Combining Plastic Surgeries: Benefits and Safety Points
While combination procedures offer many advantages, they also have risks and safety considerations. Let us discuss and weigh the pros and cons in this guide.
The plastic surgery industry is thriving, with millions of Americans opting for cosmetic enhancements each year. In 2022, all aesthetic procedures in the United States garnered $11.8 billion, of which $8.5 billion came from surgical procedures.
As the demand for aesthetic enhancements continues to rise, so does the trend of combining plastic surgery procedures into a single surgical session. According to the 2022 Inaugural ASPS Insights and Trends Report, 37% and 43% of ASPS members “Strongly Agree” and “Agree” with the notion that more patients are seeking combination procedures.
What exactly are ‘combination procedures’ and why are they becoming more popular? Are they safe? Read on as Guerra Plastic Surgery Center answers these intriguing questions, offering insights into the motivations driving patients to choose multiple procedures.
Explaining Combination Procedures in Plastic Surgery
Combination procedures involve undergoing two or more surgical interventions in one operative session. They encompass various techniques, from facial rejuvenation to breast augmentation and body contouring (a.k.a. Mommy Makeovers). Personalization is a key factor in combination procedures, as it tailors the surgical plan to a patient’s unique needs and goals.
You might be thinking, “That sounds great! I can get different procedures done in one go!” While you do have that option, the decision to combine surgeries must be a well-informed one. Before diving into surgery, ensure a clear understanding of the advantages and potential risks involved, which we will provide in detail below.
Benefits of Combining Procedures
Here are the reasons why combining plastic surgery procedures is more popular than ever:
1. Multiple procedures, single recovery period
Let’s say you decided to get a breast augmentation. This procedure requires approximately four to six weeks of recovery, not including the final drop and fluff process, which can take between three to six months to complete. Within this timeline, if you suddenly realize that your results would look better with a cinched waistline, you may need to wait six months or longer before getting a tummy tuck or liposuction. Because your body is still in recovery, going under the knife too soon can increase the risk of complications, including poor wound healing, infections, and unsatisfactory results. Also, once your surgeon finally greenlights you for a tummy tuck or lipo procedure, you will go through healing and recovery all over again, which requires another round of downtime and disruptions.
Combining procedures into one surgery is a time saver if you have multiple responsibilities and limited time off. Having two or more surgeries in one session means a single recovery period, minimizing the overall time needed for healing and downtime. This advantage is particularly appealing if you have a hectic lifestyle or want to return to your daily routine as soon as possible.
If time is a limiting factor, we suggest scheduling your procedures in winter. Check out this article to learn why.
2. More savings
Combining procedures is more cost-effective than having various surgeries separately. While the initial cost of combining procedures may seem higher, you can save money on operating room fees, recovery suite fees, anesthesia, postoperative care, and more. It’s essential to consult with your surgeon to weigh the financial advantages versus disadvantages of combining procedures compared to doing them individually.
3. Less anesthesia
Anesthesia and surgery are safer than ever due to ongoing advances in science. However, this does not mean the risks are nonexistent. As with any medication or procedure, something can go wrong. In particular, older adults and those with health issues are more prone to experiencing complications associated with anesthesia, including but not limited to breathing problems during and after surgery, postoperative delirium, or malignant hyperthermia.
Combining plastic surgery procedures means having one anesthesia session, which reduces overall exposure and the risks associated with anesthesia-related complications.
If you’re worried about the risks and complications, ensure your plastic surgery team works with licensed anesthesiologists, such as Guerra Plastic Surgery Center. These medical professionals specialize in anesthesia, pain management, and critical care medicine. They can reduce risks by choosing the appropriate anesthesia, monitoring your vital signs during surgery, and adjusting dosages as needed.
Safety Considerations
Benefits aside, it’s crucial to acknowledge the safety considerations associated with combining procedures, which include the following:
1. Longer operative times
Performing two or more surgical procedures can take 3 to 5 hours to complete. Although skilled plastic surgeons prioritize patient safety during extended surgeries, as mentioned, an inherent risk is associated with prolonged anesthesia and time under the knife. Longer procedures can also lead to complications such as blood clot formation and changes in blood pressure.
To minimize risks, Guerra Plastic Surgery Center monitors patients attentively while under, maintains proper hydration, and takes measures to prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and other complications. The team also performs surgeries in accredited facilities with the latest equipment and technologies, ensuring utmost patient safety.
If you are considering a mommy makeover in Scottsdale, AZ, you must educate yourself about the potential effects of longer surgeries and discuss all concerns with your surgical team.
2. Complex recovery
Recovering from a mommy makeover can be more challenging than recovering from a single procedure. You may experience temporary discomfort, swelling, and bruising across all surgical sites for a few weeks, depending on which surgeries you have.
Clear your schedule for at least a week to focus on healing. It’s crucial to follow your surgeon’s postoperative instructions diligently during this period, including wearing compression garments and limiting physical activity, among others. You can check out our guide to recovering from a mommy makeover here.
3. Individual health factors
Your general health and medical history can influence the safety of combining plastic surgery procedures. For example, some medical conditions, including hypertension and diabetes, increase the risks associated with invasive procedures. Smoking and obesity can also impact surgical safety.
Before proceeding with combined procedures, undergo a thorough medical evaluation to assess your health and well-being. Board-certified plastic surgeons will consider these factors when determining candidacy for combined procedures and may recommend additional precautions to guarantee your safety.
Related: Safety Before Beauty: Evaluating Health for Successful Plastic Surgery
The Bottom Line: Is It Safe to Combine Procedures?
Yes. Aside from delivering beautiful results, “Our primary concern is safety,” assures ASPS Member Surgeon Kelly Sullivan, MD. “We always want to make sure that a patient is safe for surgery and that we’re not doing too much for too long under anesthesia. It’s [our] job to say, ‘We can safely do these things,’ or ‘We should separate them into two different procedures.’”
Ensure a Safe Surgical Experience
If you are interested in combining plastic surgeries or undergoing a mommy makeover, consult with a Scottsdale board-certified plastic surgeon and fellow ASPS member like Dr. Aldo Guerra, who has performed many of these procedures and has a before-and-after gallery of previous patients to prove his expertise. Complete this online form now to schedule your consultation.