Can I Get Breast Implants and an Arm Lift During the Same Surgery and How Long is the Recovery Time for Both Procedures at Once?

The combination of brachioplasty and breast augmentation can be performed in a single setting. When these operations are performed together, safety has to be the first priority. For this reason, we believe it's important to minimize the length of these operative procedures. An experienced surgeon, first assistant and surgical team that focus on efficiency can minimize the length of the procedure and reduce the potential for complications.The advantages of this approach are obvious and include improved synergy and harmony which improves the overall aesthetic result. Patients experience one recovery rather than multiple recoveries and they potentially save money when the procedures are done in combination.When these procedures are performed together, patients can anticipate limited physical activity for ten to fourteen days following surgery. I, typically, tell my patients bathroom and kitchen privileges initially with slow resumption of normal activity over the next two weeks. Patients can usually return to work in two weeks if no strenuous activity or heavy lifting is involved. After six weeks, they can resume all their normal activities including heavy lifting. Combination surgery isn't for everyone. Patients may have co-existing health problems which prevent this approach. If you're considering this approach, it's important that you discuss these issues with your plastic surgeon. Your surgeon should be able to formulate an appropriate surgical plan.

Thank you for your question.  It is reasonable to combine and arm lift and breast augmentation in weight loss body contouring.  You should also discuss the armpit and lateral chest wall with your surgeon if you have skin laxity in this area.  An axilloplasty can help with skin excess in this region in combination with the arm lift and breast aug.  Best wishes!

Combining both procedures at the same time can be accomplished as long as you are in good health. Typically arm lift takes about 2 to 3 hours while breast augmentation takes about one hour to complete. If breast lift is required then the total surgical time will increase. 

 

Stewart Wang, MD FACS

Congratulations on your weight loss and starting with that first step of reconstructive plastic surgery after weight loss. 
 If there is excess skin in the armpit or axillary region, this can be combined with the breast lift. Excess skin that hangs over the bra strap line can also be taken care of during the breast lift with a vertical torsoplasty or combined with the breast lift. 
Total operating time for an arm lift with an incision from the armpit to the elbow combined with a full breast lift or an anchor incision with implants typically would be between 5 to 8 hours. 
I recommend that the patient take approximately 2 weeks off from work to allow for complete healing. 
Typically, I do not use drains for either of these procedures.
 
Good luck with your surgery.  Please feel free to visit my website for before and after arm lift pictures.
Thank you,

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS

I would be surprised if you did not also need abreast lift with your implants. These surgeries can and should be done at the same time. We all operate at different speeds so as long as you are not asleep longer than 6 hours I think you will do great. 

 

Dr. Kearney

You can have them done at the same time but it is dependent on anesthesia time. There are many causes for flabby arms. Incisions can be very small or large depending on location of fat. If one has flabby arms, the best indicator of the treatment would be the elasticity of the skin.  If the skin has good elasticity, then Liposuction alone may be the answer.  If not, then an arm lift to resect the excess skin is best.  However, the best indication for an arm lift, and the most gratifying are those who have lost a lot of weight.  The skin is usually flabby and overstretched.  It is simple and effective to remove the skin that has been stretched past its capacity.  No Liposuction, or other noninvasive modalitiy will help the skin become more firm around the arms.  The length and type of the incision will vary depending upon the location and the amount of fat in the arms.  The cost will also vary by geographic locale.  Most will run anywhere from $3500-$7000.  I would advise you to visit with a board certified plastic surgeon to have treatment recommendations specific to your concerns.

Congratulations on your significant weight loss.

Yes, breast surgery and arm lifting surgery can be combined together nicely. Depending  on the specific surgeon and exactly what is done,  operating times generally range between 3 to 4 hours.

Best wishes.

Yes assuming your overall health is good.The time will vary from one surgeon to the next but I would say around 3 hours.

Because of the proximity of the breast and arms this is a common combination procedure in massive weight loss patients, Provided your recovery from the TT is unremarkable, a 6 to 8 week wait seems completely appropriate. 

You might check with your surgeon about starting you on iron to allow for prompt restoration of red blood cells you have lost during the first procedure to minimize the chance of a delay caused by anemia.

Surgery time should be 2 to 4 hours, but will vary according to what is being done and who is doing it. 

Thanks for the question, best wishes.

Combining a breast augmentation with an arm lift is a perfectly acceptable.  Patients that lose dramatic amounts of weight often require multiple procedures to achieve their aesthetic goals.  The main factors determining the safety of combined procedures includes your overall health status, the time required under anesthesia, and the comfort level of the surgeon performing the procedure. 


In weight loss patients, performing an arm lift with a breast augmentation can be a good idea, since the excess arm skin can blend with the side of the chest/breast area.  It is always best to consult with a board certified plastic surgeon to help you determine what is safe for you.  Congratulations on losing the weight and good luck with your upcoming procedures!