⚕️ This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Individual results vary. Consult Dr. Frew directly for guidance specific to your situation.
Pregnancy and motherhood change your body in beautiful and lasting ways. But many women find that after having children, certain changes—like stretched skin, separated abdominal muscles, or changes in breast shape—don't respond to diet and exercise. If you feel like your reflection no longer matches how you feel inside, you're not alone.
A mommy makeover is a personalized combination of procedures designed to address these concerns together. At Opus Plastic Surgery, Dr. Tyler Frew, MD, a board-certified plastic surgeon (American Board of Plastic Surgery), helps women throughout the Inland Empire restore confidence in their post-baby body through thoughtful, customized surgical planning.
This guide covers everything you need to know about post-pregnancy body restoration, including which procedures are involved, what recovery looks like, and how to know if it's the right choice for you.
What Is a Mommy Makeover?
A mommy makeover isn't a single operation. It's a combined cosmetic surgery approach that targets the areas most affected by pregnancy and breastfeeding—usually the breasts and abdomen.
By combining procedures into one surgical session, you can often address multiple concerns at once. This may mean a single recovery period instead of several, and results that work together for a more balanced overall appearance.
Every plan is unique. Dr. Frew designs each mommy makeover around your body, your goals, and your medical history—because results vary by patient.
Schedule your personalized consultation with Dr. Frew today Get First Access →
Common Mommy Makeover Procedures
The beauty of a mommy makeover is its flexibility. Here are the most common mommy makeover procedures included in a customized plan.
Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
Pregnancy stretches the abdominal wall, and for many women the skin and muscles don't bounce back. A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, addresses two issues at once:
- Excess skin removal across the lower abdomen
- Diastasis recti repair, which tightens the abdominal muscles that separate during pregnancy
The result can often be a flatter, firmer midsection that diet alone cannot achieve.
Learn more about tummy tuck surgery
Breast Lift or Breast Augmentation
Breastfeeding and pregnancy can leave breasts with less volume, more sagging, or a change in shape. Depending on your goals, your plan may include:
- A breast lift (mastopexy) to raise and reshape sagging breasts
- Breast augmentation to restore lost volume with implants
- A tummy tuck and breast lift combo for full upper- and lower-body restoration
For women who want both lift and volume, combining a lift with implants is a popular option.
Liposuction and Body Contouring
Stubborn pockets of fat around the hips, flanks, and abdomen often linger after pregnancy. Liposuction can refine these areas and enhance the overall shape of your results.
Dr. Frew completed advanced HD liposuction training under Dr. Alfredo Hoyos, the creator of the High Definition Liposuction technique. This experience informs his approach to body contouring, helping create smooth, natural-looking definition when liposuction is part of your plan.
Benefits of Combining Procedures
Why do so many women choose to combine procedures rather than spacing them out? There are several practical advantages.
- One recovery period. Instead of taking time off for multiple surgeries, you recover once.
- Coordinated results. Procedures are planned together for a balanced outcome.
- Cost efficiency. Combining surgeries can often reduce total facility and anesthesia fees.
- Emotional convenience. For busy moms, one procedure and one recovery may fit better into life.
That said, combining procedures isn't right for everyone. Your health, goals, and the extent of surgery all factor into whether a combined approach is safe and appropriate for you.
Mommy Makeover Surgery in the Inland Empire
Choosing the right surgeon matters just as much as choosing the right procedures. Mommy makeover surgery in the Inland Empire is available at Opus Plastic Surgery, where patients from across San Bernardino County and the greater Los Angeles area come to work with Dr. Frew.
As a board-certified plastic surgeon (American Board of Plastic Surgery), Dr. Frew brings surgical precision and an artistic eye to each post-pregnancy body restoration plan. His practice in Upland serves women who want a thoughtful, individualized experience rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
Finding the best mommy makeover surgeon in San Bernardino County comes down to trust, credentials, and clear communication—qualities that guide every consultation at Opus.
Read more about our mommy makeover approach
What to Expect During Recovery
Understanding mommy makeover recovery time helps you plan ahead—both for yourself and your family.
Recovery varies depending on which procedures you combine. In many cases, the first one to two weeks involve the most rest, with limited lifting and activity. Most patients typically feel more like themselves within four to six weeks, though full results continue to develop over several months.
Here are a few general recovery tips:
- Arrange help at home, especially with young children, for the first week or two.
- Follow all activity restrictions to protect your healing tissues.
- Attend your follow-up appointments so Dr. Frew can monitor your progress.
- Be patient—swelling can take time to fully resolve, and results vary by patient.
Your surgical team will give you personalized instructions based on your specific plan.
Book a consultation to build your custom mommy makeover plan Get First Access →
Understanding Mommy Makeover Cost
Mommy makeover cost in California depends on several factors, and there's no single price that applies to everyone.
Your total investment may vary based on:
- Which mommy makeover procedures you choose
- The complexity and length of your surgery
- Facility and anesthesia fees
- Post-operative care and garments
Because every plan is custom, the most accurate way to understand cost is through a personal consultation. During your visit, you'll receive a detailed quote tailored to your specific goals, along with information about any available financing options.
Is a Mommy Makeover Right for You?
The best candidates are generally healthy women who have finished having children, are at a stable weight, and have realistic expectations. A consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon is the only way to know for sure.
During your visit, Dr. Frew will review your health history, discuss your goals, and explain which procedures may help you achieve the look you're after. Together, you'll create a plan that fits your body and your life.
Take the First Step Toward Your Post-Baby Body
Motherhood is a gift—and choosing to invest in yourself afterward is something you deserve. Whether you're considering a tummy tuck and breast lift combo, liposuction, or a full combination, Opus Plastic Surgery is here to guide you with expertise and care.
Contact Opus Plastic Surgery in Upland to schedule your consultation Get First Access →
Frequently Asked Questions
What procedures are included in a mommy makeover?
A mommy makeover is customized to each patient, but it commonly includes a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), breast lift or breast augmentation, and liposuction. Some plans also include diastasis recti repair to tighten separated abdominal muscles. Your exact combination depends on your goals and what Dr. Frew recommends after your consultation.
How much does a mommy makeover cost in Upland, CA?
The cost of a mommy makeover varies based on which procedures you choose, the length of your surgery, and facility and anesthesia fees. Because every plan is personalized, there's no single flat price. The best way to get an accurate estimate—along with financing options—is to schedule a consultation for a customized quote.
How long is the recovery after a mommy makeover?
Recovery time varies by patient and by which procedures are combined. In many cases, the first one to two weeks require the most rest and limited activity. Most patients typically resume normal routines within four to six weeks, though swelling may continue to improve and final results develop over several months.
Am I a good candidate for a mommy makeover?
Good candidates are generally healthy women at a stable weight who have realistic expectations about surgery. Combining procedures isn't right for everyone, so a personal evaluation is essential. Dr. Frew will review your health history and goals during your consultation to determine whether a mommy makeover is a safe and appropriate option for you.
Should I wait until I'm done having children to get a mommy makeover?
Most surgeons recommend waiting until you've finished having children before a mommy makeover. Future pregnancies can stretch the skin and muscles again, which may affect your results. While it's a personal decision, planning your surgery after your family is complete can often help protect your investment—results vary by patient.
Risks & Considerations
Complication Rates vs. Individual Procedures
The most recent meta-analysis (8 studies, 138,020 patients) found no significant difference in overall complications between combined abdominoplasty-breast surgery and isolated procedures (OR 1.11; 95% CI 0.63–1.96), a nonsignificant reduction versus abdominoplasty alone (OR 0.66; 95% CI 0.37–1.16), but a significantly increased risk versus isolated breast surgery alone (OR 2.71; 95% CI 1.74–4.23).
Complication Profile
Most complications are minor and wound-related; serious systemic events (VTE, death) are rare but drive the principal safety concerns. A 10-year series of 268 combined patients found an overall complication rate of 34%, with abdominoplasty seroma and scars requiring revision accounting for 68% of complications — and no deaths, pulmonary embolism, or DVT. A larger database study of 26,771 patients found a 30-day overall complication rate of 5.0%, higher for combined versus staged procedures (7.6% vs 4.2%; adjusted OR 1.91). Combining abdominoplasty with mastopexy did not significantly increase risk, whereas adding trunk liposuction (adjusted OR 4.84) or augmentation mammaplasty (adjusted OR 1.60) did.
Reoperation
Reoperation rate was 13% in the 268-patient series above.
Modifiable Risk Factors
Higher BMI, smoking, longer operative time, and combining additional procedures — especially trunk liposuction — increase complication risk.
References
- Skorochod R, Wolf Y. "Risk of Concomitant Abdominoplasty and Breast Surgery versus Isolated Procedures: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis." Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, 2026.
- Stevens WG, Repta R, Pacella SJ, Tenenbaum MJ, Cohen R, Vath SD, Stoker DA. "Safe and Consistent Outcomes of Successfully Combining Breast Surgery and Abdominoplasty: An Update." Aesthetic Surgery Journal, 2009.
- Schafer RE, Blazel MM, Nowacki AS, Schwarz GS. "Risk of Complications in Combined Plastic Surgery Procedures Using the Tracking Operations and Outcomes for Plastic Surgeons Database." Aesthetic Surgery Journal, 2023.