Is an 8 hour surgery safe?

Question

I've decided to have a full Tummy tuck,breast lift,breast augmentation with lipo of the flanks. My plastic surgeon seems to be ok with doing all the procedures at once and said it will be an eight hour surgery. Although I want to get everything out of the way I'm now feeling very scared knowing I will be under anesthesia for so long. Wanted to get other opinions on weather or not doing all this procedures at once may or may not be a good idea?

Michael S. Beckenstein, MD · Answer

There is plenty of studies that show complications increase after 6 hours of surgery. Some procedures when medically necessary can take longer but the patient needed them to improve their health. For aesthetic procedures it is not worth the additional risks from a long procedure.

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 #BreastSurgery are performed. Additional procedures can include liposuction, umbilical hernia repair.  The most common #breastprocedures include #mastopexy or #breastlift, #breastaugmentation, or #breastreduction.

#Combining these procedures decreases anesthetics, costs, and recovery time.  Most importantly, your procedures should be performed by a #PlasticSurgeon who is board-certified and has a great deal of experience specializing in cosmetic #surgery. You will then greatly improve your chances of getting the result you desire, and, without the need for a revision surgery. It is suggested that you look at before and after photos of the surgeons actual patients, and read patient reviews. Gathering all of this information will help you make a well-informed decision. All surgical procedures carry some degree of #risk. Always discuss your issues and concerns with the Plastic Surgeon during and following your consultation. Information that you read online may not apply to your personal situation.It is imperative you select a plastic surgeon who is #board-certified and has a great deal of experience with the procedures included with a Mommy Makeover. . Aside from checking board-certification, it is suggested that you look at before and after photos of the surgeons actual patients, and read patient reviews. Gathering all of this information will help you make a well-informed decision.

William T. Stoeckel, MD · Answer

I personally do not like surgeries that take more than about 5 hours. But if your surgeon is comfortable with 8 hours of surgery and is board certified and is operating in an accredited facility with excellent anesthesia help, it could be safe. The liposuction would be the biggest issue if you were my patient. There is a big difference between some touch up lipo of the flanks with a tummy tuck and 4 liters of liposuction. Splitting surgeries up is always a safe decision in my opinion.

Gary Lawton, MD, FACS · Answer

This is definitely a lot of surgery.  I would say that the tummy tuck breast lift should be more like 4 to 5 hours.  Adding the implants and liposuction probably does dot increase the time that much.  It is the combination of surgeries and the number of areas that may be more concerning than just the time alone.  If the surgeon thinks it is acceptable based on your health, that is the best indicator.

Alex Campbell, MD · Answer

Mommy makeovers involve various combinations of proceudres to improve the breasts, abdomen, hips, back, arms, legs, buttocks, etc after childbirth.

Combination procedures are safe and very effective in the right hands.  The surgeon HAS to be an expert in EACH procedure and must have a lot of experience in performing combination procedures and can minimize the operative time.  For example, we work in a team and would take around 4-5 hours for the complete operation.  This allows us to get better results with less surgical time and less trauma.  Our patients are typically wlking the same day and tapering off of pain medications by 4-5 days.  By a week, our internattional patients are generally touring around Cartagena enjoying the  sites of this UNSECO World Heritage City.  Patients progress to unrestricted activities by 2 months, just as the final results are settling in.

Combination procedures can give powerful results but SAFETY is KEY.  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 procedure.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Our office specializes in mommy makeover procedures. Long surgeries have their advantages and disadvantages. Your health is the primary determinant of how safe it is. Speak to your surgeon about possibly breaking the mommy makeover up into different surgeries. Best,Dr. Karamanoukian Los Angeles

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

I hold these combination surgeries to under 6 hours.  I
would search for the board certified plastic surgeon who you feel is
most likely to give you the best results and who performs hundreds of
these procedures each year. I would look at patient reviews as well as
before and after photos on that surgeon's website.Kenneth Hughes, MDLos Angeles, CA

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Combining procedures is common and considered safe but there is a limit.  Most plastic surgeons limit elective plastic surgery to 6 hours or less.  This is for your safety and to keep risk low.  I recommend speaking to your surgeon about your concerns. It may be better to break your procedures into two stages.

C. Bob Basu, MD, MPH, FACS · Answer

Multiple procedures can be done safely, but it depends on your health
status (past medical history), your anatomy, and the amount of
surgery/type of procedures to be done. On longer cases, an overnight
stay may be recommended. Please talk to your plastic surgeon to get
their thoughts on the matter as they are most familiar with your medical
history and overall health status.Best wishes,Dr. BasuHouston, TX

Scott D. Holley, MD, FACS · Answer

Very good question.This question can only be properly addressed and answered during a consultation with your Board Certified plastic surgeon.  Each case must be considered individually as a patients general health, the combination of procedures under consideration, anesthesia, and facility all have bearing on this decision.I personally feel that risks for complication in body contouring surgery rise significantly after 5 hours of surgery.  I would strongly consider staging your proposed 8 hours of surgery into two separate surgical sessions.I would recommend that you contact your surgeon to discuss your concerns.  I am quite certain that he/she will be happy to review the plan and make any modifications needed to ensure that your safety is a priority.Best of luck!

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