Brachioplasty Following an Extended Tummy Tuck - how long should I wait?

Question

How long should I wait to have the bracchioplasty following an extended tummy tuck? I’ve lost a considerable amount of weight and will likely have 2-3 surgeries to address . I know my first will be an extended tummy tuck, which will be a lengthy recovery before I can be back to doing full -body exercises (Pilates). Is it possible, since I will have “down time’ from exercising, to overlap the recoveries and have the bracchioplasty 2 weeks or a month after the TT? Or is that a recipe for misery and disaster? I hate the idea of being away from working out, and while I know that “doubling up” procedures would extend that initial down time, the total down time would conceivably be less. Thoughts?

Jeffrey M. Darrow, MD · Answer

Assuming that you are in good physiological condition for repeated operations, having your brachioplasty is 3 to 4 weeks after your extended tummy tuck should not be a problem for you. It would help to shorten the overall recovery time and get you back in the gym. Another suggestion, depending upon your plastic surgeon and whether he could enlist another surgeon to help,, would be to have your extended tummy tuck and your brachioplasty done at the same time and give you a single operation, a single recovery and would also decrease your cost.  Check to see if your plastic surgeon would be amenable to that. Best wishes.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello, and thank you for your question regarding a brachioplasty following an extended tummy tuck and how long you should wait.  Most experienced board-certified plastic surgeons who specialize in reconstructive plastic surgery after massive weight loss suggest waiting at least one to two months after your initial procedure before embarking on a secondary procedure.  Often, the extended tummy tuck can be combined with the brachioplasty.  Additionally, the tummy tuck and brachioplasty can be performed in stages.  Typically, the tummy tuck is performed before a brachioplasty procedure. The reason for this is that you will need your arms to help you get out of bed after the tummy tuck.  If you have your brachioplasty surgery performed before your tummy tuck, you will need your arms to be completely healed before your extended tummy tuck.  Additionally, suppose you must have your arms done before your extended tummy tuck.  In that case, most plastic surgeons suggest waiting at least 2 to 3 months between the initial brachioplasty and the extended tummy tuck.  If, however, you’re undergoing the extended tummy tuck first, you can have the brachioplasty performed one or two months after the tummy tuck.  Because the brachioplasty is a secondary procedure, your labs will need to be repeated to ensure there are no contraindications or reasons why you shouldn’t undergo the brachioplasty. Since the tummy tuck and brachioplasty are elective procedures, they can always be postponed to a later date.  I hope I’ve answered your question regarding how long you can wait after an extended tummy tuck to undergo a brachioplasty.  Good luck.  Most plastic surgeons offer complimentary virtual or in-person consultations.  Therefore, explore what other plastic surgeons have to say.  If you have any further questions regarding a brachioplasty or tummy tuck, please consult with an experienced plastic surgeon.  Please seek an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon with significant experience in performing brachioplasties or abdominoplasty (tummy tucks).  Ensure they have performed numerous brachioplasties or tummy tuck procedures and have the before-and-after pictures to prove it.  Carefully examine their before-and-after pictures and check their reviews on RealSelf.  If you cannot find an experienced plastic surgeon in your area, consider traveling to another state.  Sincerely, Dr. Katzen.  (Plastic Surgeon, President of  the American Society of Bariatric Surgeons, certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Fellow of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American College of Surgery, and International College of Surgery and member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, RealSelf Hall of Fame, and RealSelf Doctor Advisory Board for Medical Review and Consumer Panel.

Chet Mays, MD · Answer

Thank you for your inquiry!  We, at Mays Plastic Surgery, would love to meet with you to discuss your concerns.  You have the option of having both procedures at the same time.  One recovery.  Or you can schedule them separately.  Typically, 3 months between surgeries would be needed to recover the the first.  Schedule a consultation with Dr. Mays, a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, to help you reach your goals.

Fernando Ovalle Jr., MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. You will find that there is no "one right answer" as what may work for one patient, won't for another, and also surgeons have their own nuances in their preferences/advice. In my practice I usually advise patients that you will probably need 2-3 months to feel more "back to normal" after a big body contouring procedure such as a tummy tuck, or extremity lift. At the very least, I would recommend 6 weeks because then you will likely start to be able to do more activities/lifting/putting stress on the first operated area before putting the second area "out of commission". I.e. you will be more reliant on your upper/lower extremities for changing positions, etc when you are recovering your core from your TT, and you will more more reliant on your core for say, getting up out of bed, when you can't use your arms to push off, etc.

Hopefully this helps and good luck on your journey!

Hopefully this helps and good luck on your journey!

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Congratulations on your weight loss!  It's best to wait three to six months between procedures to allow time for healing.  After a tummy tuck I advise patients they can return to nonstrenuous activities after two weeks, light exercise after four weeks, and return to strenuous activities after six.  Nutrition is also important.  I've included a video with pre and post op nutrition tips that I hope you find helpful.

M. Mark Mofid, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi there, and thank you for your question. You can do your armlift surgery at any point, however you may want to wait about 3 months so that your healing is complete before starting a new recovery process. Some surgeons including myself, will pair certain procedures together, to shorten total recovery time. I suggest you ask if your surgeon is willing to do this. Good luck to you!

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