Mommy Makeover in Houston, TX
Mommy makeovers offer a refreshing transformation. Each procedure is tailored to fit individual needs,
Mommy makeovers offer a refreshing transformation. Each procedure is tailored to fit individual needs,
We know you’ve done your homework. You’ve spent the time scrolling through RealSelf reviews, comparing before-and-afters on Instagram, and trying to filter out the real from the Photoshop or AI-enhanced results. It can be overwhelming, there's a lot of hype out there, and frankly, a lot of pressure to "bounce back."
We're not here to add to that pressure.
As a board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Kim Carpin tends to be a bit more conservative than the trends you see online. You don’t need us to sell you on the idea of fixing the things that bother you, you’re here because you already know what you want to change. Our job is simply to tell you, honestly and safely, how we can get you back to loving your body as a mother again.
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The term Mommy Makeover is a catchy marketing phrase, but the surgery itself is serious medicine. It's a blend of restorative surgical procedures. It's a unique treatment plan designed to address the structural changes that happen to a woman's body after pregnancy and breastfeeding.
We combine body procedures, usually targeting the breasts and abdomen, into a single operation. This allows us to correct muscle separation (diastasis recti) and remove loose skin simultaneously. These procedures aren't meant to completely erase the fact that you had children, but to put you back in touch with the body you had before pregnancy.
A custom mix of tummy tuck, breast surgery (lift/augmentation), and liposuction.
2–4 weeks off work. No lifting kids for 6 weeks (yes, really).
General anesthesia for your safety.
Long-lasting, provided you maintain a stable weight.
Tailored specifically to your unique anatomy and goals.
There's a profound mental shift that happens when your outside matches your inside. Many women tell me they feel a disconnect. They're fit, healthy, and active, but their pre-baby body feels lost under excess skin or deflated tissue.
The benefit of this combination procedure is balance. By addressing the chest wall and the abdomen at the same time, we create a harmonious profile. You undergo general anesthesia once, you navigate mommy makeover recovery once, and you emerge with a pre-pregnancy figure that feels like you again. We're working to reclaim your self-confidence, as conveniently and effectively as possible.
Dr. Carpin is very particular about patient safety. A Mommy Makeover is a significant investment of your time and energy, and she wants to make sure the timing is right.
The ideal candidate has a few qualities, including being at a stable weight. Plastic surgery is wonderful for refinement, but it isn't a weight-loss tool. If you're still 10 or 15 pounds away from your goal weight, we may suggest waiting. Similarly, if you plan on future pregnancies, we should press pause. Another pregnancy will stretch the muscles and skin we just tightened, compromising your mommy makeover results.
There's no "standard" makeover. We build the plan around your anatomy. Here are the tools we use most often.
This is usually the centerpiece. No amount of diet and exercise can fix separated abdominal muscles. A tummy tuck repairs that internal corset and removes excess skin to create a smoother, firmer abdomen.
Pregnancy often leaves the breast tissue depleted. Breast implants simply restore that lost volume. We strive to give you a look that's tasteful and proportionate to your frame.
If gravity has taken over, volume isn't enough. A breast lift rearranges the tissue and tightens the skin envelope to raise the nipple position. We frequently perform a tuck breast augmentation combo for optimal results.
For some, the issue is too much volume. A breast reduction can alleviate the physical strain on your back and neck, making it easier to move through your day.
We use liposuction to refine the edges—usually the waist and flanks—to ensure the transition between areas is smooth and natural.
When you come in for your mommy makeover consultation, we’ll sit down and talk. It’s low-stress. Dr. Carpin is a mother herself, and she understands the guilt that can creep its way in when you decide to make such a big decision for yourself. She wants to hear your story. Your motivation. What bothers you when you look in the mirror? What are your expectations?
We will review your medical history thoroughly. Your safety is our top priority. If you smoke, you will need to stop months prior to surgery to ensure your body heals correctly. We’ll discuss the procedures involved and Dr. Carpin will explain, in plain English, what she recommends and why.
On the day of surgery, our team is entirely focused on you. Depending on the complexity, we might be in the operating room for several hours, but we'll give you more specific details in advance during your consultation.
We use advanced surgical techniques to limit trauma to the tissue. This includes careful layering of sutures to minimize scarring and ensure the tension is held deep within the muscle, not on the skin. Dr. Carpin takes her time. She doesn't rush. Her goal is to leave you looking graceful and natural, not pulled or tight.
We'll be very honest with you: the first week is tough. Most patients need significant help at home. You can't lift anything heavier than a gallon of milk, which means no lifting the kids.
We see our patients frequently during recovery, keeping a close eye on how everything is settling. This tends to be the toughest part of the whole process, because your entire job is to do absolutely nothing. Outside of the light walking to reduce the risk of clotting, you need to put the chores and errands on pause for a bit. Lean on your partner, close friend, or family member to take care of the kids, and get the rest you need.
Patience is key. You'll see a change immediately, but final results reveal themselves over 6 to 12 months as the swelling fully resolves and the scars mature.
Speaking of scars, they are inevitable with any surgical procedure. But we place incisions strategically, usually low on the lower abdomen or hidden in natural creases, so they are concealed by clothing. With proper care and avoiding sun exposure, they fade to fine lines. The trade-off for a restored silhouette is one that women experience with no regrets.
Because every unique treatment plan is different, the cost varies. A tummy tuck combined with a lift is different from a full mommy makeover with implants and lipo.
Insurance generally doesn't cover cosmetic procedures, though we can check if there is a medical necessity for something like a reduction. We will provide a clear, itemized quote after we meet.
It takes a lot of courage to walk into a plastic surgeon’s office and show someone the parts of yourself you’ve been hiding. I respect that vulnerability deeply.
I'm a board-certified plastic surgeon, but I'm a mother, too. I know the incredible joy of raising a family, but I also understand the toll it takes, physically and emotionally. I know the specific frustration of doing all the "right" things in the gym and still not seeing the body you used to know. I get it. And I hear you.
My practice is a judgment-free zone. When you are here, I’m not critiquing you; I’m listening to you. I understand the "mom guilt" that often comes with spending time and resources on yourself, but I also know that when you feel comfortable in your own skin, that confidence radiates into every other part of your life. You are in safe hands here.
You don’t have to commit to anything today. If you’re curious about what a Houston Mommy Makeover could do for you, come in and let’s sit down together. We’ll discuss your goals and see if you're a good fit.
This is the hardest part for moms. You really need to wait at least 4-6 weeks before lifting anything over 10-15 pounds. I know it’s difficult, but protecting your muscle repair is worth it.
Often, yes. While "drainless" techniques exist, we find that for many women, using a drain for a few days prevents fluid buildup (seromas) and speeds up healing. We will remove them as soon as the output decreases.
It’s not dangerous, but it will likely stretch out the skin and muscles we just tightened. It’s best to wait until your family is complete to protect your investment.
Yes. In almost every tummy tuck, we can remove the old C-section scar and incorporate it into the new, lower incision, leaving you with just one cleaner line.
For healthy patients, yes. Combining procedures means one anesthesia event and one recovery period. However, we will never keep you under anesthesia longer than is safe; if you need extensive work, we might discuss staging it for safety.
