Matthew J Nykiel MD

Matthew J Nykiel MD Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery Office based in Newport Beach & Upland, CA. Restoring confidence, one patient at a time 🌟
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09/01/2026

Liposuction has changed dramatically since it first began. Here's a look at how the technology has evolved:

Traditional liposuction started as a highly manual process, using a needle attached to a syringe. It later evolved to use vacuum or suction force, but still relied on manual back-and-forth movement, which often caused significant bruising, pain, and a long recovery time.

Power liposuction changed that by introducing a motorized cannula that pulses rapidly- about 10 times per second. This makes fat removal easier, allows for more precise body sculpting, and results in less bleeding, bruising, and pain for patients.

Laser liposuction takes a different approach, using laser light beneath the skin to melt fat before it's suctioned out. However, this method involves a fine line between melting fat and causing skin burns, and it can increase the risk of lumps, bumps, and contour irregularities.

Vaser (ultrasound) liposuction uses sound waves instead of laser light, creating tiny bubbles that liquefy fat before it's removed. This provides a more uniform fat removal process, decreases the occurrence of lumps and bumps, and results in less bruising, bleeding, and downtime compared to traditional suction-assisted liposuction.

Today, many high-volume liposuction surgeons achieve the best results by combining power, suction, and Vaser ultrasound technologies together, rather than relying on just one method.

Have questions about which liposuction technique might be right for you? Drop them in the comments below.

Ready to take the next step? Contact us to get started! Book your appointment here: https://socalplasticsurgeons.com/contact/

08/29/2026

Understanding Cellulite: Why It Forms and Why Treatment Isn't One-Size-Fits-All

Cellulite is often misunderstood- but it actually comes down to anatomy. It's related to superficial fascial bands, the connective tissue that attaches muscle to skin. When these bands become tight, they pull the skin inward, creating that familiar dimpled appearance.

Where and how cellulite shows up depends largely on skin thickness:

In areas with thicker skin, like the buttocks, cellulite tends to appear as classic dimpling. The good news is that treatment here is relatively straightforward- a needle or knife is used to release the tight fascial band, allowing the skin to smooth out.

In areas with thinner skin, like the back of the thigh, cellulite often appears differently- as uneven texture, rippling, or a ""chicken skin"" look. This happens because the skin and fat layers in these areas are naturally thinner.

Treating cellulite in thinner-skin areas is more involved. It requires releasing the superficial fascial attachments, restoring volume underneath the skin (using fillers, a patient's own fat, or donor fat options like Alloclae), and using a skin-tightening device- such as radiofrequency or plasma -to firm the area.

Understanding the ""why"" behind cellulite helps set realistic expectations for treatment. Have questions about which approach might apply to you? Drop them in the comments.

Ready to take the next step? Contact us to get started! Book your appointment here: https://socalplasticsurgeons.com/contact/

08/28/2026

Patient Spotlight: Denise's Lipo 360, BBL & Skin Tightening Journey

Denise came to us after significant weight loss, hoping to address stubborn problem areas and enhance her buttocks. Her procedures: Lipo 360, a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL), and skin tightening.

At six weeks post-op, she's already thrilled with her results- and she knows they're only going to continue improving as she heals further.

When asked why she chose Dr. Nykiel, Denise shared that she spent years researching doctors before making her decision. What stood out to her was that his results look genuinely natural, and during her very first consultation, he took the time to manage her expectations based on her specific anatomy- which made her feel comfortable and confident moving forward.

Denise also described her recovery as very easy. Her advice to anyone who's done their research and is ready to move forward: this is a decision she highly recommends.

Thank you, Denise, for trusting us with your journey- we're so glad you love your results! 💛

Have questions about Lipo 360, BBL, or skin tightening? Drop them in the comments below.

Ready to take the next step? Contact us to get started! Book your appointment here: https://socalplasticsurgeons.com/contact/

08/24/2026

Understanding Liposuction Scars: What to Expect

If you're considering liposuction or you're currently healing, here's what you should know about scarring:

Liposuction scars are often described as some of the least aesthetically pleasing scars in plastic surgery, largely because the procedure itself involves significant friction and heat on the skin and tissue.

Surgeons typically try to place incisions within natural folds and lines- like underwear lines or bra lines- to keep them as discreet as possible. That said, some locations, such as a midline incision on the back, are sometimes necessary to properly address areas like bra rolls.

As for healing: at the one-month mark, scars can still be quite visible, and they may even appear redder over the following three months as the body produces type III collagen. This is a normal part of the healing process. Over the course of about a year, that collagen matures from type III to type I, and the scars gradually lighten and fade.

If you're in the early stages of healing and worried about how your scars look right now, know that this is a normal part of the timeline- most of the visible improvement happens over months, not days.

Have questions about your own healing timeline? Drop them in the comments below.

Ready to take the next step? Contact us to get started! Book your appointment here: https://socalplasticsurgeons.com/contact/

08/24/2026

If you've lost significant weight on a GLP-1 medication like semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) or tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound), you may be noticing changes that go beyond the number on the scale. There are two main categories of change- and understanding which one you're dealing with points to the right fix.

Loss of Volume
Rapid weight loss reduces the volume that gives your skin structural support. This typically shows up first in the breasts and buttocks. In the face, volume loss can reduce support and make someone appear older.

Common solutions: fat transfer or implants for the face, fat transfer or implants for the buttocks, and implants for the breasts.

Excess Loose Skin
Losing significant volume can leave behind loose skin that usually needs to be surgically removed. This is most common on the tummy, where hanging skin needs to be pulled down and excised. In some cases, that loose skin extends around to the back as well, which requires a body lift, or circumferential procedure, to remove skin all the way from the stomach to the back.

Every journey is different, and the right solution depends on your specific changes. If you've lost weight and aren't sure which category applies to you, we're happy to talk through your options- comment below or send us a message.

Ready to take the next step? Contact us to get started! Book your appointment here: https://socalplasticsurgeons.com/contact/

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490 N Mountain Avenue
Upland, CA
91786

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Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 3pm

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