Lower body lift and arm lift at the same time?

Question

I met with a surgeon who said he has done several lower body lifts, and arm lifts at the same time. He said it would be about a 6 hour procedure. I am leary because 2 of his staff members said it was not a good idea to have them done at the same time. I REALLY don't want to go under twice. It takes me forever to recover from anesthesia. I want to have a successful outcome, and I will do whatever it takes to heal successfully. How big is the risk to get both done at the same time?

George Bitar, MD · Answer

Complicated question, that really requires a full consultation to make that judgement.  A lot depends on your overall health, and candidly, your body size, as larger patients simply require longer procedures.  Other considerations such as your support network to assist after surgery also come into play.  If you have any second thoughts, consider a few more consultations so that you develop a plan that you feel comfortable with.  Also, consider a practice with multiple surgeons who have an interest in bariatric body contouring.  In select patients, our practice sometimes will have two surgeons performing procedures simultaneously to shorten the duration of a procedure.  Best of luck as you consider your options.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello, thank you for your question regarding combining the 360 circumferential lower body lift and an arm lift.  Yes, the arm lift (brachioplasty) and the 360 circumferential lower body lift can be combined into one procedure.  However, even though these procedures can be combined, it does not mean they should be combined.  The main problem plastic surgeons do not combine the arm lift and the body lift is the recovery process.  You will need to arms to help you get out of bed and assist with dressing changes and changing the compression garment after a 360 circumferential lower body lift.  Also, you will need you arms to keep yourself clean after using the bathroom.  If you just had arm lift surgery, the activities will be very difficult.  Therefore, even though these procedure can be completed together, most experienced plastic surgeons would suggest you stage these procedures.  Have your 360 circumferential lower body lift done first.  Then,  wait about one or two months and undergo the arm lift.

I hope I have answered you question regarding combining the 360 circumferential lower body lift and an arm lift.  If you have any more questions regarding the lower body lift, 360 circumferential lower body lift, belt lipectomy, belt abdominoplasty, or belt dermolipectomy please contact my office. Since the body lift is a big procedure, please seek an experienced, board certified plastic surgeon with significant experience performing the lower body lift. Do your research.  Make sure they have performed at least 100 circumferential lower body lift surgeries and have the before and after pictures to prove it.  Carefully examine their before and after pictures and check their reviews on RealSelf.   If you cannot find an experienced, lower body lift surgeon in your neighborhood, consider traveling out of state if you must. Sincerely, Dr. Katzen. (President of  the American Society of Bariatric Plastic Surgeons, certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Fellow of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American College of Surgery, and International College of Surgery and member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery RealSelf Hall of Fame, and RealSelf Doctor Advisory Board for Medical Review and Consumer Panel.)

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

You want the procedures done well so that you do not have to get revisions and the procedures should be completed in less than 6 hours to reduce the risk of complications.Kenneth Hughes, MDLos Angeles, CA

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.  The
best advice you can receive is from an in-person consultation.  The number one priority should always be patient safety.  If you are in good health and can obtain medical clearance from your primary physician, then it may be possible to perform all this at the same time, but I would recommend a shorter operative time.  Six hours is too long in my opinion.  However, if you have not done well with anesthesia in the past, then it should be separated into two separate procedures in order to optimize your safety. 
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Robert Drielsma, MBBS, BSc, FRACS · Answer

Body lift surgery on its own typically takes 6 - 8 hours - its a big procedure with outstanding benefits.  Typically in my practice, a body lift is performed on its own and arms are performed in a secondary procedure.  Its really depends on the extent of the procedures in your individual case and your overall health.

Lower body lift and arm lift at the same time?

Answers (7)

Answer: Mulitple procedures

Answer: Mulitple procedures

Answer: Combining body lift and arm lift surgery

Answer: Combining body lift and arm lift surgery

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Body Lift

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Lower body lift and arm lift at the same time?

Answers (7)

Answer: Mulitple procedures

Answer: Mulitple procedures

Answer: Combining body lift and arm lift surgery

Answer: Combining body lift and arm lift surgery

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Body Lift

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.