Can You Have A Thigh Lift and Tummy Tuck At The Same Time? 

Many of us face physical insecurities as we age. With a year of lockdown, people have been doing one of two things, the first is just enjoying lockdown and neglecting their health. The other group of people are those who used that time wisely, working to stay healthy and in shape. With that said, it doesn’t have to be getting your finances in check or getting on the property ladder, no, many people have been using the time to get fit and healthy. 

If you were once overweight and have lost a significant amount of weight, the chances are that you will have excess sagging skin in your abdomen and thighs, with possibly a loose abdomen due to them being overstretched. This is normal in these circumstances, but to tackle this additional problem, many people opt to have a joint thigh lift and tummy tuck procedure

The big question is, can you have a thigh lift and tummy lift together? In this article, we will discuss all the information you need to get your surgical treatments. This may also be defined as a mummy makeover,  as it combines two of the treatments which can be included in a mummy makeover.

 

What Is a Tummy Tuck vs a Thigh Lift?   

A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, is a form of a body lift. This means that it is designed to remove excess skin and tissue from the body, as well as tighten up the abdominal muscles. Although a body lift can be performed in most areas, the tummy tuck is one of the most popular treatments available. Once the procedure is complete, the patients will experience a tighter, flatter and defined abdomen so they can feel more confident whilst their clothing fits much better.

A thigh lift is very similar to a tummy tuck due to it being a variation of a body lift. It is designed to do the same as a tummy tuck, removing the excess skin and fat from the thigh which then, in turn, improves the contour of the legs. People get this done due to weight loss, they will experience chafing which is painful. This also improves the clothing fit, appearance and self-confidence. For both of these desirable results, many patients opt for a thigh lift and tummy tuck together.

 

Is It Safe To Have a Tummy Tuck and Thigh Lift Together?

Your health is a huge indicator of whether you can combine a thigh lift with a tummy tuck. This is because having multiple procedures means that you will be on the operating table for much longer, which in turn will have a longer recovery time. For you to have a thigh lift and tummy tuck together, you must ensure that you are a non-smoker and do not suffer from any medical conditions which can be affected by the procedure. The most eligible candidates for a thigh lift and tummy tuck are those who are younger and are in good shape. This is due to them being less likely to have complications. The other thing that must be acknowledged is that it will also depend on the person’s pain tolerance and temperament, as the recovery can be much longer and challenging.

 

Is a Combined Thigh Lift and Tummy Tuck Difficult?

A tummy tuck can easily be combined with a thigh lift, but it is key to understand the extent of the surgery. All bodies are different so it is no surprise that some patients’ tummy tucks are more extensive than others as different amounts of skin will be removed. When a patient requires a larger amount of skin removed, it is a better idea to have your thigh lift and tummy tuck separately so you can heal properly. All of these details will be considered when you go for a consultation with your surgeon. 

 

What Is The Recovery Time For a Thigh Lift & Tummy Tuck Together?

A tummy tuck can take anything from 4-6 weeks to recover whilst a thigh lift can take anything from 2-3 weeks, so it is vital that you allow enough time for you to recover for both thigh lift and tummy tuck. Not allowing time to recover completely can cause complications later on. Factors such as having children and arranging childcare, or making arrangements to work from home are essential. These are just some of the factors you need to take into consideration when combining a tummy tuck and thigh lift together.

If you would like more information on any of our treatments, including a mummy makeover, or a tummy tuck and thigh lift together, then please don’t hesitate to contact us today by filling in the form and one of our consultants will be in touch with you. Alternatively, you can call on 0161 401 4064.

What To Expect After Having A Tummy Tuck

A tummy tuck, also known as an abdominoplasty, is a cosmetic procedure that removes loose, excess skin and fat whilst also tightening your stomach muscles or fascia. It is clear to see why so many people want this procedure, especially women due to the constant changes in their body from ageing, pregnancies and other life experiences. Despite being one of the most popular treatments, it is surprising that not many people know what to expect after having a tummy tuck. In this article, we will do just that, as well as give you some tips on how to recover properly.  

 

What To Expect With Recovery Times With A Tummy Tuck

There are many things to consider in terms of what to expect with a tummy tuck recovery so there isn’t one answer for all tummy tuck procedures. Of course, there are average recovery times but for individual patients, there is a range of factors that must be considered including:

  • What The Age Of The Patient Is
  • The Type Of Tummy Tuck They Are Having
  • What The Patient’s General Health Is
  • The Type of Post Surgery Care They Need

Once the procedure is complete, the surgeon will discuss what to expect after having a tummy tuck in terms of recovery and the type of recovery you will need. As a general rule of thumb, you are going to be looking at around 8 weeks before you feel normal again. At first, your drains from the surgery will be left in for a couple of days in which you will be shown how to clean and empty the drains.

 

Why Does The Type Of Tummy Tuck Matter For Recovery?

What to expect after a tummy tuck in terms of recovery can be difficult to determine due to the range of different tummy tucks available for people with different needs. You can get a full tummy tuck, extended tummy tuck or a mini tummy tuck and you can also get a fleur de Lis tummy tuck which all focus on different areas and purposes. 

The more extensive the tummy tuck, the longer the recovery, which is especially the case for an extended tummy tuck as this involves the flanks, back and lower chest which shows why it is difficult to determine what to expect after a tummy tuck. 

 

What To Expect After A Tummy Tuck?

The thing to remember when having a tummy tuck is that the surgeon knows best. If you don’t follow their instructions, you will not get what you would expect after a tummy tuck in terms of recovery and appearance. If you have any concerns or questions about the healing process, you should contact your surgeon immediately.

Choosing a surgeon who is certified with a board certification for your tummy tuck is a must. They have a lot of experience and have had to go through rigorous training and safety requirements that other surgeons don’t. 

 

What To Expect Immediately After A Tummy Tuck 

What to expect after a tummy tuck immediately is pretty straightforward. The abdomen will be covered with surgical dressing meaning you won’t be able to see it immediately after the surgery. A common practice for a tummy tuck is to have drainage tubes around the incision so that built-ups of fluid can be safely removed. 

You may have to rest on an angle for the first couple of days so that the wound heals correctly. You will be given further instructions on how to clean the tubes etc. 

 

What To Expect After A Tummy Tuck When At Home

For the first couple of days, it is best to get someone to help you with basic tasks. This is due to the fact you will be prescribed painkillers and you will have very limited mobility meaning you will not be able to drive. Once you are home, you will start to realise that you are sore and that you can’t bend, lift or even stand for long so it is key to have someone help around the house, especially if you have children.

 

What To Expect For Maintenance After Tummy Tuck Surgery

To understand what to expect for maintenance after a tummy tuck, you will be able to consult with your surgeon as they will explain all you need to know, such as how to keep your incision and drainage clean as well as the duration of the recovery. 

During recovery, the patient should expect to be given antibiotics and anticoagulants for a duration as well as some creams to apply around the incision too due to this helping with infections and inflammations. 

For the first part of your recovery, you will have to wear a support wrap or support garment of some sort as it will help with the swelling and aches. So it is essential that you keep this on for as long as you can. Another thing to remember is that you still can’t smoke and drink as it can seriously increase the recovery time. 

 

What To Expect Long Term After A Tummy Tuck?

Long term effects are minimum after the duration of the main recovery stages. Some experience a tight pulling sensation or numbness for a couple of weeks which could extend to a couple of months. This will fade over time but it can take up to three months before the swelling and bruising go down completely, and it will take longer for scars to fade but you can get designated cream to help reduce scarring. The plus side of this is once you have recovered you will start to improve your core strength and mechanics.

Tips for Recovery:

  • Set Up A Comfortable Space To Relax
  • Allow Yourself To Rest And Recover For At Least 2 Weeks
  • Don’t Push Yourself Too Much
  • Drink Plenty Of Fluids
  • Keep Your Diet Healthy
  • Take Vitamin A and C Supplements
  • Drink Green Tea
  • Take Probiotic Supplements
  • Eat Pineapple and Papaya 

If you have any questions on our tummy tuck procedures or any other treatments you can contact us on 0161 401 4064. Alternatively, you can fill in our contact form today and we will be in touch as soon as we can.