Anxious of Risks - 1 Week Before Tummy Tuck and Breast Reduction/Lift

I am scheduled for a tummy tuck and breast reduction/lift in 1 week. I am 5'3" 44 years old and weigh 180. My highest weight was 245. After losing weight my stomach hangs like a giant pouch in the front and my breasts sag a lot. I am scared of the 5 hour and 45 minute procedure. Is this safe or to long. What are the risks? I'm losing sleep and really nervous. I also have bad veracious veins. will this have any factor?

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age 35-44 varicose veins female 5 ft 0 in to 5 ft 3 in 170-189 lbs risk safety

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9 Doctor Answers | Asked by Positivemotion in Orange County, CA

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Anxious before surgery

You need to make an appointment with your surgeon who should answer all your questions. If you are concerned about the anesthetic, you should talk to the anesthesiologist. It is important for you to feel like you are in good hands and have had all your concerns addressed. 5 1/2 hours of surgery is not that unusual but I only do a prolonged operation like that on patients who are in vigorously good health. If that does not describe you, maybe staged procedures... more

Anxious about surgery

Your feelings are normal.This is not something you do everyday.Be sure the doctor is board certified and it is being done in an accredited surgery center.Also inquire as to who will be doing the anesthesia.If you are otherwise in good health you should do fine.

Risks increase with combined procedures.

Many women have combined operations on the abdomen and breasts. Having lost 65 pounds has obviously left you with redundant skin and likely poor elasticity to your tissues. If you have any intention of losing more weight, I highly recommend that you do this before having surgery. The risks of combined operations of the breast and abdomen with your Body Mass Index (BMI) include prolonged surgery time, higher risk of blood clots, risks of wound healing difficulty, and a prolonged recovery... more

David Bogue, MD

6 reviews

Boca Raton Plastic Surgeon

www.drbogue.com

Breast Reduction/lift and Tummy tuck

These procedures can be combined but the length of time for me is about 4hours. I usually can do this amount as an outpatient. Normally, the pain is more from the tummy tuck because of tightening of the muscles. The recovery time though is usually about two weeks and you should be able to even drive the car within a week. Watch my videos.

Anxious before surgery

Quite honestly you are not an excellent candidate for a great result because your BMI puts you still in the "obese" category. This is not the best time to have surgery. Your best result would occur if you postponed the surgery until you have lost at least 40 more pounds. Your gut instinct is telling you something here and you should listen. Sorry!

Blood Clotting Risks associated with Operations over 5 hours

Regarding: "Anxious of Risks - 1 Week Before Tummy Tuck and Breast Reduction/Lift I am scheduled for a tummy tuck and breast reduction/lift in 1 week. I am 5'3" 44 years old and weigh 180. My highest weight was 245. After losing weight my stomach hangs like a giant pouch in the front and my breasts sag a lot. I am scared of the 5 hour and 45 minute procedure. Is this safe or to long. What are the risks? I'm losing sleep and really nervous. I also have bad veracious... more

Heavier framed abdominoplasties

Your risks of wound issues are greater depending on your body mass index. Yours is just under 32 which means that the chance of you having a wound breakdown are on the order of one in three. This number isn't arbitrary, it's based on studies made in patients your height and weight who have undergone your same surgery. Complication rates can vary from one surgeon to another and this is based on a single study which can be used simply as information to then be... more

Typical to have combined surgeries.

Have you discussed the vericose veins with your surgeon? It is not dangerous to have surgery for 5 hours and 45 minutes. You should discuss your concerns with your surgeon. see video