Nowadays it is not uncommon for people to go for multiple plastic surgery procedures if they have more than one aesthetic goal in their mind. It is also done to save time and money, especially for patients who want to address multiple cosmetic concerns at once. However, to answer whether combining procedures is safe or not, you have to first take various factors into consideration such as,
- the patient’s overall health
- the type of procedures being performed
- the experience of the plastic surgeon
There are several benefits of having more than one plastic surgery procedure at a time:
Less anesthesia and hence less risk
When you undergo a single surgery, it means you are put under anesthesia just once. This automatically cuts down the risks of any kind of anesthesia-related complications. It is seen that several complications arise when you are either going under the anesthesia or coming out of it as opposed to the extended surgical time.
A single recovery period
Any surgery comes with a recovery period when your body has to be given the necessary healing time before it can get back to its regular activities. While some procedures have a relatively short recovery time, others require several weeks before you can get back to normalcy. So when you combine multiple surgeries, you have to undergo just one recovery period which means you do not have to be away from work and other activities multiple times.
Easier on the pocket
The overall cost of undergoing cosmetic surgery can be segregated under various heads such as surgeon fees, anesthesiologist fees, operating room costs, and other assorted expenses. When you combine several procedures, you can easily cut down on several recurring costs such as the operating room and the anesthesiologist fees. This can be highly beneficial for patients looking for a couple of procedures at a reasonable cost.
Is it safe to opt for multiple plastic surgery procedures?
There are several factors that you need to consider before you go for multiple plastic surgery procedures.
Health Status
Before opting for multiple procedures, a surgeon should ensure that the patient has overall good health and stable medical history. This means you have to be in good physical condition currently as well as should not have any pre-existing medical conditions that may increase the risk of complications. You should also not have a history of substance abuse, should be at a stable weight, and should not smoke. All these can bring about a negative impact on the healing process later.
Type of Procedures being performed
There are certain procedures that are more compatible and certain that are less compatible with others. So, whether combining procedures is safe or not also depends on the types of procedures that are being performed. For example, combining a tummy tuck with liposuction or a breast augmentation with a breast lift is usually safe and can provide optimal results. However, if you try to combine more complex procedures such as a facelift with a body contouring procedure, you may be at risk of complications.
Skill and experience of the Surgeon
The safety of combining plastic surgeries largely depends on the experience and expertise of the plastic surgeon. You will get an optimal result and minimal complications if you choose a surgeon who is well-experienced in performing multiple procedures at once. So ensure you ask your surgeon about their experience with the particular combination of procedures that you are considering. You should also ensure that you go for a surgeon who is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
Anesthesia and recovery time
The use of anesthesia is another factor that can impact the safety of combining procedures. While it is usually considered safe to use general anesthesia for multiple procedures, you should discuss the type of anesthesia you will receive with your surgeon and anesthesiologist to determine what is best for you. Moreover, even though you are saved from multiple recovery sessions by combining various surgeries, you should be prepared for a longer recovery time. You will need a comprehensive support system in place during this period and will have to follow all postoperative instructions carefully to avoid/reduce the risk of complications.
Final Word
Thus, it is seen that combining plastic surgery procedures can be safe only when certain conditions are met. For instance, the patients should have good overall health, the procedures they are undergoing must be compatible, and they should select a surgeon who is well-qualified and experienced.
If you are interested in any plastic surgery procedures at Shah Plastic Surgery and reside in Bronx, Queens, Manhattan, Long Island, Staten Island, and surrounding areas of New York, contact us to schedule an appointment with Dr. Nilay Shah.
