Is 7-8 hours of surgery time reasonable and safe for my combined TT and Breast Reduction/Lift?

Question

I am 52, in good health, 5'7", weigh 165kg, take no medications and have no known medical problems. I am going to have a full tummy tuck, lipo and breast reduction and lift. (From 36E to 36 C/D). Does 8 hours sound about right and can I feel confident that my risk of DVT is low? The surgeon has mentioned that they do take steps to minimise risk. Is there anything I can do also?

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

If you weigh 165 lbs instead of 165 kilograms, the surgery can be performed.  The surgery can be performed in 4 hours in expert fashion and will result in a lower probability for complications.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

The procedures that you mentioned are often combined in one surgical day as long as you are in general good health and otherwise a good candidate for the procedures you are considering.  When preparing for surgery you will need to review your medications including prescription, over the counter and supplements with your surgeon who will then advise which you can continue and which need to be stopped.  Eat a healthy, balanced diet and continue regular exercise up to your surgery day.  Do not smoke or ingest nicotine or THC/CBD.  I've included a video on preparing for surgery that I hope you find helpful.

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

Breast implants/Breast Lift and Tummy Tuck are often Performed Together SafelyDifferent surgeons will recommend different procedures including doing more than one at a time. Some surgeons also differ in ability, time it takes to do the same procedure and general. It makes this a difficult choice for patients. Based on my own experience I would do all at once as long as it takes 4 or less hours. Surgeons should never perform elective operations that they are uncomfortable performing or feel unwise for them, nor should they be faulted for doing so. However, for me, I typically perform a tummy tuck and breast augmentation and lift (mastopexy) at the same time and usually takes about 3-4 hours so I recommend this be done in one surgery and this is what many refer to a Mommy Makeover.
Not only that,if you did not need a breast lift, I usually place breast implants through the Tummy Tuck incision but I prefer this technique. Tummy Tuck and Breast Augmentation Combination makes sense and is safe. Contrary to some of the answers I have found that the recovery time is not delayed and is the same as the tummy tuck procedure by itself. That is because you are healing simultaneously and not sequentially - both heal at the same time. The procedure only takes me about a half hour to 45 minutes longer than the tummy tuck alone. Best of all, I usually put in the breast implants through the tummy tuck incision so that there are no scars on the breasts.I have performed many of these combination procedures over the past few decades and think it is a great idea without significant increased complications

William Bruno, MD · Answer

The risk of a DVT definitely increases with the length of a surgery, especially an 8 hour procedure involving a tummy tuck. I would recommend discussing this in great detail with you plastic surgeon and consider having two separate surgeries. If you are actually 165 kg (and not 165 lbs) I would recommend weight loss prior to having any type of aesthetic surgery.Best wishes,Dr.Bruno

Dallas Buchanan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your questions. I do not think that for these procedures together, a time estimate of 7-8 hours is unreasonable. This length of surgery can be ok for the right person. If you indeed weigh 165 kg (364 pounds), then I would say that this is too long on an operative table and I would advise you to separate the procedures and do them at different times in the interest of safety. Hope this helps!

Is 7-8 hours of surgery time reasonable and safe for my combined TT and Breast Reduction/Lift?

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Answer: Combined surgeries and safety

Answer: Combined surgeries and safety

Answer: Is 7-8 hours of surgery time reasonable and safe for my combined TT and Breast Reduction/Lift?

Answer: Is 7-8 hours of surgery time reasonable and safe for my combined TT and Breast Reduction/Lift?

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Is 7-8 hours of surgery time reasonable and safe for my combined TT and Breast Reduction/Lift?

Answers (10)

Answer: Combined surgeries and safety

Answer: Combined surgeries and safety

Answer: Is 7-8 hours of surgery time reasonable and safe for my combined TT and Breast Reduction/Lift?

Answer: Is 7-8 hours of surgery time reasonable and safe for my combined TT and Breast Reduction/Lift?

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Everything you need to know about Mommy Makeover

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