Combined Breast Surgery and Abdominoplasty

While they usually involve a number of procedures and can be extensive, combining the treatments into a cohesive plan allows Dr Rizk to plan how each procedure relates to the others rather than doing the surgeries as one-off surgeries.

Depending on the procedures included, possible changes include:

• Removal of excess abdominal skin and repair of separated abdominal muscles

• Changes to breast size, shape or position

• Changes to the contour of the legs and buttocks

• Reduction of excess skin on the upper arms

Dr. Rizk will work with you to plan treatment based on your goals, health and lifestyle. Combining procedures means a longer operation and can increase some risks, which Dr Rizk will discuss with you. Results vary between individuals.

Once you've finished breastfeeding, the increased volume associated with lactation subsides and breast volume often reduces. Because the skin stretched during pregnancy, the breasts may sit lower once the extra tissue reduces. As a result, areolas can be enlarged, and the breasts and nipples may sit lower. Both breasts may not be affected identically, so there may be asymmetry.

These changes can be addressed by incorporating a breast lift or breast augmentation in your combined breast surgery and abdominoplasty. The breast lift will remove excess skin and tissue, reshape the areolae, reposition the nipples, and may improve asymmetry. Breast implants can additionally add volume. Results vary, and the breasts can continue to change with time, weight change and future pregnancies.

Combined breast surgery and abdominoplasty is major surgery, so it is important to choose an appropriately qualified surgeon. Dr. Rizk understands that cosmetic surgery may deal with the body, but it impacts every part of a person's being — their mind and emotions — as well.

Dr. Rizk is Australian-trained at the University of Sydney with a fellowship at the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons. In addition, he gained international experience at the Dutch Association of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in the Netherlands. He has also visited the UT Southwestern Plastic Surgery Department in Texas, USA. He also holds positions at Westmead Public Hospital and Auburn Public Hospital, and maintains a clinic at the Breast Cancer Institute Westmead.

Beyond his professional experience, though, Dr. Rizk takes an individualised approach with each of his patients. His consultations are thorough, and he makes a special effort to give each person the time and attention they need. He aims to support your comfort and well-being at every step of your process, from consultation to follow-up evaluations, and to relate to each patient as a unique and whole person.

These issues can be addressed with a comprehensive combined breast surgery and abdominoplasty treatment plan.

In general, good candidates will be in good health overall and have good skin elasticity, which can aid recovery. They do not have any serious medical conditions that can interfere with the healing process like diabetes or heart disease. They also don't have any infections.

If you smoke, Dr Rizk will advise how long to stop smoking before and after surgery. And finally, the best candidates are in a good state of mind and have realistic expectations for their results, all of which will be covered by Dr Rizk in your pre-operation discussions. Dr Rizk advocates the National Law and Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) guidelines that any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.

The most common procedures are breast surgery, which can be restricted to lifts or include implants for augmentation. Some women may have a breast reduction with their breast lift if their breasts became larger during pregnancy. Another common procedure is abdominoplasty (tummy tuck). After pregnancy, many women have loose abdominal skin and fat, and separation of the abdominal muscles that were stretched by the growing uterus.

An abdominoplasty removes excess skin and fat and can repair the abdominal muscles. Liposuction is also often included to reduce localised fat in areas such as the abdomen, flanks, thighs and buttocks. Combining procedures may mean a single recovery period, but also a longer operation.

• A thigh lift is used to reduce excess skin and fat on the inner thighs.

• An arm lift will tighten the skin on the upper arms (biceps and triceps)

• A buttock lift or fat transfer to the buttocks (gluteal fat transfer, sometimes called a Brazilian butt lift) may be performed to lift the buttocks, remove excess skin and fat, or add volume.

All of the procedures will be performed under anaesthesia in an accredited hospital or day-surgery facility, depending on the procedures, and each surgery may take several hours depending on how extensive it is. While they may not all be performed on the same day, they will all be part of a comprehensive plan. This will be planned by you and Dr Rizk before the first operation is performed.

While you may be able to resume some daily routines in the days following your surgeries, you'll want to avoid more strenuous activity including lifting and exercise for several weeks as your body heals. Dr Rizk will let you know about any follow-up consultations as needed. After each procedure, Dr Rizk will equip you with any prescriptions for pain and antibiotic medication you will need along with instructions for how to best care for your surgery sites. This can include everything from bandaging and cleaning instructions to advice on how to sleep without disturbing the healing process. You will usually need to wear compression garments and/or a supportive bra for several weeks, and you should plan for time off work and for help at home. Recovery from combined procedures may be longer than from a single procedure. Dr Rizk will advise you when you can return to work, driving and exercise. Following these instructions closely helps reduce the risk of complications.

Combining several procedures lengthens the operation, which can increase some risks. Results vary between individuals and further surgery may sometimes be needed.

It is important to realise that your body may slightly change its appearance over the first six months after your procedures. This is normal as your body adjusts to the changes that have been made. Implants can settle, transferred fat can be reabsorbed, and skin stretches to accommodate its new form.

For our patients seeking combined breast surgery and abdominoplasty Sydney plastic surgeon, Dr. Joseph Rizk, will be able to address any concerns you have. Results vary between individuals, and a stable weight, diet and exercise routine are important for maintaining your results long-term.