Two of the most common plastic surgery procedures that are designed to help women restore and reshape their appearance after pregnancy or weight fluctuations are Tummy Tuck and Breast Lift surgery.
Tummy Tuck Surgery or “Abdominoplasty” Surgery is designed to tighten and remove loose skin and repair abdominal wall looseness or muscle separation. Weight gain or pregnancy stretches the skin and causes the skin to lose its elasticity and it can also pull apart the muscles and loosen the abdominal wall, creating a pooch.
Many women experience deflation of the breasts or a downward movement of the nipple and areola after pregnancy and breastfeeding or after weight loss. A Breast Lift, also known as “Mastopexy,” is a cosmetic procedure that helps with the deflation of the breasts or a downward movement of the nipple and areola. Breast Lift surgery elevates the breast by removing excess skin, reshaping it, and contouring the surrounding tissues.
Many women wonder: can I get a Tummy Tuck and Breast Lift at the same time?
This is not recommended for several reasons:
- The total amount of operating room time is very long. Both surgeries have long incisions and it takes a long time to properly close the incisions meticulously, in layers, for the best possible scar.
- The tummy tuck pulls the skin downward, and this pulls on the breast lift scars. It is important to minimize pulling and tension on the incision, which can stretch out the scar.
- For the proper post-op care and healing. After having a tummy tuck, patients cannot use their abs and must use their arms to pull themselves out of bed, out of a car, etc. After breast surgery, patients cannot use their arms to pull or lift for 2 weeks.
In order to perform the surgery as safely as possible, as well as properly care for each surgery site the best, it is best to perform Tummy Tuck and Breast Lift surgery separately. This is done to minimize the length of time a patient would be under anesthesia during a single procedure, as well as to avoid potential recovery complications.
Dr. Cat is a board-certified plastic surgeon who is known for her gentle and meticulous techniques that leave minimal bruising, nearly invisible scars, and allow for a short recovery time. Dr. Cat specializes in plastic surgery procedures for women hoping to address cosmetic concerns that can happen as a result of weight fluctuations or pregnancy. Dr. Cat’s priority is always patient safety and creating the best possible results for her patients. With an expert plastic surgeon like Dr. Cat, you’ll never have to worry about her trying to squeeze in as many surgeries as possible and rush. You only have one body, so the results should never be compromised for the inconvenience. To learn more, please call our office today at 310-858-8808 to begin your plastic surgery journey.
