Tummy Tuck

We all want to look and feel our best. For many, that includes a flat belly and slim waist and midsection. Stretch marks, saggy skin, and bulges can prevent many from looking like their youthful, fit, or pre-pregnancy selves, and limit the clothing they can wear. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Jeffrey Rockmore can redefine your waistline and help you enjoy a more fit-looking physique with the lasting benefits of a tummy tuck. At his practice in Latham serving Troy, Delmar, and Albany County, NY, he specializes in this and other body contouring procedures.

Dr. Rockmore is a board-certified plastic surgeon who has completed thousands of tummy tuck and body contouring procedures during his more than 20 years in practice. His knowledge and expertise enable patients to achieve natural-looking results while minimizing recovery time and scarring.

Tummy Tuck
 Before & After Photos

WARNING:

This feature contains nudity. Please click OK to confirm you are at least 18 years of age and are not offended by such material.

How Much Does a Tummy Tuck Cost in Latham & Troy, NY?

The cost of a tummy tuck at our Latham practice near Albany, NY, varies with the specifics of the surgery and individual patient factors. Patients receive a personalized price quote during their consultation with Dr. Rockmore. Visit our Pricing page for general price ranges.

Should I Get a Tummy Tuck?

At his Latham practice, Dr. Rockmore’s tummy tuck patients each have different motivations for seeking surgery. However, there are a few common causes of the stretched abdominal tissue they’d like to address. Some of the things that typically change the shape and firmness of the belly include:

  • Pregnancy: The abdomen changes dramatically after even a single pregnancy in some women. Few women can escape pregnancy without some changes in the abdominal wall. The skin and muscles are stretched during the pregnancy and often do not have enough elasticity to shrink afterward and regain their old form. This can leave loose skin with stretch marks and a lower belly bulge from the separated abdominal muscles.
  • Weight loss: Whether male or female, when we lose weight, our skin can sometimes be too loose to contract and fit our new form. This is especially true when there is significant weight fluctuation, and it can result in hanging skin, called a pannus. A tummy tuck can remove the excess, hanging skin and tighten the skin that remains.
  • Abdominal surgeries: Previous surgery on the lower abdomen can leave scars as well as loose skin and muscles that can be improved with a tummy tuck. In some cases, the scars can be removed and replaced by a well-concealed tummy tuck scar.

Dr. Rockmore will talk to you about your lifestyle and medical history and your reasons for seeking surgery during a thorough consultation. These can help him better understand your expectations and lead to a successful outcome.

After performing a physical exam and discussing your goals, Dr. Rockmore creates a surgical plan designed to meet your unique needs. Some patients combine other procedures, such as a breast lift and liposuction, with a tummy tuck—often called a mommy makeover. There are a variety of different tummy tuck options that allow Dr. Rockmore to create an individualized approach for your ideal results.

Dr. Rockmore

Dr. RockmoreBoard-Certified Plastic Surgeon

When you meet with Dr. Rockmore, you’ll understand why men and women trust him with their plastic surgery results. His years of experience and refined aesthetic eye place him among the top plastic surgeons in the Capital Region.

Learn More
Dr. Rockmore's Credentials Dr. Rockmore's Credentials

Types of Tummy Tucks

Every person’s midsection is unique. There are a variety of different tummy tuck options that allow Dr. Rockmore to create an individualized approach to meet your needs and expectations. These include:

Mini Tummy Tuck

A mini tummy tuck is used when the area in need of improvement is limited to the lower abdomen below the umbilicus, or bellybutton. It is often combined with liposuction of the upper abdomen and flanks to enhance the contour further. The skin and muscles of the lower belly are tightened, but no improvement of the upper abdomen or the area around the belly button is possible. The advantages of a mini tummy tuck are that the scar is shorter, the recovery quicker, and the cost lower.

Tummy Tuck

A traditional tummy tuck is used when improvement is desired both above and below the belly button. The abdominal muscles, called the rectus muscles, are tightened to create a flat foundation. These muscles are left intact and are pulled back together in a process called plication. The skin is then lifted and tightened over the entire abdomen. This results in a scar from hip to hip that is hidden within the underwear line in most people. Over time, this usually fades and becomes more discreet. There is also a small scar around the umbilicus. Liposuction is frequently used in conjunction with a tummy tuck to remove any unwanted fat and to contour the waistline further.

Extended Tummy Tuck

In some women and men, there is more significant laxity of the skin, and the overhang extends around the hips. In this situation, an extended tummy tuck is sometimes needed. This allows further skin tightening of the sides of the belly than a traditional tummy tuck and results in a longer scar.

Umbilicoplasty

The goal of this procedure is to improve the appearance of the belly button. Commonly performed for women post-pregnancy, it may be combined as part of a tummy tuck, lower body lift, or completed alone. An umbilicoplasty may involve reshaping, reducing, scar revision, or inverting a protruding belly button. With a small incision and short procedure, your belly button will have the natural appearance of an “innie” with attractive results for bathing suits and normal clothing.

During your consultation with Dr. Rockmore, you can point out the areas that bother you most. After examining your abdomen, he can then discuss the specific options for you and help you come up with a plan that best meets your needs.

How Is a Tummy Tuck Performed?

Tummy tucks are typically done as outpatient procedures at the surgical center near Dr. Rockmore’s office. It is a fully accredited facility, and a board-certified anesthesiologist will provide your anesthesia care. On the day of your tummy tuck, you will meet Dr. Rockmore and have the opportunity to ask any remaining questions. While you are standing, he will make surgical markings on your midsection. You will then be brought into the operating room for your tummy tuck using the techniques described above.

After the procedure, you will be observed in the surgery center for a couple of hours to make sure that you are recovering well. A friend or family member will then be needed to take you home.

  • Experience with thousands of tummy tuck and body contouring procedures
  • A caring, compassionate approach to every patient and their needs
  • Knowledge and expertise that enable Dr. Rockmore to individualize his approach to your abdomen to maximize your results while minimizing your recovery time

A Reputation Built on Results

The Rockmore medical team could not have been more responsive, caring, and precise in their result....
Fabulous professional doctor and staff. If you are looking for an excellent plastic surgeon, look no...
Dr. Jeffrey Rockmore is not just a plastic surgeon; he's a true artist in his field. Over the past decade,...
My surgeon for almost 10 years now! I wouldn’t trust anyone else! I’m so grateful for Dr. Rockmore and...

What Is Tummy Tuck Recovery Like?

You will be prescribed pain medications after your tummy tuck, as well as antibiotics for the first week. After the first 2 to 3 days, you will start to feel more comfortable and become more mobile. It is best to have some help available for the first couple of days. The best position to recover from your tummy tuck is in a recliner. The flexed position minimizes any tension on your incision and makes it easier to get up. It is best if you walk around the house immediately after surgery and flex your calves periodically while sitting.

You will have a binder in place for 2 weeks, which is a supportive elastic band around your waist. This keeps light pressure on your abdomen while you heal. There are drains in place for 1 week in most cases to remove any fluid from the surgical area. You can shower the day after surgery but need to avoid bathing or swimming for a couple of weeks.

When Can I Go Back to Work After a Tummy Tuck?

Most tummy tuck patients can drive after 10 days and return to work in 2 weeks, depending on their job requirements. It is important to avoid any lifting for 4 to 5 weeks after a tummy tuck while the muscles heal.

What Results Can I Expect From a Tummy Tuck?

Your results will become more apparent in the month after your tummy tuck. The bruising and swelling from the procedure will gradually subside, and you will feel more like yourself. The scar will fade gradually over the first several months; it is best to keep it out of the sun during this time. Before you know it, you will be able to wear the clothes that you always wanted to and have your body back.

“I am very happy with the results of my tummy tuck. Dr. Rockmore was able to restore my belly back to its pre-pregnancy shape and can’t wait to wear a bikini again!”

-Real patient

Read more testimonials from Dr. Rockmore’s real patients.

Dr. Rockmore performs tummy tuck surgery at his Albany County practice for patients who travel from Troy, Schenectady, Saratoga Springs, and throughout eastern New York. You can contact us online to request a consultation or call our office at  (518) 328-3330 to schedule an appointment.

Tummy Tuck FAQ

When should I have my tummy tuck?

The timing of your tummy tuck is largely a personal decision, but Dr. Rockmore typically recommends postponing your surgery until you’re done having children. This is because pregnancy can affect the abdomen, potentially undoing the results of surgery. While a tummy tuck doesn’t affect your ability to get pregnant or carry a child, it’s a good idea to wait until you’re finished building your family before having the surgery.

Will I have surgical drains after my tummy tuck?

Yes. Dr. Rockmore adds drains during your surgery to prevent fluid accumulation and reduce the risk of complications. He makes sure you leave with detailed information about caring for your drains and monitoring your fluid output. He typically removes them 1 week after surgery.

What will my tummy tuck scar look like?

Dr. Rockmore makes every effort to make the incision as low on the abdomen as possible. Although a full tummy tuck requires a horizontal incision from hip to hip, it’s typically positioned just above the pubic area for maximum discretion. Most patients find that their scars are well-hidden while wearing underwear and bikinis.

How long can I expect my tummy tuck results to last?

If you follow Dr. Rockmore’s aftercare instructions, give your body plenty of time to heal, and avoid any sort of significant weight fluctuation, the results of your tummy tuck can last indefinitely. A tummy tuck repairs abdominal muscles and removes excess skin, but it doesn’t stop the aging process of the abdomen.

Contact