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Risks of Combining Breast Augmentation with Liposuction and Tummy Tuck?

I am getting Tummy tuck, Liposuction and Breast Lift with Breast Implants. I am so scared, I'm about to give up.

I can't sleep thinking of the surgery, please tell me what to expect to having those two or three procedures at the same time.

Also, my Dr is telling me that the procedures will take 4 to 6 hrs, is it right? And he keep telling me about the risk, and to do one procedures at the time. Thanks.

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13 Doctor Answers | Asked by Mariangela

Doctor Answers (13)
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Combined tummy tuck, liposuction, breast lift and breast implant

It is certainly a very big surgery you have planned. The question of combined surgeries comes up frequently. Experienced surgeons have a feel for how quickly they can do a case, the health of the patient, the unique risks the patient has, and the overall scope of the operation. As Dr. Rand points out, there are special "red flag" areas in combined surgery (such as implant/mastopexy, liposuction plus full TT, etc) where an experienced plastic surgeon will exert extra caution... more

Augmentation and tummy tuck can be done at same time in appropriate candidates

In appropriate cantidates these two proccedures are often done at the same time. In my experience over 30 years, a patient's mental state going into an operation is an important factor. Some anxiety before any surgery is normal. If yours is such that it is disabling, then "your stars are not aligned" and you should postpone until you feel better. Remember this is elective and you don't have to do it. Hope you sleep better tonight.

Combined surgery has risks

Yes, you can combine these three procedures and I do combine them frequently. There is an increased risk of complications due to the longer anesthesia time, but then again there is only one anesthesia/surgery event in stead of two. One thing I do caution all of my patients about when undergoing the combination of Tummy Tuck and Breast Augmentation with the implants under the muscle, is that it is a very debilitating combination. This is because it hurts to use you abs as well as your arms.... more

Operative risks for multiple surgeries

I perform multiple procedures all the time. Yes, they can take 4-6 hours.Yes, they can increase the risk of complications. If you are unsure about it, think it over or seek a second opinion.

Steven Wallach, MD

12 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Multiple surgical procedures and operative risks

The amount of time you discuss for this combination of procedures seems reasonable. as to your anxiety, that is a more difficult probmen. Your risk for clots will dicrease if you separate the procedures.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD

32 reviews

Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Risk of Multiple Procedures

The risks certainly rises somewhat with multiple procedures primarily related to increase in the anesthetic time. In most patients the risks of performing a Tummy tuck, augmentation, and lipo at the same time are reasonable. The main variables are the speed at which the surgeon operates and the general health of the patient. All surgery involves benefits and risks which must be weighed in order to decide how to proceed. If you surgeon has suggested performing these procedures in stages,... more

Can you combine plastic surgery procedures?

You can combine the procedures that you mentioned, but the surgery will be lengthy. Any more than this would probably be too long in the operating room. Also, I would recommend and overnight stay in the hospital at which you're having the surgery. Otherwise, talk to your surgeon about your concerns and suggest another meeting to make you feel at ease with your decisions.

Tummy Tuck, Liposuction, Breast Augmentation, and Breast Lift - That's a Lot!

That's a lot of surgery! I think that it can be done safely, but your surgeon must be a speed demon. I would take 9 hours for that series of procedures: Tummy Tuck: 3-4 hours Limited Liposuction: 1 hour Breast augmentation: 1 1/2 hours Breast Lift: 3 hours Will a 2nd surgeon be helping? Will a physician's assistant be suturing up some of the incisions? Regardless, you might want to consider having the surgery in a hospital, rather than an outpatient center. The cost may be more,... more

Combining procedures

Like Dr. Rand, I have done this combined operation many times. As long as the liposuction is not extensive this combination can safely be done. It is the "Mommy Makeover" surgery you sometimes hear about. Usually the recovery is similar to having only had the tummy tuck alone. Most patients do not even feel the breast surgery portion because the tummy tuck recovery is usually the worst of the two areas. That being said, your doctor obviously knows more about your situation then... more

Multiple procedures are good in healthy patients

The combination of a breast lift with breast augmentation, liposuction of the abdomen and hips, and a tummy tuck is a great way to get as much done as possible in one safe operation. Depending on the surgeons experience and efficiency, these procedures can be safely combined and performed in under 6 hours. It does also require that you are in good health. I believe that you should not be so frightened as this will save you multiple operations and in the end will actually be safer. Also... more

I frequently combine procedures

If you are worried after seeing a doctor, seek a second opinion. Perhaps they are not comfortable doing mutliple procedures and others are. Dont be afraid, get a good opinion.

Multiple procedures can be safe

It is very common to do several plastic surgery procedures at the same time. It saves money for the patient and the recovery time in total is less. It is safe to combine these procedures BUT, the more procedures that are done, the longer the operating time the higher the complication rate. Your plastic surgeon needs to be experiences and be able to tell you the positives and negatives of doing multiple procedures at the same time. The 4-6 hours is correct. Precautions should be taken to... more

Breast lift with implants plus tummy tuck and liposuction

I have performed this combination countless times with no problems as long as the liposuction is confined to the flanks only. I would not be willing to do any lipo on your legs at the same time as a TT because I believe this unnecessarily increases the risk of blood clots in the veins. Finally, LISTEN TO YOUR GUT INSTINCT and don't do anything you can't become comfortable with!