How to Prepare for Multiple Plastic Surgery Procedures

Once patients understand the benefits of combining plastic surgery procedures, they can immediately see the appeal!

By combining procedures, you cut down on certain costs, your recovery happens all in one go, and you are limiting interruptions to your life (time off work, childcare).

But there are a few rules for combining plastic surgery procedures and a few things to consider when planning this exciting prospect.

How to Combine Plastic Surgery Procedures

The golden rule when combining plastic surgery procedures is safety first!

Your board-certified plastic surgeon will only consider combining procedures if:

• You are considered a healthy candidate
• The procedures are complementary to one another

But what does this mean?

The general rule is that facial plastic surgery procedures can be combined with other facial procedures, and breast and body can be combined with other breast and body ones.

This means that breast augmentation can be performed with tummy tuck surgery or liposuction, but it should usually not be combined with a facelift. This can result in a longer, more arduous recovery and may not yield the best results.

Always discuss your options with an experienced and trustworthy board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Robert J. Spies, who has been in practice for over 35 years. Dr. Spies will gladly discuss combining procedures for optimum results and safety.

Here are a few popular combinations of cosmetic procedures to consider:

Mommy Makeover

The Mommy Makeover is the ultimate combination procedure. In fact, “Mommy Makeover” refers to a group of breast and body procedures that help women regain their figures after pregnancy, childbirth, and the effects of the weight loss and aging process.

Mommy Makeovers generally include abdominoplasty, liposuction, and some form of breast surgery, such as breast augmentation or breast lift surgery.

While Mommy Makeovers include multiple surgeries, this does not necessarily mean your surgeon will perform each at the same time. While commonly performed in one operation, this will depend on the number of procedures you want and the extent of revision necessary.

For instance, if your tummy tuck requires more extensive revision, your surgeon may recommend performing this procedure on its own to ensure your safety.

Tummy Tuck and Liposuction

Abdominoplasty or tummy tuck surgery is commonly included in a Mommy Makeover, but it also pairs well with another body contouring procedure: liposuction.

Many people believe that tummy tucks and liposuction are interchangeable, yet they are two distinct procedures with very different results (they just happen to pair well together).

A tummy tuck removes excess skin and surgically tightens separated abdominal muscles (diastasis recti). Tummy tucks are the only surgical procedure that can achieve both results and are commonly performed on women who have had children or experienced massive weight loss.

Liposuction is a very diverse procedure performed nearly anywhere on the body to remove stubborn pockets of fat. Your surgeon will make small incisions near the treatment area before using a cannula to remove excess fat and smooth the area.

While these are two separate procedures with two different functions, your plastic surgeon can successfully combine your tummy tuck with liposuction to help eliminate excess fat around the abdomen or other nearby areas, such as the hips or flanks, for ultimate body contouring.

Facelift Surgery, Brow Lifts, and Blepharoplasty

Similar to body contouring procedures, certain facial plastic surgery procedures can be combined for a complete facial rejuvenation.

If you are considering a facelift to lift, sculpt, and recontour the face, you may want to consider another surgery to complete facial harmony.

A facelift typically focuses on the mid-lower portion of the face, including the cheeks, nasolabial folds, and jawline. While this surgery is the ultimate in facial rejuvenation and can eliminate wrinkles, sagging skin, jowls, and deep creases, it does not address the eyes.

Many patients complain of looking tired, angry, or older than they are. And the culprit is often the upper face.

• Blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, can eliminate under-eye puffiness and sagging eyelids to open up the eyes for a brighter, more alert appearance. This procedure is often paired with facelift surgery for total facial rejuvenation.
• Brow lift surgery lifts, smoothes, and opens up the eyebrow and forehead area to create a more pleasing brow contour and more youthful appearance.

As both of these procedures center on the upper portion of the face, they pair nicely with a facelift.

Interested in Combining Plastic Surgery Procedures in Scottsdale, AZ?

Dr. Spies will happily answer your questions regarding combination plastic surgery and determine whether you are a candidate for the procedures you’re interested in.

Combining plastic surgery procedures can be an excellent way to transform your face or body, giving you the rejuvenation you desire.

Dr. Spies will be happy to walk you through the process of combining plastic surgery procedures to help you get the best results safely.

Call us today at (480) 359-1019 to schedule a consultation. We look forward to hearing from you!