cute, new belly button every chance I get! It was amazing getting to show off my new form to my ex, who hadn't seen me since before my weight loss. My belly button is natural looking, too!

I'd do it all again in a heartbeat, and if I ever need more work done Dr. Yamini is my go to!

By the way, my current profile picture (turquoise sports bra) is a before picture of my results. I will post current pictures of Dr. Yamini' fantastic work soon.

Sadly there is no cure for cellulite. I am planning more liposuction of my thighs as they are still incongruous with the rest of my body- thanks, grandma, for those genes!