Any surgical procedure is a serious undertaking but the thought of combining multiple plastic surgery procedures into one operation may seem dauting to some patients.
Yet, under the supervision of an experienced Specialist Plastic Surgeon, it can actually be a safe approach with several benefits.
However, it’s important to remember that a Specialist Plastic Surgeon will advise you on the safest and most effective way to proceed with your cosmetic surgery journey. If they do not feel it’s in your best interests to combine certain surgeries, then this is information that is best regarded seriously.
WHY WOULD SOMEONE CONSIDER COMBINING PROCEDURES?
“A patient may be interested in combining plastic surgery procedures so as they can address several areas of the face or body at once,” explains Dr Raymond Goh. “Addressing several areas at once can be preferred by patients who would like to limit their recovery down time or are looking at several procedures as part of a greater transformation.”
“The first step in determining whether this approach is suitable is to consult with a Specialists Plastic Surgeon,” says Dr Goh. “That way we can evaluate your situation, explain the benefits and risks and recommend whether what you are looking to do can be achieved safely.”
WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE BENEFITS OF COMBINING PROCEDURES?
Combining some procedures may save time:
Having more than one cosmetic procedure in a single operation might save you time, depending on which surgeries are combined. Instead of booking separate procedures, consultations and recoveries, you can streamline the process and spend less time in the operating room and our office.
A combination of procedures may mean only a single recovery period:
After a plastic surgery procedure, you must plan to spend at least one to two weeks recuperating. You will need to take time off from work, and have arrangements in place for your family responsibilities, such as childcare. By combining procedures, you can make it easier on yourself by only having to plan for one period of recovery.
You may be able to achieve your desired results faster.
Combining procedures into one operation can help you achieve your desired results more quickly if the surgeries that are combined do not work against each other. Instead of spacing out procedures into separate operations and having to recover in between each surgery — usually three months between procedures — you can complete your transformation quickly.
There could potentially be some cost savings:
Combining procedures may result in some costs savings, depending on which surgeries are combined. Undertaking more than one procedure at a time may save you a hospital admission and the costs associated.
WHAT PROCEDURES ARE COMMONLY COMBINED?
Although there can be benefits to combining plastic surgery procedures, not every procedure can or should be performed during the same operation explains Dr Matthew Peters.
“A good rule of thumb for combining procedures is that they should be in the same area of the body,” says Dr Peters. “For example, while it may be safe to perform a breast lift and reduction together, it is less safe to also treat the buttocks and abdomen during the same operation.”
THE FOLLOWING PROCEDURES ARE OFTEN COMBINED:
Breast surgery (ie breast augmentation, breast reduction, breast lift) and abdominoplasty – Some women are unhappy with their bodies post-partum and may choose to recapture their pre-baby body by combining a tummy tuck with breast surgery to address changes brought about by childbearing.
Facelift with an upper eyelid reduction – A facelift with blepharoplasty (upper eyelid reduction) can minimise signs of ageing in the eye area as well as improve the appearance of the face.
Arm or medial thigh reductions with belt lipectomy – A belt lipectomy or circumferential lipectomy can be combined with either a Brachioplasty or medial thigh reduction. This is a common combination amongst patients following massive weight loss.
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It’s important to remember that any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
