Dr. John LoMonaco is a double-board-certified plastic surgeon in Houston, Texas, with over 22 years in practice. He specializes in breast enhancement and body contouring, such as breast lift, tummy tuck, arm lift, thigh lift, liposuction, and lower body lift, with a special emphasis on post-bariatric surgery body lifts. At his personalized practice, the goal is always quality, not quantity. “Our motto is that our body of work speaks for itself,” says Dr. LoMonaco. “Each and every patient must stand out as an example of our best work.” Dr. LoMonaco earned his medical degree at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. From there, he went on to complete nine years of postgraduate training in general and plastic surgery, at major hospitals in the Texas Medical Center, including Memorial-Hermann Hospital and M.D. Anderson Cancer Institute, participating in over 5,000 surgical procedures during this time. As a recipient of The Thomas R. Cronin Fellowship in Plastic Surgery, Dr. LoMonaco performed laboratory research aimed at developing skin substitutes for burn patients. After graduation, he served as assistant professor of plastic surgery at the University of Texas Medical School at Houston, as well as director of plastic surgery at the LBJ Hospital for two years. Dr. LoMonaco is certified by both the American Board of Surgery and the American Board of Plastic Surgery. He is also a fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS) and an active member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and Weight Loss Surgery Foundation of America (WLSFA).
I cannot say enough amazing things about Dr. LoMonaco and his entire team! From my very first consultation to my post-op care, every step of the journey was handled with professionalism, warmth, and expertise. On January 6, 2025, I underwent a tummy tuck, breast implant exchange, and breast lift—and the results have exceeded my wildest expectations! Dr. LoMonaco’s attention to detail, surgical skill, and artistry have given me a body I feel truly confident in. My results look natural, beautifully contoured, and better than I ever imagined. His office staff was equally incredible—always kind, responsive, and supportive. They made me feel like a priority, answering all my questions and ensuring I was comfortable every step of the way. The entire process was seamless, and my recovery has been smooth, thanks to their guidance and care. If you’re considering any cosmetic procedure, look no further than Dr. LoMonaco. He is a true expert, a gifted surgeon, and someone who genuinely cares about his patients. This has been one of the best decisions of my life, and I couldn’t be happier with my results.
Dr. LoMonaco is amazing! I’ve had nothing but a positive experience with him! He did my extended tummy tuck, arm lift, and breast lift. All have had beautiful results. He answers my questions and never makes me feel like I’ve asked too many questions. I’m so thankful for his work! It’s changed my life.
I had two tummy tuck consultations and I knew Dr LoMonaco would be the beat hands down. I just didn’t know how good he and his staff would be until after the fact . They are amazing form phone calls to in person appointments. His office is truly a great team. I wanted a PS with many years of experience and one that would listen to my concerns and address them he has exceeded my expectations. I have found my forever PS.
I recently had tummy tuck, lipo and breast reduction surgery and couldn't be happier with my results. Doc and his staff go the extra mile to make sure you are properly cared for before and after surgery. My only regret was not doing it sooner.
Overall, I am very pleased. I chose dr. L because of his vast knowledge and experience with women who have lost a lot of weight. Also, he came very highly recommended by multiple acquaintances. From the beginning and through this process (ba/bl) I have felt at ease and trusted his recommendations. He has great bed side manner, very personable and thoroughly takes pride in his work. I appreciate that he is upfront and tells you if doesn’t think something will look fabulous and candid with what he will not do. Ie. too much risk, won’t like results, etc. He holds himself and his work with high standards and that is exactly the type of doctor you want with you during this journey. Plastics isn’t just the day of surgery and done. It’s a long process and journey and it’s important to choose not only a surgeon you trust with fantastic proven results but also the staff/nurses that encompass the practice. Bridgette & Krystal are amazing at what they do. Krystal has held my hand during this process and happily answered any questions I had. If she didn’t know the answer, she would find out for me. I really don’t know if I would have through with surgery I’d it wasn’t for her. Truly eased any fears and anxieties and went over and beyond. Bridgette is one of Dr. L nurses at the office. She really took over the after care of surgery and always readily responded to me with any concerns I may have had. She has always been kind and happy to help. I have never left to feel like I was a burden or annoying them by all the many texts and phone calls with concerns and questions I had. That is hard to find with any medical office, especially plastics. I also would like to add my interaction with Destiny (his surgery nurse) on the day of surgery was great. She calmed my nerves while also being light hearted. She has been with doctors L for over 10 years. They work effortlessly together and the results show that. My surgery went well without a hitch. I’ve had a few minor things come up (seroma) which is totally normal and sometimes just happens and allergic reaction to something. Doctor LoMonaco came in on Saturday morning in order to make Me comfortable and drain the area. You can not find this kind of treatment anywhere else. He genuinely cares for his patients. I am happy with my results and looking forward to getting my lower body lift and tummy tuck by doctor LoMonaco. My only regret is I didn’t do it the same time as my ba/bl.
I traveled to have an LBL/BL with Dr L on 4/21 and am amazed with my results. My biggest area of concern was my thighs because it's where I carried most of my weight, and I was thrilled with how much correction he was able to get with just the LBL (I don't want a thigh lift.) Dr L and his staff truly treat you like you're they're only patient. Dr L visits you each night you're in the hospital and I'm on an ongoing text thread with him personally for any questions or concerns. I had a few hiccups post surgery (incision opened above my butt and I had some fluid collection in my abdomen that got infected - mind you neither of these anyone's fault) and Dr L and his team have been available non stop for follow ups and support. Every time I go in I never have to wait and Dr L has a demeanor where he explains everything in full detail so you're never left wondering and checks in on you throughout the entire process. He would even call my worried mom each evening to debrief her. This is a BIG surgery and I'm still on the mend but feeling better each day. I'm 2.5 weeks out and can already see how thin my incisions are going to be (my glue has been slow to come off). I will update with more pics as I heal. A huge thank you for the kindness, attentiveness and support from Dr L and his staff - Taylor, Bridget, Krystal and Barbara. You guys are the best and I'm very grateful I went with Dr L as opposed to some of the other "Instagram" surgeons out there. The kind of care and post op dedication I've received is beyond and I will be forever grateful.
Dr. LoMonoco is a wonderful surgeon with excellent communication skills. He explains everything in great detail and puts you at ease with any concerns you may have. His staff is amazing as well. Taylor and Barbara offer excellent patient care and are always available to answer any questions. I could not be more pleased with my decision to have Dr. LoMonoco perform my body lift! Thank you all for the care and support you provide!
I’ve struggled with my weight all my life and finally at 58 years old completed my weight loss of 120bs. Had Breast Augmentation/Lift, Lower Body Lift and Butt Augmentation. Words cannot describe my results, I’ve been hitting the gym for the past 2 years and swimming to get ready for this and it has paid off as my recovery so far has been excellent. Dr. Lomonaco is truly an artist, best decision I’ve ever made in choosing him for my body makeover. After pictures coming in a few months as I’m just 1 week post operation. Updated on 3 May 2021: Lower body lift 3 weeks out and abs are starting to pop. 200 reverse crunches a day are starting to pay off. Love my results so far, healing up really quickly, taking Collagen and MCT oil has really helped with healing along with eating really clean and low sodium diet. Updated on 4 May 2021: I can’t emphasis enough the importance to wears your compression garment and eat super clean and low low sodium during your recovery. The doctor has done his job now it’s time to do yours. Your results will be noticeably better if you will also get in cardio and physical shape before surgery. Updated on 28 Sep 2021: Now at my 6 months after surgery and this surgery has absolutely changed my life. I now swim 2-3 miles 3-4 times a week and workout at the gym 3 times a week. My body has completely been transformed and I couldn’t be happier! Would totally do this again without hesitation! So confident in my body now I went and did a Boudoir Photo Shoot, life changing! Dr. LoMonaco is a true artist! Updated on 2 Nov 2021: Lower body lift, tummy tuck, breast lift and implants. I lost 95 lbs and hit the gym 3 times a week and swim 4 times a week to get my body in shape. However the skin was just hideous and I decided to get it removed. Best decision I’ve ever made. Thank you Dr Lomonoco! Life changing. Updated on 6 Feb 2022: Seriously for all the negative Nancy comments. The only thing photoshopped on my pics were my scars. I swim 4 times a week 3 miles each time and workout 3 times a week. Started doing that for 2 years prior to my surgery and lost 100 lbs and got my ass in shape. Dr L did NOT have to do any liposuction because my body is in shape now so only skin removal was necessary. I really don’t appreciate the snotty negative comments, totally inappropriate. My momma taught me if you have nothing nice to say then say nothing at all! I’ve uploaded some pics before and right after my surgery that my sister took scars and all!
For years, I looked for the right doctor to do my lower body lift and abdominal surgery. I am 58 now, but had two normal pregnancies in my 30s (the first stretching out of the skin) and in my 40s, had several orthopedic problems that ended in bilateral hip replacements in 2017. I had gained a lot of weight before the hip surgery due to pain and immobility. After that recovery I got to my normal body weight. My skin was just worn out and saggy. When I saw Dr. LoMonaco's before and after photos I knew I had found the right physician. His technique is superior. You can see how low the incision lines are in my photos; he follows your natural curvature. I can't say enough good things about him, and if you want this surgery, he is by far the best. I am an RN and have worked previously in the OR with plastic surgeons, so I was very familiar with the abdominal and other body enhancing procedures. I had my surgery with Dr LoMonaco in December 2019, so it has been 8 months now. I had some post op swelling but no real discomfort. I needed Benadryl to help with a reaction to the skin glue, and used the pain meds which were enough to keep me comfortable. The recovery was relatively easy. I used a lift chair for the first 2.5 weeks. At first my abdomen was very tight, and I felt hunched over, but over time my muscles were able to get back to a new normal. I had about 10 days completely off work and started teleworking for a week, and after 3 weeks went back to he office (out of necessity). I did fine, but a month completely off would have been better. You can see from the photos my posture is normal and the incisons healed beautifully- you can barely see the lines around my hips. The front is still a little darker but I am sure after a few more months that will fade like the rest. The lines are literally invisible under my panties and swimsuits. I'm back working out but mindful of my abdomen, and don't push anything. My back side is back to normal. Dr. LoMonaco has great bedside manner, I really connected with him during my first interview in 2018. He has a great staff working with him who answered all my questions and addressed my concerns. Destiny, his First Assistant, is very knowledgeable and personable. I had a fantastic experience with all of them. I live in Virginia and flew to Texas to have this surgery with Dr. LoMonaco because he is he absolute best. Updated on 1 Sep 2020: Dr LoMonaco also took some fat from my flanks and put in my derrière which I obviously needed. Now I have a nice shape!
I had done every laser possible to firm my tummy. Ultimately, the only way was to get a skin only tummy tuck. Dr Lomonaco is amazing. He made the scar extremely low and it has healed perfectly so far. I do have a small vertical scar from my old belly button but I am not concerned with it right now. All I can say to those women who don't want the scar, don't waste your money on non-permanent solutions. My scar is so low my bikini bottom (which is tiny) covers it.
Whenever I use a material like Strattice or AlloDerm in the breast that takes some weeks to integrate and grow into your tissues, I use a drain. The reason for this is fluid or blood collections can interfere with the ingrowth of your tissues into the material (which is not living tissue) and this can promote infection (which would require implant removal, which is something I never want to do)
Congrats on your weight loss and hard work While your skin is in pretty good shape after the weight loss, my big worry would be loose or irregular skin after ;liposuction. Even the best lipo result would be a "5" in my opinions, whereas a tummy tuck would give you an "8 to 10" AN in-person exam is needed to determine this of course. Best wishes !
Youve done a great job and you have just the right amount of fat left to provide a more shapely result. Based on your photos, my diagnosis is a circumferential excess of skin, along with a vertical AND horizontal excess of tummy skin. This is typical given your degree of weight loss and the fact that probably you had weight gain/loss cycles in the past So my vote would be for a lower body lift (360) with or without a fleur-de-lis to shape the waist. I would use the incision to pull the top down and the looser skin of the legs up at the same time.
Those scars look like hypertrophic scar...a little different thyan keloid but treatment is about the same. Steroid injections might help flatten them. Removing them surgically, and using elastic silicone gel tape may help them heal better next time.
Yours is a tough case. I think I understand see the sculpted and toned look you are going for, and there IS a bit of excess fat on your arms (it runs in families) Lipo alone, perhaps Vaser, would give you some improved shape but it's fine line between achieving that and getting irregular skin. This is because the arm (and inner thigh) skin is very thin, fragile, and poorly supported from below. Be sure your practitioner is aware of theses possible problems and outlines a detailed plan on how s/he will avoid it