Tummy Tuck: Prices, Photos, Reviews, Info, Q&A

Tummy Tuck with Breast Lift and Augmentation, Mommy Makeover, are frequently done together successfully

The combination of Tummy Tuck, Breast Lift and Breast Augmentation, also called a Mommy Makeover, is frequently done together with excellent results by surgeons who are skilled at these procedures.

Multiple procedures do prolong recovery by about a week. Having more than one procedure does mean that there are potentially more risks, but a skilled surgeon who frequently does these procedures together can minimize the additional risks. Anesthesia time is most important.

Multiple surgery image

I do these combined procedures with another Plastic Surgeon to reduce operating time which is important for recovery and reduction of anesthesia time. I WOULD NOT add Liposuction to the back and bra area to these procedures-it could compromise blood supply to the Breast during the lift and augmentation which is already placing strain on the blood supply.

Be aware that many Plastic Surgeons do not perform Breast Lift and Breast Augmentation at the same setting-preferring to do one or the other first and delay the second procedure for 6 months. Many are comfortable doing them together as I am but you need to discuss this during your consultation. (Brooke R. Seckel, MD, FACS, Boston Plastic Surgeon)

Combining Breast and Tummy Procedures Together

Multiple surgery photo

A tummy tuck with liposuction can be safely combined with your breast procedures and in fact is commonly done all the time by plastic surgeons around the country. The combination, commonly referred to as a “mommy makeover” can produce great result and in most cases is safe to perform in most but not all patients.

The key to getting optimal results is that the surgery is performed by a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon who is not rushed. The key to safety is again a qualified surgeon in a certified surgery center and to limit the total time of surgery to less than six hours. After six hours (which as general guideline) risks of complications increase.

Ask your surgeon about how long the combined procedures will take for you. If you are worked to lose all the excess weight than keeping the surgical time short without rushing should not be difficult for most experienced plastic surgeons and you can expect great results. (Adam Hamawy, MD, Princeton Plastic Surgeon)

Multiple procedures in one session

Multiple surgery recovery

I think performing those together in one operative session is safe, without an increased risk of complications. It will hurt you in 2 areas not one, but I perform it all the time and most if not all of my patients prefer it, as it saves them a second recovery time and money as most times the procedures are front loaded cost wise for operative costs. (Rick Rosen, MD, Norwalk Plastic Surgeon)

Safety of multiple procedures.

One of my teachers used to say ‘Just because you can, does not mean you should.’ There is no question that combing multiple procedures can be done, in my opinion though it’s a question of balance. In terms of complications though there are complications directly involving the procedure itself like wound infections etc. In general these probably do not go up, with the exception of combining high volume liposuction with a tummy tuck. In the state of Florida it is illegal to perform more than 1 litre of liposuction in combination with a tummy tuck or other procedures.

Multiple surgery scar

This is the case in any doctor’s office type facility. In a facility like mine, licensed in the same way as a hospital, these rules do not apply, but I still think they should be considered for safety reasons even in a hospital or facility like mine. The other main thing to consider are non surgical type complications like a DVT, or blood clots in the legs.

There are many factors involved, including type of anesthesia, birth control pills, age, sex etc. But one factor that is directly affected by combining procedures is the time of the procedure. Studies show that particularly with general anesthesia, the risk of DVT starts to go up beyond 1 hour and more significantly beyond 2 hours of surgery. DVT can be a very serious problem, can even result in death, and should not be taken lightly. It is NEVER a mistake to be conservative.

Multiple surgery scars

I generally like to perform procedures that can be completed in 2-4 hours. (preferably 2) If staging is convenient, I recommend it, if not, and it’s essential to get things done at once then within reason go ahead, but understand that risks do go up, at least with regard to DVT and high volume liposuction. Safety is a relative term. (Jeffrey Hartog, MD, Orlando Plastic Surgeon)

Safety of Combined Operations?

It is clear ( from your description) that you are going about things correctly. First, you are losing weight prior to surgery in order to “optimize” results. Secondly, you are justifiably concerned about safety. Generally speaking, for patients who are in good health ( this can be verified by your family practitioner or internist prior to surgery), the combination surgery that you describe is routinely performed by many plastic surgeons. It is up to you to do your due diligence and find a well experienced board-certified plastic surgeon who routinely does this combination surgery safely and with nice results.

Multiple surgery tummy tuck and breast augmentation

You will find that a surgeon who does this combination of surgery frequently works with a well trained team and keep surgical times relatively low. (Tom J. Pousti, MD, FACS, San Diego Plastic Surgeon)

Multiple Surgeries in Same Setting Safe if Done Correctly

Any time that a patient had multiple procedures in the same setting, you have to make sure that all of the safety issues are addressed pre-operatively. The longer under anesthesia, the higher the risks get with regards to post-operative complications.

When you are undergoing elective surgery, these things need to be discussed with your surgeon in great detail, as well as the post-operative regime. Most surgeons do not like to have patients under anesthesia for more then 5-6 hours if possible when it is a cosmetic surgery.

If your surgeon can do the combination of surgeries that you would be having in that time frame, then it is probably worth it. However, if it is going to be longer then that, then I would break the surgeries in to two separate surgeries for safety reasons. All surgeons are different, but this is the guidelines that I generally use. (Christopher V. Pelletiere, MD, Barrington Plastic Surgeon)