Ask a Surgeon - Tummy Tuck - Is it possible to perform more than one procedure during surgery? For example,...

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Is it possible to perform more than one procedure during surgery? For example, a...

Q:

Is it possible to perform more than one procedure during surgery? For example, a tummy tuck, an inner thigh lift and an arm lift?

A:

Most plastic surgeons would advocate combining a tummy tuck with a medial or upper thigh lift; however, also combining an upper arm lift with these procedures would not be advisable. In order to make a full recovery from abdominoplasty and thigh lift surgery, full strength and mobility of the upper arms would be necessary for something as basic as getting out of bed. It would be prudent to have arm lift surgery performed a minimum of 3-6 months after the abdominoplasty/medial thigh lift procedure. Many plastic surgeons will perform combined procedures on patients when they deem that the combined surgery is safe for the individual. Facelift surgery is often combined with cosmetic eyelid surgery and eyebrow/forehead surgery. Breast lift surgery is often combined with a tummy tuck. Tummy tuck surgery is frequently combined with liposuction of areas within the midriff, hips and thighs. Patients must realize beforehand that combined surgery increases the operative time and postoperative convalescence, thereby prolonging the time before one can return to a normal lifestyle. For example, a patient having only a facelift can generally return to a normal routine in about three weeks. However, when combined with cosmetic forehead, eyelid and laser resurfacing surgery, up to six weeks recovery should be expected.