POSTED UNDER Thigh Lift REVIEWS
A Premier Surgeon - Toms River, NJ
ORIGINAL POST
After losing a large amount of weight which...
fertilitygoddessJuly 28, 2016
WORTH IT
After losing a large amount of weight which resulted in very saggy buttocks, I did extensive research in order to find a top-notch plastic surgeon. In the spring of 2008, I visited Dr. Godek’s office for a consult thinking that I needed a body lift. Dr. Godek patiently listened to me and understood all of my concerns. He was very straightforward with me and explained that a body lift would not give me the result I was aiming for, but rather a lower buttock lift would produce the desired result. Dr. Godek then described the procedure in detail, and even showed me computer images of what my result would closely resemble upon completion. He did not just go ahead and do what I thought should be done. He wanted me to be happy with the outcome. I can honestly say that the end result exceeded my expectations. After the procedure, I only needed Tylenol to manage what little pain I experienced, and the best part is that the scarring is extremely neat and practically invisible.
In May of 2015, it was time to address the bulging, droopy skin on my thighs and the insides of my knees. Looking in the mirror, I was aware that this would be a large undertaking. Considering the exceptional experience and results that I previously had with Dr. Godek and his staff 7 years earlier, I confidently knew where I needed to go for help. Again, Dr. Godek listened to my concerns, formulated a 3-stage strategy in order to achieve my goal and showed me computer images of the projected results. I was able to manage the pain from all 3 surgeries with Tylenol. As I write this, I am about 9 weeks post-op from the third and final stage, and my results are incredible. My incisions are neat, well placed and healing beautifully.
I cannot say enough about my awesome experiences with Dr. Godek and his staff. Totally professional from the moment I walked through the door and was greeted by Donna at the reception desk. Dr. Godek always listened to and answered each and every one of my many questions and created smart and safe plans to help me achieve my personal goals. At my pre-op visits, I was given a bound booklet containing important information such as my surgery date, a list of things to do and to avoid in preparation for surgery, a description of my surgery, an overview of the surgery center procedures and post-operative care instructions. I followed all of these instructions to the letter and have had no complications. I have visited Dr. Godek’s office for many post-op visits to monitor my progress. Throughout the entire process, I was never afraid or ashamed to contact the Personal Enhancement Center. Catherine (my patient Coordinator), Nathalie (Dr. Godek’s Physician’s Assistant), Rosemary and Katie (Dr. Godek’s nurses), Jeff (Dr. Godek’s Office Manager) and Michelle were always available in person, by telephone or email to answer my questions.
In addition to post-op visits, my case included appointments at Bella Derma Medi Spa. The spa has a very relaxing atmosphere. My interactions at the spa with Kelly, Jan, Jill and Annette were pleasant, and I always looked forward to my appointments.
My surgeries were performed at the Toms River Surgery Center. The staff is excellent. The nurses were attentive and cared about my comfort. Before every surgery I mentioned that I have small veins, and I am a “hard stick”, so each time they summoned “the best” to begin my IV. Mission Accomplished – My IV was always started on the first try! After that, I could relax…surgery was a piece of cake! Upon discharge I was given very clear aftercare instructions and contact info, in case of any problems. A few hours after I arrived home from all of my surgeries, I received a personal telephone call from Dr. Godek inquiring about my status, even though my post-op appointments were the very next day.
On an unrelated note - In the time between my stage 2 and stage 3 surgeries, I had a hysterectomy. Although Dr. Godek did not perform this procedure, I was very impressed and touched that he had his nurse, Rosemary, call me a few days after the surgery to check in and see how I was doing. Total class.
With his skilled hands and artistic vision, Dr. Godek has successfully found the body that has been hiding inside me for many years and was not able to reveal itself despite being nurtured with proper diet and exercise. At the same time, I was very fortunate to have found an extraordinary surgeon in Dr. Godek.
In May of 2015, it was time to address the bulging, droopy skin on my thighs and the insides of my knees. Looking in the mirror, I was aware that this would be a large undertaking. Considering the exceptional experience and results that I previously had with Dr. Godek and his staff 7 years earlier, I confidently knew where I needed to go for help. Again, Dr. Godek listened to my concerns, formulated a 3-stage strategy in order to achieve my goal and showed me computer images of the projected results. I was able to manage the pain from all 3 surgeries with Tylenol. As I write this, I am about 9 weeks post-op from the third and final stage, and my results are incredible. My incisions are neat, well placed and healing beautifully.
I cannot say enough about my awesome experiences with Dr. Godek and his staff. Totally professional from the moment I walked through the door and was greeted by Donna at the reception desk. Dr. Godek always listened to and answered each and every one of my many questions and created smart and safe plans to help me achieve my personal goals. At my pre-op visits, I was given a bound booklet containing important information such as my surgery date, a list of things to do and to avoid in preparation for surgery, a description of my surgery, an overview of the surgery center procedures and post-operative care instructions. I followed all of these instructions to the letter and have had no complications. I have visited Dr. Godek’s office for many post-op visits to monitor my progress. Throughout the entire process, I was never afraid or ashamed to contact the Personal Enhancement Center. Catherine (my patient Coordinator), Nathalie (Dr. Godek’s Physician’s Assistant), Rosemary and Katie (Dr. Godek’s nurses), Jeff (Dr. Godek’s Office Manager) and Michelle were always available in person, by telephone or email to answer my questions.
In addition to post-op visits, my case included appointments at Bella Derma Medi Spa. The spa has a very relaxing atmosphere. My interactions at the spa with Kelly, Jan, Jill and Annette were pleasant, and I always looked forward to my appointments.
My surgeries were performed at the Toms River Surgery Center. The staff is excellent. The nurses were attentive and cared about my comfort. Before every surgery I mentioned that I have small veins, and I am a “hard stick”, so each time they summoned “the best” to begin my IV. Mission Accomplished – My IV was always started on the first try! After that, I could relax…surgery was a piece of cake! Upon discharge I was given very clear aftercare instructions and contact info, in case of any problems. A few hours after I arrived home from all of my surgeries, I received a personal telephone call from Dr. Godek inquiring about my status, even though my post-op appointments were the very next day.
On an unrelated note - In the time between my stage 2 and stage 3 surgeries, I had a hysterectomy. Although Dr. Godek did not perform this procedure, I was very impressed and touched that he had his nurse, Rosemary, call me a few days after the surgery to check in and see how I was doing. Total class.
With his skilled hands and artistic vision, Dr. Godek has successfully found the body that has been hiding inside me for many years and was not able to reveal itself despite being nurtured with proper diet and exercise. At the same time, I was very fortunate to have found an extraordinary surgeon in Dr. Godek.
Replies (5)
July 30, 2016
Fantastic results. Could you explain where the cuts are, and what exactly does he do for a buttock lift? Your knees are vastly improved, how did he achieve this with just a thigh lift? I thought it only could lift the skin about half way down the front thighs? Any scars down the legs or anywhere else?
July 31, 2016
My lower buttock lift was done in 2008. Dr. Godek made an incision in the buttock crease from groin to outer hip on each side, and a flap of skin was removed from each side. The scars are located in the buttock crease and, as you can see in these photos that were taken before my thigh procedures began in 2015, are essentially invisible. When posting this review, I was only able to chose 1 category, and although multiple procedures were used, I thought that thigh lift was the broadest match. Dr. Godek performed my thigh reconstruction in 3 stages. Stage 1 - An incision was made, and the inner right knee mass was removed. At the same time, liposuction was done to the fronts of both legs from groin to ankle. Stage 2 - (6 weeks later) An incision was made, and the inner left knee mass was removed. At the same time, liposuction was done to the backs of both legs from groin to ankle. Stage 3 - (8 months later) A thigh lift was performed to tighten the sagging skin. The thigh lift incisions begin in the front groin crease, extend back a few inches, then they make a soft 90 degree turn, travel down my inner thighs and extend just past my inner knees. These scars are only two months old and are healing beautifully. They are so well-placed that when I stand in front of a full length mirror with my legs together, I cannot see the scars from either front or back.
August 12, 2016
Your journey seems very similar to mine...our legs look very similar. My legs look this way due to Lipedema which is a fat disorder which causes women to have a disproportionate body makeup, smaller on top and a large bottom with fat pockets around the knees and large calves and saddle bags. It's a type of fat that is resistant to diet and exercise so liposuction was my only answer. I first had a inner spiral which didn't do much so after learning about lipedema I had full leg liposuction and then 2 months ago a very long thigh lift.
August 4, 2016
Hi, I wanted to know how has the recovery process been after the thigh lift? You are very brave best wishes to you!
August 6, 2016
Thank you! I tried to prepare myself for the thigh lift recovery beforehand. I made sure that I worked out with light weights to strengthen my arm muscles, because I knew I was going to be using my arms to support my weight when attempting to sit or stand. Another thing that helped me was practicing to move my legs in unison (like a mermaid) when attempting to sit, stand or get out of the car (kind of painful to spread legs apart, and doctor advised not to do this). These exercises helped to prepare me greatly, especially when maneuvering to use the toilet. I rested and had helpers for the first 2 weeks. I did not do any housework or cooking for a while. I needed assistance showering for about a week after the surgery, and then I began to shower by myself (moving very slowly). Recovery was as I expected. I had two annoying drains that were removed after 2 weeks. Some pain which I managed with Tylenol. There was A LOT of tightness and stiffness. Even now at about 10 weeks out, there is tightness, and I am still wearing a waist-to-ankle compression garment, because it gives me support so that I don't have the feeling as if I am going to "pop a seam". I have returned to about a 90% activity level, I still try to avoid activities that cause me to do a deep squat and remain that way for a bit. Every day I feel better!
Replies (1)