Body Contouring
Tummy Tuck in Montclair, NJ – Dr. Caroline Szpalski
Why Patients Love Their Abdominoplasty Results with Dr. Szpalski
For many people striving for a flat, toned abdomen, even a dedicated diet and exercise routine often cannot resolve excess skin and stubborn fat. When these concerns persist, a tummy tuck—also known as abdominoplasty—can deliver dramatic and lasting results. Dr. Caroline Szpalski, a fellowship-trained, board-certified plastic surgeon in Montclair, NJ, is known for her expertise, compassion, and personalized approach to tummy tuck surgery. Her patients routinely regain self-confidence and enjoy a firmer, smoother abdomen with natural-looking results.
What Is a Tummy Tuck?
Abdominoplasty is a cosmetic surgery designed to remove extra skin and fat from the abdominal area and restore firmness by tightening muscles that may have become weak or separated. This procedure is particularly beneficial for people whose abdominal contours have changed due to major weight loss, pregnancy, or the natural aging process, resulting in sagging skin and less waist definition.
Ideal candidates for abdominoplasty typically have concerns about loose skin and diminished abdominal tone after significant weight changes, childbirth, or aging. Following surgery, many patients experience improved comfort in their clothes, better posture, and a noticeable lift in self-esteem and overall well-being.
Those who opt for a tummy tuck frequently describe feeling more confident in their appearance, enjoying greater ease when choosing outfits and experiencing an enhanced quality of life. Dr. Szpalski’s patients in Montclair, NJ, often express satisfaction with the transformative impact of their abdominoplasty results.
Am I a Candidate for a Tummy Tuck in New Jersey?
Good candidates for New Jersey tummy tucks are generally healthy but want to address redundant skin and fat in the abdominal region. These patients are looking to take charge of their overall health, enhance their physique, and become comfortable in their own skin.
A tummy tuck is a body contouring procedure rather than a weight loss substitute, so candidates should be near their ideal weight. During your consultation, Dr. Szpalski will discuss your anticipated results to ensure your expectations are anatomically accomplishable.
Candidates interested in a Montclair tummy tuck should:
- Be in good physical and mental health and living a healthy lifestyle
- Not smoke, or be willing to quit at least six weeks prior to and after surgery
- Be at a healthy, stable weight for at least six months
- Have no conditions that impair healing
- Have realistic expectations
- Understand the surgical risks and benefits
As a female plastic surgeon, Dr. Szpalski intimately understands how a woman’s feelings about her body can influence her self-image, her self-esteem, and her femininity, and we aim to give you the result you are looking for. At your abdominoplasty consultation, your surgeon will spend a great deal of time with you to get to know you personally and take a complete medical history. We will explore your reasons for seeking a tummy tuck, examine your abdomen, and if you are an appropriate candidate for surgery, your options will be described in detail.
What Are the Different Kinds of NJ Tummy Tucks?
Traditional Abdominoplasty
Most tummy tucks fall into the category of traditional abdominoplasty. This procedure removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen, sutures the muscles of the abdominal wall back together in the midline, removes stretch marks that lie between the belly button or navel (umbilicus) and the pubic region, and addresses the entire abdominal wall from the xiphoid process below the sternum to the pubic bone. Abdominal skin is pulled downward, and all excess skin and fat is removed. A small opening is made to bring the belly button through, allowing for smooth redraping of the abdominal skin downwards. Standard abdominoplasty is the gold standard for abdominal body contouring and achieves all the goals of a tummy tuck.
Mini Tummy Tuck
Some patients have smaller fat deposits and less excess skin, making them candidates for a mini tummy tuck. Mini tummy tucks address the lower portion of the abdomen—beneath the belly button—and leave a smaller scar with less recovery time. A mini abdominoplasty refers to a procedure that removes only a limited amount of abdominal skin exclusively in the lower abdominals. The navel is not relocated, and upper abdominal skin, fat, or bulge are not addressed. The lower abdominal scar is typically the same or slightly shorter than a standard abdominoplasty. Most women seeking rejuvenation of their tummies after pregnancy require the traditional tummy tuck procedure to address recontouring of the entire abdominal wall and to ensure the best aesthetic results.
Vertical Abdominoplasty
Patients who have had massive weight loss are candidates for vertical abdominoplasty. This procedure removes skin in a horizontal direction (standard abdominoplasty) and in a vertical direction to decrease the abdominal circumference. An additional vertical scar extending upward from the low horizontal incision to above the belly button is required, and the excision pattern is similar to a “Fleur du Lis” shape. Occasionally, the entire torso is addressed by way of a circumferential lower body lift.
Why Patients Are Thrilled with Their Tummy Tuck Surgery
Dramatic Changes in Abdominal Appearance
Patients are often amazed by the significant transformation in their abdominal area following a tummy tuck. By removing stubborn fat and loose skin, Dr. Szpalski helps patients achieve a smoother, firmer, and flatter stomach that looks more toned and youthful. Many individuals who previously felt self-conscious about their midsection find renewed confidence when wearing swimsuits, fitted clothing, or everyday outfits.
Dramatic Changes in Abdominal Appearance
Patients are often amazed by the significant transformation in their abdominal area following a tummy tuck. By removing stubborn fat and loose skin, Dr. Szpalski helps patients achieve a smoother, firmer, and flatter stomach that looks more toned and youthful. Many individuals who previously felt self-conscious about their midsection find renewed confidence when wearing swimsuits, fitted clothing, or everyday outfits.
Dramatic Changes in Abdominal Appearance
Patients are often amazed by the significant transformation in their abdominal area following a tummy tuck. By removing stubborn fat and loose skin, Dr. Szpalski helps patients achieve a smoother, firmer, and flatter stomach that looks more toned and youthful. Many individuals who previously felt self-conscious about their midsection find renewed confidence when wearing swimsuits, fitted clothing, or everyday outfits.
Better Posture and Core Strength
In addition to the cosmetic improvements, tightening the abdominal muscles during a tummy tuck can enhance support for the spine, which may lead to improved posture and even relief from back discomfort. These functional benefits mean that patients not only look better but also feel stronger and more comfortable in daily life.
Personalized Surgical Approach
Dr. Szpalski customizes every tummy tuck to match each patient’s individual goals, body type, and concerns. She listens carefully during consultations and designs a surgical plan to deliver natural, balanced results tailored to each person. This individualized approach ensures that patients feel heard and are thrilled with their outcomes.
Why Choose Dr. Caroline Szpalski for Your Tummy Tuck in Montclair, NJ?
Fellowship-Trained, Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Szpalski brings advanced surgical experience and meticulous attention to detail, consistently achieving optimal body contouring outcomes. Her patients benefit from the highest level of safety and care.
Compassionate, Patient-Centered Care
Dr. Szpalski’s patients appreciate her warm, supportive approach. She prioritizes understanding your individual needs, and her dedication to patient satisfaction is reflected in glowing testimonials and repeat referrals.
Woman-Centered, Personalized Approach
As a female plastic surgeon and mom, Dr. Szpalski deeply understands the unique concerns of women—especially after pregnancy or weight changes. Her nurturing, nonjudgmental approach ensures every patient feels respected and supported.
Abdominoplasty Recovery in Montclair, NJ
Typically, tummy tuck surgeries 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 tummy tuck, incision sites will be sutured and dressed. You may also be fitted with a compression garment to minimize swelling and support your new contours. You should wear this support garment for six weeks. For several days following your procedure, you should expect swelling, bruising, tenderness, or numbness in the treated areas.
Some moderate discomfort and swelling are expected for a few days following abdominoplasty surgery. You will be given oral pain medication for a week or two postoperatively. Short walks and deep breathing exercises are encouraged immediately after surgery to promote circulation in the legs and lungs. Please see our Postoperative Instructions section for additional information pertaining to recovery from an abdominoplasty.
Drains will be in place for a week or two after abdominoplasty surgery to remove wound fluid while healing and to promote the flattest contour possible. Numbness, bruising, and overall tiredness are common for 2-4 weeks after surgery. It can take 3 months up to a year for all surgical swelling to subside and for the very final results of a tummy tuck to be evident.
A tummy tuck is a major operation and has significant downtime and recovery. Approximately 6 weeks off exercise and heavy activities that raise heart rate or blood pressure (including carrying children and pets) are recommended. You will need to enlist help with some activities during the immediate postoperative period.
Is a New Jersey Tummy Tuck Part of a Mommy Makeover?
A tummy tuck is often the very foundation of a Mommy Makeover! Because the muscles of the abdominal wall can be permanently separated after having children (particularly after multiple children or twin pregnancies), a tummy tuck and/or liposuction of the abdomen, flanks, and pubic fat region is often recommended to bring the abdominal muscles back together in the midline, and to recreate a flat belly and waist contour.
Please see our Mommy Makeover section to learn more.
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!
What To Expect During Your Tummy Tuck Consultation
At your initial consultation, Dr. Szpalski will:
- Assess your abdominal area
- Review your medical history
- Discuss your goals and expectations
- Explain the tummy tuck procedure and answer any questions
This thorough process guarantees you are confident and fully informed before moving forward.
Take the First Step Toward a Flatter, Smoother Abdomen!
Ready to transform your confidence and silhouette? Trust your body—and your future—to Dr. Caroline Szpalski, Montclair’s leading tummy tuck provider. Begin your journey with a personalized consultation today!
Glen Ridge, NJ Tummy Tuck FAQs
How do I choose a Tummy tuck surgeon?
When looking for a plastic surgeon, find a plastic surgeon who has completed an accredited plastic surgery residency and is board-certified.
It is also important to find a surgeon who takes the time to understand your needs and preferences. A great tummy tuck surgeon will help you get the results you want rather than what they want. To accomplish the best results possible without compromising safety, the surgeon of your choice should be thoughtful, detail-oriented, and have a keen sense of aesthetic artistry.
How should I prepare for my Tummy Tuck consultation?
During your first visit, Dr. Szpalski will review your medical history. So, be prepared to answer questions about current and past medical conditions. Talk about any medications you’re taking or have taken recently and any surgeries you’ve had. Tell your doctor if you are allergic to any medications. If your desire for a tummy tuck is related to weight loss, your doctor will likely ask detailed questions about your weight gain and loss.
Dr. Szpalski will examine you. To determine your treatment options, she will examine your abdomen and might also take pictures of your abdomen for your medical record. Be prepared to discuss your expectations. Explain why you want a tummy tuck and what you’re hoping for in terms of appearance after the procedure. Ensure you understand the procedure’s benefits and risks, including scarring. Keep in mind that previous abdominal surgery might limit your results.
How long does it take to plan a tummy tuck procedure?
Ideally, you’ll have several months to prepare for your tummy tuck surgery. Dr. Szpalski recommends most individuals give themselves three to six months to prepare, giving them time to find the right surgeon, achieve or maintain their ideal weight, and get a plan for aftercare in place.
As soon as you start thinking about a tummy tuck, it’s time to get serious about your diet and exercise habits. Eating well, drinking more water and staying active should be your focal point. If you smoke, start the process of quitting and limit your alcohol intake if you drink. These two factors can affect the way your body heals and fights off infection. Stress management is also a good thing to implement, as chronic stress can affect your health and immune response.
During your third month of preparation, you should be scheduling leave from work, making arrangements for child and animal care, and setting up your support system to help with transportation and care during the post-surgery recovery phase. This is something you and your surgeon should discuss and prepare for. By now, you should completely quit smoking. You are continuing with your health and wellness regimen and hopefully feeling great about life and excited for the transformation ahead.
The last few weeks before your surgery should be used to stock up on supplies needed for recovery and finalizing the details of your procedure. Staying as comfortable as possible in the initial stage of recovery is going to be your ultimate goal for home care, so now is the time to begin assembling your supplies. Your surgeon should provide you with a list of supplies to buy. Some extra supplies that people have found to be useful and aid in the recovery process are:
- Extra pillows
- Gauze pads
- Comfortable clothing and underwear that is easy to remove
- Ice packs and over-the-counter medication for discomfort
- Compression clothing, if prescribed
Create a meal prep plan to make and freeze food for later. Eliminating the worry of what to eat is going to reduce stress, keep you from grabbing unhealthy foods, and help you maintain your new and improved eating habits. On the day of surgery, dress comfortably and make sure you’ve followed the pre-surgery checklist your surgeon provided. You should have time to check in with your surgeon on the day of your procedure, so if you have any last-minute questions, make sure to bring those along, too.
What should I expect the day of my tummy tuck procedure?
A tummy tuck is done in a hospital or an outpatient surgical facility. During a tummy tuck, you’ll be under general anesthesia — which makes you completely unconscious and unable to feel pain. Most tummy tucks will be scheduled as outpatient surgeries (home the same day), but an overnight stay or several nights in the hospital may be recommended for complex breast reconstruction surgeries. Once asleep, your abdomen or other body areas (are prepped and draped using a sterile technique. Your head and arms are gently secured to enable changes in position from lying down to sitting upright during the procedure, helping to ensure the best possible result in all positions. At the end of your procedure, one or two drains will be inserted if necessary. Incisions are closed using dissolving “sutures” (stitches), and soft dressings or garments are placed while you are asleep. When you become aware, you will be in the recovery room and your procedure will be complete.
Please see the specific detailed information about each surgical procedure you are considering to learn more about what happens during surgery.
How long does the tummy tuck procedure take? How does it take me?
In general, a tummy tuck surgery should take around two hours to complete. However, each and every case is different, so ask your surgeon how long they expect the surgery to take, barring unforeseen complications. This information will also help you communicate with friends and family how long your tummy tuck will take.
Will you use my own belly button?
During a traditional tummy tuck, a small incision is made around the belly button to help release it from the surrounding skin. This allows Dr Szpalski to pull the remaining skin following excision tightly to ensure the stomach is flat. The belly button is then repositioned on the stomach and made to appear as natural as possible. For some patients, it is possible to use the same navel after re-draping the remaining skin over the midsection. A new opening is created, and the original belly button is stitched into place. However, in some rare instances, a completely new belly button must be reconstructed to help keep it looking natural. When large amounts of skin are removed, the original belly button can appear almost too large for the newly contoured abdomen.
Will my "abs" show?
While a tummy tuck is a transformative body contouring procedure, it cannot create a six-pack. Instead, it removes excess loose skin, which has often been stretched out as a result of pregnancy or weight gain, and tightens the abdominal muscles. If you have abs and a low percentage of fat and thin abdominal aft tissue, the abdominoplasty will reveal your abdominal muscles.
Will This Operation Help Me Lose Weight?
Many people like to get tummy tucks because they correct areas that are stubborn and hard to tighten on your own. While it isn’t a weight-loss surgery, tummy tuck surgery is ideal for both men and women who want to shape their mid-section. Many people wonder, however, if a tummy tuck is suitable to give them better-looking abs. Because there tends to be excess fat and skin in the abdominal area, the tummy tuck is an ideal procedure to reveal your abs and look fitter.
How Long Does Recovery Take?
While it can take up to 6 months to fully recover from a tummy tuck, you will make good progress after 2 to 3 weeks. Most people can return to work at the 2-week mark and resume their usual workout routine after 4 or 5 weeks. Remember, you need to recover at your own pace, so give your body time to heal.
Can I have a full body sculpting at the same time?
The short answer is yes. In fact, these common cosmetic plastic surgery procedures are performed together. When you will meet with Dr. Szpalski, she will evaluate your needs and design a personal surgical plan for you. If you are a good candidate for the procedures and you do not have any medical condition that would make a longer surgery unsafe, combining liposculpting and a tummy tuck might be the best procedure for you!
Additionally, having one combined surgery means you’ll have a:
- Reduced risk of blood loss, blood clots, and seromas (pockets of fluid beneath the skin)
- Reduced recovery time
- Reduced cost
Ultimately, one procedure means you only have to put your body through surgery once to get twice the benefits.
How Long Before I Can Exercise?
You can walk on the day of surgery. In fact, Dr. Szpalski encourages patients to walk three times the day of surgery to improve blood circulation to keep the risk of blood clots in the legs to a minimum. However, running or lifting should be avoided for six weeks after the procedure.
Patients typically return to work in approximately two weeks. The bruising will subside in a couple of weeks, and the swelling will continue diminishing until approximately three months post-procedure. The scars will continue to heal and will become thinner and lighter in color at around 12-18 months.
Can I get pregnant after a tummy tuck?
Yes, you can get pregnant after a tummy tuck. The procedure does not impair your ability to get pregnant. We usually recommend being done with having children to ensure long lasting results since pregnancy can negate the benefits of the tummy tuck procedure.
Can I Become Pregnant After an Abdominoplasty? What Happens If I do?
In general, patients who plan on getting pregnant in the future are advised to avoid tummy tuck surgery. Getting pregnant after a tummy tuck will not necessarily negate the results of the procedure; however, as your pregnancy progresses, your skin and muscles will continue to stretch and may not return to their previous contour after giving birth. It is recommended that you are finished having children before undergoing a tummy tuck for longer-lasting results.
When can I pick up my baby or toddler after a tummy tuck?
After tummy tuck surgery, you cannot lift anything heavier than a gallon of milk for six weeks. This includes lifting babies, children, or pets. Dr Szpalski will clear you and let you know when it will be safe to do so.
Will I Have Drains After the Surgery? How long will they stay?
After your surgery, if Dr. Szpalski has inserted a drain, you will empty the drain fluid and record the amount in cc’s (also known as milliliters, or mL) on the drain log. You will be given a small measuring cup at the hospital to measure the fluid produced by your body as you heal, and you will record this amount on the log each time you empty the drains. You must empty and record the fluid 2-3 times daily.
Your drains will be ready for removal when the total output is less than 20cc to 30 cc in a 24-hour period. The fluid should be light and clear yellow rather than opaque and red. Your surgeon will determine when your drains are ready for removal. They usually stay for about 1 to 2 weeks, depending on how much fluid your body is producing after the surgery.
Will Sutures Need to be Removed After Surgery?
No, Dr. Szpalski uses self-dissolving sutures.
Do you always repair the muscle?
A traditional tummy tuck addresses loose skin and fatty tissue of the stomach, both above and below the belly button. One goal of tummy tuck surgery is to remove stubborn fat and excess skin from the abdominal area. It’s also common during pregnancy or weight gain for the underlying abdominal muscles to stretch and separate to accommodate fat or a pregnancy. This is called diastasis recti. The size of this gap between the abdominal core muscles varies between individuals. Unfortunately, it cannot be reversed through diet and exercise. In addition to creating a bulge of the abdomen, it may also lead to decreased core strength and potentially other symptoms, including back pain and urinary incontinence in postpartum women. During a tummy tuck, these muscles can be tightened and sutured back into position for long-term benefits.
Pregnancy or weight gain are not always indicators that you’ll need muscle repair. Dr. Szpalski usually determines the need for muscle repair after reviewing your history and clinical examination. Postpartum women are generally candidates for muscle repair, although this is not always the case. Your candidacy depends on the amount of muscle separation, regardless of the cause. A tummy tuck can still address lax skin and stubborn fat, regardless of whether muscle repair is required or not.
What is Post-Treatment Abdominal Swelling Like?
A normal side effect after a tummy tuck is swelling, which is temporary and usually disappears within the first few weeks. As with any other type of plastic surgery, recovery after a tummy tuck takes time. Tummy tuck surgery causes changes to the patient’s lymphatic drainage system. In particular, the plastic surgeon pulls tight the abdominal skin and relocates it to a new position. As a result, the blood vessels and lymphatic vessels in the area that used to drain fluid upwards are now divided.
New lymphatic connections will form with time, but fluid cannot be drained through the lymphatic drainage vessels until then. Instead, it flows down with gravity. In addition, scar tissue stops the fluid from migrating. This fluid buildup that makes the tummy area grow larger is known as swelling or edema.
The extent of swelling may also depend on the type of tummy tuck surgery. A mini tummy tuck usually results in less swelling and recovery time than a traditional tummy tuck. Moreover, combining a tummy tuck surgery with liposuction in the abdomen or other parts of the body often produces more swelling in the affected areas.
Another thing to keep in mind is that pain medications also play a part in producing swelling in the abdomen. Pain medications may slow down the gastrointestinal tract and cause constipation and bloating. This is only temporary, though, and resolves when the patient no longer needs the medication. Minor swelling continues to exist in the area for around two months, but its extent depends on the patient’s aftercare routine and daily activities. For example, standing up for long hours will probably cause the abdominal muscles to grow large again. However, a good night’s sleep will help reduce swelling and speed up recovery.
Wearing a compression garment as directed by the plastic surgeon is one of the most crucial steps of post-operative care that speeds up the recovery process and helps relieve feelings of discomfort. Lymphatic massages help as well.
My Abdomen Feels Tight After Surgery. Will I Hurt Something If I Move?
It is normal to experience abdominal tightness after tummy tuck surgery. This tightness is often caused by the muscle being sutured in an attempt to repair diastasis recti (separated abdominal muscles). Patients can also experience abdominal tightness as a result of the loose skin being removed and the remaining skin being stitched back together. You will have to walk while hunched over for a week or two. Your incisions will likely feel sore over the first week. Although this tightness may seem alarming, it is a natural part of the healing process and will gradually dissipate after 6-12 weeks during the recovery process. You may need to lie in bed at an angle, and you likely will have problems with standing, lifting things, and general movements.
What are the most common tummy tuck complications?
Every surgical procedure comes with some inherent risk. Some of the most common risks associated with the surgery include excessive bleeding, the possibility of infection, skin loss, numbness, poor scar healing, recurring discomfort, or an accumulation of fluid near the incision point. While these risks should not necessarily make you too scared to continue with the surgery, you should make sure you hear directly from the surgeon regarding all the risks associated with a tummy tuck.
Is a tummy tuck painful?
Tummy tucks are invasive procedures that involve some degree of discomfort during recovery. While pain levels vary for each individual, both procedures can cause mild to moderate pain depending on individual factors such as age, health condition, and lifestyle habits. In the beginning, you will be fatigued, swollen, and sore. It is normal to have moderate pain during these first several days, although this will steadily improve. It is vital to allow yourself time to focus on rest and healing. More than simply taking time off from work, abdominoplasty patients will need assistance with household chores and children. Strenuous physical activities will also need to be postponed for at least four to six weeks.
