Can you have an arm lift and tummy tuck at the same time?

SimplyMarvelous,Good afternoon.  Great Question!  I understand the drive to combine procedures: less surgeries, less recoveries, and less money! But, this needs to weighed and balanced against the risks of surgery. Everything in life has risk! The most severe risk/complication we worry about with a Tummy Tuck is a blood clot; this is because blood clots have the potential to travel to lungs and this could be lethal…likely, no… you are more likely to get in a car accident driving today. This is important to understand because blood clots are directly related to how much you move around post-operatively. So if we combine surgeries with your Tummy Tuck we need to make sure that you will be able to move around to make sure we do not increase the risk of blood clots.Ok…back to the question, can you combine an arm lift and tummy tuck? Yes, you can; but should you…well that depends. What does it depend on? Well, it depends on how big of a tummy tuck we are doing, how big of an arm lift we are doing, how healthy you are, and how much you are able to move around prior to surgery. The best way to answer those questions is by an in-person consult to help make these determinations. I notice that a lot of the answers on this page are centered around the comfort of the surgeon, his/her experience with multiple procedures, and the importance of utilizing a board certified plastic surgeon... and I agree with these thoughts (and for the record I meet all of the criteria above).  But that is NOT the most important question.  The most important question is:  Is Combining the Surgeries Safe Specifically to You!  Again, that is something best determined by an in-person consultation.  I hope that helps; best of luck on your decision.Sincerely,Matthew J Nykiel, MD   

Dear Simplymarvelous,

Yes, it is possible to combine an arm lift (brachioplasty) with a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) in a single surgical session. In fact, I frequently perform both procedures together for suitable candidates. The decision to combine surgeries often depends on the patient's overall health, the extent of the procedures, and their individual goals.

Combining surgeries can offer some advantages, such as a single recovery period and potentially reduced overall downtime compared to having the procedures done separately. It can also be cost-effective since certain fixed costs, like anesthesia or operating room fees, are incurred only once.

However, it's essential to consider the total operative time, as longer surgeries can increase the risk of complications. Patient safety is always paramount. Also, undergoing two significant procedures can make the initial post-operative period more challenging in terms of mobility and discomfort.

Every patient is unique, and while combining procedures might be suitable for one person, it might not be for another. It's essential to have an in-depth consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon to assess your specific situation, discuss potential risks and benefits, and determine the best surgical plan tailored to your needs.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Thanks for rthe question. Yes you can but it will depend on your health status and your plastic surgeon´s preference. Have a great day. Dr Sigler