Danielle Cabral, 37, star of The Real Housewives of New Jersey, recently shared her personal experience with tummy tuck surgery. She described her belly as her “biggest insecurity,” revealing frustration over loose skin that remained after having two children.
Final Consultation Shared on Instagram
On Sunday, Cabral posted a video of her final consultation with plastic surgeon Dr. John Paul Tutela on Instagram. Despite being “in the best shape of my life,” she said she struggled with extra skin that no amount of exercise could remove. Holding her baby bump in the video, she said, “I just want to wear cute crop tops and swimsuits without covering it up.”
Impact of Pregnancy and Surgeries on Her Body
Cabral explained she is a former Division 2 basketball player but felt her body changed drastically after childbirth. “I lost everything from my abs to my butt,” she said humorously. She endured two painful C-sections and felt her belly was “ruined.” While she accepted stretch marks, the excess skin was her main concern. She shared that her children even commented, “Mom, your belly is so wrinkled,” which was painful for her.
Struggling in Silence During Filming
Despite these feelings, Cabral said she “hid it well” while filming RHONJ and was grateful the show rarely shot beach scenes. She admitted feeling “envious” of friends who wore belly-baring dresses on camera.
She described her efforts to change her appearance: “I was waking up at 6 a.m., working my ass off at CrossFit. I’m a beast. But it just wasn’t working.” Cabral tried various medical spas and treatments, but nothing eliminated her loose skin. “I was in the best shape of my life and still hiding behind my clothes,” she said.
About Abdominoplasty and Surgery Details
Cabral turned to Dr. Tutela, who had previously performed her breast and rhinoplasty surgeries, for a tummy tuck. According to the Mayo Clinic, abdominoplasty is a cosmetic surgery that removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen. It also tightens the abdominal fascia, reshaping the belly to appear firmer.
Hope to Normalize Surgery and Share Recovery
By documenting her journey publicly, Cabral wants to reduce stigma around abdominoplasty—even for people who may not meet others’ standards of “needing” surgery.
After seeing her results for the first time, Cabral said she “cried a little.” She promised to keep sharing updates with her followers as she recovers.
“I hope this normalizes surgery,” she said. “Even if you are overweight, you can suffer from this. You are not alone!” Cabral’s openness aims to encourage others struggling with similar body insecurities.
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