Rockmore Plastic Surgery: Jeffrey Rockmore, MD
15 Old Loudon Road
Latham, NY 12110
Phone: (518) 328-3330
Fax: (518) 328-3337
Monday - Friday: 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
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 Latham, New York, practice that attracts patients from Troy, Utica, Saratoga, and throughout Albany County, Dr. Rockmore specializes in tummy tuck surgery and other body contouring procedures.
Dr. Rockmore is a board-certified plastic surgeon who has performed thousands of tummy tucks 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.
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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.
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:
During a thorough consultation, Dr. Rockmore will discuss your lifestyle, medical history, and reasons for seeking surgery. This information 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.
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.
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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:
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 vs. full tummy tuck are that the scar is shorter, the recovery quicker, and the cost lower.
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 contour the waistline further.
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.
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 discuss the specific options for you and help you devise a plan that best meets your needs.
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.
Recovery after a tummy tuck varies per patient, but you can generally expect to take about 2 weeks off from work to devote to rest and downtime. In general, here are some recovery milestones that occur during the post-op healing window:
Immediately after surgery:
1 to 2 weeks post-op:
2 to 4 weeks post-op:
This blog post contains additional helpful information about the tummy tuck healing process. You can reach out to Dr. Rockmore and our caring team at any time during your recovery if you have any questions or concerns.
Most tummy tuck patients can drive after 10 days and return to work in 2 weeks, depending on their job requirements. However, it is important to avoid lifting for 4 to 5 weeks after a tummy tuck while the muscles heal.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The number of dress or pants sizes you may lose after an abdominoplasty varies depending on your body type and the amount of excess skin and fat removed. Remember, the main goal of a tummy tuck is to create a flatter, more toned abdomen, rather than weight loss or size reduction. Still, many patients drop 1 to 2 clothing sizes post-surgery.
Most tummy tuck surgeons recommend a BMI of 30 or below to reduce the risk of complications and ensure optimal results. While some surgeons may perform the procedure on patients with a slightly higher BMI, it’s ideal to be close to your target weight before surgery for the safest experience and best outcome.
A tummy tuck can only remove stretch marks on the excess skin of your lower abdomen, usually below the bellybutton. A tummy tuck can’t remove stretch marks outside the surgical excision area.
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.
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