How to Have Multiple Plastic Surgery Procedures Safely?

asked 2 years ago by kimwhite in syracuse, ny
Latest answer by Darryl J. Blinski, MD
Question viewed 2,571 times
Tags: breasts, buttocks, fat reduction

I am having Smart Lipo with suction done on my upper back and flanks in a few days. I also plan to have a Tummy tuck, Breast augmentation with Lift and possibly Brazilian butt lift with Fat grafting.

I almost forgot that I will also be having a Bladder lift soon. How long should I wait between surgeries and in what order should I have them?

10 answers to How to Have Multiple Plastic Surgery Procedures Safely?

Safely and logically combine multiple procedures

Orncc: The most important factor is your safety. Board-certified plastic surgeons and accredited surgical facilities have expertise to help you achieve your changes safely. Discuss your concerns with your surgeon, and expect pre-op, intra-op and post-op measures to minimize the risks. I would not generally recommend having all those procedures at once. The tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) would be a logical match with the bladder tack procedure. Breast augmentation can be combined with tummy... more

Sutton Graham II, MD
Greenville Plastic Surgeon

Procedures can be combined, it has to be safe and logical in sequence..

The procedures that you wish to have need to be staged into two operations. Looking at your included photo, you would benefit from a Brazilian butt lift. You do not seem like a large person, so I would collect all the fat of which about 1/2 is usable for grafting. Smart lipo or ultrasonic lipo done first will destroy the fat. If you want buttock augmentation afterwards, you are only left with the choice of buttock implants. To me this is a distant second choice after fat injections. You... more

George Marosan, MD
Bellevue Plastic Surgeon

Just because you can do it doesn't mean you should.

As other physicians have mentioned there are certain logistics to planning a surgery that make it unwise to do it all at once. On top of that we generally know that the risks of certain complications increase the length and combinations of procedures including problems such as deep venous thrombosis, blood loss with need for transfusion, atelectasis, hypothermia, etc. It would be wise to discuss this with your surgeon and plan the procedures with probably a 3-4 month period between... more

Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Multiple procedures can be done safely, but need to be staged

Consider two things: Positioning and Type of anesthesia. 1. As Dr. Canales stated, positioning is key. For example, breast procedures and fat grafting to the buttocks. Because preserving the fat grafts requires avoiding any pressure on the buttocks, you have to lay on your stomach. But laying on your stomach all the time may affect the result of the breast surgery. So from this point of view staging is recommended for certain types of procedures. 2. The risks of long surgery are mainly... more

Ricardo Rodriguez, MD
Baltimore Plastic Surgeon

Multiple procedures

The procedures that you desire probably should be staged.Depending on what is needed for your bladder, you may want to combine that with one of the others, If it has to be done laparascopically, it may be nice to combine it with the tummy tuck?

Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

No need to do everything at once

The amount of surgeries you have listed if done at the same time increase your risks for many potential complications such as blood clots, and infection. You have to consider the amount of time under anaesthesia, how your recovery will be if multiple areas of your body are hurting and swollen, are you staying overnight at a hospital or equivalent type facility, are your surgeons and anaesthesiologists all board certified? The length of surgery is the key starting point. Too many hours can... more

Bahram Ghaderi, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

More is not necessarily better

The main determinants are usually: 1. length of all procedures 2. amount of blood loss 3. positioning issues Let's say you want a breast augmentation, tummy tuck, liposuction and fat grafting to the buttocks. Just strictly from a time standpoint, all those procedures may exceed what is generally accepted as "safe". Remember that these are elective procedures and, while TV shows tend to glorify complete makeovers, your risk of complications is much higher. Positioning on your... more

Francisco Canales, MD
Santa Rosa Plastic Surgeon

How to plan multiple procedures safely

Safety is the bottom line when considering any plastic surgery, so your question is a very important one. The length of surgery, particularly if it is to be done as an outpatient, is a primary consideration. My own preference is to limit surgery time to less than 6 hours, which is typically enough for an abdominoplasty and a breast procedure with some lipo. You mention that you are having smart lipo and possibly fat grafting to the buttocks. Since the smart lipo uses a laser to break up the... more

Richard Baxter, MD
Seattle Plastic Surgeon

Multiple procedures require coordination and good medical advice

It seems that you need to prepare your future surgeries very well. First, a general medical clearance with medical history, exam, and labs. Second a coordination between the different physicians taking care of you is essential. A smart lipo first followed later on by a fat transfer could be counter productive, as you will need this fat in the future for the transfer. It is not uncommon to allow 3-6 months between surgeries if you are healthy to allow proper recovery. Best of luck!... more

Hisham Seify, MD, PhD
Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon

Safe multiple plastic surgery procedures

Without a complete history and physical examination I could not even give an accurate operation plan. I feel you most likely will need 2 to 3 operations for ALL those areas. Go see 3 boarded plastic surgeons, see who you feel comfortable with than develope a game plan for operations.