What is a tummy tuck?
Overview A well-toned, flat or “6-pack” abdomen is what many people strive for through exercise. Sometimes, for a variety of reasons, exercise can’t help remove the excess fat and skin. Plus, if you have a weakened or separated muscle, tummy tuck surgery, or abdominoplasty, is the only way to manage the problem. Even if you’re totally fit in other parts of your body, you can still have a protruding abdomen or one that is flabby, loose or lacks support. This can be due to heredity, aging, pregnancy, other surgeries or from significant weight gain and loss. There are two things to remember with respect to tummy tucks: first, it’s not a substitute for exercise or a weight loss program. Second, the effects of the procedure can be diminished by significant changes in weight. If you’re going to get pregnant, or you’re planning to lose a substantial amount of weight, you should postpone the procedure.
Are you a candidate for a tummy tuck?
As with most elective cosmetic procedures, there are several basic criteria that determine if you’re a good candidate for the thigh lift procedure. They include:
- Your weight is stable
- You have a lot of excess skin and soft tissue along your inner or medial thigh area, and/or your outer thigh
- You have realistic expectations on what the surgery can do for you
- You’re a non-smoker (smoking can impair the healing process), and you have realistic expectations on what the surgery can do for you
Cost for thigh lift surgery
Costs can vary based on individual patient needs and the amount of surgery required. The costs involved in this procedure include facility fees, medical tests, anesthesia fees, Dr. Jimerson’s fee and any medication or post-operative garments that may be required. Our staff will provide you with a detailed cost estimate for your procedure.
The Recovery Process
After your thigh lift, a bandages or dressings are placed around the incision to reduce swelling and bruising, as well as to provide support for the new contours of your thighs. Sometimes a small, thin drainage tube is placed in the incision to remove any excess fluid or blood. Once the swelling and bruising goes down, you’ll be able to see the results of the surgery. Recovery generally takes 2 weeks for your initial recover, and then two to three months for a full recovery. During that time, avoid pulling on incisions or putting undue stress and strain on your body. Dr. Jimerson will prescribe pain medications to keep you comfortable after the procedure. He will also discuss when you can drive and resume normal activities and exercise. You will be given specific instructions on how to care for your incisions following your surgery.
The Surgery
You will discuss various anesthesia options with Dr. Jimerson, including sedation and general anesthesia. He will determine the best type of anesthesia based on the procedures, your health history and his preferences. To achieve more proportionate and smooth body contours and appearance, incisions are often made in the groin area, which then move down and then around the back of the thigh. Dr. Jimerson will then tighten the underlying tissue, and reduce the skin. If Dr. Jimerson determines the need to improve the contour of the outer thigh, another incision will be made from the groin around the hip. All incisions are made in strategic locations on the body, which helps to hide them with clothing and swimwear. Once the swelling and bruising dissipate, you will be able to see the results of your surgery. 
Different dressings or bandages are placed on your incisions, and a compression garment or elastic bandage may be used to minimize your swelling. They also add support to the new body contours during the healing process. Dr. Jimerson may place small, thin drainage tubes in the incisions to remove excess blood or fluid from the surgery. You will be given specific instructions on how to care for your incisions following your surgery. Recovery generally takes 2 weeks for your initial recover, and then two to three months for a full recovery. During that time, avoid pulling on incisions or putting undue stress and strain on your body.
Risks involved in thigh lift surgery
Dr. Jimerson and his trained staff will do everything possible to minimize risks and postoperative complications. Risks may include:
- Anesthesia • Bleeding • Infection • Scarring •Poor wound healing • Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) • Deep fatty tissue necrosis • Major wound separation • Numbness or skin sensation changes • Persistent pain • Possible need to revise the surgery • Problems with sutures that may require removal
It’s important to discuss any concerns you have with Dr. Jimerson prior to your surgery. If you have a question – please ask!
Meeting with Dr. Jimerson
Prior to the thigh lift surgery you will have a consultation with Dr. Jimerson. This is an important appointment, as it will give you an opportunity to ask questions about the procedure and what you can expect from the surgery. He will discuss you specific goals, take a medical history and review your current medications. Photos are usually taken, both before and after the surgery. You will also be able to learn what options are available to you, along with the risks and possible complications of the procedure.
Questions to ask Dr. Jimerson
During your appointment, it’s good to ask Dr. Jimerson questions about your surgery. Here are some questions to consider: – What surgical technique is recommended? – How long will the recovery period be for my surgery? – What risks are associated with my surgery? – What type of complications can happen? – When will I be able to see the results of my surgery? – Do you think that I’m a good candidate for this procedure? Bes sure to ask any other questions you have about Dr. Jimerson, the procedure or anything else that concerns you about your surgery.
Thigh lift surgery preparation
What happens prior to the thigh lift surgery? You will have lab tests, and the doctor may have you take new medications or adjust the medications that you’re currently taking. Avoid taking medications that can increase bleeding, like aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and various herbal supplements; If you smoke, you must stop several weeks prior the surgery, as it can severely impeded the healing process. Finally, you should arrange to have someone available to drive you home after your surgery, and to be with you for the first night.
Results
You can expect to see results from your thigh lift surgery immediately after the procedure. Just be aware it may take up to several months for you to see the final results. Just be aware that there will be scars from the procedure, but the overall results you see will be long lasting as long as you maintain your weight stay fit. Be sure to follow Dr. Jimerson’s instruction following your procedure to obtain optimal results.
Why use Dr. Jimerson and the Advanced Plastic Surgery Solutions team?
Dr. Jimerson and his team have years of extensive training and experience in all areas of cosmetic surgery, liposuction and fat grafting. He has pioneered face and body sculpting techniques that bring patients exceptional, long-lasting results. The team is committed to meet your unique needs, with a natural, long-lasting look. Because of his expertise, Dr. Jimerson offers patients reduced operative times, which means faster recovery times. In addition, he strives to use techniques that are safer than traditional procedures.
Schedule your appointment
The best way to determine if thigh lift surgery is right for you is to schedule an appointment with Dr. Jimerson. The doctor will discuss the procedure, evaluate your concerns relating to your body and answer any questions you may have. To schedule your appointment, click here.
Thigh Lift words to know
General anesthesia: Drugs and/or gases used during an operation to relieve pain and alter consciousness. Hematoma: Blood pooling beneath the skin. Intravenous sedation: Sedatives administered by injection into a vein to help you relax. Liposuction: Also called lipoplasty or suction lipectomy, this procedure vacuums out fat from beneath the skin’s surface to reduce fullness. Local anesthesia: A drug injected directly to the site of an incision during an operation to relieve pain. Medial thigh lift: A surgical procedure to correct sagging of the inner thigh. Outer thigh lift: A surgical procedure to correct sagging of the outer and mid-thigh. Sutures: Stitches used by surgeons to hold skin and tissue together.
Tummy Tuck
