Northwest Face & Body

Procedure Time

2 - 5 hours

Recovery Time

2 - 3 weeks

Tummy Tuck With Thigh Lift Bellevue & Kirkland

Extra and loose skin is a common problem for people who have lost a significant amount of weight and aging patients. This can become especially noticeable on certain parts of the body such as the lower face and neck, arms, abdomen, and thighs. Various “lifting surgeries” can address these areas and remove this extra skin. When it comes to the stomach and thighs a combination of a tummy tuck and thigh lift is often the best procedure. Dr. Ludwig Allegra at Northwest Face & Body offers the best tummy tuck with thigh lift Bellevue and Kirkland provide.

Overview: Abdominoplasty With Thigh Lift Surgery

The causes of extra skin on the body vary, but often it has to do with two factors: aging and fat loss. As we age, the skin becomes less elastic and reduces collagen production. Eventually, this can cause it to sag and not bounce back as readily. When combined with the loss of fat that often occurs with aging as well as other factors like pregnancy, major weight fluctuations, and medical conditions all can affect the look of the abdomen and thighs.

Sometimes when a patient undergoes a tummy tuck without a thigh lift, it can lead them to believe their thighs look bigger or their body appears disproportionate. Of course, it is entirely the patient’s choice what procedures they want or think they need. Dr. Allegra will never force a procedure on someone but will present the benefits of adding it.

Combining the two procedures can improve the results of both and generally provide a dramatic difference in body contours. Not all patients will need or qualify for both procedures, but in cases where they do, it can offer amazing results.

Tummy Tuck

A tummy tuck—or abdominoplasty—is a procedure that removes extra skin from the abdomen. It can also repair a common condition known as diastasis recti where the abdominal muscles become separated from one another. This frequently happens due to pregnancy.

The incision for a tummy tuck is made where the abdomen and pubic area meet. This means that the scar is hidden by most undergarments. In the end, a tummy tuck can help create a flatter and smoother abdomen.

Thigh Lift

Similar to a tummy tuck, the main goal of a thigh lift procedure is to remove unnecessary skin. It may also address small pockets of fat. The surgery helps slim the thighs and create a more natural, tapered look. One of the main benefits of the procedure is that it can help some patients achieve the coveted thigh gap.

For most, the procedure is ideal after weight loss. Sometimes since the skin of the inner thighs does not retract, the thighs can continue to look bulky. A thigh lift alleviates this and when paired with a tummy tuck, can make a big difference in your overall appearance.

Benefits & Risks

Combining a tummy tuck and thigh offers several benefits and advantages to patients who are good candidates. Along with the pluses of each procedure, undergoing a tummy tuck at the same time as thigh lift comes with some advantages too. Some of the benefits of a tummy tuck with thigh lift include:

  • Flatter abdomen
  • Remove extra skin
  • Repairs diastasis recti
  • Clothing sizes may go down
  • Address changes in the body due to weight loss
  • Correct damage and changes caused by pregnancy
  • Improve overall body contours
  • More proportionate body contours
  • Can address some medical issues like hernias and back pain
  • May make it easier to exercise
  • Less recovery time than two separate surgeries
  • Obtain desired results faster
  • More dramatic results
  • Less likely to experience complications than if you underwent two surgeries (unless not a good candidate for a longer surgical session)
  • Performed by a plastic surgeon with three decades of experience

Like all surgeries and medical procedures, there are risks to undergoing a tummy tuck with a thigh lift. While minimal for most patients, the risks can include:

  • Infection
  • Poor healing
  • Visible or raised scarring
  • Complications associated with general anesthesia
  • Skin necrosis
  • Nerve damage
  • Asymmetry
  • Blood clots
  • Bleeding
  • Fluid collection

The majority of risks are treatable and preventable. Certain patients—due to medical conditions, medications, or other factors—may be at a higher risk of some or all complications. Providing a full medical history during your consultation can help Dr. Allegra prevent complications.

From Start To Finish: Tummy Tuck & Thigh Lift

Consultation

At an in-person or virtual consultation with Dr. Allegra at Northwest Face & Body, he will lead you through the appointment. He will determine if you are a good candidate for a combined tummy tuck and thigh lift surgery. First, he will want to understand your concerns and goals for the procedure. Next, he will review your relevant medical history and lifestyle. Finally, he will conduct a physical exam where he can better observe your anatomy. He will then conclude if you are a candidate for each of the procedures separately and combined.

If Dr. Allegra determines that you are a candidate for an abdominoplasty with thigh lift, he will describe the surgery and expected results. You will then receive a customized price quote and financing information. Even if Dr. Allegra does not believe it is the right procedure for you, he will still give recommendations on what may help you reach your aesthetic goals.

Surgery

The surgery will involve hidden incisions on the lower abdomen and in the crease where the thigh and pubis meet. Occasionally, Dr. Allegra may also need to make vertical incisions in the inner thigh to adequately perform the thigh lift. During both surgeries, Dr. Allegra will remove unnecessary fat, address the muscles if needed, and tighten the skin back over your new contours.

The extent and location of the incisions will vary depending on the patient because of different anatomy and needs. Dr. Allegra will discuss the specifics with you during your consultation and just before surgery. It takes around two to five hours and is performed under general anesthesia.

Recovery

Recovery instructions for a tummy tuck with thigh lift may include:

  • Walk slowly and carefully every few hours
  • Remain bent at a 90-degree angle for at least one week
  • Avoid getting the incisions wet
  • Take prescribed medications
  • Attend all post-operative appointments
  • Wear compression garments if necessary
  • Minimize movement other than occasional walking
  • Stay hydrated
  • Eat a low sodium diet
  • No strenuous exercise or activities until cleared by Dr. Allegra
  • Call Dr. Allegra or the office immediately if you have concerns

Frequently Asked Questions

Does A Tummy Tuck Lift The Thighs?

A traditional tummy tuck may provide minimal enhancement to the thighs, if any. While a tummy tuck can often subtly address the mons pubis, it is unlikely that it will provide much benefit without either thigh liposuction or a thigh lift.

Are There Drains?

Yes, the number of drains will depend on several factors. However, considering the two procedures are major procedures, drains are typically necessary. If both procedures are extremely minimal, you may not need drains for one or the other.

Is It Safe To Combine A Tummy Tuck & Thigh Lift?

Yes, in the right patient. Not all patients can withstand an extended period of time under general anesthesia. Thus, in these cases, Dr. Allegra may recommend splitting the procedure into two sessions. However, otherwise, there are few risks associated with a tummy tuck and thigh lift that are not present in the procedures themselves.

Combination surgeries can also reduce the chance of complications from anesthesia and certain surgical complications since you are only undergoing one anesthesia session. Though, Dr. Allegra will still evaluate your candidacy for both procedures and the combination of them during your consultation.

What Can I Expect From Scarring?

The exact length of your scars will depend on how much skin is removed. Regardless, Dr. Allegra does his best to minimize scarring and keep it where undergarments will cover them in a swimsuit. If a vertical incision is present, they are generally located on the inside of the thigh to minimize visibility.

Northwest Face & Body also recommends the use of Scar Protocol, a year long scar system that is specifically designed for surgical scars. It helps minimize scarring as it heals, instead of addressing it only once it has formed.

The Best Tummy Tuck With Thigh Lift At Northwest Face & Body

Northwest Face & Body is a top-rated plastic surgery practice in Kirkland, Washington. Having served the Eastside for over three decades, it is conveniently located minutes away from downtown Bellevue and Kirkland. Our Medicare-certified surgical center meets the highest standards and takes advantage of the newest technology. Northwest Face & Body’s facility allows them to provide the best tummy tuck with thigh lift Bellevue and Kirkland offers.

Dr. Ludwig Allegra is a board-certified surgeon who bridges the gap between aesthetics and medicine. Not only is Dr. Allegra a talented and capable surgeon, but he also has a deep understanding of bodily aesthetics and symmetry. He utilizes this knowledge and skill as one of the best Bellevue plastic surgeons.

To schedule a consultation at Northwest Face & Body, call us at 425-576-1700. You can also connect with us online via our contact page, Price Simulator, or chat.