Can you combine plastic surgery procedures?

Can you combine plastic surgery procedures? That is a question we are asked more and more often. A few years ago, no one in our country knew the term mommy makeover, but now it is quickly becoming better known. In addition to the mommy makeover, there are many other procedures that can be combined. In this article, we explain.

The mommy makeover is quickly gaining popularity

The mommy makeover is the classic example of a treatment in which plastic surgery procedures are combined. It is often a combination of a breast correction with a tummy tuck. And in some cases it can also be combined with liposuction. Ideal for women whose body contours have changed as a result of one or more pregnancies, hence the name.

The face is lifted in one go

But despite the fact that the mommy makeover is quickly gaining popularity, many people have not yet really realised that it is possible to combine various treatments. What about, for example, combining several facial procedures, such as a facelift, a neck lift and an eyelid lift? Technically, these combine very well for a skilled plastic surgeon. And for the person undergoing this combination of procedures, it is very convenient. The whole face is turned back in time in one go. The recovery time for this combination of procedures is often no longer than that for each procedure separately.

Once the upper eyelids have been lifted and have healed, the bags under the eyes become more noticeable.

The big advantage is that you do not have to go through that recovery period three times in a row, which you do have to do if you have the procedures carried out separately. And in practice, a great many people turn out to do this, often even shortly after one another. Not surprising, of course, because if you look in the mirror pleased with the results of that facelift, but you still see those drooping eyelids and the wrinkles in your neck, it is natural to think: ‘If only I had straight away…’.

This is a reaction we often hear in the consulting room at a follow-up appointment. Once the upper eyelids have been lifted and have healed, the bags under the eyes become more noticeable. We discuss how this discrepancy arises with you before the procedure.

Some procedures are harder to combine

There is a bit more involved when it comes to combining plastic surgery procedures that involve several parts of the body. A combination of an arm lift and a tummy tuck, for example, is theoretically quite possible. But anyone who stands up usually uses both their arm muscles and their trunk muscles to do so. With a combination of procedures, standing up can become quite a task. Arranging good help at home is then essential.

Opinions are divided on combining a tummy tuck and a thigh lift. This combination is requested by people who have lost a lot of weight. The operating areas are close together, and because a lot is then demanded of the blood supply in the same area, this can increase the risk of complications.

A combination of a tummy tuck and an eyelid correction, on the other hand, can very well be done in one go.

In short, there are more possibilities for combining plastic surgery procedures than many people might think. There are, however, risks and possible complications to take into account. So consult your plastic surgeon carefully before you make your choice. Ask about their practical experience with combined procedures. Make an appointment below to discuss your wishes with one of our plastic surgeons.