Who is the best plastic surgeon for a mommy makeover?
Medically reviewed by Dr. T. Y. Steven Ip, MD, FACS, board certified plastic surgeon Updated
The best surgeon for your mommy makeover is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, performs tummy tucks, breast lifts and liposuction routinely, operates in an accredited surgery center and can show you results on bodies like yours. Here is how to check each point before you book.
What to check before you choose a mommy makeover surgeon
There is no official ranking of surgeons, so the best one for you is the one who meets every point below. Use the same list for each surgeon you meet.
Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery
Why it matters
The board certifies surgeons who finished plastic surgery training and passed written and oral exams on all plastic surgery procedures. Some doctors say they are board certified without naming the board, and no recognized medical board has "cosmetic surgery" in its name.
How to check
Search the surgeon's name in the board's free certification lookup.
Verify a surgeon's certification (opens in a new tab)A member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons
Why it matters
Members must be certified in plastic surgery, complete continuing education every year and operate in accredited, state-licensed or Medicare-certified facilities.
How to check
Ask the surgeon, or read the society's own guide to choosing a mommy makeover surgeon.
Read the ASPS guide (opens in a new tab)Experience with every part of your makeover
Why it matters
A mommy makeover can combine a tummy tuck, breast lift, breast reduction and liposuction in one surgery. You want a surgeon who performs each of them routinely, and performs them together.
How to check
Ask how often the surgeon performs each procedure in your plan, and how often they combine them.
Before and after photos of their own patients
Why it matters
Photos show a surgeon's skill and sense of proportion better than any description can.
How to check
Ask for results on patients whose age, body shape and goals are close to yours, and confirm they are the surgeon's own patients.
An accredited surgery center
Why it matters
Accreditation means the facility meets set standards for safety, equipment and staff.
How to check
Ask where your surgery will take place and which organization accredits it.
Clear answers about anesthesia
Why it matters
Anesthesia care is a big part of your safety on surgery day.
How to check
Ask what type of anesthesia you will have, who will give it and how you will be monitored.
Reviews from real patients
Why it matters
Reviews show how a practice treats people before and after surgery, not only in the operating room.
How to check
Read reviews on independent sites such as Google and Yelp, and look for patterns rather than a single comment.
A consultation without pressure
Why it matters
A good surgeon recommends only the procedures your body needs and gives you time to decide.
How to check
Meet more than one surgeon if you like. You should never feel pushed to book or pay on the spot.
How Dr. Ip measures up against this checklist
Hold every surgeon to the same standard, including ours. Here is how T. Y. Steven Ip, MD meets each point, so you can compare for yourself.
Board certification
Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
Society membership
Member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
Experience
Specializes in mommy makeover surgery, including tummy tucks, breast lifts, breast reduction and liposuction. Board certified since 2001.
Training
Surgery training at Columbia University in New York City and plastic surgery training at Duke University.
Surgery centers
Performs most of his surgeries at Fashion Island Surgery, Bedford Surgical Center and Park Avenue Surgery Center, accredited by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities and certified by Medicare.
Patient photos
Before and after photos of his own mommy makeover, tummy tuck and liposuction patients.
Follow-up care
All post-op visits and yearly follow-ups are free.
Warning signs to watch for
If you notice any of these at a consultation, slow down and get a second opinion.
"Board certified" with no board named
Ask which board. For plastic surgery, the answer should be the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
Pressure to book today
Same-day deposits, expiring deals and hard sells put the sale ahead of your decision.
No photos of their own patients
Stock images or a handful of results tell you little about what the surgeon can do for you.
Vague answers about where surgery happens
If the office can't name the facility and who accredits it, keep looking.
A firm price before an exam
A mommy makeover is planned for one body. An honest quote follows a consultation and a physical exam.
Promises of perfect results
Every surgery has scars, recovery and risks. A careful surgeon explains them plainly.
Questions to ask at your consultation
Bring these to every surgeon you meet. Clear, specific answers are a good sign. Vague ones are worth a follow-up.
Request a consultation- Which board certifies you in plastic surgery?
- How often do you perform each procedure in my plan, and how often do you combine them?
- Can I see before and after photos of patients with a body like mine?
- Which procedures do you recommend for me, and why?
- Where will my surgery take place, and who accredits the facility?
- What type of anesthesia will I have, and who will give it?
- What will my recovery look like, and when can I return to work and exercise?
- What does my fee include, and are follow-up visits included?
- Who do I call if I have a concern after surgery?
Choosing a surgeon, your questions answered
What women ask most when comparing plastic surgeons for a mommy makeover.
The best surgeon for your mommy makeover is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, performs tummy tucks, breast lifts, breast reductions and liposuction routinely, operates in an accredited surgery center and can show you results on bodies like yours. There is no official ranking, so compare each surgeon you meet against the same checklist.
Search the surgeon's name in the American Board of Plastic Surgery's free certification lookup at abplasticsurgery.org. Members of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons must also be certified by that board.
Not always. The American Board of Plastic Surgery certifies surgeons who completed plastic surgery training and passed its exams, and no recognized medical board has "cosmetic surgery" in its name. Ask any surgeon which board certifies them.
You can, and you are never obligated to book with a surgeon you consult. Meeting more than one surgeon lets you compare their answers, their photos and how comfortable you feel.
Ask which board certifies the surgeon, how often they perform and combine each procedure in your plan, to see before and after photos of patients like you, where surgery takes place and who accredits it, who gives your anesthesia, what recovery looks like and what your fee includes.
Yes. T. Y. Steven Ip, MD is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. He trained in surgery at Columbia University and in plastic surgery at Duke University.
Dr. Ip performs most of his surgeries at Fashion Island Surgery in Newport Beach, Bedford Surgical Center in Beverly Hills and Park Avenue Surgery Center in Manhattan. The centers are accredited by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities and certified by Medicare.
Yes. Virtual consultations by FaceTime or Skype are available on request, and Dr. Ip sees patients in person in Newport Beach, Beverly Hills and Manhattan.
Bring your checklist to Dr. Ip
Ask Dr. Ip every question on this page at your consultation in Newport Beach, Beverly Hills or Manhattan, or by FaceTime or Skype on request.
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