A Tummy Tuck (abdominoplasty) removes excess skin and fat from the mid-to-lower abdomen while tightening underlying muscles. Breast Augmentation involves placing implants to enhance the size and contour of the breasts. When performed together in one surgical session, this combination is often called a “Mommy Makeover.” Yes, it is generally possible to perform both procedures simultaneously, provided the patient meets specific medical and logistical criteria. This combined approach addresses both the abdominal and breast areas for a more harmonious body contour.
Medical Criteria for Combining Major Procedures
The primary consideration for combining a tummy tuck and breast augmentation is patient safety, heavily influenced by surgical duration. Surgeons generally agree that major procedures should not exceed six to eight hours under general anesthesia. Combining these operations pushes the total surgical time, and prolonged anesthesia exposure increases complication risks, such as deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary issues.
A patient’s overall health must be excellent to tolerate the physiological stress of dual surgery. Candidates are typically classified as ASA I (a normal healthy patient) or ASA II (a patient with mild systemic disease) according to the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification. Patients must be non-smokers, as nicotine severely impedes healing and raises the risk of tissue death and wound complications.
The patient should also be at a stable, healthy weight, since significant weight fluctuations compromise surgical results. Existing medical conditions, such as uncontrolled diabetes, heart disease, or severe hypertension, are often contraindications. A comprehensive pre-operative evaluation, including blood work and medical clearance, ensures the body is prepared to recover from the extensive combined procedure.
Patient Benefits of Simultaneous Surgery
Undergoing both procedures simultaneously offers practical advantages, primarily consolidating the recovery period into a single stretch of downtime. Instead of requiring two separate periods away from work and daily responsibilities, the patient schedules only one extended recovery window, minimizing disruption.
Combining the procedures also leads to cost savings. Patients avoid paying duplicate fees for anesthesia and the surgical facility, which are substantial components of the total cost. Although the upfront cost is higher than a single procedure, the cumulative expense is typically lower than two independent surgeries.
Achieving results more quickly is another benefit. By addressing both the abdomen and the breasts simultaneously, the surgeon achieves a more balanced and proportional body contour in one step. This allows the aesthetic outcomes to complement each other immediately, leading to a cohesive final result.
Navigating the Dual Recovery Period
While the procedures are combined for efficiency, the recovery phase is intensified, requiring extensive preparation and support. Recovering from both a tummy tuck and a breast augmentation simultaneously means managing pain and healing from two distinct surgical sites. The typical initial downtime, where patients must refrain from work and most daily activities, is generally two to three weeks.
A primary challenge involves the conflicting post-operative instructions. A tummy tuck requires maintaining a slightly bent position at the hip to minimize tension on the abdominal incision. Conversely, breast augmentation recovery limits upper body and arm movement. This conflict makes simple movements, like getting out of bed, significantly more difficult.
Patients must have robust support systems, requiring assistance with household chores, childcare, and personal care for at least the first three to five days. Pain management is complex due to the widespread surgical trauma, necessitating a carefully managed regimen of prescription medication. Patients must also wear compression garments on both the abdomen and chest to control swelling and support healing.
Strenuous activity, heavy lifting, and intense exercise are strictly restricted, often for six weeks. This restriction protects the muscle repair in the abdomen and prevents implant displacement in the chest.