Body Contouring
Mommy Makeover in Montclair, NJ, with Dr. Caroline Szpalski
Pregnancy and breastfeeding can create significant changes to a woman’s body that can be difficult to correct with diet and exercise alone. Post-pregnancy cosmetic surgery, commonly called a mommy makeover, can help restore unwanted changes like lost breast volume and weakened abdominal muscles to rejuvenate your body and help you reclaim your confidence and identity.
Fellowship-trained female plastic surgeon Dr. Caroline Szpalski and her team will help you develop a customized body-contouring strategy to restore your pre-baby body and achieve your aesthetic goals, making her your choice as one of the best mommy makeover plastic surgeons in the tri-state area of NJ.
Contact us today at (646) 777-0170 or complete our online form to schedule your consultation today! We are located in Glen Ridge, NJ, and proudly serve patients in the Montclair, Bloomfield, Glen Ridge, Clifton, The Oranges, Paramus, and Franklin’s Lakes areas.
What is a New Jersey Mommy Makeover?
A mommy makeover is a collection of procedures that create a post-pregnancy body transformation. Many of these procedures address cosmetic issues simultaneously to restore your pre-pregnancy body. Mommy makeovers are highly customizable to address each patient’s unique needs and aesthetic goals.
Mommy makeover procedures offer many benefits, including:
- Reduce stubborn fat and redundant skin in the abdomen, hips, and thighs
- Tighten and repair weakened or injured abdominal muscles (diastasis recti)
- Create a firmer, flatter abdomen
- Address C-section scars and stretch marks
- Rejuvenate breast appearance, correcting sagging or lost volume
- Restore sleeker and more contoured figure
- Renew confidence and self-image
- Enhance overall shape and tone
- Produce better-proportioned contours
Mommy makeover procedures are not intended for weight loss; instead, this post-baby body surgery plan intends to improve your overall contours to help restore your identity. Dr. Szpalski recommends that candidates should be close to their ideal, stable weight before surgery to obtain optimal results.
What Procedures are Included in a NJ Mommy Makeover?
Each mommy makeover is designed to address your unique body contouring after pregnancy concerns. During your consultation, Dr. Szpalski will develop a customized post-pregnancy cosmetic surgery plan to help you accomplish your goals. Mommy makeover procedures may include:
Breast Rejuvenation Procedures
Pregnancy and breastfeeding take a toll on the appearance of the breasts. Breast procedures like breast lift, breast lift with implants, breast reduction, or breast augmentation after pregnancy can help tighten, lift, or restore lost volume to address many of the concerns women experience. Dr. Szpalski will help you determine which breast rejuvenation procedure will best restore your breasts.
During pregnancy, unwanted fat can accumulate or get redistributed. Liposuction surgically removes excess fat from many locations, including the abdomen, back, arms, thighs, buttocks, and more.
Stubborn fat or loose, redundant skin can impact the appearance of the abdomen. To rejuvenate the abdominal region and repair abdominal muscles, body contouring after pregnancy procedures, like a tummy tuck, can help you achieve a flatter, firmer midsection, enhancing your overall figure.
Why Choose Dr. Caroline Szpalski as Your Mommy Makeover Surgeon in New Jersey?
Fellowship trained in microsurgery and the most complex cases in the world at MD Anderson, Dr. Caroline Szpalski is a female plastic surgeon born into a family of caregivers and knew from an early age she wanted to become a surgeon. Growing up in Africa and Europe, Dr. Szpalski’s unique multiracial and multicultural upbringing offers her a distinct perception of beauty, identity, colors, and cultures. As such, she brings this unique perspective to her plastic surgery practice.
As a busy surgeon, wife, mother, and New Yorker, Dr. Szpalski understands the diverse challenges many of her patients face. Dr. Szpalski is known for her attention to detail and her kind and caring demeanor. With a less is more philosophy, Dr. Szpalski tailors her approach to each patient’s needs with meticulous detailing to provide natural-looking, long-lasting results for a sense of timeless elegance.
Your Mommy Makeover Consultation with Dr. Szpalski in Glen Ridge, NJ
Patient consultations are essential to Dr. Szpalski’s practice. She uses this time to identify your goals and realistic expectations to ensure she is the right surgeon for you. Dr. Szpalski understands that seeing a plastic surgeon is an exciting time for many patients, but it can also cause anxiety or apprehension. For this reason, Dr. Szpalski provides a warm, welcoming, judgment-free environment, making it safe to share your insecurities.
Dr. Szpalski sincerely and compassionately addresses patient inquiries. She thoroughly explains every phase of the procedure, ensuring patients are well-informed about potential complications. This approach empowers patients to make decisions about their cosmetic procedures confidently. If she believes the surgery isn’t the right fit or won’t achieve the desired outcomes, Dr. Szpalski won’t proceed with it.
Meet Caroline Szpalski, MD
Female Plastic Surgeon in New Jersey
Rediscover your identity with the help of Dr. Caroline Szpalski, a board-certified and fellowship-trained plastic surgeon in New Jersey. With a unique multicultural upbringing and a European flair, Dr. Szpalski crafts elegant sophistication into every natural-looking patient transformation. Dr. Szpalski takes a less-is-more approach to plastic surgery to help patients maintain and appreciate their unique appearance and cultural beauty. No matter your aesthetic goals, start your journey toward a more confident you by scheduling your consultation with Dr. Szpalski and her expert team today!
Am I an Ideal Candidate for a Glen Ridge, NJ Mommy Makeover?
The unwanted changes that affect your body after pregnancy and childbirth don’t have to be permanent. Taking care of yourself and becoming comfortable in your own skin is essential. Mommy makeover procedures can dramatically improve your self-image and confidence.
Patients should wait at least a year after their final pregnancy and at least six months after completing breastfeeding before considering a mommy makeover.
Candidates interested in mommy makeover should:
- Be in good physical and mental health
- Not smoke, or be willing to quit at least eight weeks before and after surgery
- Be finished having children and breastfeeding
- Be at a healthy, stable weight for at least six months
- Have realistic expectations
- Understand the mommy makeover risks and benefits
Unfortunately, mommy makeover procedures are not an ideal solution for every patient. Those who are not good candidates include patients who:
- Plan on losing a significant amount of weight
- Have a BMI higher than 30
- Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant
- Are breastfeeding
- Have poorly controlled or chronic medical conditions
- Are smokers who cannot quit for the appropriate timeframe
Preparing for a Mommy Makeover on New Jersey
Before a mommy makeover procedure, being physically and mentally healthy is essential. While each mommy makeover procedure will be unique, here is some general information to help you prepare.
- Before surgery is not a good time to start a new diet. You should be at a stable weight and avoid crash dieting or weight fluctuations. Stick to a consistent exercise regimen and well-rounded diet with no significant nutritional deficits.
- Proper nutrition supports a successful recovery. Eat healthy, balanced meals with plenty of proteins to optimize surgery results and recovery.
- Stay well-hydrated before and after your procedure.
- If recommended, see your primary physician for a full examination and appropriate testing, such as blood work or a mammogram, to ensure you are medically cleared for surgery.
- For two weeks prior to and after surgery, refrain from specific medications, vitamins, and supplements that increase the risk of bleeding or bruising.
- If you currently smoke, vape, or use any nicotine products, you must quit. Patients should stop smoking for at least eight weeks before surgery and until recovery is complete.
- Prepare your home and schedule for recovery by purchasing supplies you’ll need, filling pain medication prescriptions, freezing meals for easy preparation, or arranging a comfortable place to rest.
- Arrange for a trusted friend or family member to drive you home from your procedure and assist you with household management or childcare for a few weeks.
New Jersey Mommy Makeover Procedure Overview
Dr. Szpalski performs all mommy makeover procedures in fully accredited facilities at Freedom Surgical Center, St. Joseph’s Health University Medical Center, or Hudson Regional Hospital.
On the day of your mommy makeover, you’ll arrive approximately 2 hours prior to your scheduled surgery to meet with Dr. Szpalski and your anesthesia provider. Dr. Szpalski will review your surgery details and answer any final questions you have.
During your consultation, Dr. Szpalski will discuss how she will proceed with your mommy makeover procedures, the order of which will depend on your anatomy and specific goals. Dr Szpalski will then mark your body for the surgery. Depending on the procedures included, a mommy makeover can last for two to six hours.
Montclair, NJ Mommy Makeover Recovery
Generally, mommy makeovers are outpatient procedures, so you will need someone to drive you to and from the surgical facility and stay with you for at least 24 hours.
Following your mommy makeover surgery, your incision sites will be sutured and dressed. You may also be fitted with compression garments or bandages to minimize swelling and support your new contours. You may need to wear compression garments for four to six weeks.
Some procedures require the insertion of a drain to avoid fluid collection. Typically, these are removed one to two weeks following surgery. After your procedure, you should expect swelling or bruising, and you may feel tender, uncomfortable, or numb in the treated areas.
Mommy makeover recovery time greatly depends upon the procedures included. Most patients need approximately two weeks off work for the initial recovery. It’s essential to get plenty of rest during recovery. Ask for assistance completing tasks, especially if you have young children, pets, or others you care for.
While most patients can resume light work in two to three weeks, it’s important to avoid strenuous exercises and activities for at least six weeks. Instead, take short walks to promote circulation and healing.
How Soon Will I See My NJ Mommy Makeover Results?
Immediately following surgery, some mommy makeover patients may notice dramatic results to their overall figure. However, patients should expect swelling and bruising that may temporarily obscure their results. Depending on the extent of the procedures involved, residual swelling may take three to six months to subside, revealing full aesthetic results.
You’ll experience long-lasting results from your mommy makeover by maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine and thoroughly following all post-operative instructions.
How Much Does a Mommy Makeover Cost in New Jersey?
As mommy makeover procedures are highly customizable with multiple operations, the cost varies by patient. During your consultation, Dr. Szpalski will determine your mommy makeover plan’s scope and cost.
Transform Your Figure with a Mommy Makeover!
Restore your confidence and reclaim your identity when you partner with Dr. Szpalski, one of the best mommy makeover surgeons in Glen Ridge, NJ! Learn about mommy makeover near-me options in Newark, NJ, by calling (646) 777-0170 or completing our online form to schedule your consultation today.
Glen Ridge, NJ Mommy Makeover FAQs
Which procedures will a mommy makeover include?
A mommy makeover usually includes a combination of procedures depending on your desires and needs. Dr. Szpalski will discuss with you and elaborate on a unique treatment plan that fits your body and desire. Most mommy makeovers include a combination of breast surgery (breast augmentation, breast reduction, breast lift) and a tummy tuck/liposuction procedure. Every mommy makeover surgery is personalized to meet each woman’s unique goals or needs.
- Breast rejuvenation after having children corrects changes in the breasts that inevitably occur with pregnancy. Most women wish to address breast deflation or sagging and to regain their former perkier and youthful breasts. Breast augmentation (with an implant or fat grafting), breast lift (mastopexy), combination lift and implant, or breast reduction are procedures commonly sought by moms to rejuvenate their breasts.
- A tummy tuck is often the foundation of a Mommy Makeover. Pregnancy creates permanent changes in most Moms’ tummies: excess abdominal skin, stretch marks, persistent tummy fat, separated and stretched-out abdominal muscles with loss of tone, and a bulging tummy contour. Abdominoplasty surgery creates a firmer, flatter belly, removes stretch marks, corrects abdominal laxity, and creates a slimmer silhouette.
- Liposuction is a body contouring procedure that eliminates stubborn fat deposits from specific body areas. With less downtime than more invasive surgical procedures, liposuction is a simple and effective way for Moms to treat persistent fat stores once they have achieved their optimal weight and become physically fit after having children.
- After repeated vaginal deliveries, with age or for congenital reasons, the labia minora (inner lips of the vulva) can hang lower and develop redundancy. Moms interested in labiaplasty seek cosmetic or functional improvement in this area. Labiaplasty creates a more neat appearance to the external genitalia; occasionally, excess tissue around the clitoral hood is also carefully trimmed as part of the procedure.
How long does a mommy makeover surgery take?
The mommy makeover consists of several procedures done at the same time. The surgery generally lasts between 3-5 hours. The times vary due to differences in what each woman wants to have done. Depending on the procedures included in your mommy makeover, it can take from 3 hours to 5 hours. Again, this will depend on your body and and the procedures scheduled for you.
Do I need to lose weight before a mommy makeover?
We usually recommend that our patients are within 15 pounds of their goal weight when they consider plastic surgery. We want you to have the best and long-lasting result possible. Aside from being at a healthy body weight, women should wait at least six months after giving birth before considering mommy makeover surgery. If you are unsure about whether you are at the right body weight to consider this cosmetic procedure, it’s important to consult with Dr. Szpalski to assess your goals and ideal surgery timeline.
Of note, while it is true that some fat will be removed during your mommy makeover, patients will not lose a significant amount of weight. Patients might lose a few pounds after their makeover day, but it should not be the primary goal.
How should I prepare for a mommy makeover?
In preparing for mommy makeover surgery, you may be asked to:
- Get lab testing or a medical clearance
- Take certain medications or adjust your current medications
- Stop smoking at least 8 weeks prior to the surgery
- Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements as they can increase bleeding
- Do not drink alcohol for the two weeks prior to the surgery to avoid excess bleeding and anesthesia complications
- Be within 15lbs of your goal weight
- Arrange for someone to help you watch your children, as you will have to rest for the days following your surgery
- Go grocery shopping and buy easy-to-prepare food and snacks that are low in sodium.
- Pre-fill your painkiller prescriptions so that you do not have to worry about doing so after your surgery
- Arrange for a comfortable place to sleep post-surgery.
- Wear comfortable clothing to your surgical appointment, typically bottoms with an elastic waistband and a top that buttons or snaps up.
The day before surgery, make sure that you don’t:
- Drink alcohol immediately before your surgery, as alcohol can complicate your Mommy Makeover and your reaction to anesthesia.
- Shave the day before or the day of your surgery, as this can increase your risk for infection.
- Eat or drink anything after midnight the day before your surgery.
Mommy makeover surgery is typically performed in a hospital or ambulatory surgery setting and will use general anesthesia. Some follow-up procedures may be performed on an outpatient basis, and local anesthesia with sedation may be used. These decisions will be based on the requirements of your specific procedure and in consideration of your preferences and your doctor’s best judgment.
How soon after giving birth can I get a mommy makeover?
We usually recommend waiting at least 6-12 months after giving birth. If you are breastfeeding, we recommend waiting at least six months after you are done breastfeeding to consider a mommy makeover.
Should I wait until I'm done having kids before getting a mommy makeover?
We usually recommend that women ensure they are done having children before having an abdominoplasty or mommy makeover. This isn’t because of pregnancy safety but rather to provide you with a long-lasting result.
What is the recovery time for a mommy makeover?
The recovery will depend on which procedure you will undergo. For most women undergoing breast and abdominal surgery, a recovery of approximately 4 to 6 weeks is expected. Everyone is different, and recovery is different for everyone. You will need to be off exercise and heavy activities that raise heart rate or blood pressure (including carrying children and pets) for six weeks.
When can I start to exercise after a mommy makeover?
Exercise and a healthy diet are integral to maintaining the results of your mommy makeover. We recommend walking starting from day 1.
You can typically start walking for fitness again after around 3 – 4 weeks, but you may need to wait 6 – 8 weeks to resume more strenuous cardio and a few months before doing crunches and lifting weights.
What should I wear after a mommy makeover?
Immediately after your tummy tuck, your abdomen will be wrapped in dressings and dressed in compressive garnment to mitigate swelling. On the way to your procedure, wear loose, baggy clothing that can be easily removed. We recommend a loose pair of drawstring pants as well as a button-up or zip-up shirt that is large enough to wear easily over the bandages and possible compression garments. We strongly recommend against wearing a top that requires you to reach over your head.
First Week Post-Op
For the first week post-op, you should continue to wear loose-fitting, soft, comfy clothes. Some women prefer to wear a soft, loose dress rather than a baggy shirt and sweatpants. Whether you prefer pants or a dress, we strongly recommend investing in a soft bathrobe.
Depending on the extent of your procedure, you may need to wear a medical-grade compression garment or regular Spanx garment for up to six weeks or longer. This should be worn at all times except for when you bathe.
Six to Eight Weeks Post-Op
After your post-tummy tuck recovery, your wardrobe will fit differently. Depending on how much fat and excess skin was removed, you may find that you go down a pants size or two. If you didn’t have much fat and excess skin removed, your clothes might not go down a size. However, your waist will look flatter and leaner without a soft tummy hanging out over your pants.
How do I sleep after a mommy makeover?
Keeping the abdomen flexed helps alleviate tension in the area and keeps your new breasts in a natural position. Many patients sleep in a recliner the first weeks after surgery, while others use a wedge pillow while in bed. Choose whichever option makes you feel most comfortable.
Is it safe to perform multiple procedures during a mommy makeover?
Yes, in good and careful hands, it is safe. For Dr. Szpalski, safety is her primary concern, and she will carefully assess your medical history to evaluate if you can safely undergo multiple surgeries on the same day.
There are several reasons why both patients and surgeons choose a combination procedure. Having two different procedures the traditional way can take weeks or months of healing between surgeries – time which many people don’t have. Combining procedures reduces the overall time on the operation table, time under anesthesia, total cost, recovery time, and more. Procedures like a mommy makeover can have a lessened overall recovery time than if the surgeons performed each of the procedures independently, and they can provide a more harmonious result when done at the same time.
