Interview by Kelly Postiglione.
Meet Dr. Chris Devulapalli, a board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in breast and body procedures. Based at Specialized Plastic Surgery in Westchester, Dr. Devulapalli combines advanced surgical expertise with a genuine passion for helping patients feel confident and comfortable in their own skin. In our interview, he shares insights on post-pregnancy body changes, the realities of recovery, common misconceptions about cosmetic surgery, and a few of his favorite local spots.
Can you share a little about your background and what led you to specialize in breast and body procedures?
I’ve always been drawn to the combination of art and science in medicine, and plastic surgery is where those two worlds really come together. I trained in general and plastic surgery at Georgetown University Hospital and completed a microsurgery fellowship, focusing on complex breast reconstruction and aesthetic surgery.
But what led me to specialize in breast and body procedures was my patients. Whether it’s restoring confidence after pregnancy, helping a breast cancer survivor feel whole again, or simply making someone feel like the best version of themselves, I love being part of that journey.
Many of our readers are moms whose bodies have changed post-pregnancy. What are the most common concerns women come to you with, and how can your procedures help? The term “mommy makeover” is popular, but what exactly does it include, and who is a good candidate?
One of the most common things I hear from moms is, “I just want to feel like myself again.” Pregnancy, breastfeeding, and the everyday demands of motherhood can really change the body in ways that diet and exercise alone can’t always fix.
The biggest concerns I see? Sagging or deflated breasts, stubborn areas of fat that won’t budge no matter how many workouts you do, and loose abdominal skin—especially after C-sections. Many moms also mention feeling a loss of core strength due to diastasis recti, where the abdominal muscles separate during pregnancy. That can lead to back pain, a stubborn lower belly pooch, and just not feeling as strong as you used to.
That’s where procedures like a mommy makeover come in. This is a customized combination of breast and body procedures—typically a breast lift and/or augmentation, a tummy tuck to repair muscle separation, and liposuction to contour the waistline. The goal isn’t to create an exaggerated look—it’s about restoring what’s changed and helping you feel confident in your body again.
I always tell my patients: this isn’t about chasing “perfection.” It’s about feeling great in your own skin—whether that means rocking a swimsuit with confidence or just feeling like your clothes fit the way they used to.
What do you think is the biggest misconception about cosmetic surgery, especially for moms?
One of the biggest misconceptions I hear from moms is, “I don’t have time to recover—I have kids, a job, a million responsibilities!” Moms are used to putting everyone else first, and the idea of taking time for yourself can feel impossible.
But here’s the thing: recovery is more manageable than most people think. With modern surgical techniques, better pain management, and a well-thought-out plan, most moms are up and moving within a few days and back to their normal routines much sooner than they expect. Plus, you don’t have to do it alone! I always encourage patients to lean on their support system—partners, family, friends—because taking care of yourself ultimately helps you take better care of everyone else.
Another misconception? That cosmetic surgery is just about vanity. In reality, so many moms come to me not just because they want to look better, but because they want to feel better. Things like abdominal muscle separation can cause back pain and weakness, overly large or sagging breasts can lead to discomfort, and extra skin can make exercise and daily movement harder. Correcting these issues isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about function, comfort, and confidence.
At the end of the day, self-care isn’t selfish. If doing something for yourself makes you feel stronger, happier, and more like you again, then it’s absolutely worth it.
Recovery time is a big concern for busy moms. What does the healing process look like for procedures like a tummy tuck or breast lift?
I totally get it. Moms don’t get “time off,” so the idea of recovering from surgery can feel overwhelming. But with the right plan, it’s absolutely doable, and most moms tell me after the fact that it was so worth it.
Let’s break it down:
To support your healing process, we implement Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols, which include comprehensive guidelines for nutrition, sleep, hydration, and pain management.
For a tummy tuck, the first week is the toughest. You’ll be sore, walking a little hunched over at first, and you’ll need help with things like lifting kids, bending, and household chores. I tell moms to line up extra support—whether it’s a partner, family, or even meal prepping ahead of time to make life easier. By week two, you’re standing up straighter, moving more comfortably, and doing light daily tasks. Most are driving by the two-week mark, and by four to six weeks, you’re getting back to exercise and full activity.
For a breast lift, recovery is a little easier. The first few days, you’ll be sore and want to take it easy, but you’ll be up and moving right away. You’ll need to avoid heavy lifting (sorry, no picking up toddlers!) for about two weeks, and no strenuous exercise for about a month. But compared to a tummy tuck, most moms feel back to themselves faster.
The key for both? Ask for help and plan ahead.
What are some of your favorite things to do in Westchester during your free time?
When I’m not in the operating room, you’ll probably find me on my bike. I’m an avid cyclist, so I spend a lot of time riding through Westchester’s beautiful roads. It’s my way of staying active and clearing my mind.
But when I’m not clipped to a bike, I love exploring everything Westchester has to offer. We have some amazing parks and trails. On weekends, I’ll often grab a bite at one of the great local spots. Westchester is such a fantastic place and I love being part of this community.
We love to support local businesses! What are some of your favorite spots here in the Sound Shore area?
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Stanz Cafe (@stanzcafe)
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Producer Coffee (@theproducercoffee)
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Casa D’Italia Deli (@casaditaliia)
We’re incredibly grateful for our amazing community and the wonderful people and places that make it so special. Explore our Blog page for features that spotlight local businesses and more. Looking for something to do in the Sound Shore area? Check out our Local Guides and Calendar pages to discover what’s happening locally and follow along on Instagram for more!