Mommy Makeover 9 hours - should I be worried about the length of this surgery?

Typically it is recommended that surgical time for elective plastic surgery is kept to about 6 hours. There are always exceptions, but this is the general guideline. I encourage you to discuss your concerns with your surgeon. She/He is most familiar with your medical history and the details of your surgery. It is important that you feel comfortable and confident as you prepare for surgery.

A Mommy Makeover that spans approximately 9 hours is extensive, involving multiple procedures like breast augmentation or lift, tummy tuck, liposuction, etc. While the duration might seem lengthy, it's not uncommon for comprehensive surgeries combining several procedures.

Here are some points to consider:

Expertise of the Surgeon: Experienced and skilled surgeons are capable of performing longer surgeries safely. They ensure that measures are taken to minimize risks associated with extended anesthesia and surgery duration.

Health Assessment: Prior to surgery, a thorough health assessment is crucial. Your surgeon will evaluate your overall health, medical history, and any underlying conditions to ensure you're a suitable candidate for a longer procedure.

Facilities and Safety Measures: Accredited surgical facilities equipped with advanced monitoring and safety measures are essential for longer surgeries. This ensures your well-being during and after the procedure.

Recovery Considerations: Longer surgeries may involve a more extended recovery period. Your surgeon will provide detailed post-operative care instructions to manage recovery effectively.

However, it's important to discuss any concerns you have with your surgeon. Ask about the specifics of the procedure, the rationale for the length of the surgery, potential risks, and how they'll ensure your safety throughout the process.

While a 9-hour surgery can be performed safely, it's natural to feel apprehensive. An open and thorough discussion with your surgeon about your concerns and expectations will provide clarity and confidence before proceeding with such an extensive procedure.

Combining cosmetic plastic surgery procedures is not uncommon. Whether you are a reasonable candidate for those procedures depends on your anatomy, your medical history, the extent of the procedures, realistic expectations of the outcome and an understanding of the pros and cons of the various procedures.

Safety should always be the main concern. It is generally recommended that the length of elective surgery be less than six hours. The procedures should be performed in an ambulatory facility that is accredited by one of the national organizations like the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgical Facilities (AAAASF) or in a licensed hospital. Many surgeons would recommend an overnight stay at an appropriate facility where you can be appropriately monitored. Most patients prefer undergoing one anesthesia and one recovery period which is usually more cost effective.

Having said all of that, many, but not all, ethical well trained plastic surgeons would feel that the combination you are asking about is excessive and has significant risks factors if performed in one stage.

Keep in mind that following the advice of any surgeon on this or any other web site who proposes to tell you what to do without: examining you, physically feeling the tissue, assessing your desired outcome, and taking a full medical history, as well as discussing the pros and cons of each operative option would not be in your best interest. I would suggest you find a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon certified by The American Board of
Plastic Surgery who is ideally a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) that you trust and are comfortable with, and discuss your concerns with that surgeon in person. That way, you can have a better idea what is safe and makes the most sense for you.

Before proceeding with a combination of these procedures, you should have medical clearance from your primary care physician and a discussion between him or her and your plastic surgeon.

Robert Singer, MD FACS

La Jolla, California