Can procedures be combined? (breast/arm lifts) or ( tummy tuck/ thigh lifts)? Which combos for the best overall results?

Question

I've seen the mommy make overs, But I've lost over 140lbs gave birth to triplets and needing extensive work. I know all can't be done at once. What I'm looking for are the best results in combining surgeries. I'm 55yrs old, gave birth to 5 sons naturally 155lbs.... soooo much loose skin everywhere.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question.  The best recommendations can only be rendered after discussing your goals, but in general, procedures can be combined with breasts and stomach often performed jointly but breasts and arms can also be performed, especially if the tummy tuck is going to also involve a lower body lift.  Hope this helps.

Matthew Peters, BSc, MBBS, FRACS (Plast) · Answer

Congratulations on your weight loss, and your children :)
I would suggest you meet with an appropriately qualified plastic surgeon to determine what your main areas of concern are.  Often a number of these areas can be addressed surgically at once, but this depends on a number of factors, including how the two areas may effect each other's wound healing and tissue strength (and subsequent appearance long term), and how long the procedure may take (and what this might mean for your general health and risk profile). Ultimately you want the best outcome, as do we as surgeons, and meeting to determine this together can help work out the most appropriate way to achieve this.
Best of luck moving forward,
Matthew

Lucie Capek, MD · Answer

Congratulations on your weight loss success!  Many procedures can be combined to achieve your goals.  First and foremost, your health will dictate what your surgeon feels they can accomplish safely in one operation.  With my massive weight loss patients, I often do combine procedures and we decide together what will work best on a case by case basis. Each patient is unique, and their bodies and priorities vary greatly. That being said, most commonly my patients start with their midsection first, in combination with a thigh lift. This may be a belt lipectomy or lower body lift (includes a tummy tuck) and a vertical thigh lift and liposuction. Another combination may be a breast surgery (augmentation, lift or reduction), a bra-line back lift and arm lift. But an abdominal procedure may also be combined with breast surgery or an arm lift, if those areas are most problematic. Best results happen when you and your surgeon are aligned and are able to communicate clearly. As always, I advise patients to choose a board certified plastic surgeon specializing in Cosmetic Surgery, and find someone you truly trust and connect with.  
 Sincerely, Dr. Lucie Capek

Robert Cohen, MD · Answer

You need a formal evaluation by a licensed plastic surgeon and expert in full body surgical improvements to determine what is best for you and your goals.
“Mommy Makeover” is a popular term for a combination of procedures intended to return women to their pre-pregnancy (or pre-weight loss) appearance, including breast surgery, abdominal surgery, and oftentimes a liposuction of the hips, flanks, and/or inner and outer thighs. The type of breast and body surgery specifically performed is customized to each individual patient. For the breast portion, this can mean a simple augmentation, an augmentation with a mastopexy, or a reduction, depending on the individual. Abdominal surgery may involve a full or mini-abdominoplasty -- or sometimes simply liposuction. Regardless of the exact procedures used, my goal is always the same: to return each patient to a more youthful and natural appearance, consistent with (or sometimes even better than) their pre-pregnancy physique. 
I suggest consulting with a board-certified plastic surgeon and expert in body contouring. - Dr. Cohen

Carolina Restrepo, MD · Answer

Congratulations on your weight loss!! Combination procedures can give powerful results but SAFETY is KEY; it can be very effective in the right hands.  You definitely have to choose your surgeon correctly and make sure that he/she has the training and experience to meet your goals with absolute safety.  Don’t settle for less than a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon with specialized expertise in this.You should have a consultation with a surgeon so they can assess you and guide on what is the best combination for you. With us you have the befenit of 2 plastic surgeons working at the same time so you can actually get done more in less time which  is a huge difference in preoperative risk and recovery.

Pejman Aflaki, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your  question and sharing your photos. Combined procedures are common. Typically, abdominal and breast surgery are done at the same time; for example you can have the tummy tuck and breast lift/augmentation. Alternatively, you can have the tummy tuck or your breast surgery with the arm lift. I would seek consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon for a full evaluation and advice. Best,
Pejman Aflaki, M.D.
  
Johns Hopkins-trained double board-certified plastic surgeon

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

A MM typically includes a TT, breast augmentation or breast lift, and liposuction.  Your shape will be determined by how the surgeries are performed, how much tissue is undermined, how much tissue is removed, how much fat is extracted, etc. The key here is not the procedures performed but how these procedures are performed.
Liposuction, combined with the TT, will allow you to have stubborn fat resistant to exercise and diet removed from unwanted areas (abdomen, love handles, thighs, back).  A TT with muscle tightening will create a flat abdomen and would also provide the benefit of placing your incision along the lower pubic region. You would need to be examined and your medical records reviewed by a board certified plastic surgeon to determine your candidacy for having all procedures completed during one surgery lasting no more than 6 hours.  You could stage the BL and arm lift during one surgery, and the TT/thigh lifts months later.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear stephiest,
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

Robert M. Tornambe, MD · Answer

Stephiest I appreciate your concern, and it certainly sounds like you have earned a mommy makeover! Photos would be helpful, but many of your desired procedures can be performed at the same time.  Six hours is the usual cut off for Max time in the operating room for elective procedures. Consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon in your area to evaluate your particular needs and map out the best plan for you. Good luck.

Eric Mariotti, MD · Answer

A mommy makeover is a very common procedure that can be customized to suit your needs and goals. While combination procedures can often be performed in a single surgery, there are cases when a second surgery is recommended for your safety and optimal results. If, as you’ve mentioned, you are considering a large number of procedures, you will likely do best splitting them into two separate surgeries.

As for which combinations to start with, this very much depends on your personal preferences, overall goals and the advice of your plastic surgeon. If excess skin in your abdominal area is your primary concern, you might start with a tummy tuck, liposuction and possibly breast lift. The arm and thigh lifts can then be performed as a second surgery.

Can procedures be combined? (breast/arm lifts) or ( tummy tuck/ thigh lifts)? Which combos for the best overall results?

Answers (18)

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