Hi BXRICAN in Binghamton, NY, thank you for your question about whether a brachioplasty and a tummy tuck can be done at the same time, and how common it is to perform both procedures simultaneously. First, a brachioplasty and a tummy tuck can be done at the same time. Second, a brachioplasty and tummy tuck are often combined into one surgery for plastic surgeons who specialize in reconstructive plastic surgery after massive weight loss. The brachioploasty is also called an arm lift. The tummy tuck is also called an abdominoplasty. Each procedure is performed under general anaesthesia. The brachioplasty takes about 3 hours to complete and does require drains. During a brachioplasty, arm liposuction is included, and the incision is placed from the axillae (armpit) to the elbow in the groove between the elbow and the biceps and triceps. During the arm lift, excess upper, inner arm skin and fat from the arm to the elbow are removed. The tummy tuck takes about 3-4 hours to complete and is best completed with drains. During the tummy tuck, the excess lower abdominal skin and fat are removed, the rectus abdominis muscle is plicated, the pubic region is lifted (monsplasty), and the umbilicus (belly button) is relocated. The brachioplasty and the tummy tuck require compression garments for about 6-8 weeks. If you plan to combine the tummy tuck and the brahcioplasty, please give yourself a 2-3 week recovery. I hope this information helps answer your question about whether a brachioplasty and a tummy tuck can be done at the same time and how common it is for these two procedures to be performed simultaneously. Since an arm lift can be a challenging surgery, especially when combinedwith aa tummy tuck, please seek an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon with significant experience performing these types of lifts. Do your research. Make sure they have performed at least 150 arm lift procedures. Make sure they have the before-and-after pictures to prove it. Carefully examine their before-and-after photos and review their RealSelf profile. Sincerely, Dr. Katzen, MD, MBA, FACS, FICS ( Plastic Surgeon, President of the American Society of Bariatric Plastic Surgeons, certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Fellow of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American College of Surgery, International College of Surgery, and American Board of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, and member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery and RealSelf Hall of Fame.)
