Diastasis recti repair, skin tightening and breast tissue removal - can this all be done by one doctor?

Question

I gained around a couple hundred pounds over 5 years and lost it all in the past 3 years. I got diastases recti and some loose skin. I am also taking methadone for a opioid dependence which lowered my testosterone and caused breast tissue in my chest and fupa area. I would like to know if all this can be done by one doctor or is it better to go to specialists in specific fields and do two separate surgeries. I need minor skin tightening and to sow the six pack and remove the breast tissue, fupa.

Alan Gonzalez, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello @D Wiz, thank you for your question. It's important to note that while these procedures can be performed by a single surgeon experienced at both, the best approach may vary depending on your individual needs and goals. To get the most successful outcome the best way to go is a 2 time surgery. However, every case is different and to make an informed recommendation, more information is needed. A consultation is vital to establishing a surgical plan that meets your needs, expectations, and considers what is possible. Best wishes! Alan Gonzalez MD, FACS. American Society of Plastic Surgery Member (ASPS), International Federation for Adipose Therapeutics and Science” Member (IFATS), American Society of Plastic Surgery Member (ASPS), Colombian Society of Plastic Surgery member (SCCP).

Chet Mays, MD · Answer

Thank you for submitting your question! An Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) is a procedure that removes excess skin, tightens the diastasis recti muscle, and includes liposuction of the abdomen in one procedure. If you want tissue removed from your breasts as well then that can be done during the same abdominoplasty procedure as well. Those would not require two separate surgeries. I recommend scheduling a consult appointment with a board certified plastic surgeon like myself so we can create a surgical plan that is best for you and your goals.

Emmanuel De La Cruz, MD · Answer

Yes, these procedures—diastasis recti repair, skin tightening (often associated with a tummy tuck or abdominoplasty), and breast tissue removal (like a breast reduction)—can typically be performed by a single plastic surgeon who is experienced in these areas.

Many board-certified plastic surgeons are skilled in a variety of body contouring and breast procedures. Combining surgeries like diastasis recti repair, abdominoplasty, and breast reduction in one operation (commonly referred to as a Mommy Makeover) is quite common and can provide comprehensive enhancements to multiple areas affected by pregnancy, weight changes, or other factors.

However, it's essential to find a surgeon who specializes in these procedures and has a proven track record of performing them safely and effectively. During your consultation, your surgeon will assess your health, discuss your goals, and explain the potential risks and benefits of combining these procedures.

Communication with your surgeon is vital. They will create a customized treatment plan tailored to your needs and ensure that combining these surgeries is safe and appropriate for your individual circumstances.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear D Wiz,
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

Jeffrey M. Darrow, MD · Answer

A well trained board certified plastic surgeon should be able to easily handle all the areas you wish to treat at a single operation.  You will need to discuss your opioid dependency with your plastic surgeon and primary care doctor so a solid plan is in place for your post operative pain control.  Best wishes.

Sean Arredondo, MD · Answer

Great question. Often patient’s are looking to combine procedures to reduce recovery time. But you raise an interesting question, would one doctor be able to achieve the results you want in each of these areas? The short answer is yes, many or all of these can be combined into one procedure. A more common reason for dividing procedures into multiple surgery’s is for patient safety. Occasionally, the combination of procedures will take too long and splitting them up into more than one surgery is safer for the patient. 
Choosing the right surgeon for you is important. And look at their results to ensure they match your goals. A surgeon with experience in massive weight loss and body contouring should be able to comfortably address these issues as they are commonly affected areas with massive weight loss. It would be best to obtain at least 2 consults. Hope that information helps.

Derek Fletcher, MD · Answer

If you have a well trained surgeon who routinely performs both breast and body operations at a high level, that person can likely achieve good overall results.

One of the key safety elements in terms of planning multiple procedures is the time under anesthesia.  In general, I keep the number of hours in surgery under 7-8.  Discuss duration of surgery with your surgeon to help guid decision making.

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

Abdominoplasty and breast lift/reduction after weight loss is something that is frequently done together in our practice. Your methadone treatment and history of dependency are additional issue that needs to be addressed before deciding whether to do these procedures together or one at a time. In person consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon with experience in this type of surgery (body contouring) and consultation with your psychiatrist,  is recommended. Good luck.

J. Jason Wendel, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding having multiple procedures performed by one doctor.

From what you listed above, it sounds like you are wanting an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), breast reduction, and monsplasty. All of these procedures easily be done at the same time by one surgeon.

To be sure, I recommend that you see two or more experienced board-certified plastic surgeons for an in person consultation.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

I would suggest meeting with a board-certified plastic surgeon, being examined, and discussing your concerns and options.

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