Is a Mommy Makeover Painful?

During your surgery, you will be asleep and pain-free under twilight sedation. Mommy. After surgery, pain levels can vary from patient to patient, but it is normal to experience some discomfort. Dr. Copeland and Dr. Copeland-Halperin will place special pain pumps during your surgery that deliver local pain medicine to minimize discomfort after surgery. Your surgeon will also provide you with pain medication. Patients are encouraged to follow any instructions received during this phase of recovery closely.

How Many Appointments Will I Need?

The number of appointments required for a Mommy Makeover will vary depending on the specific surgeries you undergo. The surgery itself is a combined procedure to minimize downtime and multiple sedations. Generally, your surgeon will see you a week after surgery to remove your dressings and monitor your recovery. As part of Dr. Copeland and Dr. Copeland-Halperin’s holistic, comprehensive approach to your recovery, you will also receive a lymphatic massage with one of our lymphatic massage therapists during this visit. This is a special light-touch massage technique to help with your recovery. Dr. Copeland and Dr. Copeland-Halperin will let you know when to return for follow-up to monitor your healing, depending on the specific procedures you have undergone.

How Long Until I See Results?

The timeline for seeing results from a mommy makeover depends on the number and type of procedures performed. While some results may be visible immediately after surgery, recovery times can vary based on the invasiveness of the procedures. Patients should expect swelling and bruising to resolve over a few weeks, with final results typically becoming apparent 6 months to 1 year after surgery.

What Will the Scarring Look Like?

Scarring will depend on which procedures are included in your Mommy Makeover. Incisions are placed strategically to minimize visibility—along natural creases, bra-line areas, or below bikini lines whenever possible. Scars fade gradually over time and can be further improved through scar-management strategies discussed during follow-up visits. Most patients feel their scars are a worthwhile trade-off for the restored contour and the confidence they achieve.

When Can I Exercise Again After My Mommy Makeover?

Light walking is encouraged immediately to promote circulation, but strenuous exercise should be avoided until cleared by your surgeon. Most patients resume gentle exercise at 4–6 weeks and full workouts, including core strengthening, at 8–12 weeks, depending on healing and the extent of procedures performed.

Can I Combine a Mommy Makeover With Other Procedures?

A Mommy Makeover in New York City is already a combined procedure. Patients are encouraged to discuss their interest in further procedures with their surgeon during their initial consultation to determine the optimal surgical plan.

What Are the Risks Associated With a Mommy Makeover?

A Mommy Makeover is low-risk overall, but combining surgeries increases the overall risk. The specific risks depend on which procedures you are undergoing. Patients should research the procedure’s risk profile before scheduling the procedure. Breast augmentation is often included in a mommy makeover to restore lost volume in the breasts after pregnancy, helping to achieve a more natural and youthful appearance. Some of the breast-specific risks include implant rupture, capsular contracture, loss of nipple sensation, and inability to breastfeed. General surgical risks include bleeding, infection, poor wound healing, seroma, and hematoma. Some of the risks include: Anesthesia risks Asymmetry Blood clots Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) Breast implant illness (BII) Capsular contracture Contour irregularity Fat necrosis Hematoma Implant rupture Inability to breastfeed Infection Loss of nipple sensation Persistent pain Poor wound healing Recurrent skin laxity Seroma Unfavorable scarring If you experience any long-lasting or unexpected side effects, please contact Dr. Michele Copeland and Dr. Libby Copeland-Halperin’s practice if you have any long-lasting or unexpected side effects.

How Do I Find the Best Mommy Makeover Plastic Surgeon Near Me in New York City?

Finding the right surgeon involves more than searching online reviews. Look for a board-certified plastic surgeon with expertise in body contouring after pregnancy, a strong portfolio of before-and-after photos of actual patients, and a patient-centered approach to safety and long-term aesthetic balance. The best surgeons provide a customized plan tailored to your individual needs, health history, and goals. Schedule consultations, ask questions about technique, anesthesia, and recovery, and choose a surgeon who listens, educates, and helps you feel supported throughout the process. Always review before-and-after photos of actual patients to assess the surgeon’s results.

Mommy Makeover

New York, NY

Introduction to Mommy Makeover

Carrying and delivering a child is nothing short of a miracle. While becoming a mother can be a joy, some women also face its challenges. One challenge is that the body’s expansion during pregnancy affects its structure and firmness. These physical changes can significantly affect a woman’s body, including stretched or separated abdominal muscles and reduced breast volume. Once skin and muscle have been stretched from pregnancy, they often don’t return to their pre-pregnancy form. Women’s bodies can become loose, and their metabolisms can slow, making weight loss and fitness a big challenge. Breast deflation is also common, and breastfeeding can further affect breast appearance, elasticity, and volume, often leading to a loss of fullness and shape. Many women seek to regain their pre-baby body, with the goal of restoring the abdomen and breasts to their pre-pregnancy appearance.

For those who need support and a boost on their fitness journey, Dr. Michele Copeland and Dr. Libby Copeland-Halperin specialize in limited-scar techniques as part of a Mommy Makeover in New York City. Our unique mother-and-daughter practice runs with empathy at the forefront, empowering women to make informed decisions about their journey towards recovery from childbearing. We emphasize the importance of a customized plan tailored to each patient’s needs and goals, and encourage maintaining a healthy lifestyle to achieve and sustain the best possible results.

What is a Mommy Makeover?

A Mommy Makeover in New York City is a combination of plastic surgery procedures that aim to restore and rejuvenate a woman’s body after pregnancy and childbirth. A Mommy Makeover typically involves multiple procedures performed during a single operation, and the number of procedures can be combined, depending on the patient’s goals and health. There is no single ‘mommy makeover’—the procedures are customized for each patient’s unique needs. These body contouring procedures are tailored to address post-childbirth cosmetic concerns, enhancing body shape and confidence. Combining procedures allows a single anesthesia and recovery period, reducing overall surgical costs.

Often, a Mommy Makeover includes a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), which is ideal for women with pouching abdomens and hanging skin. In this procedure, the skin and muscle from the rib cage down to the pelvic area are tightened, and the belly button is secured in a new position. Often, deflated or sagging breasts are lifted and/or augmented at the same time. Breast surgery is a key component of a mommy makeover, restoring breast shape, volume, and contour after pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Liposuction is commonly performed during a mommy makeover to eliminate excess fat that may have accumulated during or after pregnancy, while tummy tucks help a new mom achieve a flatter stomach by removing excess skin. Mommy makeover candidates are evaluated for concerns such as excess skin, excess fat, and sagging in areas like the breasts and abdomen, and the specific combination of procedures depends on individual needs.

Surgical Procedures Included in a Mommy Makeover

A mommy makeover is a highly personalized approach to plastic and reconstructive surgery, designed to help women in New York City reclaim their pre-pregnancy body and self-confidence. Each mommy makeover is a customized combination of surgical procedures, carefully selected to address the unique cosmetic concerns that many women experience after childbirth—such as excess skin, stubborn fat deposits, sagging breasts, and stretched abdominal muscles.

The most common plastic surgery procedures included in a mommy makeover are:

Breast Lift (Mastopexy): A breast lift is performed to restore a more youthful breast shape and position by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue. This procedure is ideal for women experiencing sagging breasts or changes in nipple position after pregnancy and breastfeeding. By lifting and reshaping the breasts, a breast lift can help achieve a firmer, perkier appearance.

Breast Augmentation: For women who have lost breast volume or desire a fuller breast shape, breast augmentation can be included in the mommy makeover. This procedure uses implants or fat transfer to enhance breast size and contour, helping to restore the natural curves and proportions of the pre-pregnancy body.

Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty): A tummy tuck targets the abdominal area, where many women struggle with loose skin, stretch marks, and separated or weakened abdominal muscles after pregnancy. By removing excess skin and fat and tightening the abdominal muscles, a tummy tuck creates a flatter, more toned stomach and can significantly improve the overall silhouette.

Liposuction: Liposuction is often used to remove stubborn fat deposits that do not respond to diet and exercise. Common treatment areas include the hips, thighs, abdomen, and arms. Liposuction can be performed alone or in combination with other procedures to refine body contours further and enhance the results of a mommy makeover.

In addition to these core surgical procedures, some mommy makeover patients may benefit from additional treatments such as vaginal rejuvenation, dermal fillers, or laser therapy. Vaginal rejuvenation procedures can address changes in the vaginal area following childbirth, while dermal fillers and laser therapy can help restore youthful skin, smooth wrinkles, and improve skin tone for a more refreshed appearance.

Every mommy makeover begins with an initial consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon in New York. During this appointment, your surgeon will review your medical history, discuss your goals, and develop a customized treatment plan tailored to your needs. Ideal candidates for mommy makeover surgery are women who have completed childbearing, are in good health, and have realistic expectations about the outcome. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle—including a balanced diet and regular exercise—is essential for preserving your mommy makeover results.

A mommy makeover in New York City offers many women the opportunity to address multiple areas of concern in a single surgical session, helping them achieve natural-looking results and renewed self-confidence. By working closely with an experienced plastic surgeon, you can create a treatment plan that supports your long-term health, beauty, and well-being.

What Sets Us Apart as the Premier Mommy Makeover Practice in New York City?

Our practice stands apart through a rare combination of surgical mastery, innovation, and compassionate care. As a mother-daughter surgical team, Dr. Michele Copeland and Dr. Libby Copeland-Halperin offer a uniquely empathetic perspective rooted in generational expertise and shared commitment to women’s health and wellness. Their individualized approach ensures that every Mommy Makeover is designed to restore form, comfort, and confidence while honoring each patient’s natural anatomy and long-term well-being.

Copeland earned her M.D. degree from Harvard and completed advanced surgical training at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital. Dr. Copeland-Halperin completed rigorous microsurgical fellowship training at Brigham and Women’s Hospital.

Both surgeons are board-certified and maintain active hospital privileges at top academic medical centers in New York City, ensuring the highest standards of safety and surgical excellence.

Their Mommy Makeover approach emphasizes limited-scar techniques, meticulous tissue handling, and refined contouring tailored to each patient’s post-pregnancy needs. This includes advanced belly-button reconstruction strategies, fat redistribution, and implant-based or autologous breast enhancement for natural, balanced proportions.

Woman with a beige bra looking down against a beige backdrop - Breast Augmentation with Fat Transfer in New York, NY

Mommy Makeover Quick Facts

Surgery Time: Typically 3–6 hours, depending on the number of procedures
Price: ~Varies based on procedures and surgical complexity (for an accurate cost, please ask during your consultation).
Recovery: Most patients return to light activities within 1–2 weeks; strenuous exercise in 6–8 weeks
Results: Initial improvements are seen immediately; final results appear gradually over 6–12 months

What Are the Benefits of a Mommy Makeover?

Our patients who have received a Mommy Makeover in New York City have enjoyed a boost in their self-confidence and often report an improved quality of life. Some other benefits include:

Mommy makeover results typically include a flatter, firmer stomach, fuller, perkier breasts, and a slimmer appearance.
Better clothing fit
The efficiency of multiple surgeries in one sedation and recovery
Enhanced breasts
Reduction in fat
Reduction in sagging skin
Reduction in scarring
Restored Body Contours

The results of a mommy makeover can be long-lasting, especially when patients maintain a healthy lifestyle and stable weight.

Who Are the Best Candidates For a Mommy Makeover?

The best candidates for a Mommy Makeover in New York City are those who want to restore their bodies after childbirth. Ideal candidates have some of the following characteristics:

Are at a stable weight.
Committed to continuing a healthy diet and exercise routine
Finished with childbearing (future pregnancies can reverse or negate the results of a mommy makeover)
Maintain realistic expectations
Have no underlying medical conditions
Are nonsmokers
Have sagging abdominal skin or breast tissue
Have stretch marks

Your Mommy Makeover journey

What’s the First Step?

The first step for a Mommy Makeover in New York City is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Michele Copeland and Dr. Libby Copleand-Halperin. During your appointment, your surgeon will discuss your medical history, concerns, aesthetic goals, and expectations. As you share your goals, your surgeon will examine you and assess potential surgical options available to address your unique needs. At this time, she will also outline the techniques and their associated risks, benefits, and recovery timelines. Your surgeon will provide a customized surgical plan tailored to your specific needs and discuss all potential risks and complications associated with the mommy makeover during the consultation. Please ask any questions you might have.

If you both decide to proceed with a Mommy Makeover, you and your surgeon will develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your specific concerns and goals. Our team will help you schedule your procedure, provide pre-surgery instructions, and outline detailed pricing options. A comprehensive aftercare plan will also be provided to ensure proper recovery post-surgery.

How Do I Prepare for My Mommy Makeover?

Preparation begins with a thorough consultation and personalized surgical plan. Before your surgery date, you may be advised to:

Maintain a stable weight and consistent nutrition
Stop smoking several weeks before surgery to support healing
Adjust medications or supplements as directed
Arrange childcare support and help at home for the first few days
Prepare your recovery space and compression garments
Complete any required pre-operative testing

These steps help optimize safety and outcomes while reducing the risk of complications.

What to Expect on the Day of Mommy Makeover Surgery

On the day of your Mommy Makeover in New York City, at the practice of Dr. Michele Copeland and Dr. Libby Copeland-Halperin, you will be welcomed to our private, fully accredited surgical suite at our Fifth Avenue office.

Our team will get you settled into our state-of-the-art surgical suite and review your surgical plan to ensure you are fully comfortable. Once you are ready, a board-certified anesthesiologist will administer IV sedation, also known as twilight anesthesia, so that you will be asleep and pain-free while you undergo surgery. Patients who undergo surgery will need an approved escort to take them home after the procedure and stay with them on the night of surgery.

The nature of your Mommy Makeover will determine what you can expect during the surgery. Below, we’ve outlined some of the more common procedures:

Please direct yourself to the individual procedure pages for more information on the specific procedure.

Your guide to post-mommy Surgery care

Mommy Makeover Recovery

After your Mommy Makeover surgery, our staff will monitor you in the recovery room. Once you are ready, you will need someone to drive you home or to your hotel. Mommy makeover patients require help with daily tasks and should avoid strenuous activities for several weeks. Having a helper available to assist with any basic tasks and avoid straining the incisions or treatment area is also beneficial. Our staff can also help coordinate a private-duty nurse for patients interested in this option.

Every patient’s recovery will differ based on the number and type of procedures, target areas, and healing profile, as each patient’s experience is unique. The patient’s experience typically includes swelling, pain, and bruising, which will persist for a few weeks after surgery. Supportive garments will need to be worn for 6-8 weeks after surgery. Most patients return to work around the third week after their surgeries and can gradually increase activity, returning to full exercise and unrestricted activities within 8-12 weeks.

Most women can return to normal activities, including work, exercise, and caring for kids, approximately one week after breast augmentation or breast lift, and between 10 days and 2 weeks after breast and/or tummy tuck surgery. Your surgeon will review post-operative instructions to help ensure a smooth and uneventful recovery. Dr. Molina sees all surgery patients on the first or second day after surgery and within the first week. Your post-operative care will include a lymphatic massage to promote a speedy recovery with minimal downtime. Our lymphatic massages are administered by licensed massage therapists who have specialized training in lymphatic drainage therapy for post-operative patients. This lymphatic massage is included in the cost of the surgical plan.

8 Tips for Recovery

Follow all post-operative instructions carefully
Rest with assistance for the first 48–72 hours
Wear compression garments as directed
Avoid lifting children or heavy objects until cleared
Stay hydrated and maintain light nutrition
Walk short distances to support circulation
Attend all follow-up visits
Listen to your body and avoid pushing too quickly

How Much Does a Mommy Makeover Cost in New York City, NY?

The cost of a Mommy Makeover in New York City, NY, will be determined by numerous factors, including the type and number of procedures you are having. The best way to arrive at a cost is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Michele Copeland or Dr. Libby Copeland-Halperin. After discussing your goals with your surgeon, she will create a plan and recommendations for your surgery, and our expert team will give you a price breakdown.

Why Choose Us?

The practice of Dr. Michelle Copeland and Dr. Libby Copeland-Halperin should be your first choice for your Mommy Makeover in New York City, as, in addition to their vast medical accomplishments, they are known for their empathy and kindness towards their patients as they deliver their expertise in sculpting their aesthetics. In addition, Dr. Michelle Copeland and Dr. Libby Copeland-Halperin are among the nation’s few mother-daughter plastic surgery practices. Dr. Michelle Copeland is the first woman plastic surgeon with a Harvard doctorate in Medicine and Dentistry and is a published author. She is an Assistant Clinical Professor of Surgery at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and an attending surgeon at the Mount Sinai Medical Center.

Dr. Libby Copeland-Halperin is a double-board-certified plastic surgeon with a wealth of experience, including advanced training in microsurgery at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital, with a focus on breast reconstruction. She brings a humanistic dimension to plastic surgery and enjoys helping patients achieve their cosmetic, aesthetic, and reconstructive goals through surgical and non-surgical techniques.

Both doctors work with an international clientele, drawing patients from Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. Whether it’s a virtual consultation or in person, they will answer all your questions, including options, costs, recovery, and all aspects of treatment for surgical procedures such as breast augmentation, breast reduction, facelift, liposuction, and rhinoplasty. They also offer non-surgical treatments like Botox, Kybella, fillers, and other non-invasive techniques. Their commitment to creating a customized plan for each patient ensures the best chance for an optimal outcome.

Mommy Makeover FAQs FAQs

During your surgery, you will be asleep and pain-free under twilight sedation. Mommy. After surgery, pain levels can vary from patient to patient, but it is normal to experience some discomfort. Dr. Copeland and Dr. Copeland-Halperin will place special pain pumps during your surgery that deliver local pain medicine to minimize discomfort after surgery. Your surgeon will also provide you with pain medication. Patients are encouraged to follow any instructions received during this phase of recovery closely.
The number of appointments required for a Mommy Makeover will vary depending on the specific surgeries you undergo. The surgery itself is a combined procedure to minimize downtime and multiple sedations.

Generally, your surgeon will see you a week after surgery to remove your dressings and monitor your recovery. As part of Dr. Copeland and Dr. Copeland-Halperin’s holistic, comprehensive approach to your recovery, you will also receive a lymphatic massage with one of our lymphatic massage therapists during this visit. This is a special light-touch massage technique to help with your recovery. Dr. Copeland and Dr. Copeland-Halperin will let you know when to return for follow-up to monitor your healing, depending on the specific procedures you have undergone.
The timeline for seeing results from a mommy makeover depends on the number and type of procedures performed. While some results may be visible immediately after surgery, recovery times can vary based on the invasiveness of the procedures. Patients should expect swelling and bruising to resolve over a few weeks, with final results typically becoming apparent 6 months to 1 year after surgery.
Scarring will depend on which procedures are included in your Mommy Makeover. Incisions are placed strategically to minimize visibility—along natural creases, bra-line areas, or below bikini lines whenever possible. Scars fade gradually over time and can be further improved through scar-management strategies discussed during follow-up visits. Most patients feel their scars are a worthwhile trade-off for the restored contour and the confidence they achieve.
A Mommy Makeover is low-risk overall, but combining surgeries increases the overall risk. The specific risks depend on which procedures you are undergoing. Patients should research the procedure’s risk profile before scheduling the procedure. Breast augmentation is often included in a mommy makeover to restore lost volume in the breasts after pregnancy, helping to achieve a more natural and youthful appearance. Some of the breast-specific risks include implant rupture, capsular contracture, loss of nipple sensation, and inability to breastfeed. General surgical risks include bleeding, infection, poor wound healing, seroma, and hematoma. Some of the risks include:
- Anesthesia risks
- Asymmetry
- Blood clots
- Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL)
- Breast implant illness (BII)
- Capsular contracture
- Contour irregularity
- Fat necrosis
- Hematoma
- Implant rupture
- Inability to breastfeed
- Infection
- Loss of nipple sensation
- Persistent pain
- Poor wound healing
- Recurrent skin laxity
- Seroma
- Unfavorable scarring
If you experience any long-lasting or unexpected side effects, please contact Dr. Michele Copeland and Dr. Libby Copeland-Halperin’s practice if you have any long-lasting or unexpected side effects.
Finding the right surgeon involves more than searching online reviews. Look for a board-certified plastic surgeon with expertise in body contouring after pregnancy, a strong portfolio of before-and-after photos of actual patients, and a patient-centered approach to safety and long-term aesthetic balance. The best surgeons provide a customized plan tailored to your individual needs, health history, and goals. Schedule consultations, ask questions about technique, anesthesia, and recovery, and choose a surgeon who listens, educates, and helps you feel supported throughout the process. Always review before-and-after photos of actual patients to assess the surgeon’s results.

What Our Patients Are Saying

“The entire team is Amazing!”

Breast Lift/Abdominoplasty

Experiencing weight fluctuation for years- I decided in June 2023 to have a breast lift. Then in February 2023, I decided to have my tummy tightened. I lost all the weight! I did the hard part and then Dr. Copeland and Dr.Copeland-Halperin helped me get to where I wanted to be! I feel so much more confident . The entire team is Amazing! From Andrea and Susan at the desk to the staff nurses; especially Lauren- are all helpful, caring, and kind. I am completely grateful to all of them.

“I absolutely love the results”

Mommy Makeover

So I decided after having two kids to have a breast reduction and Liposuction on my abdominal. I wasn’t feeling so good about how I looked with my old lady droopy 34DDD boobs and a saggy belly on my 5’2 frame. From my initial consultation with Dr. Copeland I loved her, she was open, honest, listened to my concerns and understood what I wanted and answered all my questions . Her and the staff ( Jane and Stephanie) were extremely helpful and very attentive to my needs. Dr. Copeland did an outstanding job on me and I absolutely love the results. I am now a full C, I feel like a new young person and have the body to prove it. Thank you Dr. Copeland, you are a miracle worker, you have truly changed my life ad have given me greater self-confidence. Thank you Dr. Copeland team taking good care of me.

“Our daughter’s surgery is her dream come true”

Breast Asymmetry

Please accept our very deep appreciation. Our daughter’s surgery is her dream come true and without you it would never have been possible. For the first time she is able to buy clothes that look like “what the other girls wear.” We are forever in your debt.

Schedule Your Consultation

If you are bothered by the changes that childbirth has made to your body, consider learning more about a Mommy Makeover in New York City at the practice of Dr. Michele Copeland and Dr. Libby Copeland-Halperin. To schedule your initial consultation, please contact our office or use our website to fill out a consultation request form.