How Safe Is It To Get Multiple Plastic Surgeries At Once?

These days, it’s not uncommon for individuals to have more than one plastic surgery procedure over the course of their lifetimes. But, is it possible to have multiple plastic surgeries performed at the same time? The short answer is yes. In fact, there are several benefits to combining multiple plastic surgeries, but you should be aware of the drawbacks as well.

WHAT ARE THE PROS & CONS OF UNDERGOING MULTIPLE PLASTIC SURGERIES AT ONCE?

Anesthesia

• Pro: A single surgery means just one time under anesthesia, which can reduce your risk for anesthesia-related complications. Since most complications occur during the time you are going under the anesthesia or coming out of it, combining procedures is a safer approach for many patients.
• Con: While a single dose of anesthesia may be more desirable, you may need a stronger dose that enables you to stay under longer and deeper. It’s important to keep in mind that there is a danger that comes with being under anesthesia for any extended period of time. Depending on your age and health status, too strong a dose can have a negative effect on your body and may increase the chance of complications, like excessive blood loss.

Recovery Time

• Pro: Every plastic surgery procedure comes with its own recovery timeline. For some procedures, the recovery time is relatively short, while others may take a number of weeks before you are ready to return to regular activities. By combining your procedures, you only have to endure one recovery period.
• Con: Having just one recovery period is appealing, but know that your recovery period may be longer and more painful when recovering from multiple plastic surgeries as opposed to a single procedure. You may need to take more time off from work and need assistance from friends and family for an extended period of time.

Costs

• Pro: When you have any surgery, you’re not just paying the surgeon’s fees, but you’re also paying for the anesthesiologist and the use of the operating room. By combining surgical procedures, you can potentially save a significant amount of money because you’ll be paying these fees just one time. Plus, your surgeon may give you a discount for having multiple plastic surgeries done at the same time.
• Con: If you’re saving money for a procedure, then the higher costs of a combined procedure may seem like too big of a financial goal. It may be easier for you save up what you need to have a single procedure, have that procedure, then save up again for the next procedure.

Results

• Pro: In many instances, combining procedures produces improved results. For example, Breast reduction with a lift may give you a better, or more desirable result. On the other hand, if you do just the reduction and take the time to heal you may not feel you need a lift until a few years later. Likewise, combining a tummy tuck and liposuction can go farther in giving you the slimmer waistline you desire than either procedure alone.
• Con: When you combine surgeries, it will take more time to see your desired results, since your body needs longer to heal. You’ll also see an increased amount of bruising and swelling. If this does not sound desirable, you may prefer to make small changes over time and ease into your new look. How you want to achieve your aesthetic goals is entirely your choice.

WHAT PLASTIC SURGERIES ARE TYPICALLY COMBINED?

While safety is always the top priority, many cosmetic surgeons are comfortable combining at least two surgeries as long as you’re in good health. The most common plastic surgery procedures that are combined include liposuction and tummy tuck, rhinoplasty and chin augmentation, and breast augmentation with breast lift.

Another popular option offered at Northeastern Plastic Surgery is the mommy makeover, which is a combination of breast surgery, liposuction, and tummy tuck procedures designed to rejuvenate a women’s body after she is done having children. Sometimes, procedures must be combined. For example, when women choose to undergo breast augmentation using fat transfer they must first undergo liposuction to harvest the fat and then they have the breast surgery.

WHEN ARE SURGERIES NOT COMBINED?

If you have high blood pressure, an existing health condition, or your surgeon otherwise deems multiple surgeries to be unsafe, then you’ll have to be content with having one procedure at a time.

HOW CAN I ENSURE A SAFE EXPERIENCE?

If you are considering having multiple plastic surgeries at the same time, consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Fodero. Verify that your surgeon has performed many of these lengthy procedures, and ask to see before and after pictures of previous patients.

While the idea of undergoing multiple plastic surgeries at one time can seem daunting at first, the results can be highly satisfying. You’ll see significant changes to your appearance that will typically be long-lasting, if not permanent.

Northeastern Plastic Surgery understands your desire for a beautiful, youthful looking body and facial appearance. We use the latest plastic surgery techniques to perform a variety of surgical procedures. Dr. Fodero and the staff are very friendly, helpful, and available to answer any questions you may have. Please contact us today to learn more about the services we offer.