Joseph Rucker, MD, FACS (retired)

Had my diastasis recti surgery by Drs. Rucker and Valenzuela and now have my life back. No more bloating, constipation, back pain, muscle weakness and all around upset stomach. It’s been 11 months post surgery and I feel like a new man. Thanks to these two wonderful and their fantastic staff.

In April of 2019 I elected to have both blepharoplasty (upper eyelid surgery) and a full facial laser resurfacing done with Dr. Rucker. I couldn’t be more pleased with the results! Every aspect of my interaction with the entire staff at the clinic was very positive, from my initial phone call of inquiry to follow-up visits. This includes all office staff, nurse, anesthesiologist, and, of course, Dr. Rucker. This is one very classy and professional operation. Any and all questions were answered, and I was always made to feel personally important to them. The results of my procedures are dramatically successful, and the investment of time and money into myself is one of the best decisions of my life.

So 3/27 is my date 8 am surgery for an extended tummy tuck breast lift with implants and arm lift. A bit anxious to have all of this done at one time but taking the leap. Would love to have any suggestions thought from those that have had a surgery like this or any of the three. Thanks so much!
Updated on 26 Mar 2019:
Having 3 procedures at one time has me a bit worried about the first couple of days of recovery. I’m find some calmness with staying overnight at the surgery hospital. Ifanyone us any thoughts and/or suggestions. I would love to hear them.

Wonderful experience and results. With a bout of Bells Palsy I taped my eye shut nightly for eight months until I found my way to Dr Rucker. With an ectropian release I can now close my eye and my facial features have returned to normal. Next up for this Spring we have a little mouth work and I will be back to normal. Looking forward to it.

I have thought about doing something about my breasts as long as I can remember. I finally decided to stop being scared! Lift with 220cc under the muscle implant. Will post one month photos when I eat there!

Updated on 18 Dec 2018:
Just wanted to post an updated photo! They are healing a little different from each other. Hoping they catch up with each other!

Had my surgery 1/22/18. Adding my before pictures. First day was rough, nausea and pain from muscle repair. Day 2 most of nausea subsided but still some pain from stomach muscles, keeping up with medications is helping to minimize pain. Will post more pics when I’m able to take garment off on follow up visit.

Updated on 1 Feb 2018:
On day 5 or 6 I was wondering why I did his to myself! Day 7 and 8 started to feel like myself again, but took a trip to the urgent care. My legs felt like I had cramps/Charlie horses in my calf’s. Doc did ultrasound on both legs and found a small blood clot in my left calf vein. Thankfully the clot was very small, contacted my PS and he told me to take baby aspirin twice daily and make sure I’m getting up throughout the day and when in bed flexed feet and moved legs around. For the most part stopped taking pain meds and have just been taking Tylenol.
Today, day 11 post op. Feel really good and working to get my energy back, doing some lite house work. My stomach and top of legs are still numb, nurse said it could take up to 2 years to get full feeling back.
Adding pics from today. The dark spots are from surgery tape that was removed. I am swollen but like what I see, most of my stretch marks are gone ????

Updated on 11 Feb 2018:
Day 20 and I feel great!!! My cut is healing really well. Just one spot that separated but Dr said to continue to apply bacitracin ointment and it will heal well. Have to say the first 2 and half weeks was difficult both physically and emotionally but I now I’m going to be very happy with my decision to do this!

Updated on 26 May 2018:
I’m doing great! So happy I did this for myself!

Dr. Rucker is not only a talented experienced surgeon, he has an artistic eye. At my initial consult he immediately saw what aesthetically was incorrect from a previous augmentation that was way past due for replacement. He removed my old implants and years of scar tissue. My end result is anatomically and proportionally exactly what I had hoped to achieve with this surgery.

Thank you very much for my successful Breast Reduction Surgery and Brachioplasty you performed on July 12, 2017. I am very pleased!!!! I was very scared and skeptical at first, but now after a few months I no longer suffer from chronic backaches. Your work truly shows you have an abundance of knowledge and experience. Words cannot express my gratitude for this much needed surgery. Thank you and your staff for taking such great care of me. May God continue to bless you and guide your hands for future surgeries.

The procedure I had was a neck and cheek lift. I am 68 years old. I am a nurse and wanted the best surgeon I could find. Dr Rucker is a great Dr. I love the results of my surgery.My pain from procedure was a 2 on a scale of 1 to 10. I continue to work,and wanted to look the best I could. The staff at Dr.Ruckers office are all great people.

Dr. Rucker is a kind, caring, professional who provides top notch care from initial consultation through the surgery and follow up care. Dr. Rucker provided a thorough explanation of what to expect, his team worked with my insurance company, and the procedure went well from start to finish! The best part was waking up after the surgery to find the neck and back pain I've always had was gone! It's also great shopping for bras without having to special order sizes. Dr. Rucker is a compassionate, dedicated professional. I am very grateful to have this talented surgeon right here in Western Wisconsin. The results of this surgery are fantastic, I can't recommend Dr. Rucker highly enough!