Is 8 hours surgery time safe for Tummy Tuck, Breast Lift with Augmentation and Flanks lipo?

Question

I am a thin, healthy person considering full TT, moderate breast lift and augmentation, maybe lipo to flanks to create hourglass appearance. Not much fat, low BMI, mainly wanting to remove sagging skin from pregnancies. Is 8+ hours safe for surgery time? I was quoted between 6, 6.5, and 8 hours between 3 different surgeons. 8 hours sounds long, but that surgeon was most thorough? Thank you!!!

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Tummy tuck, liposuction of the flanks, and breast lift with augmentation may take 5.5 hours (close to your 6.0 hours quote). My average time for those procedures in an average person would be 3.5 to 4 hours, depending upon vertical or anchor lift. You do not want to stay under general anesthesia longer than what is reasonable.

Casey Anderson, MD, FACS · Answer

This amount of time can be safe for surgery. I have patients do appropriate clearances prior to this length of surgery. Additionally, I would have you stay overnight with monitoring to make sure everything stays safe.

Babis Rammos, MD, FACS · Answer

This is safe if done with a board certified surgeon in an accredited facility with a credentialed anesthesiologist. I have done procedures this length multiple times with no difficulties

Robert M. Tornambe, MD · Answer

I appreciate your concern, however the mommy makeover surgery you describe should be able to be completed within six hours. That is the recommended timeframe for safe outpatient cosmetic surgery. If you love the surgeon who takes a bit longer, consider staging the operations. Best of luck.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

Generally speaking 6 hours is a safe amount of time for cosmetic surgery. You may consider breaking it up into 2 sessions. I would begin with your breasts using The Bellesoma Method. This will reshape your breast tissue creating upper pole fullness without implants, elevate them higher on the chest wall and more medial to increase your cleavage. Vertical scars are avoided, nipple sensation (in 95%) and the ability to breast feed are maintained. At the same time, a tummy tuck can be done. If you are not planning future pregnancies, I recommend abdominoplasty with mesh reinforcement. The mesh creates a more hourglass figure by compressing the abdominal wall resulting in early satiety and helps maintain a reduced weight. After these have been completed, you can consider liposuction and possible fat transfers to the breasts if additional volume is desired.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear 4444mama,
I understand your concern. It is best however that you consult with a board certified plastic surgeon to determine whether you can have several aesthetic surgeries in one session, as this would depend on various factors including but not limited to your general health condition, the type of anesthesia that will be used, and the type of surgeries that will be performed among others.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Matthew Baker, MD · Answer

As long as you are in overall good health, 8 hours is a reasonable length of time to be under anesthesia.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Eight hours seems to be a bit long for the procedures you mentioned.  You will want to ensure that the procedures will be performed by a board certified plastic surgeon in either a hospital or accredited surgery center.  This is also assuming that you are healthy with no complex medical conditions.  I encourage you to discuss your concerns with your surgeon.

Cem Payasli, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question. Yes, 8 hours is safe if you are healthy. Whether you smoke or not is an important factor.

Please feel free to contact me for a consultation. 
instagram.com/drcempa

Best regards, 
DR. CEM PAYASLI 
MEMBER OF INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF AESTHETIC PLASTIC SURGEONS

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Eight hours is a long time to be under general anesthesia and should be done in a hospital and not an outpatient facility.  Risks due increase with multiple procedures and long anesthesia time. Personally, I would suggest breaking it up into two sessions of outpatient surgery, at least 3 months apart.  However, go with the surgeon with whom you are most comfortable.

Is 8 hours surgery time safe for Tummy Tuck, Breast Lift with Augmentation and Flanks lipo?

Answers (11)

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