Performing a breast lift, or mastopexy, at the same time as breast augmentation is often as safe as performing the two procedures separately. Many women prefer to combine the procedures to avoid going under anesthesia twice, to have a single recovery, and to save on cost.

A Non-Statistically Significant Increase In Risk

A report published in “Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery” highlights research about the risks and final results of simultaneous procedures. According to the study, the re-operation risk is about 10% for single procedures versus 13% for combined operations. This three percent difference is not statistically significant.

The Total Results Are Worth The Complexity Of The Procedure 

Breast lifting with implants, or augmentation-mastopexy, is a challenging surgical combination that entails changes in nipple position, breast tissue shape, skin tightness and breast size. Some plastic surgeons prefer to make these changes in two separate operations; however, Dr. Donaldson believes that it is worth accepting the increased complexity to deliver further benefit to the patient. Performing the procedures separately makes it likely that the patient will be dissatisfied with the interim results until the second procedure is finally completed.

Dr. Donaldson emphasizes preoperative consultation to fully evaluate risks and to set realistic expectations. The concurrent procedure is most successful when patients are carefully selected and informed. At the end of this process, a patient can feel confident about proceeding with a breast lift and augmentation at the same time.

About The Author

Jeffrey Donaldson, MD is one of the nation’s leading breast surgeons. He specializes in both breast augmentation surgery and breast lifts to create an unparalleled, long-lasting aesthetic outcome. He fully comprehends the risks of each procedure and actively adopts the newest advanced techniques to ensure the safety of each patient.

Many patients ask Dr. Donaldson about the typical recovery period after liposuction and how quickly they can expect to see the results of their surgery. It’s important to understand the typical timeline so you know what to expect from this procedure.

Liposuction results may be witnessed in three stages:

1. The day of surgery:   This is the most dramatic stage, when fat is physically removed from the body. Contours are immediately thinner, but swelling and bruising set in quickly and obscure the improvements.
2. Week #1 through week #6:   The body clears itself of bruising and swelling as it carries away loose oils, damaged fat cells and debris that was left behind from surgery. This comes with a pleasant tightening effect.
3. Month #1 through month #6:   Scar tissue organizes within the fatty layers that were liposuctioned, which causes further “shrink-wrapping” and tightening around the underlying muscle and bone.

Results are typically final after six months when patients ultimately enjoy less fat and a contoured shape!

Optimizing For Results Begins Before Far Before The Surgery

Before surgery, patients are advised to stop smoking, optimize nutrition and health status, drink plenty of fluids, and exercise as usual. These basic steps will speed recovery.

During surgery, Dr. Donaldson uses a “tumescent” liposuction technique that involves the injection of IV fluid, lidocaine and epinephrine (adrenaline) into the treatment areas. After waiting several minutes, this mixture provides numbness to the nerves and shrinks the tiny blood vessels surrounding the fat so that the liposuction is less traumatic. This method has proven to dramatically reduce post-operative pain, bruising, swelling, dehydration, and consequently overall recovery.

Aftercare Is Mission Critical To Ensuring Faster Results & Recovery 

After surgery, compression garments are recommended. These are custom-fitted, medical-grade elasticized clothing that are worn next to the skin. They provide support to the skin and underlying tissue to ensure a smooth, contoured result and they also help reduce fluid accumulation and swelling. Patients should wear compression garments as much as possible for the first two to four weeks after surgery.

Lymphatic massages and exercise should be discussed in advance with your surgeon. They may be helpful in reducing fluid and opening lymphatic channels later in recovery, but they can be counter-productive during the initial healing phases.

About The Author

Jeffrey Donaldson, MD is one of the nation’s foremost experts when it comes to the tumescent technique with liposuction. Throughout his 20-year tenure, he has worked to perfect his craft in an effort to ensure a safer procedure with greater results and minimal downtime. He puts a substantial emphasis on both pre- and post-operative care to provide a greater overall patient experience.

Each October, during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Ohio-based plastic surgeon Dr. Jeffrey Donaldson sponsors a unique campaign to raise money for cancer research and patient care. For the fifth straight year, Donaldson Plastic Surgery, will donate $1 for every new like its Facebook fan page receives between October 1st and October 31st. Appropriately named, the “Likes for Lives” campaign’s annual goal is to gain at least 500 likes—a goal that has been achieved each year prior. The number of new fans by month’s end will determine the total donation amount, which will be given to OhioHealth Bing Cancer Center.

Located on the campus of Riverside Methodist Hospital, OhioHealth Bing Cancer Center is a facility that is dedicated to providing treatment and support for cancer patients and their families. From therapy to imaging, testing and nutrition, the center takes a holistic approach to treating the disease. In addition to numerous patient services, the facility also completes on-site clinical research.

The inspiration for Dr. Donaldson’s unique fundraising campaign comes from his patients and their families. Because breast cancer survivors often have reconstructive surgery, he has treated many women in the past who have been through an unimaginable journey. Dr. Donaldson’s previous practice mission was to help these patients regain self-esteem and sense of wholeness through surgery, and now that his surgical focus has shifted, he is more philanthropically engaged.

Currently in its fifth year, the “Likes for Lives” campaign will fund up to $5,000 for local cancer research – and there is more to be done.  Through social media, the campaign hopes to reach more people locally, as well as outside of Columbus, Ohio. And since cancer affects everyone in some way, there are countless potential new “Likes” that can go a long way.

There is no need to spend any money to participate in Likes for Lives. To show your support for this great cause, simply visit https://www.facebook.com/DonaldsonPlasticSurgery and “Like” the page!