Tummy Tuck, liposuction, and fat transfer: is it safe to do all in one day?

Question

I am looking to get a tummy tick, lipo of my back rolls and fat transfer to breasts and hips. I am wondering if doing all 4 in one day is too much. It will be done under sedation and local anesthesia. Is lidocaine toxicity a concern? Also, will the healing process be a problem?

Luke J. Curtsinger, MD · Answer

Not everyone is a candidate.  Limiting factors include the patients weight, BMI, other health problems and the distribution of the 'donor' fat.  You should seek a PS who is comfortable doing these procedures in timely manor and in a safe environment, ie, a properly credentialled facility.

George Marosan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. It depends on your health and BMI. Under BMI of 30, I often combine these procedures. I do VASER sculpting 360 degrees with a BBL and a tummy tuck in our accredited in office surgery suite under intravenous sedation only. I do not see extra fat loss from lying on the buttocks in my patients. I never used general anesthesia for these procedures in my practice and even stopped using epidural anesthesia.See a board certified plastic surgeon experienced in advanced body sculpting techniques for an in person consultation. Good luck.

Dallas Buchanan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. I think that if you are planning on having all of these procedures under local anesthesia, you need to double check and make sure that your surgeon is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and that he or she operates in a facility that is licensed by a facility such as a state health department, AAASF, or another such entity. If all of those factors are not in place, then I would be very weary of the safety of this approach. I would not advise these procedures to be done at the same time under local anesthesia.Hope this helps!

Jeffrey A. Sweat, MD · Answer

The main logistical concern about the procedures you have mention is your recovery and making sure that you will be able to position adequately postoperatively to avoid excessive tension on the tummy tuck area while also keeping pressure off of any areas where fat has been transferred to help ensure adequate survival of the fat graft.  While many women would like to have fat grafting to the buttocks (Brazilian Butt Lift) at the same time as a tummy tuck, in my practice we do not do this because postoperative positioning will not allow both procedures concurrently, not because of safety concerns during the actual procedure itself.  If the areas of fat grafting on your hips will allow for adequate positioning postoperatively (allowing your hips to be flexed to avoid excessive tension on the abdominal area while avoiding pressure on the hip area), then, yes this could all safely be done together.  However, as others have already mentioned, most surgeons would do these procedures you have mentioned under a general anesthesia, both for your comfort as well as for speed and efficiency of the procedures to minimize operative time.  It would be advisable that you ask your surgeon why these procedures are preferably done under local with IV sedition in his or her hands so that you are completely comfortable with the plan.  Best of luck with your surgery!

Austin Hayes, MD · Answer

Combining procedures is considered safe for healthy patients. If the procedure is performed as an outpatient then it shouldn't last longer than six hours. This increases the safety of the procedure.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear mimi2424,it can be done as long as it doesn't last longer than 6 hours and it should be done under general anesthesia. If you are considering a surgery I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. You will get the best recommendations after a thorough examination.Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS 
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery  
Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

Michael M. Omidi, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for the question. I often advise to perform a tummy tuck and liposuction together because this way you will save on downtime and have just one recovery period for both procedures.
A tummy tuck offers the most effective way to correct loose skin and muscle separation in addition to eliminating excess fat. Liposuction will also remove fat, but it can't address flabby, hanging skin that typically persists after weight loss. For this reason, many patients who have experienced a massive weight loss or recent pregnancy tend to opt for a tummy tuck. This procedure can be combined with liposuction for maximum effect.  
An in-person exam with a board certified plastic surgeon is always the best way to fully assess your needs and address your concerns. Best of luck!

Jonathan Kaplan, MD, MPH · Answer

Doing all these procedures on the same day is possible. As long as you are a healthy individual there should not be any issues. Lidocaine toxicity is always a risk, but your surgeon and their staff will be monitoring how much you are given to make sure you are safe. These procedure will need to be done under general anesthesia in order to secure your airway since you will be lying prone (on your abdomen) for some of the procedure. There will be some pain and discomfort for several days after the surgery, so as long as you are ready for that mentally and in good physical shape, healing should not be an issue. Good luck with your transformation!

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

I would see no reasons for saying it cannot.  Most surgeons would do a tummy tuck under general anesthesia, especially if your muscles will be plicated but if your surgeon is efficient under sedation and has a proven track record, its hard to argue with history.  The procedures can certainly be done under general and when fat grafting the buttock when having to lay on it after no promises are made as to just how much will survive so if someone is charging you to do the fat grafting to the buttock, I would want some kind of warranty that it will be effective in that scenario.  Otherwise fat graft first and then have the tummy tuck later.

Tummy Tuck, liposuction, and fat transfer: is it safe to do all in one day?

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