Why do some doctors want to wait six months between procedures?

Question

Why do some doctors want to wait six months between procedures and others wait three months Especially for Lipo

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

You have to let your body heal from one surgery, I usually tell my patients to wait 3 months, that should be enough time to proceed to the next procedure. Always see a board certified PS.

Luis M. Rios Jr., MD · Answer

Very good question.Before embarking on procedures in the same area, most plastic surgeons follow some general guidelines depending on the procedure and part of the body.Redo nose surgeries (rhinoplasty) are done in 1 year to let the swelling settle and scar to soften. Removal and replacement of breast implants can usually be done in 3 months because the swelling is gone and inflammation has resolved. Revision liposuction can be done in 6 months because some areas of the body (abdomen & upper back) require that long for the swelling to resolve and the final shape to be seen. Also, liposuction areas can produce scar tissue that may take time to soften up before another liposuction procedure can be done in the same area. Moreover, if there was significant blood loss in the first surgery, it might be good to let the body heal and naturally replenish its blood cells.These are some basic guidelines and reasoning that plastic surgeons go by before attempting a revisional surgery. In general, the longer the patient waits between a second procedure in the same area, the easier it is for the plastic surgeon to get a good result for the patient.

Afshin Farzadmehr, MD · Answer

it is no uncommon to wait for 6 months until complete healing and swelling is resolved to evaluate final outcome.  Therefore, procedure on same area may not be recommended, however there is no issue for having procedures in different areas not previously operated on.

Vishnu Rumalla, MD · Answer

Thanks for your inquiry, the time between procedures is based on the length of any one procedures,  the amount of blood loss expected, the patient's health, and the anatomic needs of the procedure as well as adequate time to heal to name a few reasons.  Please ask your surgeon to explain the reasons he/she might advise between procedures.

Kenneth Rothaus, MD · Answer

I assume you question you are asking is how long to wait between between similar procedures on the same site of the body; for example, a between a primary and revision liposuction.  In general,it is better to wait longer between procedures.  With rare exceptions, I would consider 6 months to be the minimal interval.  For some aesthetic procedures, the interval can be as long as two years.  Having said that, there are always extenuating circumstances in individual cases.  This question can best be answered by your own surgeon who is familiar with your medical and surgical history and the details of your procedure.

Why do some doctors want to wait six months between procedures?

Answers (10)

Answer: Time between procedures

Answer: Time between procedures

Answer: Time Interval Between Procedures

Answer: Time Interval Between Procedures

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Everything you need to know about Liposuction

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Why do some doctors want to wait six months between procedures?

Answers (10)

Answer: Time between procedures

Answer: Time between procedures

Answer: Time Interval Between Procedures

Answer: Time Interval Between Procedures

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Liposuction

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