One peer-reviewed analysis of patient reviews found an 87.7% satisfaction rate for mommy makeover patients, and Brazilian butt lift came in at 88.2%. Those were the two lowest rates among the ten procedures studied. That figure reflects how patients rated their experience, which shifts with surgical complexity and with how well the surgeon and patient align on expectations.
At SVIA® Plastic Surgery, Dr. Tom Liu and Dr. Jerome Liu plan every mommy makeover in Los Gatos around each patient's anatomy and goals. Both surgeons are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and completed fellowships in aesthetic plastic surgery, and patients have rated the practice 4.7 stars across more than 700 reviews.
In this blog, we cover where the 87.7% figure comes from, how satisfaction is measured, why mommy makeover ratings tend to be lower, and what helps patients feel good about their results.
What Percentage of Mommy Makeover Patients Are Satisfied?
About 87.7% of mommy makeover patients were satisfied in the most-cited analysis of procedure-specific patient reviews. Chang et al., published in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal in 2022, analyzed 11,078 online reviews of top-rated plastic surgeons in six US cities, then examined 668 reviews of specific procedures.
Key findings include the following:
- Mommy makeover satisfaction was 87.7%, and Brazilian butt lift was 88.2%, the two lowest of the ten procedures
- Buccal fat removal (98.8%) and abdominoplasty (98.1%) had the highest satisfaction
- Mommy makeover reviews mentioned complications 29.2% of the time, more than any other procedure
- Aesthetic outcome was the most common reason for a high rating, cited in 79.9% of favorable reviews
These numbers have limits:
- Online reviews are voluntary and are not clinical outcome measures
- The mommy makeover group in this analysis was small
- The data show how patients felt about an experience; they do not show how many were unhappy with their results in a clinical sense
How Is Patient Satisfaction Measured After Plastic Surgery?
Patient satisfaction in plastic surgery is most often measured with questionnaires that ask about overall satisfaction and appearance:
- A 2024 systematic review of 105 studies in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open found that 99.04% of questionnaires addressed general satisfaction
- BREAST-Q was the most widely used tool, appearing in 28.57% of studies, while self-developed questionnaires appeared in 27.61%
The authors recommend validated tools over ad hoc ones. This matters for the 87.7% figure, because review star ratings and validated questionnaire scores measure different things.
The review covers plastic surgery broadly, with breast reconstruction as the most common procedure, so it explains how satisfaction is measured and does not give a mommy makeover rate.
Why Do Mommy Makeover Satisfaction Rates Run Lower Than for Single Procedures?
Mommy makeover satisfaction rates are lower because the procedure combines several operations, and more involved surgery carries a higher risk. Chang et al. found that BBL and mommy makeover reviews were the most likely to mention complications, and that responsive postoperative care raised the odds of a high rating.
The authors also identified these predictors of satisfaction:
- Surgeon bedside manner and thorough patient education
- Friendly, responsive staff
- Complication-free recovery with accessible follow-up care
Dr. Tom Liu and Dr. Jerome Liu built the practice's approach around those factors. Mommy makeover consultations last about 60 minutes and focus on selecting the right combination of procedures. A pain pump is placed during abdominal operations to minimize post-operative discomfort. For extensive operations, the Drs. recommend an aftercare facility or aftercare nurse.
What Does a Mommy Makeover Include at SVIA® Plastic Surgery?
A mommy makeover is a breast and body procedure performed together as part of a coordinated plan. No two are alike, and the combination is chosen at consultation. Options include:
- Breast: Augmentation with implants, breast lift, augmentation with lift, or reduction.
- Body: Liposuction, tummy tuck, mini tummy tuck, or a combination of the two.
The most common pairings are breast augmentation with a tummy tuck, or a breast lift with a tummy tuck. If a cesarean scar is present, it is removed during the operation. You can see examples in the mommy makeover gallery, and the mommy makeover page covers the full process.
Considering a Mommy Makeover? Talk to Dr. Tom Liu and Dr. Jerome Liu
A satisfying mommy makeover starts with realistic expectations and a plan matched to your anatomy. Dr. Tom Liu, Co-Medical Director of the Plastic and Breast Program at El Camino Hospital, and Dr. Jerome Liu, author or co-author of more than 50 peer-reviewed articles, chapters, and abstracts, bring that planning to every consultation at SVIA® Plastic Surgery in Los Gatos. To discuss a mommy makeover, schedule an in-office or virtual consultation at 15055 Los Gatos Blvd #250 or call (408) 317-4682.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not replace a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. Outcomes, risks, and suitability vary from patient to patient.
Sources
- Chang IA, Wells MW, et al. The Positive Patient Experience: A Comprehensive Analysis of Plastic Surgery Online Reviews. Aesthetic Surgery Journal. 2022.
- Gelidan AG, et al. A Systematic Review of Questionnaires Assessing Patient Satisfaction in Plastic Surgery. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open. 2024.
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Mommy Makeover Cost
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Everything You Need to Know About a Mommy Makeover
