Pros and Cons of Having Breast Reduction with Tummy Tuck

Hi there-

My colleagues have done an excellent job of explaining the advantages and disadvantages of combining these procedures.

I think it is very important to add that, as with all other people, not all surgeons are created, educated, or trained equally, and our experiences also vary. This inevitably leads to varying skill levels with different procedures and varying efficiency in performing them, as well as in the outcomes achieved.

I know some surgeons who might take 8 or 9 hours to do this combination of procedures, while others may be able to offer you a beautiful outcome with a 5 hour operation.

In other words, whether or not combining the procedures is in your best interests is going to depend greatly on your surgeon and the outcome he/she can achieve for you WITHIN A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME.

Most surgeons would be comfortable offering you a combined surgery for these 2 procedures. It's never easy finding time for surgery and recovery in our busy schedules, let alone 2 surgeries! Your recovery from tummy tuck surgery will be around 4-6 weeks and if you have your breasts done as well, this will be no different, it'll still be 4-6 weeks. If you are generally healthy medically speaking your body will handle this recovery just fine!

If the patient is in good health, and you choose an experienced plastic surgeon, it is possible to do both together, and they are done together frequently. However, be sure to see 2 or 3 board certified plastic surgeons in consultation. view before and after pictures. By combining procedures you will only go through recovery once saving you time and money. Good luck.

The question of combining versus staging cosmetic procedures is asked frequently. I will list some of the advantages and draw backs.
Combining procedures can potentially reduce the total down time and total cost. I would recommend it depending on the patient's health, invasiveness of the procedures, and if we can keep the operative time under about 6 hours. It does not make the recovery easier or the healing "better". The anesthesia and surgical risks (infection, blood clots, pulmonary complications, etc.) increase significantly with prolonged operative times.
Staging the procedures will result in two "down times", unless they are done within 1-2 weeks apart. The tummy tuck can be done first, then while you are still recovering, the breast reduction is done 1-2 weeks later. This sequence will keep the total down time about the same, while making the recovery a lot easier. Most importantly, this will reduce the surgical risks to an acceptable level. 
Safety being the most important factor, I generally do NOT recommend combining extensive procedures if the operative time will exceed 6-7 hours. Discuss your specific situation with one or more Board Certified plastic surgeons in an in-person consultation, so you can decide on the best plan. Best wishes!

Thank you for your question. A tummy tuck and breast reduction are great procedures to combine as they address some of big changes that happen after pregnancy or weight loss. It is often referred to as a mommy makeover. It is a bigger procedure and may often require a night in the hospital. I would consult with a board certified plastic surgeon in your area to discuss your options in more detail and would recommend combining the procedure as you will only have one recovery.

I routinely combine tummy tuck and even lower body lift with breast surgery.  That being said, I also insist on a detailed nutritional assesment (esp. in weight loss surgery patients), a strict dietary regimen including supplements, a look at labs to see if you are anemic.

I operate with an experienced OR team taht are my own staff I bring to the hopsital, and often a second doctor, so the procedures can usually be completed in a 6 hour time frame.   Building in "stopping points" in case of bleeding or low temperature during surgery also adds to the safety profile. 

The risk of blood clots after any long procedure tha entails immobility also is addressed, and I advocate preventative measures depending on your risk.

So overall I am not opposed to doing a more involved surgery, provided I have the proper team, detailed preparation, and a fully equipped facility to do so.

The benefit to doing both at the same time is that you undergo one anesthesia and one recovery period.  As long as your surgeon is skilled enough to perform these surgeries together in a timely manner, then it is safe. For some women, it is ideal, but for others it may not be possible given the extent of the tummy tuck, etc. The risks go up the longer you are under general anesthesia, and that is why most surgeons have an absolute time limit they will not keep some one under anesthesia past. 

This combination usually takes about 4 - 5 hours to perform, but is done very often and is not an uncommon request.  Combining both really helps with the recovery as well, because if you do only the breasts first, then alot of women are really bothered by their abdomen now that their breasts are not hiding it to a degree.  I hope this helps.

The risks primarily relate to a prolonged surgical procedure under general anesthesia and the potential for fatal blood clots. Blood loss is increased in combination procedures but should still be reasonable. Obviously combining the procedures will be convenient to condense the surgery into one time period whereas a staged plan will take significantly more time.

Without photos to see how you appear, there are  benefits and increased risks in combining these 2 operations. Benefits are 1 anesthesia, 1 healing episode. Risks are 2 anesthesias, 2 healing episodes, increase risks of complications. Go see 3 boarded PS's to get in person evaluations and details.

From MIAMI Dr. B

PLUSSES -
- Cheaper procedure (we always discount the cost of other procedures when done together with the main operation)
- A single recovery from both operations

MINUSSES of COMBINING a Tummy Tuck with a Breast Lift after a large Weight Loss
- Much longer operation under general anesthesia
- Much higher risk of complications (infection, pneumonia, blood clots (DVT) with possible clots to lungs)
- if complications do happen the cost of their medical care may require consulting with other doctors and or having other procedures (more expenses) and more than erase any savings of combining the operations
- more prolonged recovery (tender suture lines in different parts of the body)