Both (mastopexy) breast lift and abdominoplasty are popular procedures. They are two separate surgeries: abdominoplasty is surgery on the abdomen, and mastopexy is surgery on the breasts. But for some, it may be beneficial to combine the two procedures – perform both at the same time.
While the two procedures can be performed separately, there are some advantages to combining them. In this article, we will discuss some of the pros and cons of this ‘combination surgery,’ and why patients might consider this option as opposed to undergoing the surgeries separately. For more information about (mastopexy) breast lift and abdominoplasty surgery, book a consultation with Dr Andrew Broadhurst.
What’s involved?
Let’s start by understanding the aims of each procedure and what’s involved:
Breast lift (mastopexy)
Mastopexy is a type of breast procedure that focuses on reshaping and repositioning the breasts. Unlike other breast procedures (augmentation or reduction mammoplasty) this surgery does not involve changing the breasts’ volume or size. It aims to raise the position of the breasts and nipples to treat laxity or other irregularities. Breast lift (mastopexy) is often the procedure of choice for women who are concerned about:
- Stretched breast skin after pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Breast laxity after weight loss or due to ageing
- Congenital deformities such as tuberous breasts
- Breast asymmetries
- A low or down-pointing nipple position
The surgery involves making incisions, removing excess breast skin, and securing the breast tissue in a more desired position and shape.
Abdominoplasty
Abdominoplasty is a surgery to remove loose or lax skin from the abdomen after weight loss, ageing, or pregnancy. In the case of post-pregnancy surgery, abdominoplasty can help treat diastasis recti (separated muscles in the abdomen).
Why combine the procedures
Commonly, a patient may desire both of these surgeries due to a desire to get rid of excess skin on the abdomen and breasts. Many different factors can lead to excess skin and a desire for (mastopexy) breast lift and abdominoplasty:
- Weight fluctuations
- Significant weight loss
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Natural ageing and loss of elasticity
The abdomen and breasts are often the main areas affected by pregnancy and breastfeeding. For this reason, (mastopexy) breast lift and abdominoplasty are common post-pregnancy surgeries. In other cases, a person may be concerned about excess skin after weight gain or loss. The pros of combining both surgeries include:
- Shorter recovery compared to having two stand-alone surgeries
- One recovery period (instead of two) means less time off work
- Combining surgeries means you may save on certain costs
Good candidates
Candidates for a combined (mastopexy) breast lift and abdominoplasty are patients who are deemed suitable and healthy enough to undergo both surgeries at once. This means patients should be non-smokers, at a healthy and stable weight, and realistic in their goals. It is also recommended not to undergo the procedure if you are planning to become pregnant in the future, as this could affect the results and prompt a desire for future surgeries.
The only way to discover whether you are a candidate for certain is to consult with a skilled and qualified surgeon. Dr Broadhurst ensures that each procedure is tailored to the patient’s needs and that combined surgeries are done with the patient’s health as the priority.
Things to consider
Weight before surgery
Remember that these surgeries do not help with weight loss. Patients should already have a healthy lifestyle and a stable weight before seeking these procedures. This is especially important if you are combining procedures, as your body will need to be healthy enough to undergo a successful recovery. Additionally, if you lose more weight after surgery, this could lead to more excess skin, which may require another surgery to remove.
Risks
As with any surgery, there are risks and potential complications. Combining surgeries increases the amount of time you will be under anaesthesia, which can amplify the risks. It’s important to be aware of all the risks involved in your chosen procedures by discussing them with Dr Broadhurst well in advance.
Recovery
When patients recover from surgeries, they are instructed to follow specific instructions, including limiting their mobility. Having multiple areas of the body that need to heal at the same time can limit mobility even more, and this can make the initial recovery more difficult. Also, combining two surgeries into one makes the overall surgical process more extensive, leading to a longer recovery time (compared to the recovery after one stand-alone surgery).
Choose Dr Broadhurst for combined surgery in Brisbane
If you are unsure whether a combined (mastopexy) breast lift and abdominoplasty is right for you, clarify your options by speaking with a specialist plastic surgeon. With the right qualifications and experience, surgeons such as Dr Broadhurst can help you weigh the pros and cons of combining your breast and abdominal surgeries. Book a consultation to learn more about this surgery option.
