These combined procedures are acceptably safe for most patients.

Hi!

1) If you are young, healthy, and of reasonably normal weight, you can have these operations done together.  Five hours is acceptable, and of course, the surgery should be done either in a hospital or an accredited facility.

2) The amount of tissue removed during breast reduction is not a separate risk factor like the volume aspirated during liposuction.

3) The only thing that troubles me is that your questions suggest less than full confidence in your surgeon.  Trust in your surgeon contributes to a good outcome.

Dear Dani,

I like your thinking.  You are obviously safety minded and believe me, a surgeon REALLY appreciates it when the patient is the one concerned about their own safety.  However, you should not mix apples and oranges.  Fat removal from breast reduction is not the same as fat removal from liposuction and is probably less traumatic, gram for gram.  Be sure that your plastic surgeon is board certified.  If she is, then she has already determined the amount of surgery that is safe for you.  Regardless of whether she is or not, have the discussion about your safety concerns with her.  She will appreciate it and may even elect to stage the procedures to allay your concerns.  Good luck!

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I try to limit surgical time to four hours or less. I use this number for several reasons. 

1. Any human being starts to get tired and in my own hands, I start to rush after that time.

2. As the length of the case goes up, so does your risk for blood clots in your legs. The risks go up even higher after four hours.

3. Although the two procedures together may have some added risks, as described above, It sound like you are looking for significant results for the liposuction, which may not be possible with a combined procedure. These are reasonable concerns.

Finally, When everything is taken into account, separating the two procedures is the safest way and perhaps yield the best results. However, this will likely cost you more money and the added time of two recoveries instead of one.

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Dear Ms. Danicomia

The length and extent of your surgery needs to be dicsussed with your surgeon. You have to make the decision based on the information that is given and move forward with conficence.  As you can see from the replies there is not one correct answer.  Sometimes you have to go with your gut.  Most practitioners have your best interests in mind and will offer the safe course.

In my practice the combination of procedures you are describing is a reasonable option.  If you do not feel comfortable with the combined surgeries then split them up.

With Warm Regards,

Trevor M Born MD

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