Rhinoplasty 6 weeks after Breast Augmentation. Yes or no?

Question

I am interested in getting a breast augmentation and then getting a rhinoplasty around 6 weeks after. I plan to do the breast augmentation in my home city and do my nose abroad. My surgeon abroad said I need to wait 4 weeks but i have seen some mixed answers and would like others opinions. I am 20 years old, no medical issues and fit. Thank you

Jose Telich, MD · Answer

Dear Plucky thank you for your question. While a healthy patient can sometimes undergo another procedure a few weeks after surgery, we usually recommend waiting about 3–6 months between major operations performed under general anesthesia, especially elective cosmetic procedures. This allows the body enough time to fully recover, reduces cumulative surgical stress, and gives the tissues from the first surgery time to heal and for early scar formation to stabilize.

At six weeks, most patients are still in the active healing phase after breast augmentation, even if they are feeling well. Because of that, many surgeons prefer a longer interval before scheduling another elective procedure.

If possible, allowing a few additional months between surgeries is generally the more conservative and safer approach. Ultimately, the decision should be made after discussing the timing with both surgeons and ensuring your recovery from the breast augmentation is completely uncomplicated.

Sameer Karkhanis, MS, DNB · Answer

Hello! Either you can do both the surgeries together which we routinely do in India or you can wait for 4 weeks.
Ideal plan would be to execute both surgeries together, the recovery period will be overlapped or shared. If the surgeries are planned differently then it is advisable to wait.

Regards,
Dr Sameer Karkhanis,
Centre for Cosmetic Surgery, Mumbai, India

Brian K. Reedy, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question! 6 weeks before surgery should be fine. If you are nervous, take a couple of extra weeks. Best of luck to you!

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Plucky118340,

it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.

Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Donovan Rosas, MD · Answer

I typically encourage patients to allow for as much time as possible between unrelated elective procedures.

The resources necessary for healing come from the same pool. If you are drawing from the pool for multiple procedures it can compromise the recovery for one or the other.

In my practice, I will typically delay as many as 3 months if time is not an issue. However, procedures can be considered as early as 6 weeks.

Different surgeons will have different opinions. As such, it is best to discuss with the operating surgeons.

As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

Sounds fair. You could always check with your augmentation surgeon for verification. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

While it would be best to ask your breast augmentation surgeon and rhinoplasty surgeon for their opinion, this may not be a good idea. 6 weeks after surgery, you will still be in the initial phase of your recovery and going into another surgery so soon could compromise your results from breast augmentation, as well as your rhinoplasty experience. In addition, you may want to reconsider traveling abroad for any procedure.

Jeffrey M. Darrow, MD · Answer

There was no reason that you cannot have your breast augmentation done 6 weeks after your rhinoplasty. In fact, a rhinoplasty and a breast augmentation can be done at the same time as long as proper sterile technique and perioperative antibiotic coverage is used.  6 weeks of healing time from your breast augmentation should be completely adequate prior to your rhinoplasty.  The main concern is that the breast augmentation is a “clean“ operation, and that the rhinoplasty, because you can’t clean the internal portion of the nose as well, is a “contaminated“ operation.  However, the combined operation is frequently done, but if you wish to wait six weeks, this will allow your body to form a scar capsule around your implant which acts as some protection from hematogenous bacteria, in addition to antibiotic coverage, which could theoretically contaminate your implant.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

This question is best answered by your surgeon who is most familiar with your planned procedure.  Generally it is advisable to wait longer between the procedures to allow for healing.  Three months should be sufficient depending on how your recovery goes, but this answer may vary.  Your surgeon will advise what's best for you.

Ayhan Isik Erdal, MD, FACS, FEBOPRAS · Answer

In my opinion, if you're short on time, you'll be ready for rhinoplasty two weeks after breast augmentation. Best wishes.

Rhinoplasty 6 weeks after Breast Augmentation. Yes or no?

Answers (11)

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