Can a patient have a tummy tuck and facelift at the same time?

Dear C,     Cosmetic surgery is purely elective. You want the surgery rather than you have to have it medically. As such, cosmetic surgery should have the minimal complication rate as possible.  In a recent article that was based on data from insurance company that covers only cosmetic surgery, the complication rate when combining Tummy tuck and other procedures is increased by 2 or 3 times. (when the combination is of tummy tuck  and liposuction , the complication rate is X 10).  Full  tummy tuck surgery can range between 4-6 hours and face lift surgery can range between 3-5 hours or more if eyelids and neck surgery are included. According to the anesthesia literature, surgery that lasts over 6 hours , has significantly higher rate of complication.  Finally, the quality of the surgical  outcome of the combined 2 procedures can be significantly compromised due to surgeons physical and mental fatigue.   The advantages of combining the 2 procedure are one recovery and cost saving. However, your safety is more important and additionally, if you have to have corrective surgery, those advantages disappear !    So, if you were my patient, I would have separated the 2 procedure  into 2 sessions.   Always, consult with experienced board certified plastic surgeons, who perform surgery in accredited surgery center for your safety. Most importantly, check the before and after pictures in the photo gallery, to make sure that they are numerous, consistent and attractive.                      Best of luck,                                         Dr Widder

It would totally depend upon your particular situation- if you are healthy and a good candidate for both procedures with shorter operating time, then yes. Also, we routinely have two surgeons working together for less OR and anesthesia time which will greatly reduce risks and improve recovery.An exam and consultation with a plastic surgeon is recommended to confirm you are a good candidate for both and to discuss your options and expectations. 

Hello and thank you for your question. I frequently perform combination procedures such as tummy tuck and breast lift or rhinoplasty and breast augmentation.  A facelift is a procedure which should not be combined with any other procedures.  The reason for this is that a facelift is the most sensitive of all plastic surgery procedures to hematoma (bleeding).  The blood pressure needs to be very closely regulated and combining procedures with a facelift can lead to problems.  I frequently perform blepharoplasty at the same time as a facelift, but never a tummy tuck. The most important aspect is to find
a surgeon you are comfortable with.  I recommend that you seek consultation with a
qualified board-certified plastic surgeon who can evaluate you in person.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon