Tummy Tuck & Breast Lift W/implants ?????

I personally would not want to go under anesthesia and recovery twice. Especially if you are a mom and you will need help with childcare. You probably got conflicting advice from the Dr.'s because each have different comfort levels and experience. I went to a great Dr. in Tampa, but I see you live in Pompano Beach. Good luck and good for you!

I don't know anything about those things. Is it possible to get a 3rd opinion?

Also, have you checked reviews & ratings on these 2 doctors? The one that said it would take 8 hours might be a better doctor who is more careful & takes the time to do the job right, rather than quickly getting it done.

Or perhaps they use different methods? Again, I don't know anything about this stuff, just some ideas.

I don't know if I would have it done at the same time. I suppose it's a good thing in order to just get it done and over with but what about the pain. My cousin had a tummy tuck and she walked hunched over for about 1 month. she had to sleep in a recliner for almost 2 weeeks because it was too painful to get out of bed. I've heard of people having two procedures or even three at the same time. But I would imagine that its very hard on the body.

I would continue to get different opinions. I know that when I reach my goal weight and health goal I will be getting a "mommy makeover" (ie tummy tuck, breast lift (not sure about implants) etc). One Dr told me that they will only do everything at once if I have a recovery support that he approves, while another one said that he would do it in stages (to make recovery easier). Good Luck

There are many, MANY, different ways to do all 3 of these procedures. Keep meeting with docs, keep doing your research.

I would do some research online about the procedures. You'd be surprised how much detail the lay person can really find out by researching. I would also say yes, seek a third opinion and a fourth - as many as you need to find the doctor you feel completely comfortable with. Like another person said, definitly check out whether they are board certified or have any malpractice suits against them. I've also heard that some plastic surgeons will "sugar coat" things to get you as a patient and don't let you in on the whole deal until you are committed (paid). It could be that the second doctor knows it will really take 8 hours but he's not telling you that up front because he just wants to "get your business". I've also heard that procedures can be done both ways - together or seperate. It might depend on just the doctors preference, skill level, or even how much insurance he has. (being under anesthesia longer is riskier so the odds of complications go up, so of course the risk of being sued if anything goes wrong goes up. Some doctors just want to avoid the risk all together by doing them separate.)

I would do more research. Are both Doctors board certified? (many are not). Do either have any outstanding malpractice suits against them? I would learn more about both procedures and how long they usually take on line before talking to another surgeon so you have some information.

In my experience, every doctor will tell you something different. Get a 3rd opinion. Maybe even a 4th. See if you can meet with someone who's had the surgery by those doctors. Eight hours does seem long. I've only had the tummy tuck, so I can't speak for the breast lift.

By the way, recovery from a tummy tuck was brutal (but worth it).

I know a couple of gals who've had the "mommy makeover" (tummy tuck & BlL/BA at the same time). They were 8hr surgeries and required one or two overnights in the hospital (so it's major, major surgery and recovery). They're both fine and look great. Obviously, it can be, and has been, done. I'd meet with a couple more board certified docs if I were you to discuss your comfort level and options. And research, research, research!! Good luck!

I can't even begin to guess why the answers were so different, except to say it has to do with the doctor's experience and comfort level??

I am 39 and last year I had a bilateral mastectomy with tram flap reconstruction in one surgery (breast cancer). Tram flap reconstruction is basically a tummy tuck, butthey used the fat and tissue they removed from my belly to form my new breasts. The surgery took 11 hours and there were no problems.

Definitely do your research and make sure you pick the right doctor. I don't know where you live, but my doctor was Jonathan Weiser in Hollywood, Florida ###-###-####. Feel free to contact me direct if you have any questions; I'm happy to discuss my surgeries and experience...

I just noticed that Shelly below recommended Dr Uecker - he's Dr Weiser's partner and also has an excellent reputation!

You will need to consult wit hyour primary care physician so he/she could give you clearance before doing the surgery.

having a tummy tuck is very painful (I had one) and adding a breast lift, is no fun. However, this is like having your wisdom teeth pulled. You do it all at once to not feel the pain again.

The most important thing is your health. too much anesthesia is not recommended. There is no way both procedures will take 4 hours.

Also do a lot of research when it comes to surgeons. Ask to speak to former clients/patients and make sure they are licensed...

Good luck!

I have had many friend do both at the same time with no problem. I had a tummy tuck last Aug and i Love it. It looks great better than some of the ones i have seen. Try a 3rd Dr. My Dr name is Dr. Ary Krau ###-###-####. The consultation is free. He also has a really good web-site, check it out and Good Luck to you.

It's due to experience level and the fear of overdoing the anesthesia or the stress of such a lengthy operation that they may not be used to, or it may be because they want to schedule multiple surgeries in one day, rather than just 1 (makes them more $). The fear of malpractice can also make them feel more cautious, or also the risk of infection, so some doctors may want to split it in parts. Also, they may think the pain may be unbearable for you and splitting it may make it less traumatic. Research board certifications as well as pending lawsuits or past lawsuits against the surgeons you have consulted. Make sure they're not just certified by the AMA or Board Certified in surgery but that they are certified in PLASTIC or RECONSTRUCTIVE surgery, which is much different than other types of surgery. Of course it helps if a friend used them in the past with success and recommends the doctor to you. Some people also review the doctors online so search for that as well, or search by the clinic's name. I'd want to get it all done in one shot, rather than having to face a dual recovery and being out of commission for so long, especially if you're a working mom; companies frown upon too much vacation time, especially for something like cosmetic surgery which is not medically necessary. Better to suffer once than twice, I'd say, but it's a personal choice. Maybe you'd feel more comfortable with doing a single operation. Research online too. There are plenty of tummy tuck support sites, such as tuckthattummy.com or makemeheal.com, for general cosmetic surgery. You can read the blogs, see before and after pictures, and meet people who have gone through what you plan to go through, even find local doctors. I researched the actual procedure on google (googled tummy tuck before and after) and found women who had gone through it, blogged about their entire experience and I befriended them, exchanged emails, and got plenty of tips on what to do to make recovery easier and how to prepare for the surgery, so you can try that as well. I have not gone through it yet though so I can't give better advice but if you had a c-section, the pain from a tummy tuck is on that level, I have been told. Good luck with whomever you decide to ultimately go with, you deserve to look great!

I would have to do my own research and see a third Dr. Or, whoever did your implants in the first place, either go there or call there to see who they would use.

I am not sure, but I was referred to see Dr. Laufer by someone who had a breast implant procedure from him and she was very happy. The website link is below:

http://bodyreshaping.com/index.html

I guess get a third opinion. I've never had any procedures, I only know what I've seen on tv. Some of those people have had all sorts of things done at the same time. Breast implants, lipo, tummy tucks, even facial peels - all during the same time. I have a friend who wanted to have lipo on her entire belly. When she woke up, she discovered he'd only done the lower half of her belly because he wanted to do it in two procedures. She could only afford one, so now she's shaped funny.

Seek the opinion of other doctors then compare notes with each one. Do more research too .

Ok, as someone who has had a breast augmentation and tummy tuck at the same time. I know a doctor that you would want to talk to. He is amazing. He will give you straight answers and there will not be any mis-information. He is board certified and I have had three procedures done with him and am very happy with them. His name is Dr. C. Uecker he is located in Hollywood located across the street from Joe DiMaggio Childrens Hospital on the corner of Johnson Street and 35th Avenue. His phone number is ###-###-####, the name of the practice is Physicians Institute of Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgery.

I wish you the best of luck. But please give him a call and go see him, his consultations are free and let him know that S. S. sent you. He will take good care of you. If you have any questions please contact me personally at ____@____.com

S.

I would absolutely get a third opinion and ask all 3 doctors for references,, past patients that you can talk to and ask questions about thier experience. get at least 3 from each and do your research. The time you spend researching will be well worth it.. to many botched surgeries to not make sure you have a good doctor who takes pride in thier work..
I have NOT had a tummy tuck.. but have had implants before and had babies, then had a lift and replaced my implants.. I HIGHLY recommend you replace your implants and go to a "high profile implant" because they allow you to go with a lower volume and have BEAUTIFUL projection. Also if you are small in the ribcage the circumference is smaller so the implants dont protrude out under your arm pit and they look more natural. If you have more questions about the lift and implants, msg me and I will help as much as I can.. I can tell you for sure I would do it again in a heartbeat!! God bless!!! =))

I myself don't think I would have both done at the same time. Only because the pressure is on you. If you end up with infection its best to deal with one rather than two. It sounds to me that the second Dr. and pls. don't get me wrong but he seems that he is one that is in to much of a hurry. This is not to be taken litely. I'm not saying he couldn't do it however.... You have to be the judge but for all intensive purposes, I would say one at a time.
Good luck!!