Mommy Makeover Reviews
98%
WORTH IT RATING
"Worth It Rating" shows the % of consumer reviewers that stated the procedure was "Worth It" or not. See more RealSelf Worth It Ratings or Add Your Review
Mommy Makeoverbefore & after photos
View Before and Afters

Average Mommy Makeover Cost: $12,975

Learn about Mommy Makeover

1,852 people and 457 doctors are talking about Mommy Makeover

Get Free Email Updates

My Mommy Makeover Journey - Houston, TX

Worth It
Spent: $17,000 in Houston

Comments (28)

Updated 6 Feb 2012

Posted 7 Jul 2011

I am 36 have 4 children ages 9,8,6 and 1. I breastfed all for 1 year.

Currently i am 5ft 8 and weight 212lbs. I am planning to lose min 40lbs before surgery. I work full-time in the medical field and have lots of insiders information regarding ps. I have had 1 ps consult and have 4 more scheduled...planning to have surgery jan-feb2012. Want to schedule asap!

I am planning to have a tt, breastlift (the autoaugmentation cleavage technique), lipo of flanks, necks and inner out thighs. My good friend and i are going thru this journey together...so excited/ motivated!

i am going to upload preweightloss photos soon!



Updated on 20 Jul 2011:
I just scheduled my surgery with Dr. Basu. I was scared because i don't personally know anyone who has used him. I know several people who work with him during surgery and rave about his skill and precision and this has comforted me a great deal. I have my countdown app on my phone and no must get the extra lbs off! as of right now i am having tt, lift with autoaugmentation cleavage technique, lipo of waist, flanks and submental area (chin/ neck). Can't wait for my newself. I am receiving a great discount for having a combo case (hernia + plastic)

Updated on 14 Nov 2011:
Tomorrow it will be 55 days until my big day. Being in the medical profession i kinda know TOO much. I planned to have lipo of my back but i'm pretty scared to go prone plus i have lost alot of my bra fat. I'm wondering if it would be better (and i wouldn't have to go prone) to have more lipo in other areas..i'm gonna leave it up to the expertise of my surgeon i guess.. i think i have pretty much everything covered thanks to this website! i was getting pretty antsy with coordinating having a hernia repaired with the ps portion and dr. B called me and put me at ease. He has a very calming yet kinda authoritative, reassuring voice. I also me 2 other people who worked with him previously who absolutely RAVED about his work. She told me ev1 loves to work with him bc he is personable and pleasant (unlike many surgeons)i asked about OR stuff ie does he play music etc and she said yes he has great music. (this keeps the whole or at ease and go along smoothly) She said i'm so jealous..you r gonna look absolutely AMAZING!

So the next couple of weeks are gonna fly by! Thanksgiving, then a family vaca.. then a couple weeks Christmas parties, preop, New Years....And Whammo it's here!

i have almost all my essentials and bed covered. My gf who is doing all this with Dr b 3 days after me suggested we start waxing so we'd have little hair by surgery and it would be gone longer....So i didn't realize you have to look like Chabaca (star wars) b4 you can be waxed....super nasty. I told her we were putting ourselves at risk of being in a horrible mva with hairy legs (soooo many people have nasty long hairs when you cut off their clothes) she said she had also thought of that! so i got waxed and all i have to say is OUCH! it's sooooo no normal! not sure if i can do that again or not!

Updated on 7 Dec 2011:
33 days to go and i know the time is gonna fly by... *******THIS IS A DREAM*****I have started having dreams about my surgery. I dreamed that for whatever reason my husband was upset with me and said he wouldn't take me for my surgery. So i called my friend (who is a CRNA) and she picked me up and for whatever reason i "forgot" and ate popcorn that morning! She said you know popcorn is not that bad we won't tell them. (Popcorn aspirated into the lungs would be absolutely horrible) so she handed me dental floss and told me to get the kernels out so i could tell them i was npo since midnight. Upon arrival i lied about npo status and they took me to the or and had me lie prone into a prone view pillow and i kept suggesting i be intubated b4 positioning...i was told..we do this all the time.. different in the plastics setting.. then..for whatever reason i my case was delayed and then cancelled. My gf had her procedure 3 days later and looked great but i still had a flabby belly :( ya think i'm a bit anxious? nah....

Tom i have appt with another GS to repair my sports hernia.. then the hustle and bustle with kids christmas school parties, department christmas party, family christmas etc, new years...It's gonna be here b4 i know it

Updated on 15 Dec 2011:
Today I went for my preop appointment. I was pretty sure that due to my weightloss that lipo of my back (bra-strap fat)wouldn't be necessary. However after reading many RS reviews and talking to people it became apparent to me that you need to kind of think ahead. ie once my belly and abd are nice and tight my legs will look as if they belong on another body.... so i discussed possible lipo on my thighs. He said that when he looks at me that he does not think to himself 'there's a woman i can help out with some lipo on her thighs'....after further examining me he said i did have alot tissue in the medial knee that he could help out. Still planning on the autoaugmentation of the breasts, extended tummy tuck, lipo of flanks, and submental area. i am so happy that with the autoaugmentation my aerola will not be moved thus not disturbing sensation..and because i'm not having back lipo i don't have to go prone! so i paid my surgeon fees..have to make preop appt at hospital. it's all becoming sooo real and tom i will have only 24 days..gonna go by so fast with Christmas and New Years..yikes!

Updated on 2 Jan 2012:
I had preop appt at the hospital this am. All went well. Last week a RN called me and did a phone preop so today went pretty quickly. I was checked, signed papers, but i didn't pay bc some of the orders from the general surgeon were not there. So i will call his office tomorrow since most of the world (except me) has today as a holiday. Then I will call back and give a cc #. Then I was taken to the ambulatory preop area. The rn weighed me :( took vitals, drew blood, and gave me a urine cup for urine pregnancy test the am of my surgery. i have to collect first am urine and bring to the hospital with me. She also had me sign my consents for surgery. It is all going very fast now (but not fast enough)

Updated on 10 Jan 2012:
well it's done! i had my mm yesterday. all went very smoothly and the pain is very managable so far. I have been taking my pain meds on a schedule and i really just feel like i've had an intense workout at the gym. i'm uploading a couple of pics... so glad i did this.. it took alot mentally to get myself this far. I still can't believe it's done and i can't wait to see the final results!

Updated on 17 Jan 2012:
Today was postop day 8...I went to postop appt. I haven't taken any pain meds for a couple of days but i took 2 vicodin as i left bc the trip to dr office is 45min one way plus i didn't know what to expect. 1 drain was removed..no pain but it felt so weird..like a snake moving inside me. Dr B was very pleased with my progress (as am i) he said if i'm pleased with results so far then i will LOVE the END results. I was measured for a new binder. They will call give me price and order/mail it.Dr B said i was very swollen. I found an old girdle and put it on ontop my old binder while i wait for the new one. It felt much more snug and it comes up very high..just under my breast. Moving aroudnd more today actually gave me alot of energy.

Updated on 19 Jan 2012:
postop day 10.. well i overdid it on the day i went to postop appt and yesterday (iguess) last pm i started having increasing pain in my left hip to ovary area.. pretty bad pain so i took pain meds and an ambien just so i could go to sleep! this am i call dr office and Heather (who i absolutely love) told me she thought i pulled stressed one of the muscles he did repair work on. She told me to pretty much sit down and don't do anything for today and tom...and call if increases in size, redness etc. so i did that and so far pain has been MUCH better. My friend who is one wk tt, lift with implants and lipo of back went to her 1 wk postop appt. she felt great this am and tonight she is wiped out and in alot of pain....so ladies......even though u r feeling much better at one week and want to do more....restrain urself! i have been in more pain today than the entire time! i'm VERY pleased with my surgeon's surgical skill...i think however there is a mismatch in his ability and office organization...maybe it's me but ordering a binder and waiting a week for it...is that excessive? do other offices have an assortment of binders on hand? Don't get me wrong DR BASU is the BOMB..just sayin i wish i already had a snug 2nd binder

Updated on 19 Jan 2012:
List Pros & Cons, Advice you can offer others

Updated on 6 Feb 2012:
Returned to work last wed. So 3wks +2 days. I must say the first 4 hours were rough, mainly just bc i really rested during the 3 wks and did as little as possible (something very difficult for me). Then i got a break for a couple hours and the rest was a piece of cake. Thur and Fri were a breeze and i was pretty much non-stop from there with a birthday party for one of my boys and superbowl. I really feel back in the groove..except not lifting. i'm on call tonight and will work for prob 18hrs straight and i think i'll b fine. Tom will tell. I have 4 wk followup appt tom.

This review is the subjective opinion of a RealSelf member and not of RealSelf, Inc.

Helpful review?

My Doctor:

My rating:

Comments (28)

Post a Comment Sort:
Kimmers25 (Community Manager) 9 Jul 2011

How exciting that you have a friend who will go through this with you!  The buddy system is a very good thing:)

I love the fact that you are going through 4 consults as well.  Finding the perfect doctor is the most important part of this process.  You will have to keep us up to date on how all of that goes. 

I look forward to following your journey.

imgonnabebeautiful 12 Jul 2011
Yesterday i saw 2 ps. I loved both of them. Dr Fabian Worthing off 1960 and Dr Bob Basu.

Dr Worthing is "old school". He is very intentional and conservative with his practice. He came very highly recommended to me. He has over 33yrs of experience. He proudly boasts (and rightfully so) that he has never had a PE! He told me he would do an abdominoplasty and breastlift and lipo on flank area. No more... He prefers to keep surgical time under 6 hours. And requires an overnight stay (which i like). He was very comforting, informative and professional.

Dr. Bob Basue is equally great. He does not have 33 yrs experience but several years and on the ASPS safety committee. His pictures are amazing. He performs a breastlift with a new technique using the autoaugmentation cleavage technique. This technique rotates the lower portion of the breast to the upper pole creating a more youthful breast. It can only be done with your own tissue so you must have enough and not desire increased volume. He said in 7.5 hours he could do breast lift with autoaugmentation, tummy tuck, lipo waist, flank, back, and submental area.

I feel comfortable with both... just not sure what the "right" answer is......
Kimmers25 (Community Manager) 12 Jul 2011

Sleep on it for a few nights and it will come to you.  Make your pros and cons list and really think about who you felt more comfortable and connected to.   Take your time with the decision and trust your gut feelings.

The first action or decision is usually the correct decision.

Dawn in DE 8 Aug 2011
I absolutely agree with kimmers! The right decision will come, just trust your gut!!! Best of luck to you. I can not wait to hear your journey!
Houston9021 26 Aug 2011
Good for you, you will look amazing!
imgonnabebeautiful 22 Sep 2011
I have been working out and eating very healthy and been able to lose a net 21 lbs so far (24 lbs of fat and gained 3 lbs of muscle) Amazing how much better and how much energy i have. i am planning on losing another 20-30 lbs before jan 9th. I am currently a loose size 14 and can squeeze into a 12 (not for public view). Everyone i see calls me the melting woman. It is so great to have a friend to go thru this with. We are both making healthy choices and helping to keep each other motivated. I have 109 more days to go. Gotta drop more weight fast!
Houston9021 22 Sep 2011
That weight loss is great, you will make it and feel wonderful once all is said and done. It is an amazing journey to say the least. Keep up the good work....
imgonnabebeautiful 3 Oct 2011
I am getting very excited now that I have less than 100 days left..(but also in panic mode). I have been running in the am at 4am because by the time I get off there is no guarantee i'll get to work out afterwards. I have for kids 9,8,6,1and we are extremely busy and involved (yes overly) in softball, baseball, and church activities.

I have not tried to keep my mm confidential bc I am so excited and I knew my kids would blab it anyways..Several of the softball moms comment everytime I see them on how much weight i've lost..really helps me to keep going. One of them told me I was her guinea pig and if I look good she's gonna go for it.

Sometimes I still feel a bit guilty for spending so much money on myself...and then I read someones blog about it being the best money spent and I tell myself I deserve it! I rationalize if we can spend 12,500 on a fourwheeler then I can spend this on myself...but as moms we put ourselves last. I remember an oprah show and she had women list everyone they took care off...and ev 1 left themselves off the list! So I must constantly remind myself I have to take care of myself mind,body & soul or I am no use to anyone else...just empty. Even on commercial airplanes they tell u to put the oxygen on ourself before assisting another.
Houston9021 7 Oct 2011
I just noticed that you were in Houston and was wondering if you might want to get together some time to visit about the surgery. I know it helped me to talk to someone that had it done to see what to expect. You are about the same size I was. I am on the NW side of Houston and we could meet if you want to. I just wanted to put the offer out there if you are interested.
imgonnabebeautiful 30 Oct 2011
thx for the offer maybe we can when i have to go back for my preop. I'm starting to get pretty nervous
imgonnabebeautiful 15 Dec 2011
Today I went for my preop appointment. I was pretty sure that due to my weightloss that lipo of my back (bra-strap fat)wouldn't be necessary. However after reading many RS reviews and talking to people it became apparent to me that you need to kind of think ahead. ie once my belly and abd are nice and tight my legs will look as if they belong on another body.... so i discussed possible lipo on my thighs. He said that when he looks at me that he does not think to himself 'there's a woman i can help out with some lipo on her thighs'....after further examining me he said i did have alot tissue in the medial knee that he could help out. Still planning on the autoaugmentation of the breasts, extended tummy tuck, lipo of flanks, and submental area. i am so happy that with the autoaugmentation my aerola will not be moved thus not disturbing sensation..and because i'm not having back lipo i don't have to go prone! so i paid my surgeon fees..have to make preop appt at hospital. it's all becoming sooo real and tom i will have only 24 days..gonna go by so fast with Christmas and New Years..yikes!
imgonnabebeautiful 21 Dec 2011
i made my preop appt with the hospital. Trying to pick up items for postop while Christmas shopping. I'm getting so nervous/ excited with each passing day! I am trying not to eat too many goodies that everyone brings into work etc. Next week I will be making and freezing food so it will be easier on my husband during my recovery.
imgonnabebeautiful 1 Jan 2012
My surgery is in 8 days..i keep second guessing myself as I read many people do this close. I have 8 days until surgery..yikes. I spoke with a highschool friend who did this in June. She reassured me that it's totally worth it. She said her first couple of days she had CRAZY amt of pain but completely worth it. She also said if she would have paid 2x the money it still would have been totally worth it. She really helped to calm my fears and cold feet. I'm actually glad i work every day this week just to keep my mind busy. I have to tie up loose ends and finish gathering supplies still. I have my preop at the hospital tom morning...that makes it all "REAL" to me.
LetsDoThis 11 Jan 2012
Congrats on making it to the healing phase. I hope all goes well and you can tell from the after pic that you are going to look great!!
imgonnabebeautiful 11 Jan 2012
thanks! today is day 2 i was a little bit more sore this am bc i slept so well during the pm and didn't take scheduled pain med. after i took meds and moved around a small bit i felt better. my hubby helped me shower with the use of a shower chair. That felt great but exhausting. I think the hardest thing for me will be relaxing and taking it easy as i'm mentally ready to get up and go and lying around drives me nuts!
palmtrz 12 Jan 2012
Gosh how naturally pretty your boobs look! Do you know your bra size before and after? And what at tummy transformation. Thanks for sharing. I'll check out the autoaugmentation procedure especially since it appears to give such a soft but perky and pleasing appearance. Please keep posting.
imgonnabebeautiful 12 Jan 2012
Thank you so much! I am very pleased even with all the swelling. I was a DD lost weight and was a D (i think i was still wearing my DDs that were roomy) my surgeon told me typically people go down 1 cup size. I think i am a full C or small D..I'll have to wait until all the sweeling goes down. I weighed the morning before surgery and the morning i came home i weighed 7lbs more than b4 surgery. He removed 3.5 lbs of skin and fat from my abd and lipo a total of 2600. So i figure i prob have 10-12 lbs of excess fluid on me. I am very pleased with everything. Today one of my bf is having very similar procedures done by Dr Basu. She is having lipo submental area, mastopexy with implants, extended tummy tuck lipo flanks hips and back. Can't wait to see her results!
MaumeeMG (RealFriend) 13 Jan 2012
You look FABULOUS, imgonna!! Even with the swelling you can see the tiny waist and reduced lipo areas! Cool that we had our procedures on the same day. :) Are you still taking prescription pain meds? Has the output in your drains turned colors yet?

Check out the Forum tab>"January Tummy Tuckers Check In Here" for lots of Jan tt'ers questions/answers/advice!
imgonnabebeautiful 13 Jan 2012
Thanks MaumeeMG...I'm only taking the pain meds to help me sleep (not for pain) and to make me rest. The taking it easy and resting part is very difficult for me. I don't have any pain but when i get up my hips get hot...weird.. my drainage alternates from serous to sero-sanguinous. i had lipo of submental area so i have a head wrap which i hate and makes me hot but i know it's important to keep it snug..how are you doing?
MaumeeMG (RealFriend) 13 Jan 2012
I stopped the pain meds yesterday (percocet) - they were giving me headaches and I was feeling out of it. My drainage started changing today for the first time. Til now it's been pretty bloody, so hoping that means we are improving. :) I actually feel good today but I have some burning sensation around the incision. Not hot to the touch, just the burning feeling of a wound. I've been icing it for relief and it does feel better. If I didn't have the tt or lipo I'd barely know I had anything done because the BL doesn't bother me at all. How does yours feel?
imgonnabebeautiful 15 Jan 2012
my hips get hot when i first start moving around. i'm itching like a dog with fleas pretty much at tt and lipo port sites. my thighs (lipo) are def the most tender.
gben 14 Jan 2012
WoW! you look great!
imgonnabebeautiful 15 Jan 2012
Thx gben! i'm feeling good. Much better than i expected. I wish i had some swimsuits so i could try them on for kicks
gben 15 Jan 2012
I been looking swimsuits online and found some cute ones at Dillards & VS ;)
gben 15 Jan 2012
Although I don't want to buy any until I'm done. I don't know how high or low my scar is going to be by the way your scar symmetry looks great!

Post a Comment

used for verification

Read more Mommy Makeover reviews