CoreComplete 2™ & 3™ Tummy Tuck in Albany NY
The DeLuca CoreComplete™ Abdominal Contouring System
A Complete Approach To Loose Skin, Abdominal Bulging, And Core Contour.
CoreComplete™ is a cumulative abdominal-contouring system. CoreComplete 1 uses power-assisted liposuction to shape the abdomen and waist. CoreComplete 2 includes that liposuction foundation and adds skin removal. CoreComplete 3 includes both components and adds abdominal-wall plication when weakness or muscle separation contributes to bulging. When loose skin also extends across the lower back or buttocks, a buttock and lower back lift may be added to CoreComplete 2 or 3 as part of a circumferential plan.
CoreComplete 1 abdomen-and-waist liposuction plus mini, full, or extended skin removal, without plication.
CoreComplete 1 abdomen-and-waist liposuction plus mini, full, or extended skin removal and abdominal-wall plication.
Diagnosis Before Procedure
The shape you see can come from three different tissues.
Abdominal bulging is not always caused by fat alone. The CoreComplete evaluation separates the problem into fat, skin and abdominal-wall structure before a numbered treatment level is selected.
Abdominal and waist fat
Excess fat across the abdomen, waist or flanks may be contoured with liposuction when skin elasticity is sufficient.
Loose skin
Stretched, overhanging or lax skin requires excision; liposuction alone cannot remove it.
Abdominal-wall structure
Weakness or rectus separation may require plication when it contributes to persistent bulging.
The diagnosis determines the level. The goal is the least extensive procedure that fully addresses the tissues responsible for your contour.
Your Options
CoreComplete 1, 2, and 3.
Each level builds on power-assisted abdomen-and-waist liposuction. CoreComplete 2 adds skin removal, and CoreComplete 3 adds plication; mini, full, or extended describes the anatomical reach of abdominal skin removal. A separate buttock and lower back lift may be added to CoreComplete 2 or 3 when loose skin extends around the posterior waist and buttocks.
CoreComplete 1™
Abdomen-and-waist liposuction. Shapes and refines the abdominal contour when skin removal and abdominal-wall plication are not needed.
CoreComplete 2™
CoreComplete 1 liposuction + skin removal. Treats excess fat and loose abdominal skin without muscle plication. Skin removal may be mini, full, or extended.
CoreComplete 3™
CoreComplete 1 liposuction + skin removal + plication. Adds abdominal-wall repair when weakness or muscle separation contributes to the contour. Skin removal may be mini, full, or extended.
When Loose Skin Extends Around The Back
Back Lift can be stand-alone—or added to CoreComplete 2 or 3.
A buttock and lower back lift removes loose posterior skin and repositions the buttock tissues upward. When it is joined with the abdominal skin removal in CoreComplete 2 or 3, the excision continues around the torso and is often called a circumferential body lift, lower body lift, or belt lipectomy.
The added scar, operating time, recovery, and possible change in buttock position must be weighed carefully. For some patients, staging the posterior lift after the abdomen and sides have healed is the better plan.
Tummy Tuck Video Q&A
Answers to common tummy tuck questions.
Dr. David Tauber explains how tummy tuck planning changes when loose skin, muscle separation, stretch marks, recovery goals, and the extent of skin removal are considered together.
Does a tummy tuck repair separated abdominal muscles?
In this short video, Dr. Tauber explains when abdominal-wall plication may be included to address weakness or rectus separation that contributes to bulging.
Comparing Your Options
See how the complete CoreComplete™ system compares with Sono Bello.
This page focuses on CoreComplete 2 and 3 tummy-tuck surgery. For a broader overview, explore our body-contouring procedures. For a side-by-side comparison of liposuction-only treatment, skin removal, plication, anesthesia and recovery—including Sono Bello AbEX™—visit the CoreComplete system page.
CoreComplete 3™ Patient Result
What this CoreComplete 3 before-and-after shows.
This patient underwent CoreComplete 3™, combining abdomen-and-waist liposuction, skin removal, and abdominal-wall plication. Together, these components created a smoother waistline, removed loose abdominal skin, and corrected structural bulging while maintaining a natural, balanced result.
Contour
Abdomen-and-waist liposuction reduced excess fullness and created smoother transitions through the midsection.
Skin
Loose, stretched abdominal skin was removed, reducing the lower abdominal overhang and creating a firmer surface contour.
Abdominal-Wall Repair
Plication tightened the weakened or separated abdominal wall, helping flatten central bulging and improve core contour.
What to notice:
Notice the smoother waist and abdominal contour from liposuction, the removal of loose skin, and the flatter central abdomen created by abdominal-wall plication. These three components define a CoreComplete 3 result.
Typical Investment Range
How much do CoreComplete 2 and 3 cost?
CoreComplete pricing depends on the numbered treatment level, whether abdominal skin removal is mini, full or extended, whether a buttock and lower back lift is performed alone or added, the areas treated with liposuction, anesthesia, facility fees, garments, prescriptions, and other procedure-specific needs.
Mini Skin-Removal Extent
$4,500–$6,500+
May be used within CoreComplete 2 or 3 when laxity is concentrated below the navel.
Example financing scenario: ~$220–310/mo*
Full Skin-Removal Extent
$7,500–$9,500+
May be used within CoreComplete 2 or 3 when laxity involves more of the abdomen.
Example financing scenario: ~$340–490/mo*
Individualized Components
Varies by areas treated
Extended abdominal skin removal, abdominal-wall plication, an added buttock and lower back lift, anesthesia, facility fees, and surgical time can change the final quote.
*Example financing scenarios are estimates only and are based on financing the listed surgeon fee range. Total surgical cost may also include anesthesia, facility fees, liposuction, garments, prescriptions, or other procedure-specific expenses. Actual approval, interest rate, repayment term, and monthly payment vary.
A written estimate is provided after consultation once your anatomy, goals, and surgical plan are reviewed.
Recovery By Treatment Level
Recovery reflects what the operation includes.
Return-to-activity guidance is individualized, but the largest difference is whether skin removal and abdominal-wall plication are performed. Your surgeon’s clearance takes priority over any general timeline.
CoreComplete 2™
Without plication, many patients resume desk work or light activity within days and return to exercise, including lifting, within approximately 2–3 weeks when cleared.
CoreComplete 3™
Many patients resume desk work or light activity within days. Non-core exercise may resume progressively, but abdominal-wall repair generally requires protection from strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for approximately eight weeks.
Compression, drain care when drains are used, swelling and scar maturation are reviewed as part of the individualized postoperative plan.
Risk Transparency
What can go wrong — and how we plan for it.
Every surgical procedure carries risk. The goal is not to ignore risk, but to reduce it through careful patient selection, planning, technique, and follow-up.
- Fluid collection: Drains, compression, and follow-up visits help monitor healing.
- Delayed healing: Incision care, activity restrictions, and close follow-up help reduce wound-healing problems.
- Scarring: Scar placement is planned carefully, but scar quality depends on healing biology and aftercare.
- Asymmetry or contour irregularity: Some unevenness can occur as swelling resolves.
- Revision surgery: Uncommon, but possible.
Clear, Honest Guidance
CoreComplete 2™ & 3™ Tummy Tuck FAQ
What is the difference between CoreComplete 2 and 3?
CoreComplete 2 combines liposuction with skin removal, without plication. CoreComplete 3 includes liposuction and skin removal plus abdominal-wall plication when muscle separation or weakness needs structural correction. The number reflects treatment scope, not result quality.
Do I need CoreComplete 1, 2 or 3?
CoreComplete 1 may be appropriate when liposuction alone can address the contour and skin elasticity is good. CoreComplete 2 adds skin removal when loose skin or an abdominal overhang is present. CoreComplete 3 also adds abdominal-wall plication when weakness or muscle separation contributes to bulging.
What do mini, full and extended mean within CoreComplete 2 or 3?
Mini, full and extended describe the anatomical reach of skin removal. The CoreComplete number describes the treatment components: level 2 omits plication, while level 3 includes abdominal-wall repair.
How long is CoreComplete recovery?
Recovery depends on the CoreComplete level. Many patients resume desk work or light activity within days. CoreComplete 2 patients may return to exercise and lifting within approximately 2–3 weeks when cleared, while CoreComplete 3 generally requires protection from strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for approximately eight weeks.
Will I have a scar?
Yes. CoreComplete 2 and 3 require an incision for skin removal, and the scar is placed low on the abdomen when anatomy allows. Scars typically fade over time but do not disappear completely.
How much do CoreComplete 2 and 3 cost?
Mini skin-removal extent surgeon fees commonly range from $4,500–$6,500+, while full skin-removal extent surgeon fees commonly range from $7,500–$9,500+. Total cost may also vary with the CoreComplete level, anesthesia, facility fees, liposuction areas, garments, prescriptions, and other procedure-specific needs. Visit the pricing page for current guidance.
Who is not a good candidate for CoreComplete 2 or 3?
CoreComplete tummy tuck surgery may not be appropriate for patients with significant weight fluctuation, active nicotine use, near-term pregnancy plans, or medical issues that make elective surgery less safe.
