Is it OK to have a breast lift and tummy tuck done at same time?

Question

I have been to see a dr and he has said I can have my breast lifted and tummy tuck done at same time. The surgeon did not have before and after pictures of breast lifts he has done on his website should I be concerned about that? He apparently specialises in faces but does do breaks and tummy too. He is based at Nuffield glasgow and has all his required certificates he also works for the NHS. Should I go with someone who specialises in the areas I want done or stick with this Dr?

Brian K. Reedy, MD · Answer

Hi! It is common to have both procedures done at the same time. In regards to your question about your surgeon it really depends on the confidence you have with the surgeon. If you are not comfortable seek another consultation with another surgeon. Best of luck to you!

Ashley B. Robey, MD · Answer

Breasts and abdominal surgeries are commonly combined in a "mommy makeover" surgery as these are the areas typically affected from previous pregnancies. It is safe to do them both at the same time. That being said, it is important to feel comfortable with the surgeon that you are considering. Things that can help you feel comfortable include: the surgeon's bedside manner, the surgeon's background and training (board certified in plastic and reconstructive surgery if you are looking into breast and tummy procedures), pre- and postoperative photos, et cetera.

If you are not sure, you should consider meeting with another surgeon or surgeons - having a second opinion can be helpful in your decision process.

If you are not sure, you should consider meeting with another surgeon or surgeons - having a second opinion can be helpful in your decision process.

Jaime S. Schwartz, MD, FACS · Answer

I appreciate your question.

Yes, these two procedures can be performed together assuming you are in overall good health and cleared for elective surgery by your primary care doctor.The best way to assess and give true advice would be an in-person exam.

Please see a board-certified plastic surgeon that specializes in aesthetic and restorative plastic surgery.

Best of luck!

Dr. Schwartz

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

#RealSelf100Surgeon

#RealSelfCORESurgeon

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

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 #BeastSurgery are performed. Additional procedures can include liposuction, umbilical hernia repair.  The most common #breastprocedures include #mastopexy or #breastlift, #breastaugmentation, #breastreduction.Pregnancy along with aging result in  weight fluctuations that can have a substantial impact on a woman’s body. It may cause loss of volume in areas such as  breasts  and buttocks and even affect the fat distribution in the face.It causes fat to be deposited in other unwanted areas, like your hips or thighs. It stretches the abdominal wall skin and muscle tone. And you can actually approach each of those areas and rejuvenate them and in some cases make them better than before pregnancy. It’s always best to be at your ideal stable weight before scheduling surgery.The best way to determine the combined procedures to meet your desired results will be in consultation with a local board certified plastic surgeon. You should take all of your questions into the initial meeting so that you completely understand what you will be looking to gain as a result and find out what you will face with the procedures. Good luck!

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Breast lift and tummy tuck is a common combination.   Having many before and after pictures and reviews is helpful in making the decision.

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.   Generally speaking, you should always ask to see before and after pictures of real patients who your surgeon has operated on.  This is extremely important in my practice.  If you are an appropriate candidate for a tummy tuck, this can be done
through a low and short incision, all completely below the bikini line.  The belly button can be designed to look
natural and have no scars on the exterior. 
Your muscles can also be plicated resulting in a flat abdomen.  A breast lift can be performed at the same
time for improved shape and contour of your breasts. Make sure you specifically
look at before and after pictures of real patients who have had this
surgery performed by your surgeon and evaluate their results.  
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

It is very common to have the procedures you mentioned performed at the same time.  As far as the question regarding which surgeon to select, you want to do your research and choose someone with whom you are comfortable.  If there are no photos available, see if there are any previous patients that you can meet with to discuss their experiences.

Erika Sato, MD, FACS · Answer

As board certified plastic surgeons we are technically trained in all aspects of plastic and reconstructive surgery. This does not mean that every PS is good at all procedures. Even if he does not have photos of a breast lift on his website, he should have some on his office computer that he could show you in the office. I would be scared to choose a PS that cannot show you any photos unless they are new to practice and are honest about just not having any. In that case I would only choose them if money was an issue and they were offering a discounted rate as they don't have as much experience.  Yes, it is safe to do both procedures together as long as you are healthy to undergo the anesthesia needed and your hemoglobin is at a safe level.

Gary L. Ross, MBChB, FRCS · Answer

Yes a breast lift and tummy tuck can be combined. His/her website may not be updated or he/she may have chosen not to place photos on his/her website and this is not of concern. I would be concerned however if he/she couldn't show you pictures of his/her work at a consultation or can't put you in contact with previous patients. This would question his/her experience.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.Generally speaking, the combination surgical procedures you are considering are done routinely. However, you are wise in being concerned about the safety of combination surgery; risks/possible complications do increase with increased length of surgery…  Select your plastic surgeon carefully. ***Ask to see lots of examples of their work and preferably speak/see patients who have had similar procedures done. Basically, patients should look at the overall "quality" of the outcomes achieved;  in other words, it will be important that patients see lots of examples of outcomes that they would be pleased with.  In doing so patients will be able to get an idea of each  plastic surgeon's "aesthetic sensibilities".

It is best to evaluate each patient's suitability for combination surgery on an individualized basis. During this consultation process, after a complete history and physical, the SAFETY of combining these surgical procedures becomes of paramount importance. Plastic surgeon, anesthesia provider, duration of surgery, surgery facility all important considerations.

Your best bet: choose your plastic surgeon very carefully; everything else including good judgment/advice/planning, anesthesia provider and safe surgery facility will follow.  Always keep priorities (safety,  avoidance of complications, and quality of outcome) in mind as you make your decisions.  Best wishes.