How long does the mommy makeover surgery last?

Question

I am 37, in good health and looking to begin the process of preparing for a mommy makeover this fall. I am currently nursing my 4th baby, and I understand I must wait a minimum of 3 months after I finish nursing to pursue a mmo. I have a great deal of anxiety about the surgery and fear not waking up. Is there anything that can be given prior to the surgery to calm nerves, and is there anyone locally who works together with other physicians to minimize surgery time? How long does surgery last?

James N. Romanelli, MD, FACS · Answer

I certainly understand your trepidation, and you're wise to be aware of the potential risks of any kind of surgery beforehand. Combining several procedures into a single surgery is a relatively common practice in the plastic surgery field. My general rule of thumb is to not exceed 6 hours of total surgical time for elective procedures, and it's unlikely that your mommy makeover will hit that mark. A straightforward mommy makeover with tummy tuck plus breast augmentation, for example, can usually be completed in a fraction of that time. When shopping around for plastic surgeons, don't be afraid to ask questions about both the surgeon's credentials and the operating room he or she uses. The facility should be fully accredited and both the surgeon and anesthesiologist should be board certified in their respective fields.

Jeffrey Umansky, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question.  Having 4 children can certainly take a toll on the body (and the mind too!).  It is very normal to have anxiety about surgery and it is certainly not without some amount of risk.  Not waking up from anesthesia is incredibly rare, but your surgeon can certainly prescribe something to calm the nerves.  The length of the surgery will depend on the combination of procedures.  In my practice, I routinely perform breast augmentation with breast lifts and tummy tucks as an outpatient procedure.  I try to limit surgery time to under 8 hours in healthy patients.  I suggest you meet with a reputable board certified plastic surgeon to address your goals and safety concerns.  Good luck!

Daniel A. Medalie, MD · Answer

HI,Mommy makeover surgery can mean many different things. Typically it is a combination of tummy tuck and liposuction of the abdomen combined with either a breast augmentation or breast lift (or both). The tummy tuck alone can take around 2.5-3 hours and then the breast procedure can add another 1-3 hours depending on how extensive it is. It typically takes me around 3.5 hours to perform a tummy tuck, liposuction and breast augmentation ( I always have an assistant with me to facilitate the surgery and minimize OR time). If you are healthy, then this is very safe surgery and the risk of you "not waking up" is extremely low.You can certainly have medicine to help with your pre-operative anxiety. I hope this answer helps.All my best,Daniel A. Medalie, MD

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Generally speaking, combination surgical procedures are done routinely.  However, you are wise in being concerned about the safety of combination surgery; risks/possible complications do increase with increased length of surgery… The surgery duration will depend on the surgeon (experience) as well as what procedures will be performed.  Mommy Makeover is a general term for breast and body surgery and is individualized for each patient depending on what is needed to achieve their goals.
 It is best to evaluate each patient's suitability for combination surgery on an individualized basis. During this consultation process, after a complete history and physical, the SAFETY  of combining these surgical procedures becomes of paramount importance.  Plastic surgeon, anesthesia provider, duration of surgery, surgery facility all important  considerations. Your best bet: choose your plastic surgeon very carefully; everything else including  good judgment/advice/planning, anesthesia provider and safe surgery facility will follow. Best wishes.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Surgical time varies based on the procedures you elect and how extensive the surgery is.  Typically a mommy makeover including breasts, abdomen, and liposuction can be performed in under 6 hours.  Being nervous about surgery is a normal reaction.  Finding a surgeon to do it faster isn't necessarily the best option.  The smart way to approach it is to find a board certified plastic surgeon in your area with extensive experience.  Check that the procedures will be performed in an accredited facility.  Do not be afraid to ask questions until you are comfortable.

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