Two surgeries vs one surgery. What is better for health purposes?

Question

I want to have two procedures. Breast augmentation / lift and rhinoplasty. My doctor said I can do both at the same day and I can save money. I will be under general anesthesia for 5 hours. What is better for health to do one surgery for 2.5 hours then after few months do another surgery for 2.5 hours or do one big surgery for 5 hours? I am asking what is the best for the health not for saving money.

Casey Anderson, MD, FACS · Answer

Anesthesia is overwhelming safe these days. So long as appropriate clearances are done, 5 hours of surgery is acceptable. This then comes down to your preference.

Irena Karanetz, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.
It is common to combine procedures at the same time, and it is typically safest to keep the general anesthesia time under 5-5.5 hours, as long as the patient is in good health.
I would recommend to obtain an in person consultation with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon to further discuss your concerns, and expectations.
Best,Dr. Karanetz
Dr. Irena KaranetzBreast Fellowship-TrainedBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

If both operations can be done within 5 hours then I recommend doing them simultaneously.  There is added risk of doing 2 surgeries then to 1 surgery.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

Providing that you are in a good health, there is no problem with surgery lasting up to 5 hours. If your surgeon is experienced in both procedure (which is not always the case), my advise would be to do it all together. Good luck.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Anon485745,
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

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

Combining those two operations is safe  in The hands of a good surgeon and anesthesiologist. When I get worried us when a procedure goes over six hours, could involve blood loss. Or if one of the procedures is a tummy tuck which increases the risk of clots. In your situation it's very safe

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question.  At under 6 hours of operative time there is little additional risk to performing both procedures at once, but you should do what feels most comfortable to you.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Risks do increase with longer surgeries, especially past 4 hours. Also, the rhinoplasty is a dirty procedure and does increase risks with the augmentation. I would suggest separating them.

Garrett A. Wirth, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

I recommend you work with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon as further discuss your concerns.  While these procedures can be done together, there are some increased risks that can offset the cost savings.  I generally recommend these be done separately.

Douglas Taranow, DO, FACOS · Answer

Dear Anon,
Of course, shorter procedures are safer, but I agree with your surgeon.  A 5 hour case is still safe in an otherwise healthy individual.
Best wishes.
Dr. Taranow

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