Maybe you saw it on a reality television show such as Extreme Makeover, or perhaps the question occurred to you as you thought about your own goals for having cosmetic surgery. It is a very common question to ask -What are the benefits and drawbacks of combining procedures? Why not perform ALL of your surgical wishes – everything at the same time?
In fact, in a 2007 statistics report by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, a whopping 42 percent of U.S. plastic surgery patients had more than one procedure done at the same time. There are several good reasons for combining operations, as long as the patient is healthy and the desired procedures can be performed within a reasonable amount of time.
The Pros
There are three factors that add up to a compelling case for combining surgeries.
First, you may have several cosmetic goals that require different surgical interventions. Based on where each of the areas of concern is located on the body, it may make sense to combine procedures. For example, you may want to get a brow lift, a facelift, removing the extra skin on your eyelids and a neck lift. Since all of these procedures deal with some kind of facial augmentation, it makes sense to have them performed as one longer operation. Do you really want your face and eyes to look younger but have your neck skin still sag? If you have treatment to make your neck skin tighter, do you feel comfortable with the fullness / sagging skin next to your nose, the naso-labial fold be untreated? Each person’s cosmetic presentation is unique. A consultation with Dr. Kulick will help you with these decisions.
Second, combining two or more procedures cuts down on the total time you will spend in surgery as well as the number of recoveries you will need to go through. And third, you can save money on the fees you will be charged for anesthesia and for use of the facility.
If your facelift doctor deems it safe for you to have multiple cosmetic jobs done all at once, you may well find it to be cheaper, more convenient and less stressful on your body.
The Cons
Given the advantages, what drawbacks does combining procedures involve? Most important, having a marathon session under anesthesia can increase the chance of complications, if you have health problems such as diabetes, uncontrolled high blood pressure or other serious medical problems. In addition, your recovery time will be longer if you have many procedures performed at the same time vs. having just one procedure. However, this recovery period will be at the same time. That can put an inordinate amount of stress on your body. For sure the recovery period will be longer if you have multiple procedures. This may be the best pathway for you.
When you are reviewing your goals with Dr. Kulick, he will be glad to discuss whether combining procedures is a good idea for your particular case. Certainly, if you have underlying health conditions such as cardiac issues or diabetes, it may be preferable to get each operation done separately.
Accomplishing your dreams for an enhanced appearance often takes time and patience, but with a caring and expert professional such as Dr. Kulick, you should be rewarded with the transformation you are seeking. Dr. Kulick understands the need to address one’s cosmetic concerns but he does his best to make sure that you are qualified to receive multiple procedures.
Dr. Michael Kulick, MD is a leading board certified plastic surgeon in San Francisco, California. During an initial consultation, he’ll examine your individual anatomy, discuss all your options, and create a unique treatment plan along with any other necessary procedures. If you’d like to learn more about the benefits of plastic surgery and are looking for a qualified cosmetic surgeon, use this online form to request a consultation with Dr. Kulick or call 415-956-2550.
