How many procedures at once?

Question

I had botched liposuction 1.5 years ago, 9 areas/2surgeries. Horrible results. I need to start from scratch and correct. (I know...believe me...I've cried) Can I do an arm lift, tummy tuck and breast implant exchange with lift at the same time?

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

The safe operation time is 6 hours.  The arm lift takes 1-2 hours, the tummy tuck takes 2-3 hours depending on the technique and the breast lift can take 2-3 hours depending on the technique.  It may not be possible to do all 3 procedure at the same time.  I always recommend doing the breast lift procedure prior to the tummy tuck.  If the tummy tuck is done first then it will pull the breasts down lower and make it difficult to elevate the breasts higher.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding combining an arm lift, tummy tuck, and breast implant exchange with a lift to revise your prior botched liposuction. I'm truly sorry to hear about your experience, and I understand your desire to correct these issues.

Combining surgeries like an arm lift, tummy tuck, and breast implant exchange with a lift can often be done simultaneously. However, several factors determine whether it's safe and effective to perform multiple procedures in one session. These include your overall health, the total time you'll spend under general anesthesia, expected blood loss, the complexity and length of each incision, and the efficiency of your surgeon and surgical team.

If you’re in good health, your lab results are normal, and your surgeon is confident in their team's ability to manage the procedures effectively, combining them is often possible and may streamline your recovery process. However, it’s essential to have a quality post-operative care plan and support during recovery, as multiple procedures will require extra attention for optimal healing.

For peace of mind, make sure your surgeon is board-certified and experienced in performing multiple surgeries during a single session. I hope this information helps clarify your options as you prepare for your corrective surgeries.

Sincerely,
Dr. J. Timothy Katzen, MD

Chet Mays, MD · Answer

Thank you for your inquiry!   It would be best to see you in the office to better gauge how involved each procedure would be. Schedule a consult with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon to help you reach your goals.

Ryan Rebowe, MD · Answer

The arm lift, implant exchange, and breast lift are easily combined within the normal range of time for an elective procedure. However, adding an abdominoplasty will likely put you over the expected time limit for safe cosmetic surgery (about 6 hours). I would stage these procedures in any manner that you see fit, starting with the area that bothers you most.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Combining procedures is common and considered safe but there is a limit.  It's recommended that elective plastic surgery should be kept to about six hours of surgical time for safety as well as to promote optimal results.  Depending on the complexity of your revision for the procedures you mentioned it may be better to break them into two stages.  See a board certified plastic surgeon near you for a consultation to learn more.

Carlos Marciales, MD · Answer

Hello, thank you for asking, first in order to know if all the procedures can be performed in a single moment, we need to evaluate the photos, second it is also important to evaluate the previous surgeries to determine the best way to solve the problems you have, thank you

How many procedures at once?

Answers (12)

Answer: Likely need to Stage

Answer: Likely need to Stage

Answer: Revision

Answer: Revision

Answer: Hello

Answer: Hello

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Arm Lift

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

How many procedures at once?

Answers (12)

Answer: Likely need to Stage

Answer: Likely need to Stage

Answer: Revision

Answer: Revision

Answer: Hello

Answer: Hello

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Arm Lift

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