Combined procedures in London

Common combinations

• Abdominoplasty with breast surgery: an abdominoplasty combined with breast augmentation, uplift or reduction. This is the most common combination after pregnancy.

• Abdominoplasty with an arm or thigh lift: often after significant weight loss.

• Arm and thigh lift together.

• Liposuction with a lifting procedure: to refine contour around the area being lifted.

Some combinations are not offered in one operation because the risks are too high. A body lift (belt lipectomy) is not combined with a thigh lift, and liposuction is not combined with a fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty.

Benefits and limits of combining

Combining procedures can mean one anaesthetic, one recovery period and, often, a lower overall cost. However, the risk of complications rises as operations become longer and more extensive. Complications are more common after combined procedures than after single operations. Most are minor and treatable, such as a fluid collection (seroma), a blood collection (haematoma) or a wound that opens (wound dehiscence), but some may need further treatment or surgery.

Safety limits: Mr Oezdogan limits surgery on any one area to about four hours, because beyond this the risk of wound-healing problems rises significantly. When a plan would take longer, the procedures are staged into separate operations.

What surgery involves

Operating time depends on the combination. Most combined procedures take 4–6 hours, and more complex combinations 5–7 hours. They are carried out under general anaesthetic, with a hospital stay of 1–3 days.

Your consultation

At your consultation Mr Oezdogan will:

• discuss what you would like to change and why

• examine you and explain which options are suitable, including non-surgical alternatives or not having surgery

• explain the benefits, risks, recovery and the possibility of further surgery in the future

• give you written information to take away

You will be asked about your weight history, any weight-loss treatment, smoking and general health. Your plan, including which procedures can safely be combined and whether staging is recommended, is agreed with you at your consultation.

If you take weight-loss medication, weekly injections usually need to be paused 2–4 weeks before surgery and daily tablets 1–2 days before, to reduce anaesthetic risk.

Private consultations and surgery are offered to adults aged 18 and over. You will be given time to reflect before deciding, and a second consultation is offered before surgery is booked.

Risks and recovery

These are discussed in detail at your consultation and in writing. They include:

• a collection of fluid (seroma) or blood (haematoma)

• wound-healing problems, including wounds opening

• infection and scarring

• changes in sensation

• asymmetry, and the possible need for further surgery

• blood clots in the legs or lungs. This is a risk with any operation under general anaesthetic, and the risk is higher with longer, combined operations.

• the risks of each individual procedure, which are explained on its own page

Recovery depends on the procedures combined. Most people return to desk work after 2–4 weeks and to strenuous exercise after about six weeks. Compression garments are worn for six weeks.

Surgery aims to improve shape and contour, but individual results vary and no particular outcome can be guaranteed.

Where surgery takes place

Consultations and body contouring surgery take place at Highgate Hospital (Nuffield Health) and The London Welbeck Hospital. Day-case procedures take place at Chase Lodge Hospital, Mill Hill.

Frequently asked questions

What is a “mummy makeover”?

It is an informal name for combining an abdominoplasty with breast surgery, such as an augmentation, uplift or reduction, after pregnancy.

How do I arrange a consultation?

Send an enquiry through the Contact page.

How long should I wait after pregnancy?

At least 6–12 months after your last pregnancy and once breastfeeding has stopped. Ideally you will have finished having children.

Do you treat patients under 18?

Private consultations and surgery are offered to adults aged 18 and over.

Is it safer to have procedures separately?

Separate operations are shorter and carry a lower risk of complications, but mean more than one recovery. The right approach is decided together at your consultation.

Why are some combinations not offered?

Some combinations carry a high risk of wound-healing problems or poor blood supply to the skin, so they are done as separate operations.

To discuss combined procedures, book a consultation with Mr Oezdogan.

Discuss your options