Nottingham, NG3 5BW
Opting to undergo multiple procedures will naturally take longer than a single procedure. In general, combined surgery can take between 2.5 – 4 hours depending upon the exact combination.
Generally, multiple surgery involves a much shorter recovery time than if a patient were to have several procedures one after another.
For example, adding a breast procedure to a tummy tuck does not usually lengthen the recovery time, as the body usually recovers and heals from breast surgery faster than from a tummy tuck.
Not only is having multiple procedures at the same time more cost effective, it also has the advantage of avoiding the need for a second anaesthetic.
For many people, weight loss surgery is a life changing operation, and their new improved body encourages them to change their eating habits and take up exercise to maintain their new shape and size.
When followed with cosmetic surgery to remove excess skin, many patients find they achieve the body they have always wanted and take measures to maintain this.
However, as with all types of weight loss, the hard work can easily be undone if the individual slips back into bad eating and exercise habits.
As with all types of surgery there will be a certain element of risk. The risk of complications increases for smokers, so it is highly advisable to stop for the required time specified by your consultant.
There is a risk of scars becoming infected, especially if the skin tightening procedure affects different areas of the body. Blood clots in the leg or lungs also pose a risk with this type of surgery, and this risk increases for individuals who require longer surgery.
Whilst skin will adjust slightly as the body slims down, there will inevitably be excess skin and more often than not, stretch marks. Excess skin can affect all areas of the body, especially the stomach, back, breasts, upper arms and thighs.
The severity of the excess skin will depends on how much weight has been lost, and also how quickly the weight has been lost. It is possible to have surgery to correct this problem.
Having a gastric balloon fitted inside the stomach is a very effective method of weight loss surgery, as the device prevents excess volume or bulk entering the stomach it naturally causes weight loss. This method is also reversible, which makes it the most common method of weight loss surgery.
There is another method of weight loss surgery, however, which involves having a bypass to permanently change the way that the body absorbs food. This is a more extreme form of surgery, and will need carrying out by specialist laparoscopic surgeon.
Torso makeover surgery is a common operation that allows major body shape changes in a single operation. The common combination is a tummy tuck (Abdominoplasty) with either breast reduction, uplift or enlargement. Liposuction of the hip area can sometimes be added to the procedure if this is needed.
You will need to be considered either severely or morbidly obese to be considered for weight loss surgery. Calculating your Body Mass Index will give you an idea of how overweight you are, as this type of surgery is restricted to those needing to lose more than 50% excess body weight.
To establish your BMI, divide your weight (in kg) by your height (in metres squared), the figure that you are left with is your BMI. A BMI of 35-40 is classed as being severely obese (Class II obesity) and a BMI of >40 is classed as being morbidly obese (Class III obesity), these are the levels of obesity that are suitable for weight loss surgery.
Actual prices can be discussed with Stephen McCulley during your consultation, however it is undoubtedly cost-effective to combine the operations.
Generally a second procedure will cost 65% of the normal price, and a third operation will be 50% of the normal price.
These savings reflect one hospital stay and a reduced overall time in the operating theatre. As with any procedure with Stephen McCulley, all follow-up and nursing relating to your surgery will be included in the price.
There are certain risks that come hand in hand with any kind of surgery, such as blood clots in the leg or lung. Generally, these risks are very uncommon, however, being under general anaesthetic for a longer period of time naturally poses an increased risk of a patient experiencing complications.
When these complications do occur they can be serious, and so it is very important to consider these risks before proceeding with the operation.
Multiple procedures also involves a patient having an increased number of scars, which could possibly lead to a higher risk of infection or bleeding.
Recovery time varies from patient to patient, and it will also depend on the specific type or combination of surgery that has been performed.
During your consultation with Stephen McCulley you will be able to discuss anticipated recovery times and also he will advise you on how to assist your recovery in the days following your surgery.
Smoking poses an additional risk to anyone going into surgery, so it is vital to stop or cut down around the time of your operation to help avoid any potential complications.
As with all surgery, a full medical history will be obtained during your consultation. It would also be useful to bring a list of any prescribed medications to your pre-op assessment.
As a precaution, avoid the following medication prior to surgery and for 3 days following your surgery:
If you are considering having multiple procedures, Stephen McCulley can advise you during your consultation on the best course of action to suit your needs. For the majority of patients this is both safe and practical, however it is important to be aware that there will be an increased risk of complications.
Some patients pose a higher risk than others and therefore may not suit a longer operation. Occasionally it may be recommended to have the surgery split into separate procedures.
These higher risk patients include:
During the consultation, Stephen McCulley will assess if multiple procedures are suitable for the patient. He will carry out surgery if it is safe to do and providing that none of the procedures will have a negative impact on each other.
Answers provided by Mr Stephen McCulley and his expert team. You can see further helpful information in our Resource Centre or in our Ask Our Specialist Nurse section.
Stephen McCulley offers a wide range of cosmetic breast surgery procedures including breast enlargement, breast reduction, inverted nipple surgery, correcting impact problems and more!