Ben J. Childers, MD, FACS

I'm scheduled for January 18! I'm really excited but also really nervous! I'm a surgical RN and I feel like it's working against me because I keep thinking about all the things that could go wrong but I know I need to push through.
I'm 5'4", 205lbs. Plan is to get an extended tummy tuck, liposuction and breast augmentation. I'm a 38EE pre-op, not sure how big or small I'm going to go yet. I originally just wanted to lift but after breastfeeding 3 kids, I've lost a lot of the volume at the top of my breasts and all the docs I consulted with suggested an augmentation would give me better results.
Met with more than 10 different plastic surgeons. Narrowed it down the board certified plastic surgeons (no one pending certification or cosmetic surgeons). I also opted for someone not too far from home. Quotes ran from $10k to $70k for the exact same procedures. Dr. Childers had great ratings, friendly staff and really took the time to go over the procedure and options with me. He was also able to show me pictures of comparative patients who had the same procedures. His staff was great at communicating and answering questions.
I have a long list of things I'm buying from Amazon but open to suggestions as well. So far I have the front close post-op bras, stage 1 faja, silicone gel, vitamin E oil, extra gauze and tape, button up shirts and loose sweats. Im also getting a front wheel walker. What am I missing?

Updated on 16 Aug 2022:
Sorry everyone, this took much longer than anticipated due to health complication unrelated to this procedure (Long Hauler COVID and Heart Issues). But here’s the update:

The surgery went really well and the recovery was so much better than I anticipated. I’m 7 months out now and doing really well.

The Pro’s: I had no complications and the pain was very manageable since I was on a pain pump. This meant I was up and walking the very next day. I hosted a party for my dads 70th birthday 2.5 weeks later, so I consider that pretty amazing. I love that I went with the lift and not implants. Several surgeons told me I didn’t have enough volume, but Dr. Childers did a great job and I’m happy with the size.

The Cons: Surgically, I’m happy with the results, I just wish I had added a few more procedures to it that would have made the end result a bit better (Lipo + the mons area). My tummy tuck incision is massive because it wraps around to the back of my body and it’s much higher on the back than I would have liked. Until I get the scar treated, I cannot show my waistline at all without the scar on full display. As a RN I’m probably a bit more critical of the details. I thought the post op teaching could have been better and I wish there were more suggestions of how to improve the end result.

Take aways: Good Doc, nice staff, decent follow up and for Southern California, very reasonable pricing. I’ll probably want to do a bit more in the future but I think that’s normal. I should have done a bit more research and thought through the procedure and outcome a bit more myself but over all I’m happy with the result.

Updated on 16 Aug 2022:
Fully clothed but just so you can see what I look like now.

Loved Dr. Childers work! I had the mommy makeover and the recovery was a breeze! He was great and in touch after recovery. Making aftercare appts we’re just as easy and convenient. I could not be more happier with my results!

Great results. Very concerned about the healing process . Weekly checks to make sure everything was healing as it should. Did a wonderful job on my new belly button. Very happy with my overall results. Will definitely schedule another procedure in the future

Dr. Childers has been my Plastic Surgeon for almost two years now. He has done an amazing job with my Breast Reconstruction. His office staff are always pleasant and accomadating. Dr. Childers is a professional with excellent bedside manner. He has made me feel confident with the care I'm receiving. I recommend him to everyone who needs a plastic surgeon.

I hit 37 and my body decided it wanted to gain back weight I lost 10 years ago, despite no change to diet and still being active. I decided that liposuction was for me because losing weight doesn't get rid of fat cells, it only shrinks them and I wanted the fat I'd gained gone. I originally sought liposuction for my abs, inner thighs and arms, but Dr. Childers advised against the arms because it might create lose skin. I'm bummed to not have gotten the arms done because they are an eyesore to me, but I also trust the Doctor's advice. It also gave me reassurance that he wasn't trying to upsell me. The consultation and pre-op went smoothly, just a long wait time. Office staff was extremely helpful and responded to emails almost instantly. Surgery went smoothly. Again, long wait time, but no big deal. Pain has been ok, just a lot of pressure from the swelling and compression garments. (Keep in mind, I have a high pain tolerance...had both of my kids naturally.) Can't tell what the results are, but will keep updating. If it works the way I hope, this is definitely a good doctor and really well priced (other doctors quoted $5000-$7000 for the same procedures. Plus, my cost included compression garments.) I go in for my post-op tomorrow morning and will get my first look at everything then.

Updated on 8 Jun 2016:
I saw the doctor today (and myself) and liked the results. My stomach is a lot flatter already and I can see some contour in my thighs. I still have a lot of swelling, so time will tell the final results. l have a lot of bruising (but I bruise easily) and the pain is about the same. I took the pain meds in the am and was nauseous all morning/ afternoon long. Needless to say, I didn't take another dose. I much prefer the pain to the nausea. Definitely pleased with what I see so far.

Updated on 8 Jun 2016:
I forgot to mention that I was able to take a shower today and it didn't hurt...a little tender at the procedure sites, but not bad. Also got a new compression garment from the doctor today...much better...it fits from under my breasts to mid-calf and is a lot more comfortable.

Updated on 9 Jun 2016:
Pain is a little less. I've been able to get by without any pain medication at all. Visually, it's about the same. I was able to go for a walk while pushing my 2 year old in a stroller. Energy level is normal. I'm posting my first after photos. Ignore the markings. Despite 2 showers, the Doctor's marker lines are still there. The areas are too sensitive to really scrub at. Sorry for no before photos. I didn't decide to post until after my surgery. However I can tell you that I had 3 rolls of fat on my stomach and my thighs touched even with my legs slightly apart.

Updated on 15 Jun 2016:
I'm down about 5 pounds but my thighs look pretty similar to presurgery (minus the crazy bruising.) I was able to work out for the first time, but had to be a little less intense about it than normal. I wore a waist trimmer because I couldn't handle any stomach giggling, but couldn't exercise in my compression garment. My thighs and stomach are still painful if I rub them or stretch them, but I'm wondering if I should be stretching them out to help prevent lumpiness. My stomach has definite lumpiness (possible pockets of fat that weren't removed?) I'm back on the fence about how worth it this all is. Definitely not smart to have done this at the beginning of summer. Killer to wear a compression garment from bra line to mid calf in the heat. Can't wear shorts either because of crazy bruising. I'm hoping my results continue to improve as my body heals. I've read full results can take up to 6 months to see, so I haven't lost hope.

Wonderful results, Dr. Childers well exceeded every expectation I had. I look better than I ever thought possible, I can't thank him enough. He answered every question I had before the procedure and is still available and willing to answer any questions I still have. Pain management was a huge fear of mine but Dr. Childers made sure I was comfortable and stayed comfortable throughout my healing process. My breasts look amazing and my stomach is flat, like a board, flat and my waist is tiny. I can't say enough about how happy I am with my experience with Dr. Childers and my results.

I am completely happy with my reduction. I had very large breasts and had rashes underneath. I had a hard time finding tops and bras. I am only 5' 2". My back is not hurting and the scars from surgery are fading. He did a wonder job. They are very even and look great. Nipples are even. I would recommend him to anyone who needs a reduction. He removed 501 from one side and 768 from the other. Pain was not too bad. I had stitching that poked through, but after 6 weeks they all went away.

Im soo obsessed with this site! I honestly LOVE reading peoples stories and experiences. It just makes me that much more excited for my big day, and is so helpful. Im getting such a great idea of what to expect day of and post op.

Im having one issue though... I went on 5 different consults and loves 2 of the drs. My husband and I both did lots of research on both and went with the 1 we both thought was a better option. He has won tons of awards and went to great schools! I scheduled my surgery and continued to read about him in the days following. I come across 1 bad review where a woman's husband said he gave her a botched boob job 6 years ago. To say the least I'm a little freaked out now...he has plenty of great reviews calling him a life saver and best ps ever. I just don't know how to take the bad review. Should i go with the other dr i liked or trust in this 1? Im sure every dr has had an unhappy patient in their career and also think a lot depends on if you follow post op instructions. Any suggestions?



Updated on 9 Apr 2013:
Just under 3 weeks till my surgery! Still seems so surreal to me! I forgot to mention i am also getting a BL with the BA but only on the left side because my right is so much smaller and doesn't sag. I was told by one of the doctors i did a consult with that you should have them done separately because i could end up with wider scars from the lift, but financially its alot more and child care for 1 surgery i hard enough to get. Has anyone who had them done together had really bad scaring?

Updated on 19 Apr 2013:
Had pre op today! Decided on 500cc hp unders. Its becoming soo very real now! Also paid for it today which was bitter sweet. I hope it is worth all im spending on it! Surgery is the 29th at 730 am. Have everything set up for daycare and husband took the week off work to help me. Now just have to clean and prepare the house this next week. Hope these 10 days fly by!!!!

Updated on 19 Apr 2013:
Also i feel sooo much better about my Dr! He was great today and pretty busy which is a good sign! I totally trust him and believe im in good hands.

Updated on 29 Apr 2013:
Well i had my surgery at 8am today and I'm feeling much better! Was rough waking up because i felt Sooo sick but I've been sleeping a lot and getting some food and water in me. Now im just dizzy when i stand up for longer than a few mins. My hubby has been amazing!! Keeping track of pain meds and my ice packs..bringing me food and water! All while taking care of our 4 year old. Its sooo nice!

As for my boobs i cant really see much and wont be able until tomorrow at my appt. What i can see i LOVE though! I ended up getting 550cc in left and 600cc mentor smooth hp gel. Big! But thats what i wanted...I'm 5'5 125ish lbs so they will def pop out! I cant believe i actually got them today!!!!!! Im so happy!

Updated on 30 Apr 2013:
Today I'm sore! And more swollen...it harder to get off the couch by myself. I saw the Dr and he said all looks well...started the massaging too which hurts! Ouch! Overall not as bad as i expected it to be

I was today with doctor Ben, cause I have a small mass in my finger, it’s hard and black, and my doctor said that I need a specialist for remove the mass, and Doctor Ben said “ITS NOTHING”
I paid literally for 5 minutes, just for the doctor said that is nothing !
How he can said that it’s nothing if I have more than a Month with that?! And also, how he can said that it’s nothing if the mass hurts my finger?!
I lost my money, my time, and now I have to see another specialist and paid again !

Had an otoplasty in 2012, had terrible blisters immediately after, resulted in horrible permanent scars. Have tried lasers to reduce the redness, almost made them worse. Have tried any type of scar cream you could name. They haven't healed at all with time because it's as if the top layer of the skin on my ears is removed.

Updated on 4 Nov 2019:
Just looking for any advice on anything that might help my scarring? It seems like a some sort of skin graft for the ear is needed, as the skin is basically gone, although I am not sure if this is possible. let me know what you think. Thanks!

Updated on 6 May 2020:
Just wanted to try and get this post out, Haven’t had a lot of response but I know my situation is very unique. Hopefully there is something out there with potential to help! Thanks

Updated on 19 Apr 2022:
Anyone look into this topic recently.

I need some sort of skin graft on the ear or scar surgery to help,

Thanks