How Long Do I Need to Wait Between Breast Reduction and Tummy Tuck Surgeries?

Question

I am having breast reduction surgery on June 1st and would like to know how soon I can go back for a tummy tuck? And after my breast reduction surgery how long do I have to wait to get on a stairmaster? Thanks so much!!!

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

Technically you could do both a breast reduciton and tummy tuck at the same operative date. Alternatively, if you choose to stage the procedures, I know of some surgeons that will do it as soon as the next day. However, my guess is that most surgeons would stage this by 3-4 months.

Jeffrey J. Roth, MD, FACS · Answer

If you are in good health, you should be able to have the operations the same day.  There are many variables, (how much time to be spent on each operation, etc;). If you are going to stage the operations, most would wait about 3 or 4 months.  Best to speak with a board certified plastic surgeon.  Together you will review your goals and see what is possible.

Armando Soto, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi there-

	I usually perform tummy tucks and breast procedures concurrently, and believe that for healthy patients the advantages far outweigh the risks, provided the surgeon can complete the procedure in a reasonable period of time (less than 5 hours). If not, then yes, do them separately.

	As far as the interval between procedures, this would depend heavily on your individual recovery and your surgeon's preferences and techniques- but generally speaking, you could probably proceed with the second procedure after about 3-6 weeks.

Dean Fardo, MD · Answer

This is a good question that should be discussed with your surgeon. There are pro's and con's to each approach and depends on several factors. Generally, in low risk patients who are younger and in good health, then it is acceptable to combine these surgeries. However, as the operating time increases, so does the risk of complications, such as deep venous thrombosis. The decision also depends on surgeon factors. Some surgeons can do these two surgeries in under 3-4 hours, while some others may need 6 hours or more. These reasons are why no surgeon on this forum can completely answer this question for you.

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

I would generally recommend that these operations be done at the same time.  Therefore you have one recovery period.  Your surgeon will direct you when exercise is appropriate after surgery.

	Good Luck

	Dr. ES

Richard Baxter, MD · Answer

For most patients there are no compelling reasons to separate the two procedures, providing that your surgeon feels they can be safely done the same day within a reasonable amount of time. Doing them together saves money and down time for recovery, so you would be able to get back to exercise sooner.

David Shafer, MD, FACS · Answer

In most cases, I perform both the breast reduction and the abdominoplasty at the same time. That way, you only have one anesthesia and one recovery. However, if you want to do the procedures at different times, then I would recommend waiting a few months in between to allow complete healing of the breasts. Also, by that time all the swelling should be gone and the tissues settled so you will know if you need a touch-up of the breasts when they do your belly. Good luck.

Scott C. Lindsay, DO · Answer

Thank you for your question!
These procedures can be done at the same time. One recovery! Schedule a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your options, best wishes!

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.

	I would suggest waiting at least 3 months in between the 2 procedures.

	Best wishes.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

WHy not have both surgeries done at the same time?  But if you are staging them, I would probably wait about 3-4 months minimum.

How Long Do I Need to Wait Between Breast Reduction and Tummy Tuck Surgeries?

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