Is it possible to have a brachioplasty and a Fleur-de-lis tummy tuck at the same time ?

Question

I have a lost a lot of fat and now have a considerable amount of loose skin. I've been struggling to find a surgeon located in the UK who is very experienced in perfoming both procedures concomitantly and so I was hoping I would be able to through Realself.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding whether you can combine an arm lift (brachioplasty) with an inverted t tummy tuck (abdominoplasty). The simple answer is yes; you can combine these procedures. The more honest answer is that you may not want to combine the two procedures even though they can be performed. The fleur de lis abdominoplasty takes approximately five-seven hours to complete. This depends on your surgeon and his or her team. The arm lift or brachioplasty takes approximately 3-4 hours to complete. Though these procedures can be combined, it is the postoperative care that makes it difficult. You must imagine that to get out of bed during recovery, you will need to use your core, abdomen, and your arms to logistically just get out of bed. You will need your arms to pull yourself out of bed. Once you go somewhere, the restroom for example, you will need your arms to pull the garment off to use the bathroom. Then you will need your arms to help keep yourself clean in the bathroom and then put the garment back on. Therefore, even though these cases can be combined, logistically, it may be unwise due to the limited postoperative recovery. I have combined these procedures but strictly warned my patients of the difficulties during the recovery period. I hope this answer helps.

Sincerely, Dr. Katzen. (“Verified” Plastic Surgeon, President of the American Society of Bariatric Plastic Surgeons, certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Fellow of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American College of Surgery, and International College of Surgery and member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery and RealSelf Hall of Fame.)

Sincerely, Dr. Katzen. (“Verified” Plastic Surgeon, President of the American Society of Bariatric Plastic Surgeons, certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Fellow of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American College of Surgery, and International College of Surgery and member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery and RealSelf Hall of Fame.)

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear frnredmond,
I understand your concern. It is best however that you consult with a board certified plastic surgeon to determine whether you can have several aesthetic surgeries in one session, as this would depend on various factors including but not limited to your general health condition, the type of anesthesia that will be used, and the type of surgeries that will be performed among others.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

You could do both at the same time, but it is not recommended. You will need to use to arms to get out of bed since you will not be able to use your abdominal muscles. If you do both at the same time, you will need help longer at home. Depending upon your surgeon/s speed, you might also need an overnight stay.  At some facilities, if surgery exceeds a certain amount of time (from 4-6 hours) then an overnight stay is required. Your recovery period will also be longer since your body will see 3 surgeries.

Nancy de Kleer, MD, FRCSC (Plast) · Answer

I don't recommend doing these procedures together.
Both procedures require a lot from your body to heal well, and because you have a considerable amount of loose skin, I recommend you let your body focus on the tummy and the arms at different times.  This will give you a lower risk of complications and a better final result.
Be sure you are seeing a surgeon who is experienced with weight loss and ensure you are getting adequate protein intake before and after surgery, as this will also help minimize complications.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Combining procedures is common and considered safe, but there is a limit.  It is recommended that elective plastic surgery be limited to 6 hours or less of surgical time. Generally the two procedures you are wanting can be combined, but an examination is needed to know for sure.

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