Is it safe to have 2 cosmetic operations one day after the other?

Question

Hello, I am a 45 yrs old women mother of two, who wishes to have an arm lift and 360 liposuction, my doctor suggested this could be done in one day but would take 6-7 hours which was quite scary for me, after he knew my concern i asked if this could be done in 2 days: 1 day arms and the next 360 liposuction. Is it safe to have 2 procedures one day after the other? Thanks in advance!

Carlos Marciales, MD · Answer

Hello, a safe plastic surgery should not last more than 7 hours, the two procedures you want can be performed in the same surgery, it also depends on the type of anesthesia the safety of the procedure, but if you divide it into two days it can also be done, it can even be done with 1 week of separation.

Jose Telich, MD · Answer

Hello MBQ1234,

I understand your apprehension about undergoing such extensive cosmetic procedures. The idea of spending several hours under anesthesia can indeed be daunting. While it's possible for some surgeries to be combined, having two procedures like an arm lift followed by 360 liposuction on consecutive days poses significant concerns:

Firstly, the repeated use of general anesthesia within such a short time frame can potentially increase complications. Your body also requires a recovery period after each surgery to heal properly, and not allowing sufficient time between procedures might extend or complicate this healing process. There's also an elevated risk of infection with multiple surgical sites in rapid succession, and the overall physical strain could lead to more significant postoperative issues.

It's crucial for you to have a thorough conversation with your surgeon about this. You should inquire how often they perform these procedures in combination or in close sequence. Understanding their experience with similar cases can give you a clearer picture of the risks involved. Ask for specifics on outcomes from patients who've had these surgeries done in this manner - what were their recovery times like, and were there any complications?

Your surgeon is best positioned to evaluate your health, the complexity of each procedure, and your body's capacity for recovery, tailoring a surgical plan that minimizes risk while achieving your aesthetic goals.

Andrei Rios, MD · Answer

If you decide to separate the procedures, you'd need to allow your body to have enough time to recover from one procedure to be able to have the second one with less risk of complications (usually at least 3-6 months in between), as opposed to having them done in the same date. If you do them in 2 separate stages, but only allow one day to pass, it's basically the same, with more risks and most likely than not, cost, than if you did them together.

Bianca Knoll, MD · Answer

thank you for posting your question. Sometimes it is preferred to space out 2 procedures depending on a patients risk factors and expected restrictions. A 4-6 week break is commonly practiced to reduce operative risks and to allow healing. It is probably best to discuss your concerns and reasoning with your plastic surgeon, so he/she can address those.

Brian Bassiri-Tehrani, MD · Answer

This is a great question. Often times, aesthetic elective procedures can be combined during the same time in the operating room. The benefit of this is having to go under anesthesia one time, and there's only one recovery period. The drawback to this is that the anesthesia time is prolonged, potentially increasing your risk of complications like blood clots, especially if the case goes beyond 6-7 hours. The risk of complications can be higher based on your individual risk factors also, so that must be taken into consideration. Staging procedures is a reasonable option, especially when the procedures will add up to a long time. Staging procedures at least one month apart is typically recommended to allow your body to recover from the first procedure. Having two procedures done on back to back days may increase your risk of complications like blood clots. An important factor when deciding whether to stage the procedure is your own comfort with having one longer procedure, and the operating surgeon's comfort level in doing everything all in one setting. Having an honest discussion with your plastic surgeon should help you figure out what is best for you. Hope this is helpful!

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for reaching out with your question about scheduling two cosmetic procedures in close succession.

To directly address your inquiry, undergoing an arm lift and then having 360 liposuction less than 24 hours later is not something I'd recommend. It's preferable to either:
Combine the Procedures: Have the arm lift and 360 liposuction during a single surgical session if your health and your surgeon's evaluation allow for it.
Stagger the Surgeries: Allow at least a month's gap between the two procedures. This gives your body ample time to recover from the first procedure, manage the stress of anesthesia, and regenerate blood cells if there's any blood loss.

Since both surgeries are elective cosmetic procedures, erring on the side of caution and giving your body adequate rest and recovery time between the procedures would be a wiser choice.
I trust this provides clarity on the matter. Prioritize your health and safety, and always consult with your board-certified plastic surgeon for personalized advice.
Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

Yes, it can be done.  However, in your case, I recommend doing both at the same time.  6 hours is the safe operation time, 7 hours is a bit of a stretch but may be acceptable.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

It might be safer to do both together so that you have just one period of general anesthesia. This would also need to be done at a facility that has overnight care.  Otherwise, I suggest doing the liposuction first and coming back 2 weeks later to do the arms. The liposuction is not as invasive as the arm surgery, and you would still have your arms to help move out of bed and chairs.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Yes, it is possible to have surgical procedures performed two days in a row, but it's not ideal.  It would be better to combine the liposuction and arm lift or wait several weeks between them.  A six hour surgery should be fine as long as you are healthy and a good candidate for the procedures you are considering.

Matt Novak, MD · Answer

Whether it is safe to have two cosmetic operations one day after the other depends on several factors, including the type of procedures you are considering, your overall health, the expertise of the medical professionals involved, and the specific details of your case. Here are some important considerations:
1. Type of Procedures: The safety of undergoing multiple cosmetic procedures in quick succession depends on the complexity and invasiveness of the procedures. Some minor cosmetic treatments, such as Botox or dermal fillers, can often be done in the same session or on consecutive days. However, more invasive surgeries may require more time between procedures to ensure proper healing.
2. Individual Health: Your overall health and medical history play a crucial role in determining whether you can safely undergo multiple procedures. You should be in good physical and mental health, without any underlying medical conditions that could increase the risk of complications.
3. Surgeon's Recommendations: It's essential to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon or cosmetic specialist who can assess your specific situation. They will consider factors such as your age, medical history, the procedures you want, and your recovery capacity before making recommendations.
4. Anesthesia Considerations: Undergoing anesthesia for multiple procedures in a short time frame can increase the risk of complications. Your anesthesiologist will need to evaluate whether it is safe to administer anesthesia for multiple procedures back-to-back.
5. Recovery Time: Your body needs time to recover after any surgical procedure. Multiple surgeries in quick succession can put added stress on your body and increase the risk of complications. Your surgeon will provide guidance on the appropriate recovery time between procedures.
6. Follow-Up Care: Adequate post-operative care is crucial for a safe and successful outcome. Ensure you have a clear plan for follow-up appointments and that you understand the potential risks and complications associated with the procedures.
Ultimately, the decision to have multiple cosmetic operations one day after the other should be made in consultation with experienced medical professionals who can assess your unique situation and provide personalized recommendations. Safety should always be the top priority, and rushing procedures can increase the risk of complications.

Is it safe to have 2 cosmetic operations one day after the other?

Answers (10)

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