Safety of Breast Reduction and Tummy Tuck Done Together? (photo)

Thank you for your question.  Breast Reductions and Tummy Tucks are often combined in a single surgery and this combination of procedures is commonly referred to as the 'Mommy Makeover'.  Combining these procedures at one time and into a single surgery is often ideal for patients because it means one anesthesia and one recovery period (including time off from work).  While your recovery might be slightly more intense with two procedures rather than the one, most patients are quite comfortable and back to work in 7-10 days.  As far as pricing is concerned, it is hard to say whether or not you would eliminate a huge cost when compared to having the procedures done separately, but you would theoretically save on paying for two surgical and two anesthesia fees.  I would recommend discussing the potential of adding a full tummy tuck with your operating surgeon and any additional fees or recovery that adding a tummy tuck may require.  Best of luck!

The Mommy Makeover is a combination of procedures to bring a woman’s body back to the way she looked prior to pregnancy. Most commonly some variation of a #TummyTuck and #BreastSurgery are performed. Additional procedures can include liposuction, umbilical hernia repair.  The most common #breastprocedures include #mastopexy or #breastlift, #breastaugmentation, or #breastreduction.  

#Combined operations are often performed with our #Gynecology colleagues. Tubal ligation is a common post pregnancy procedure which is done at the time of many of the surgeries included with a #MommyMakeover. If you require a gynecologic operation or study (laparoscopy) and are considering a plastic surgery procedure, discuss these issues with your physician and board-certified plastic surgeon. Also, combining these #procedures may decrease anesthetics, costs, and recovery time.In addition to a one-on-one consultations with a board certified Plastic Surgeon, patients always need to be seen by their primary care doctor prior to such procedures.  We screen every patient and their medical records for risks of blood clots (DVT) and then take appropriate measures.  MWL (massive weight loss patients of  75 lbs or more) tend to have poor skin elasticity and will frequently need additional tightening even afte 6 -12 months regardless of who or how their surgery is performed. This is simply the nature of such body tissues and the ability to heal with the lack or limited elasticity. 

All surgical procedures carry some degree of #risk. Always discuss your issues and concerns with the Plastic Surgeon during and following your consultation. Information that you read online may not apply to your personal situation.It is imperative you select a plastic surgeon who is #board-certified and has a great deal of experience with the procedures included with a Mommy Makeover. . Aside from checking board-certification, it is suggested that you look at before and after photos of the surgeons actual patients, and read patient reviews. Gathering all of this information will help you make a well-informed decision.

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 changes. 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, review if there are any medical reasons to stage the procedure. If they deem you are healthy to have have the combined procedure, then you will only have one recovery.

Combining a tummy tuck and breast reduction in one surgery is very common allowing you to undergo only one surgery and only one recovery period. While your recovery may be a bit more intense than if you had only one treatment done, it won't be overly complicated. You'll probably be able to get back to work in about 2 weeks or so. While pricing depends on the surgeon, you can probably get a discount by combining the two, since you may be able to save on anesthesia and surgical facility fees.

         The combination of
abdominoplasty and breast reduction is frequently performed in a single
setting. When these operations are performed together, safety has to be the
first priority.

 

         For this reason, we
believe it’s important to minimize the length of these operative procedures. An
experienced surgeon, first assistant and surgical team that focus on efficiency
can minimize the length of the procedure and reduce the potential for complications.


 

         The advantages of
this approach are obvious and include improved synergy and harmony which
improves the overall aesthetic result. Patients experience one recovery rather
then multiple recoveries and they potentially save money when the procedures are
done in combination.

 

         Combination surgery
is not for everyone. Some patients may have co-existing health problems which
prevent this approach. If you’re considering this approach, it’s important that
you discuss these issues with your plastic surgeon. Your surgeon should be able
to help you formulate an appropriate surgical plan.

I routinely do not perform breast reduction and abdominoplasty simultaneously because of prolonged anesthetic time beyond 6 hours.  From your photographs, you certainly need a full tummy tuck, which takes approximately 3 hours.  I routinely reinforce abdominoplasties with mesh on women not planning any future pregnancies.  The advantage of mesh is weight reduction and maintenance of the lost weight.  I do combine other procedures when the duration of the surgery is less than 6 hours to reduce patient cost.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Insurance may cover the breast reduction but they will not cover operating room, anesthesia or surgery costs for the tummy tuck. If you do not have the money to cover for tummy tuck done separately it is unlikely that you will be able to pay for the uncovered portions of the operation. The insurance companies will not allow you to piggy back cosmetic surgery into covered medically necessary surgery at their expense.

It is usually best to do the belly before the breasts because if you do the belly later the tummy tuck tends to displace the breasts downward.

My response to your question/post does not represent formal medical advice or constitute a doctor patient relationship. You need to consult with i.e. personally see a board certified plastic surgeon in order to receive a formal evaluation and develop a doctor patient relationship.

First, you need a full tummy tuck. Second, If you can't afford it now, figure out a way to save so you can have it in the future. 

Thank you for your question and the photographs.

If you are a low risk for surgery and the surgery is not extensive, then tummy tuck and breast reduction can be done at the same time.

If you are a high risk for the surgery or the surgery is more involved, then it may be safer to separate the surgeries by 3-6 months. You do not want to get a DVT. If you are everweight, then you are at risk of DVT or even worse an pulmonary embolus.

To be sure, see two or more board-certified plastic surgeons in your area for a full and complete evaluation to make sure you are a good candidate and that it is safe for you to have surgery.

Combining procedures is common and considered safe if you are in general good health and candidate for the procedures you are wanting. A breast reduction and tummy tuck are often combined with good results. From the photos you would need to consider a full tummy tuck. You could add liposuction for further contouring if desired. The cost of the tummy tuck would be completely separate. You would still have to cover anesthesia for that procedure as well as the hospital costs and surgeon's fees.