In recent years, more and more people have been opting for plastic surgery combinations for a more thorough aesthetic transformation. The reduced downtime and simultaneous resolution of multiple concerns have many patients intrigued by the myriad benefits of combining surgical procedures. Unfortunately, the very interest that makes combining surgeries appealing also raises paramount questions about safety, appropriateness, and the specific dangers associated.
This article will address several intriguing points related to combining surgical procedures, including why the patients opt for this route. Who is a suitable candidate? Among other issues, the article will deal with the most concerning points, such as the appropriate age group for the combined plastic surgeries, the intrinsic risks associated with such an operation, and the most commonly conducted cosmetic surgery combinations. We will also discuss the postoperative care process and the advantages of combining procedures to help readers make an informed decision concerning their aesthetic aspirations.
Combining Cosmetic Surgery Procedures Overview
Nowadays, cosmetic surgery procedures cater to the aspirations of patients looking for ways to efficiently enhance their appearance and uplift their spirits in a single operation. Combination procedures include a facelift and eyelid surgery or a tummy tuck and liposuction, with one recovery time thereafter and fewer costs.
The benefits of combining aesthetic surgeries include a shorter healing time, cost-effectiveness, and quicker results. For instance, the same patient undergoing facial rejuvenation may select mini facelifts in conjunction with brow lifts or eyelid surgeries in a way that would promote a pretty unified transformation.
That said, potential risks resulting from combining cosmetic procedures must be weighed. Each area of the body can behave differently during healing, and complete preoperative evaluations are key to assuring patient readiness for undergoing multiple procedures at once.
Overall, it is a viable option for working professionals and parents. The combo option reduces downtime for cosmetic surgeries and accommodates busy schedules. While meticulous planning is important to this approach, skillful implementation guarantees success and safety in reaching the results.
Why Do Patients Combine Plastic Surgery Procedures?
Patients typically choose two or more operations for various reasons: convenience, saving money, and efficiency. According to Dr. Orhan Tekin, one of our experts at Dr. Cinik, “Combining procedures allows for a shorter time spent having surgery, a reduced time in the recovery room, and lower costs. By scheduling multiple surgeries simultaneously, busy individuals can recuperate from various procedures simultaneously, eliminating the need to wait weeks or months before undergoing another procedure.
Time-saving sounds rather attractive to a patient with caregiving responsibilities. Most moms opting for a mommy makeover reduce their off time so that they can come back to their family and take care of their chores quickly. Another example of reducing the healing time is going for a tummy tuck and breast surgeries together, which may require a shorter downtime than if done separately.
In general, combining two or more plastic procedures offers convenience and reduced cost for anesthesiaEnsuring Comfort During Hair Transplants Sedation is used in hair transplantation to help patients remain calm and comfortable throughout the... use. Patients pay a single anesthesia fee and limit their exposure to potential complications from multiple anesthesia sessions.
The popularity of combined cosmetic procedures is reflected in the preferences of both patients and surgeons, with a significant majority indicating a desire for longer-lasting results and shorter recovery times. This trend highlights the growing awareness of patients on the advantages of performing aesthetic procedures simultaneously.
How Do I Know Which Combination of Cosmetic Procedures Is Right for Me?
During the consultation, you will discuss your cosmetic goals with the plastic surgeon, who will make some recommendations concerning the appropriate procedure(s) for you.
If you desire to undergo cosmetic procedures on different areas of the body, a surgical plan will be developed to give you a clear understanding of the timeline for your surgeries.
Who Is Suitable for Combining Cosmetic Surgery Procedures?
Combined plastic surgery procedures allow patients to treat a multitude of aesthetic concerns in a single operative session. However, not everyone is suitable to be a candidate for this complex operation. It is necessary to understand the criteria for eligibility to ensure safety and optimize outcomes. Candidates who are eligible for combined cosmetic surgery procedures have to meet the following criteria:
- Medical condition:
- Be in stable health and have a history showing a very good medical background.
- Disease chronicity is a complete bar to the surgery since it adds burdens and risks for the operation.
- Bloodwork:
- Full blood tests are required before surgery.
- Good values for the blood are necessary; without optimum values, the patient might be rejected.
- Surgery duration:
- Needs to tolerate long durations of surgery, as combined procedures last longer than single surgeries.
- Intake of fluid and probable transfusion would be monitored.
- Motivation:
- deal for individuals targeting similar areas of concern.
- Aims to reduce the total recovery period and hospital visits.
- Expectation:
- Must have realistic expectations as to the procedure’s results.
- Should not be influenced into making a decision by anybody or anything.
- Personalized approach:
- The order of surgeries would be patient-specific, as identified by the surgeon.
- Focus on maximizing the safety and success of the combined procedures.
Who Can Not Undergo Combined Plastic Surgery Procedures?
Certain individuals are excluded from combined surgical aesthetics due to increased risk from longer operative times and special medical conditions. Below are some groups that are usually considered unsuitable for such procedures.
- Elderly patients:
Usually, they can be expected to have higher risks of surgical morbidity and complications.
- People with chronic diseases
Those suffering from chronic diseases may face other serious complications during the operation; generally, combined surgery is not performed in such cases.
- Smokers
These candidates have a much higher risk of complications during and post-surgery.
- Physically weak patients
They may not have the stamina to bear a long surgical procedure, therefore causing some trouble.
- Patients with chronic medical conditions
Any disease that makes surgery unsafe will disqualify the patient.
- Low blood values
Patients are tested for blood before the operation, and those with low blood values are unfit for the operation.
Are the Combined Cosmetic Surgery Procedures Suitable for Every Age Range?
It is very much a risk for the very young and the very old to have aesthetic surgery. So, a middle-aged person must be the one to undergo combined aesthetic surgery. The blood values and body functions of the elderly cannot withstand such an operation, which makes the process risky as regarded by the doctors.
It must be said that combined plastic procedures are not suitable for any age range. Even in cases where an aesthetic problem cannot be treated and the person is elderly, it must be emphasized that there is often nothing that can be done about it. Doctors do not recommend combining aesthetic surgeries for elderly patients for this reason.
The body’s resistance and functions in elderly individuals may not withstand surgery, so doctors consider this risky. It goes against the wishes of patients in danger to have such operations; otherwise, many complications may arise.
Due to the high risk of performing aesthetic procedures on elderly patients and their reduced physical strength, doctors deem it unhealthy to consider combined aesthetic surgery for them.
Factors such as poor health make these issues significant, and therefore, no physician would want to take such risks, nor is it correct to perform such procedures on older patients. These medical realities demonstrate the respect that should be given to doctors.
Read more: When Is the Right Time to Have a Facelift?
Is It Safe to Combine Cosmetic Surgery Procedures into One Operation?
A number of individuals contemplate a possible plastic procedure that will enhance their self-belief and confidence regarding their physical appearance. Having probably done the research on two or more cosmetic procedures, they now wonder whether or not one could combine multiple procedures into one operation.
On the safety of combining more than one plastic surgery into one operation, Dr. Tekin says, “Overall, healthy individuals who work with certified plastic surgeons can safely undergo a plastic surgery combination procedure; however, your surgeon will further assess the option of combining surgery based on your medical history and aesthetic goals to determine your candidacy.”
What Are the Risks of Combining Plastic Surgery Procedures?
Combining plastic surgical procedures is certainly a time-tested practice with countless advantages; however, there are a few risks associated with such operations that those considering them should take into account.
First and foremost is the safety issue; the longer the patient stays in anaesthesia, the higher the chances of complications arising. Procedural combinations stretch this time even further. Besides, some of the surgeries have peculiar positions that are difficult to maintain for an extended time.
The healing phase is another factor to consider since each procedure has its own recovery time. Now, merging multiple procedures into a single recovery period can lead to a more prolonged and complex healing process, which may be mentally and physically stressful for the patient.
Additionally, the expected surgery outcomes might be altered. Surgeons usually pay a lot of attention to details on each specific procedure. When the surgeries are combined, the attention may be lacking, reducing the overall quality of the outcome.
In the end, the decision to combine those procedures is entirely dependent on the thorough meeting with your surgeon. You should consider discussing your goals and medical background with your surgeon and the potential risks and benefits of combining procedures. A patient will be in a proper position to make wise, healthy judgments prioritizing safety and desired results when such considerations are carefully weighed.
The Most Common Combined Cosmetic Surgery Procedures
Combination procedures are countless. Here are the best 10 cosmetic surgery procedures to combine:
Breast augmentation surgery with a breast lift
These two are the most perfect breast enhancement surgeries that can be paired together. Breast augmentation offers increased breast size through implant insertion either above or below the pectoral. A breast lift provides a very subtle lift to the breast so that sagging doesn’t become an issue. Together, they create the best results immediately. Since both have the same area of treatment, recovery will be minimal with very few complications.
Facelift surgery accompanied by a neck lift
These procedures tighten and lift the skin of the face and neck areas, creating a youthful and refreshed appearance. These two surgeries are complementary and target similar areas, leading to a smooth recovery and an overall similar postoperative healing process without having to deal with conflicting instructions.
A tummy tuck combined with liposuction
Loose skin and fat from the abdominal area are removed during tummy tucks. While the patient’s stomach is toned with fatty tissue being removed, it might not be as toned and contoured as the patient would like it to be. A tummy tuck combined with liposuction would probably be the best procedure for the patients to have the body of their dreams in just one procedure.
Rhinoplasty with chin augmentation
The nose’s size and shape proportions are directly related to those of the chin. Changing one may make the other appear to be out of proportion. Hence, a two-in-one operation will bring about the perfect outcome in a shorter time.
Combining blepharoplasty and brow lift
Combining blepharoplasty and a brow lift can enhance the eye area to bring about a brighter look. Both procedures focus on the eyes, with the brow lift addressing sagging brows and blepharoplasty removing excess skin from the eyelids. These two surgeries complement each other well and are best combined for achieving brighter eyes quickly.
Liposuction with Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL)
Adding volume to the bottom part of the body can be done with implants or fat transfer, which is butt augmentation aka Brazilian Butt Lift. Liposuction is an incredible method to remove excess fat and transfer it to the buttocks, addressing two concerns simultaneously.
Botox with dermal fillers
Botox is an injection that acts to inhibit muscle contraction, resulting in very few wrinkles. The lost volume of the face can be restored through dermal fillers and be used to smooth out the wrinkles so that a much younger appearance can be obtained.
Mommy makeover
Many women feel less connected to their bodies after childbirth, as each pregnancy brings significant changes. Yet, some procedures, such as breast surgery, whether augmentation, lift, or both—along with tummy tucks and liposuction, might help women toward getting a body closer to what the woman had pre-pregnancy; a factor that has been proved to be very beneficial in lifting a woman’s confidence in her appearance. Also, these areas complement each other and are better done together.
Laser skin resurfacing may be combined with facelift
Facelift helps to tighten sagging skin and restore a youthful appearance. The combination of facelift and laser skin resurfacing makes this method a total rejuvenation method, thereby adding brightness, smoothness, and tone to the skin.
Body lift with the thigh lift
After massive weight loss, one truly wants to showcase their hard-earned transformation. A body lift combined with a thigh lift effectively removes excess skin and fat, helping to reveal the results of their weight loss journey. By addressing both the body and thighs in a single procedure, patients can achieve a more contoured and toned appearance, enhancing their confidence and satisfaction with their new physique.
What Plastic Surgery Procedures Should Not Be Combined?
When considering combined plastic surgeries, certain procedures should not be combined due to varying recovery requirements and potential risks involved. For instance, combining breast augmentation with a facelift can put the patient under so much stress that recovery may be quite overwhelming and would not necessarily yield the desired results. Similarly, butt uplift surgery, especially the Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL), is itself a combination of liposuction and butt augmentation and is generally avoided from being combined with other surgeries by most surgeons.
Likewise, performing a butt lift and breast surgery together may not usually be advisable. The most conflicting post-operative directives for butt lifts are to avoid putting pressure on the backside while lying on the stomach, whereas, for breast augmentation, such instructions put pressure on the breasts, which goes against butt lifts’ recovery instructions. Thus, recovery techniques are at odds with each other, and it complicates not only the healing process but the entire outcome.
Patients opt to have different surgeries at different times for various reasons, including the following: longer recovery times from the potentially increased physical stress; more complicated recovery instructions; health limitations that could impair the intended recovery; and the higher risk of multiple surgeries or prolonged exposure to anesthesia. Hence, one ought to think carefully when determining which operations to combine.
How Many Plastic Surgery Procedures Can Be Done at Once?
Combining two or more plastic surgery procedures depends on their complexity and length. Usually, simpler procedures, such as a laser resurfacing session or minor facial adjustments, are easy to combine with others. More complex ones, nevertheless, such as facelifts or broad body contouring, require significantly longer times and precise execution, thus limiting the number that can be carried out within one session.
Elaborating on this point, Dr. Tekin says, “Safety comes into play when considering combining surgeries. With a greater length of time under anaesthesia comes increased risk, and the patient safety guidelines require that surgeons plan the timing of the procedure such that it remains within a safe time limit. For instance, the combination of a facelift, eyelid surgery, and brow lift as a session could be done since all three surgeries complement each other and can easily be performed by a competent plastic surgeon. However, adding other surgeries could cause undue lengthening of the operation time.”
How to Prepare for Combined Cosmetic Procedures?
If you’re contemplating combining multiple cosmetic procedures, preparation beforehand will give you the best chance for a successful outcome. Some important preoperative considerations are noted below:
Qualified surgeon
The very first step with regard to the preparation for combined cosmetic procedures is the choice of a qualified, board-certified plastic surgeon. Inquire how many times the surgeon has performed the specific procedures you are considering to learn about their track record for successful outcomes. During your consultation, ask to see before-and-after photographs of patients who have had similar combinations of surgeries.
Complete medical evaluation
Before approving your surgery, the surgeon will conduct a comprehensive medical evaluation to ascertain your suitability. This evaluation may include an assessment of your medical history, a physical examination, and some lab tests as needed. Be forthright with your surgeon concerning any previous or ongoing illnesses and any medications you are taking, as this factor can significantly affect your surgery and recovery.
Recovery preparation
Healing is often more demanding with combined procedures; therefore, advanced preparation is crucial. Consider arranging a comfortable bedding setup where you can lie down easily, keeping all essential supplies within reach, such as medications, bandages, and pillows. Ensure someone will help you with daily tasks, like cooking, cleaning, and driving, during the first few days or weeks of your recovery.
Follow the directives preceding surgery
Your surgeon will give you specific pre-operative instructions to follow in the days leading up to your surgery. These instructions may include anything from avoiding certain medications to ceasing smoking or fasting before the procedure. It is very important that you adhere to these instructions closely so that you have a minimum risk of complications during and after surgery.
Recovery Process After Combined Plastic Surgery Procedures
Once you have undergone any aesthetic procedure, there are some guidelines that you are supposed to adhere to regarding the healing process of the involved sites. Each of these could have a varied time frame of recovery, so the patient must comply with the advice of the doctor to minimize complications. This means taking the required medications, taking care of the area, and following all recommendations.
Communicating with the doctor during the healing phase is of utmost importance. Patients must bear in mind that not all treated sites will heal at once and that some will take a longer time. Engaging in activities too soon can also pose serious risks, and thus, patients must be careful. Keeping yourself active and proceeding with home exercise will assist in recovery and with getting back to normal activities.
Dietary aspects should also be considered to heal faster. Patients should avoid any foods that may influence the surgical areas adversely and ask their doctors which nutrients they would be safe to consume. It is important to maintain a healthy diet and to try to avoid foods that could trigger any allergies during the recovery period.
How Long Does It Take for Recovery After Combined Cosmetic Surgery Procedures?
Cosmetic surgery recovery periods vary by procedure. Some need only a few days, while a tummy tuck may take weeks before you can resume your normal activities. Combining plastic procedures means only having one recovery period, allowing for an earlier return to work and daily activities.
What Are the Advantages of Combining Cosmetic Surgery Procedures?
Now, as we explored the benefits of undergoing combined plastic procedures in the above paragraphs, it’s time to recap the advantages for anyone considering such an operation:
A better healing process
Multi-surgical procedures in a single sitting improve the overall healing experience.
Reduction of overall costs
Aggregating surgeries cuts down the overall costs of the procedures and thus saves the budget of the patient.
Improvement to aesthetics
Undergoing operations to improve an individual’s appearance in combination.
A quicker return to social life
A single recovery allows for a quicker return to public life, as it gives the impression that only one surgery has taken place.
Psychological advantages
Having just one operation makes thinking of its multiple aspects less scary and painful.
Faster results
Combined plastic surgery operations may result in patients attaining their desired aesthetic goals in shorter periods.
Time efficiency
Prevents time lost with multiple surgery appointments on different dates, thus speeding up the entire healing process.
Adherence to medical advice
The patient should follow the doctor’s recommendations to ensure seamless recovery for every procedure.
By weighing all these considerations, combined aesthetic surgeries can be seen as a feasible way to achieve multiple aesthetic aims in one go.
Final Thoughts
Combining plastic surgery procedures can offer significant advantages, including reduced recovery times and the ability to achieve a more comprehensive aesthetic transformation in a single operation. However, it’s essential for patients to carefully consider their individual circumstances, including their health status, age, and specific surgical goals. While many individuals may be well-suited for combined cosmetic surgeries, others may face increased risks or complications that necessitate a more cautious approach.
Ultimately, the decision to undergo multiple procedures should be made collaboratively with a qualified surgeon who can provide personalized advice based on the patient’s unique needs and medical history. By understanding the benefits and risks associated with combining plastic surgeries, patients can make informed choices that align with their aesthetic desires while prioritizing their safety and well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What Is a Combination Surgery?
Combination plastic surgeries are meant to correct an area of the body in its entirety, not one part at a time. A patient can be undergoing a facelift and an eyelift, or undergo breast reduction and tummy tuck surgery together.
What Is the Purpose of a Combined Procedure?
Combining cosmetic surgery procedures allows a board-certified plastic surgeon to combine several subspecialties into one operation, thus facilitating the attainment of the best result in the least amount of time, along with the least amount of risk to the patient.
What Is a Mommy Makeover?
The Mommy makeover consists of a number of surgeries combined. Every Mommy makeover surgery is tailored to each patient’s needs. Mommy makeovers may combine any of the following: tummy tuck, breast augmentation, breast lift, liposuction, and vaginal rejuvenation surgery.
How Many Cosmetic Procedures Can Be Done at Once?
For the average person, it is usually safe to combine two to three different plastic surgery procedures together in the course of one operation.
Can You Get a Facelift and Breast Augmentation at the Same Time?
As a matter of fact, facelifts and breast augmentation have usually been the two most commonly considered surgical procedures among women. Combining both surgeries together would guarantee a wonderful revitalization experience and a boost to self-esteem.
Which Plastic Surgery Procedures Are Commonly Combined With Blepharoplasty?
Your blepharoplasty may be combined with other operations, such as brow-lift, facelift, or skin resurfacing.
How Do You Find Surgeons Who Are Willing to Combine Plastic Procedures?
To find surgeons willing to combine plastic procedures, research reputable clinics, schedule consultations, check credentials, and review their experience with combined surgeries.
