I lost 56 kilograms and am now seeking surgical interventions to address excess skin. Specifically, I require an arm lift, thigh lift, tummy tuck and buttock lift.Could you please advise if it is feasible to undergo these procedures concurrently in a single surgical session?
Answer: Body Contouring After 56kg Weight Loss: Best Surgical Plan? While it may be technically possible to combine multiple body contouring procedures in one surgery, it’s rarely advisable — especially when considering four major operations like: Arm lift (brachioplasty)Thigh liftTummy tuck (abdominoplasty)Buttock lift (lower body lift)Each of these is a significant procedure on its own, and combining them all at once would result in: Excessive surgical time (well beyond the 6-hour safety threshold)Higher risk of complications like wound healing issues, blood clots, infection, and fluid accumulationGreater physical stress on your body during recoveryWhat’s usually recommended?Most surgeons stage body contouring surgeries in 2–3 sessions, based on your priorities, anatomy, and healing capacity. A common sequence might be: Stage 1: Lower Body Lift (includes tummy tuck + buttock lift + lateral thigh tightening)Stage 2: Arm Lift + Breast or Chest Contouring (if needed)Stage 3: Medial Thigh Lift + Additional Liposuction or Refinements3 months minimum, 6 months optimal time for intervals This approach allows for: Safer anesthesia timeBetter healing between regionsMore predictable resultsLess risk of wound tension and delayed healingImportant considerations:Your BMI, metabolic health, and nutritional status (especially protein and hemoglobin levels) play a key role in how much can safely be done at once.Many post–massive weight loss patients also have unique scarring patterns, which need strategic planning.Combining complementary areas (like abdomen + buttocks or arms + breasts) is often preferred.
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Answer: Body Contouring After 56kg Weight Loss: Best Surgical Plan? While it may be technically possible to combine multiple body contouring procedures in one surgery, it’s rarely advisable — especially when considering four major operations like: Arm lift (brachioplasty)Thigh liftTummy tuck (abdominoplasty)Buttock lift (lower body lift)Each of these is a significant procedure on its own, and combining them all at once would result in: Excessive surgical time (well beyond the 6-hour safety threshold)Higher risk of complications like wound healing issues, blood clots, infection, and fluid accumulationGreater physical stress on your body during recoveryWhat’s usually recommended?Most surgeons stage body contouring surgeries in 2–3 sessions, based on your priorities, anatomy, and healing capacity. A common sequence might be: Stage 1: Lower Body Lift (includes tummy tuck + buttock lift + lateral thigh tightening)Stage 2: Arm Lift + Breast or Chest Contouring (if needed)Stage 3: Medial Thigh Lift + Additional Liposuction or Refinements3 months minimum, 6 months optimal time for intervals This approach allows for: Safer anesthesia timeBetter healing between regionsMore predictable resultsLess risk of wound tension and delayed healingImportant considerations:Your BMI, metabolic health, and nutritional status (especially protein and hemoglobin levels) play a key role in how much can safely be done at once.Many post–massive weight loss patients also have unique scarring patterns, which need strategic planning.Combining complementary areas (like abdomen + buttocks or arms + breasts) is often preferred.
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March 26, 2025
Answer: Riri_rose Thank you for your question and congratulations on your weight loss. Typically these procedures need to be broken up based on time restrictions. The proximity of your incisions also play apart for optimal healing. For example- an abdominoplasty and thigh lift ideally should be spaced out as the incisions are close together and may impact healing. Different providers have different opinions, though, as well as different time restraints. You may also want to think bout recovering from all of these procedures at once vs. separating into 2 different surgeries- especially if you have other medical conditions that may put you at increased risk. Hope this helps.
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March 26, 2025
Answer: Riri_rose Thank you for your question and congratulations on your weight loss. Typically these procedures need to be broken up based on time restrictions. The proximity of your incisions also play apart for optimal healing. For example- an abdominoplasty and thigh lift ideally should be spaced out as the incisions are close together and may impact healing. Different providers have different opinions, though, as well as different time restraints. You may also want to think bout recovering from all of these procedures at once vs. separating into 2 different surgeries- especially if you have other medical conditions that may put you at increased risk. Hope this helps.
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December 1, 2024
Answer: Would address the whole torso, maybe the upper extremities in one session Often a significant weight loss involving an abdominal "apron", significant hip/flank skin, and loose buttock areas will benefit from a "lower body lift", started in the prone (face-down) position, after which the patient is repositioned supine, and the recontouring continues around the hips to address the abdomen as well. A concomitant upper arm lift would be reasonable if the surgeon and anesthesiologist believes it to be safe (generally these procedures alone would take at least 8 hours), but I would recommend against all 4 extremities being addressed in the same session, safety/time-wise, and in consideration of the limitations in mobility and self-care post-op.
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December 1, 2024
Answer: Would address the whole torso, maybe the upper extremities in one session Often a significant weight loss involving an abdominal "apron", significant hip/flank skin, and loose buttock areas will benefit from a "lower body lift", started in the prone (face-down) position, after which the patient is repositioned supine, and the recontouring continues around the hips to address the abdomen as well. A concomitant upper arm lift would be reasonable if the surgeon and anesthesiologist believes it to be safe (generally these procedures alone would take at least 8 hours), but I would recommend against all 4 extremities being addressed in the same session, safety/time-wise, and in consideration of the limitations in mobility and self-care post-op.
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November 14, 2024
Answer: Combining Procedures for Loose Skin Removal: Options Based on Your Needs Congratulations on your incredible weight loss! Addressing loose skin after such a transformation is a significant step, and combining procedures can often be a feasible approach, depending on the amount of excess skin and overall surgical plan. Typically, the extent of excess skin will determine the length and complexity of your surgery. I usually recommend the following staging options: Option 1: Start with a body lift (which includes the tummy, hips, and buttocks) and combine it with an arm lift in the first stage. Then, in the second stage, focus on the thigh lift. Option 2: Begin with the body lift and thigh lift in the first stage, then move on to an arm lift in the second stage. If you’re interested in breast or facial work, we can discuss incorporating those in the second stage as well. These combinations balance maximizing results while ensuring your safety. By breaking up the procedures into two sessions, we can focus on specific areas and allow for a smoother recovery process. It's best to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon to develop a personalized approach that fits your unique needs and goals. Sincerely, Dr. Katzen
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November 14, 2024
Answer: Combining Procedures for Loose Skin Removal: Options Based on Your Needs Congratulations on your incredible weight loss! Addressing loose skin after such a transformation is a significant step, and combining procedures can often be a feasible approach, depending on the amount of excess skin and overall surgical plan. Typically, the extent of excess skin will determine the length and complexity of your surgery. I usually recommend the following staging options: Option 1: Start with a body lift (which includes the tummy, hips, and buttocks) and combine it with an arm lift in the first stage. Then, in the second stage, focus on the thigh lift. Option 2: Begin with the body lift and thigh lift in the first stage, then move on to an arm lift in the second stage. If you’re interested in breast or facial work, we can discuss incorporating those in the second stage as well. These combinations balance maximizing results while ensuring your safety. By breaking up the procedures into two sessions, we can focus on specific areas and allow for a smoother recovery process. It's best to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon to develop a personalized approach that fits your unique needs and goals. Sincerely, Dr. Katzen
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November 1, 2024
Answer: Loose skin removal surgery Dear riri_rose, I understand your concern. It is best however that you consult with a board certified plastic surgeon to determine whether you can have several aesthetic surgeries in one session, as this would depend on various factors including but not limited to your general health condition, the type of anesthesia that will be used, and the type of surgeries that will be performed among others. Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
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November 1, 2024
Answer: Loose skin removal surgery Dear riri_rose, I understand your concern. It is best however that you consult with a board certified plastic surgeon to determine whether you can have several aesthetic surgeries in one session, as this would depend on various factors including but not limited to your general health condition, the type of anesthesia that will be used, and the type of surgeries that will be performed among others. Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
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