J Brian Boyd, MD

I don’t know how I was so lucky to find my doctors. After seeing my photo’s and hearing my story, every surgeon around the country turned me down; they said it was too risky. However, Dr. Reza Jarrahy reviewed my case, and in the place of fear and disgust he found compassion and determination to help me. He presented my case to a congress of doctors seeking assistance with the required surgeries. Only renowned microvascular surgeon, Dr. J. Brian Boyd was up for the challenge and agreed to help him. I knew that I was in good hands with these two Top Reconstructive Plastic surgeons. Their peers attempted to discourage them, but they persisted. Sixteen-​hour surgeries with unknown risks of blindness, facial paralysis and other complications did not discourage them from giving me my face back. These amazingly talented surgeons worked tirelessly and gave me a second chance at life. Not only did they reconstruct my face, they rebuilt my courage and allowed me to trust again. They truly worked miracles. Dr Boyd is a highly skilled expert in his field and goes above and beyond to help others, even against all odds!!! That is what makes Dr. Boyd extraordinary! Now, I am on a path toward recovery and I am so grateful and blessed.
Dr. Boyd’s staff was extremely courteous and professional. Kristine, Dr. Boyd’s surgical coordinator and assistant made me feel calm and comfortable and practically held my hand all the way through my surgical journey.

I am extremely pleased with the «neck lift» that Dr. Boyd performed on me in June 2015. At 67-​years of age, I was unhappy with the wrinkles and the vertical – and very visible – «cords» in my neck.
Around this time, my daughter found Dr. Boyd to repair her nose from a prior auto accident and do a revision on her breasts. I was impressed with my daughter’s results, and I made an appointment for a consultation. Of course, I checked out his credentials and found that he is a professor of surgery at UCLA medical school, chief of plastic surgery at HARBOR-​UCLA medical center, and holds memberships in more than a dozen societies in the USA, Canada, and England. After reading his biography and viewing his published textbook, I knew at that point I wanted him to perform the neck lift.
The procedure took place in a surgical center in the South Bay, not far from my home. The surgery went well and without complications, and I was released by noon the same day. Of course, the initial healing took about ten days, but I was quite surprised at the small amount of bruising. He saw me on multiple occasions after the surgery to make sure the healing was progressing normally, and I received excellent post-​operative care. It has now been about two months since the surgery, and I can hardly find the scars.
I am very happy with my profile and jawline. My entire lower face looks soft and natural – without looking «pulled» or stretched. I am thrilled with my new neck, and I would highly recommend Dr. J. Brian Boyd.

Seven days ago, Dr. J. Brian Boyd performed a face and neck lift on me.
Unlike most patients, I met Dr. Boyd prior to having any desired plastic surgery. A close girlfriend of mine was unhappy with the wrinkles in her neck, and she wanted to get a «neck lift.» She told me about this talented doctor who had performed two procedures on her daughter.
My friend asked if I would care for her during her days of recovery, which I was glad to accommodate. I attended all preoperative appointments with her, and I got to know Dr. Boyd and his staff quite well. On the day of her surgery, I was introduced to the surgical team, the secretarial staff, and the anesthesiologist at the surgical center in Torrance. Everything I had observed thus far seemed really first class, but it never crossed my mind that I should or could have a procedure. My friend healed within a reasonable time, and her bruising was minimal.
During one of her post-​op appointments, I asked Dr. Boyd if I would be a good candidate for a face lift. Dr. Boyd made a few low-​key comments with no-​pressure answers. He never sounded like a salesman. Months passed and I did nothing. My girlfriend continued to receive compliments on her new look, even from friends who did not know she had any plastic surgery. Most said, «Hey, you’re looking great. I like that new hair style.» Dr. Boyd’s work is so natural that many people could not identify what she had done. Still, I was not convinced that I, too, should do anything.
A few weeks later, I visited my gynecologist and asked him if he thought I was healthy enough for plastic surgery – I feel young, but I am 65+++. My doctor asked about the plastic surgeon I was considering, and when he heard Dr. Boyd’s name, he said, «With him, you’d be in good hands. I know him professionally – not personally, however – and he is well-​respected among many doctors in the area.»
One afternoon, I was invited to a luncheon at a private club north of Santa Monica for about a dozen people, most of whom I did not know. The lady across the table from me was having a conversation with the woman next to her. I could not believe what I was hearing. After about ten minutes, I interrupted and said, «Are you talking about Dr. J. Brian Boyd in the South Bay?» The woman was startled but quickly responded, «No, I was talking about my son; but Dr. Boyd is his associate.» Then, she told me how highly she regarded Dr. Boyd. She had absolutely the most marvelous things to say about Dr. Boyd – also informing me that he is a textbook author and UCLA professor of surgery.
By now, I had talked to more than a dozen people who had only praise for this highly-​educated and skilled surgeon.
About a week later, I called Dr. Boyd’s office and requested a consultation. I loved the way Dr. Boyd explained what he could accomplish and what I could expect. There was absolutely no pressure, and he did not try to talk me into extraneous procedures. I had numerous questions – probably more than most people ask; however, he answered each one with clarity and also explained why, for example, he would not recommend a brow lift on me. He customizes procedures to each individual situation, and he is not like some «facial mills» that do the same thing on every woman’s face. He clearly explained what he would do to correct my aging face and neck.
By now, I felt that Dr. Boyd was an old friend. What stood out for me was the admiration that absolutely everyone had for Dr. Boyd. They all truly adored and respected him and his work. When I got nervous in the minutes before my operation, one of the surgical nurses said, «I work for other doctors, too, and Dr. Boyd never over corrects his facelifts. He always makes his patients look natural – you have nothing to worry about.»
I had a full face and neck lift (a week ago) and I am thrilled – so far. I have already seen him three times since the surgery just for him to make sure that the healing is progressing properly. His post-​surgery attention is amazing.
Never would I have ever have had a facial procedure had I not found such a caring and skilled surgeon. I was certain that I had found a very rare gem of a man. His lack of «medical arrogance» was refreshing, and it further endeared me to him. I also enjoyed his refined humor, Irish accent, and proper mannerisms, which I interpreted as «dignified» without a hint of snobbishness.
Of course, there are many decisions to be made regarding plastic surgery. However, there is one decision, in my opinion, that you do not need to make. You do not need to shop around wasting your time and money interviewing a variety of plastic surgeons. If you select Dr. J. Brian Boyd, you can be confident that you made the right choice.
I will update this review after I heal completely.

I am thrilled with my results! Dr. Boyd did a wonderful job with both my breast augmentation revision and cesarean section revision. I recommend Dr. Boyd to anyone and everyone! From the day I met him, I felt very comfortable and reassured. His work is fabulous and his Office Manager/​Surgical Consultant, Kristine, is fabulous too. Kristine helped with all of my preoperative requirements, scheduled my surgery, helped answer my questions/​concerns (and boy did I have a lot!), alleviated my fears and concerns, and was in the OR the day of my surgery. Their collaboration gave me the results I wanted! I also want to thank
the surgery center staff, including the Registered Nurses, Scrub Technician, and the Anesthesiologist, who treated me with kindness and made me feel comfortable the day of surgery.

Dr. Boyd is simply the best! He takes time to listen to patients and their perceptions while providing feedback/​input. Listening to patients is a vital skill that many physicians have lost. That is not the case with Dr. Boyd! I have undergone facial enhancement (Botox and Juvederm) injections and have been 100% satisfied with the results. No bruising whatsoever. His office staff are professional and caring and will stay with you during the entire procedure. A big thank you to Dr. Boyd for helping me to gracefully fight the aging process!

Dr. Boyd is more than a remarkable surgeon, he is an absolute miracle worker! I am so greatful to have been referred to him. From the moment I met him, I knew he was the right surgeon for me. Dr. Boyd is caring, kind and genuine. Every step of the process has been amazing. It has been 3 weeks since my breast lift with implant exchange and a corrective rhinoplasty and I feel great! The recovery was much easier than I had expected. I love my results. The bruising and swelling was minimal and the scars that I was so scared of, are practically non-​existent. This is a miracle! My new breasts are perky and full. My new and improved nose is natural and straight. I am so happy when I look at my self in the mirror now. If you are considering plastic surgery do not hesitate to make an appointment with Dr. Boyd, you will not be sorry!!! Thank you Dr. Boyd for making me a whole new and improved woman!!!

After being referred to Dr. Boyd by a very close frend, I only have positive things to say. First off, the office is very clean & organized and the office staff is extremely friendly. Dr. Boyd met me for the first time and we instantly clicked. He performed botox injections in my forehead to remove the wrinkles that were forming. 24 hours since the treament, I already noticed significant improvement and there was NO bruising. Dr. Boyd and his staff are so welcoming and caring I would recommend him to anyone for any procedures! :)

I would highly recommend a consultation with Dr. Boyd. His demeanor is so warm and welcoming. He takes the extra time to really listen to what his patients want and gives excellent advice and recommendations. I have been a patient of Dr. Boyd’s for a few years now and would never go anywhere else. His office is located right off the freeway, easy to get to. This office staff goes above and beyond to make you feel so welcome and as if you are family. I definitely would recommend Dr. Boyd to all of my friends and family.

I had immediate DIEP reconstruction with Dr. Boyd and several complications. My surgery was 14 hours long and Dr. B’s plan was to keep me in bed for 48 hours. That in itself is very dangerous and puts one at risk for fatal blood clots. One thing that can be done to avert that possiblity is the sequential compression devices that go on your lower legs to keep blood circulating. My sister came to see me the day after surgery and noticed that I did not have the SCDs. (She is a nurse.) She asked Dr. B and he said he would order them. They never came. She went to ask the ICU nurses and they said Dr B had not ordered them. My sister went to get them herself and she put them on me, with the help of the ICU nurses. I could have died due to his negligence and he had the nerve to try to prove I had them on by showing photos from in the OR. Great, I had them on during surgery – thanks to the prep nurses!
My head was never turned during surgery, so I have a bald spot now. It’s due to no blood circulation and is called «Pressure Alopecia». Tissue on my scalp died!
One flap had poor circulation from the time it was harvested and partially died a week post-​op. My abdominal drain was pulled too early and I developed a pocket of fluid in my abdomen that became encapsulated with scar tissue because it was not aspirated (drained). This is known as a pseudobursa, and they have to be surgically removed. When it was time for stage II, I had an pre-​op appointment with Dr. B and he told me flat out that he was not going to re-​open my abdominal incision «because that’s too invasive». Hello??? I was no longer able to sit up straight due to all of the fluid and pressure in my abdomen, so what was I supposed to do??? Plus, before stage I when I first went to see Dr. Boyd for a consult, he had told me that he would do plication (tightening together) of my rectus muscles in stage II, and now obviously that was a lie. It cannot be done without opening up the abdominal incision. The DIEP breasts fell down lower and lower over the weeks after stage I, so obviously the tissue was not anchored well during the transplantation. Dr. Boyd marked the spot for my new belly button while I was laying down. This is not the most accurate method, and so it ended up off-​center by about ½″.
Dr. Boyd made several very derogatory comments about my weight, both to my face and in my records. According to the nurses and my breast surgeon, his remarks were extremely inappropriate. I asked him if he uses a large cannula during lipo, or a small one (small gives a better result but takes longer). He laughed at me and told me that using a small cannula on me would be like scraping the barnacles off a ship with a toothbrush. I was told by another doctor that he makes negative comments about women’s bodies when they are in surgery. One doctor told me that he has this «English snobbery thing going on» and that is a serious understatement!
Since Dr. Boyd in essence abandoned my care by refusing to address the pseudobursa, I had to find another surgeon to address my complications and finish my reconstruction. I did a lot of research and found that the top breast reconstruction team in the world is the Center for Restorative Breast Surgery in New Orleans.
I had seven surgeries in New Orleans to fix up the mess, and one problem that could not be overcome despite several attempts is that the inframammary fold under one breast had been destroyed. One side will always be lower than the other.
I’m reasonably happy with my outcome now, but I would have had a lot less scarring had I started with Dr. DellaCroce in NOLA rather than trusting a local surgeon who has limited experience with DIEP. This surgery only takes 4 – 5 hours with the most experienced surgeons. Mine was 14 hours!
I scheduled a meeting with the hospital chief of staff a while after my surgery, and told him of my experiences. He said they were putting procedures in place so that no patient would come out of surgery without the SCDs on their legs. This was standard of care at other hospitals at the time for ALL surgical patients — not just those who’d endured 14 hours surgery and were supposed to stay in bed for 48 hours. He said that they would also make sure that if the surgeon (captain of the ship) doesn’t stop for a few moments now and then during a long surgery so the patient can be moved a bit to prevent pressure point problems, the anesthesiologists would be on alert. He said that Dr. Boyd would be disciplined by the hospital, but that it would be a private matter and I would not be privy to the outcome.
If you want a complex surgery such as DIEP reconstruction, go to the expert doctors who do it day in and day out. A jack of all trades is the worst choice you can make in medical care. Traveling for surgery is not as much as an issue as you might think, (trust me, I did it seven times!). You deserve the very best medical care available!

I can’t say enough great things about Dr. Boyd. I had to have reconstruction surgery after a double mastectomy and my other surgeon could not do it for a year, so my oncologist recommended Dr. Boyd. He is fabulous! Very nice, quiet, calm and the best! I look fantastic, feel fantastic and am very happy that I chose him to do the work I needed. It was long and extensive and he did a wonderful job. If I had to do it over again I would definitely choose Dr. Boyd. I highly recommend him for any plastic surgery that needs to be done. His office staff is very professional and caring, everyone makes you feel so comfortable and there is no waiting when you have an appointment. He is the best!