Inquiry Regarding Surgical Procedures
I am preparing for a series of surgical procedures that include a tummy tuck with muscle reconstruction, liposuction, a breast reduction and lift, as well as a neck lift. At 62 years old and generally healthy, I have maintained my well-being, especially after shedding 30 kilograms. Currently, I am on a maintenance dose of Wegovy. I have spoken with various plastic surgeons here in Australia, but I’ve encountered differing opinions. The surgeon I trust most prefers to carry out the operations separately, citing potential risks related to disrupted blood circulation. Unfortunately, this means I would have to cover the costs of three separate anesthesia sessions and hospital stays, which is financially challenging. Alternatively, another surgeon is willing to perform the tummy tuck and breast lift as a combined procedure, but would still recommend doing the neck lift separately. Is it truly that hazardous to combine these surgeries into one session? Any insights would be appreciated. Thank you in advance!
Answers (1)
12/16/2025, 5:50:44 PM
OpenHealth AI
Combining multiple surgical procedures can indeed raise considerations regarding safety and recovery. It's essential to balance your goals for aesthetic improvements with the potential risks involved with anesthesia and surgery.
Explanation:
-
Risks of Combining Surgeries: Larger surgery durations can lengthen the time under anesthesia and potentially increase complications such as blood clots, infection, and delayed healing. Surgeons often consider factors like your age, overall health, and the extent of the procedures in determining the best approach. Your surgeon’s concern about blood circulation is valid; longer surgeries can affect circulation significantly.
-
Individual Surgeons' Opinions: Surgeons may have different philosophies based on their experiences and specialties. Some prioritize patient safety and recovery time by advocating for fewer procedures at a time, whereas others aim to minimize total surgeries and hospital visits, especially from a cost perspective.
Next Steps:
-
Discuss Thoroughly with Your Surgeon: Have a detailed conversation with your trusted surgeon about the risks and benefits of combining surgeries versus doing them separately. Ask for clarification on how they assess and manage the risks associated with combining the procedures.
-
Consider a Second Opinion: If feasible, seek opinions from additional plastic surgeons who have experience with the specific procedures you're considering. They might provide different insights or comfort regarding the safety of combining surgeries.
-
Evaluate Financial Implications: If cost is a significant concern, discuss financing options or payment plans with your surgeon's office. They may have solutions that can ease financial burden while still ensuring your safety.
-
Preoperative Preparation: Regardless of your decision, ensure you're in the best shape possible before surgery. Maintaining a healthy diet, staying hydrated, and following all preoperative instructions can reduce risks and improve recovery.
-
Plan for Recovery: If you decide to go ahead with multiple surgeries, make arrangements for post-operative care and recovery support, which could make a combined procedure more manageable.
Your health and safety are paramount, and open communication with your surgical team will help ensure you make an informed decision that aligns with your aesthetic goals and health needs. If you have more specific concerns or questions, feel free to ask.
Related Questions
Concerns About Lower Right Abdominal Pain
A 21-year-old female, who weighs 50 kg and stands at 5'2", is currently utilizing birth control and has no known health issues. In June, she sought immediate medical attention at an emergency care facility due to recurring, intense pains localized around her lower right abdomen, an issue that had persisted for a few months prior. During the evaluation, thorough physical exams and an ultrasound were conducted, yet the ultrasound failed to visually locate her appendix. Consequently, she was prescribed a course of antibiotics—a particularly strong one—which she later requested to change as the staff indicated it wasn't necessary. Blood tests returned normal results. Over the subsequent months, the pain gradually diminished, ultimately disappearing completely by October. However, today, she experienced a resurgence of discomfort during a trip to the bathroom. The pain re-emerged while straining but subsided immediately afterward. She reports no tenderness when pressing on the affected area and is left feeling perplexed about her condition. Should she be worried about this recurrence?
Intense Chest Pain with Deep Breaths: Seeking Clarity
I’m a 16-year-old male who maintains a decent fitness routine at the gym. However, I do use potent pre-workout supplements and I occasionally smoke cannabis. Recently, I’ve been experiencing an excruciating pain on the left side of my lower chest whenever I inhale deeply. This distressing sensation occurs multiple times each day and has been intensifying over the past three weeks. I’m reaching out to see if anyone might have insights into what this could indicate or what the underlying issue might be.
Navigating Recovery from a Left Basal Ganglia Stroke at 30
At the age of 30, I recently experienced an ischemic stroke affecting my left basal ganglia. This event began with confusing visual disturbances that were initially mistaken for a migraine. Just last week, I suffered intense pain accompanied by zigzag patterns and vibrant auras. Despite never having had a migraine before, this seemed to fit the description, and the emergency room’s treatment appeared effective at first. However, just a few days later, I woke up with severe pain accompanied by aphasia and a profound sense of confusion. I found myself unable to recall my name, the current year, or much of anything else. Subsequent CT and MRI scans confirmed the stroke, while an ultrasound ruled out the placement of a stent. Both the ECG and bubble study results were normal. Fortunately, most of my initial deficits have subsided, and I’ve regained my speech and mobility, which I’m incredibly grateful for. Nevertheless, I still grapple with persistent headaches, discomfort on the left side of my neck and facial area, and I find it challenging to type or write messages. There's an overarching feeling of strangeness that I can't shake. There weren’t any identifiable triggers for this incident—no physical trauma or chiropractic interventions—and the exact cause remains elusive. I understand that predicting individual outcomes is impossible, but I would greatly appreciate any insight into prognosis or comfort regarding recovery for situations like mine. While I’m thankful for my current functionality, I can’t help but feel a deep sense of fear regarding the future.
Can a Peptic Ulcer Lead to Bruising Around the Navel?
I’m a 20-year-old female, standing at 5’10 and weighing 115 pounds. I have a history of using substances like cocaine and Adderall, but it’s been about ten months since I’ve stopped. I live on the East Coast of the United States. For the past week and a half, I’ve been experiencing severe discomfort near my navel. The pain persisted, prompting me to consult a physician. Upon examination, they diagnosed me with a peptic ulcer, prescribed omeprazole, and advised me to discontinue ibuprofen. That consultation took place two days ago. However, I haven’t noticed any improvement with the medication, and I’m now developing dark bruising around my belly button, which has been progressively worsening throughout the day, despite not recalling any injury to that area. This leads me to wonder if the ulcer might be contributing to the bruising, as it is located pretty much in the same region. It’s becoming a source of concern since I’m certain I didn’t sustain any physical trauma to that spot, and it’s closely linked to where I’m feeling pain.
Is It Normal to Experience This Much Pain After a Shingrix Shot?
I'm seeking advice regarding some concerning side effects I'm experiencing. Earlier this week, I received the first dose of the Shingrix vaccine. The healthcare provider mentioned that many patients report it as being particularly uncomfortable. While the actual injection wasn't unbearable, I must admit it was the most painful shot I’ve ever had. I felt slight soreness in my arm and shoulder for a few hours afterward, but it was manageable. I did my best to keep using my arm normally and avoided bumping it into anything. However, about six hours post-injection, I started to feel intense pain, which has only escalated since then. Fortunately, I haven't encountered any of the symptoms I was advised to monitor, such as hives, swelling, shortness of breath, or dizziness. On the downside, I have experienced some digestive issues, and there is noticeable swelling and discomfort in the area just below the injection site. Additionally, I’ve had intermittent heart palpitations today. Initially, I didn’t link them to the vaccine, as they weren’t mentioned as possible side effects, and I do have a history of brief episodes of supraventricular tachycardia (SVT). Now that I’ve made this connection, I’ve contacted my primary care physician to see if any action is warranted, but I have yet to receive a response. Should I be worried about these symptoms?