Mommy Makeovers

A mommy makeover is a customized combination of procedures designed to address a variety of concerns that result from pregnancy, such as loose skin, stretched muscles, stubborn pockets of fat, and more. ⁽¹⁾

Giving birth can be one of the most rewarding experiences of a woman’s life. Unfortunately, pregnancy and breastfeeding often result in unwanted body changes, such as drooping breasts, enlarged areolas, a straighter waist, pockets of fat in the abdomen, stretch marks, and more that no amount of exercise and dieting seems to fix.

Now, however, more and more women seek ways to rejuvenate their breasts and body contour to the youthful state they enjoyed before having children. With the leadership and expertise of Dr. Anthony Berlet—a surgeon with dual board certification in plastic and general surgery—Berlet Plastic Surgery has helped women in Manhattan, Cedar Grove, and all across New York and New Jersey reclaim their pre-pregnancy bodies. If you are interested in a mommy makeover, schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Berlet and his team by contacting Berlet Plastic Surgery online or by calling the location most convenient to you:

About Mommy Makeovers

A mommy makeover is a comprehensive body contouring treatment that targets the most common areas affected by pregnancy and childbirth. While every woman’s experience is unique, most patients notice changes in breast fullness, abdominal tone, and fat distribution that cannot be corrected through exercise alone. A mommy makeover combines several procedures into a single surgical plan, allowing Dr. Berlet to achieve results with one recovery period. The following procedures are only a small list of the most common procedures included in a mommy makeover. Patients are welcome to include other procedures to address other concerns, and Dr. Berlet will help you establish which treatments are most appropriate for helping you reach your goals during your personal consultation.

Breast Lift

Pregnancy and breastfeeding can cause the breasts to sag to a lower position on the chest. Also known as a mastopexy, a breast lift is performed to raise and reshape the breasts by removing excess skin, lifting the breasts on the chest wall, and tightening the tissues. Dr. Berlet can also carefully reposition the nipple and areola to create a balanced, natural look. Unlike breast augmentation, this procedure does not significantly change the size of the breasts. ⁽²⁾

Breast Reduction

A breast reduction addresses overly large breasts by removing excess breast tissue, fat, and skin to create a lighter, more proportional size. ⁽³⁾ Dr. Berlet uses refined surgical techniques to ensure natural symmetry and well-placed incisions that heal discreetly. As a result, patients often report relief from back, shoulder, and neck pain, as well as improved physical mobility and confidence. Dr. Berlet uses the medial pedicle technique, which preserves the milk ducts from the chest wall to the nipple, meaning breastfeeding may still be possible after surgery.

Tummy Tuck

The abdomen is one of the areas most affected by pregnancy. Women often notice loose skin, weakened abdominal muscles, or a persistent bulge that cannot be corrected through exercise alone. A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, tightens the abdominal wall, removes excess skin, and smooths the midsection to restore a firmer and more toned appearance. ⁽⁴⁾ During the procedure, Dr. Berlet gently brings the separated muscles back together and contours the waistline to a natural, flattering shape. This technique not only refines body proportions but also improves core strength and posture, helping patients feel more comfortable and confident.

Liposuction

Liposuction is often included in a mommy makeover to remove stubborn, exercise-resistant fat. ⁽⁵⁾ Hormonal changes and pregnancy-related weight fluctuations can create stubborn fat pockets around the abdomen, thighs, hips, back, and arms.

There are several different methods surgeons use when performing liposuction, including ultrasound-assisted lipectomy (UAL) and suction-assisted lipectomy (SAL). In both types, tumescent fluid is injected into the area to be treated. Then a tiny incision is made inconspicuously, and a cannula (small tube) breaks up the fat layer and suctions it out.

Benefits

A mommy makeover provides several aesthetic and emotional benefits, helping women feel renewed and confident in their own skin. Under Dr. Berlet’s expert care, patients see advantages like:

Patients often find that their mommy makeover not only transforms their figure but also revitalizes their energy and self-assurance, making this treatment extremely rewarding.

If you would like to explore how a mommy makeover can benefit you, contact Berlet Plastic Surgery online or call one of our two locations to schedule your personal consultation:

Ideal Candidates

Mommy makeovers are designed for women who wish to reverse the physical effects of pregnancy, aging, or significant weight changes. You may be an ideal candidate if you:

Candidates need to understand that while a mommy makeover can create remarkable improvements, it is not a substitute for weight loss or a healthy lifestyle, and whether or not you are eligible for this treatment will be established during your personal consultation with Dr. Berlet.

Procedure

A mommy makeover is typically performed under general anesthesia in a single surgical session, lasting several hours depending on the number and complexity of procedures involved.

Incisions are carefully placed in discreet locations to minimize visibility, and every technique is performed with precision to maintain balance and proportion. The goal is to create natural-looking enhancements that complement your unique figure.

Recovery

The timeline for recovery varies based on the procedures performed and each patient’s individual healing process. Mild swelling, bruising, and soreness are normal during the first week, and Dr. Berlet can prescribe medications to help manage discomfort.

Most patients can return to light daily activities after two weeks and resume moderate exercise within four to six weeks, although strenuous activity should be avoided until cleared by Dr. Berlet. The team will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your healing, remove sutures if necessary, and guide you through each stage of recovery. As your body continues to heal, results will gradually refine over several months, revealing a smoother, firmer, and more sculpted physique.

Results

When performed by one of the leading surgeons in New York and New Jersey, mommy makeover results are both transformative and long-lasting. Many women notice immediate improvements in their body shape, with final results becoming visible once swelling subsides and tissues fully settle. A tighter abdomen, lifted breasts, and balanced proportions contribute to a more youthful and revitalized appearance. With proper care, a stable weight, and a healthy lifestyle, the results of a mommy makeover can last for many years. Patients often describe a renewed sense of self and a more positive outlook following their transformation.

Cost of a Mommy Makeover in Manhattan and Cedar Grove

The cost of a mommy makeover varies depending on the number of procedures performed, the surgical techniques used, and the level of correction required. Dr. Berlet will provide a detailed cost estimate during your consultation. Because each mommy makeover is customized, Berlet Plastic Surgery strives to make cosmetic transformation accessible by offering transparent pricing and personalized financial guidance once the details of your treatment are established.

Schedule your consultation today to explore your treatment options. If you have any questions or prefer to schedule over the phone, we welcome your call at either of our locations:

FAQ

References

1. Toto V, Scarabosio A, Alessandri-Bonetti M, Albanese R, Persichetti P. Combined Surgery (Mommy-Makeover) Compared to Single Procedure (Abdominoplasty) in After-Pregnancy Women: A Prospective Study on Risks and Benefits. Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. Published online August 23, 2023. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s00266-023-03579-6
2. Ramanadham SR, Rose Johnson A. Breast Lift with and without Implant: A Synopsis and Primer for the Plastic Surgeon. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open. 2020;8(10):e3057. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/GOX.0000000000003057
3. Sachs D, Szymanski KD. Breast Reduction. PubMed. Published 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441974/
4. Regan JP, Casaubon JT. Abdominoplasty. PubMed. Published 2022. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28613712/
5. Bartow MJ, Raggio BS. Liposuction. PubMed. Published 2022. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK563135/