When contemplating multiple surgeries at the same time, the length of the anesthetics is felt to be a rate limiting factor for safety. Generally, it is understood that if an anesthetic is longer than 5 hours that the complication rates escalate. Wound infections are more common, blood clots are more likely to form, and respiratory, fluid and electrolyte issues become a problem. At that point, the benefits of the surgery are outweighed by the potential risks. In order to make the surgery safer, we need to find ways to cut back the length of time spent in surgery. This can be done by limiting the number of things done with your procedure, speeding up the time each portion takes, or doing different parts of the surgery simultaneously (at the same time).
The goal is always to keep you, the patient, as safe as possible, but also let you enjoy the benefits these surgeries can provide.
Most plastic surgeons would agree that addressing two major areas (such as the tummy tuck for the abdomen and augmentation, lift, or both for breasts) and one minor issue (like liposuction to hips, thighs, and/or back) at the same time can be done safely and in a reasonable time frame. It will be up to your surgeon to tell you what he/she can reasonably do in 5 hours. This may partly depend on how complex your particular case is, but also has to do with how efficiently the operating room runs and the speed of the surgeon.
General Anesthesia in Mommy Makeover Surgery
General anesthesia is essential for mommy makeover surgery. It keeps the patient unconscious and pain-free throughout the plastic surgery procedure. The duration of anesthesia depends on the number and complexity of the procedures being performed.
Safe Duration of Anesthesia
Studies show that staying under general anesthesia for more than 5 hours increases the risk of side effects. A mommy makeover surgery should ideally be completed within this time frame to minimize complications. Experienced surgeons can often complete the surgery in 3 to 4 hours by streamlining the process.
Risks of Prolonged Anesthesia
Being under general anesthesia for an extended period can lead to complications, including:
- Wound infections.
- Blood clots (deep vein thrombosis).
- Respiratory issues.
- Electrolyte imbalances.
These risks highlight the importance of limiting the duration of anesthesia during cosmetic surgery.
How Experienced Surgeons Manage Time
An experienced surgeon plays a key role in ensuring safety during a mommy makeover. Techniques to reduce anesthesia duration include:
- Performing procedures simultaneously with a surgical team.
- Using advanced technology and equipment.
- Focusing on key areas, such as the abdomen and breasts, to shorten surgery time.
Factors Affecting Anesthesia Safety
Several factors determine how long it is safe to be under anesthesia:
- Patient Health: Conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure may increase risks.
- Type of Procedures: Combining fewer procedures reduces the time under anesthesia.
- Surgeon’s Expertise: A skilled surgeon ensures efficient completion of the surgery.
Post-Operative Care
After the surgery, proper care reduces the chance of side effects from anesthesia. Follow your surgeon’s instructions for wound care, hydration, and activity levels to promote recovery.
SPECIALIST CARE YOU CAN TRUST
You can trust the entire staff to help make your visit as comfortable and safe as possible!
Efficiency and Safety: How Our Team Reduces Surgery Time
At our facility, we have trained our scrub technicians to sew (up to our standards) and that cuts away a lot of time from the overall length of the case. Our practice also has multiple board-certified plastic surgeons , and in these types of cases, we work together on the same patient so we can do that tummy and breasts at the same time.
Typically a mommy makeover procedure with tummy tuck omaha, breast augmentation, and lift and liposuction takes us about 3 to 3.5 hours. That is well within the safe window for anesthetic length. This ability to work simultaneously is not available in all practices or cities. Be sure to ask your plastic surgeon what he/she is able to do to control the added risk associated with extended anesthetic for combination procedures. The goal is always to keep you, the patient, as safe as possible, but also let you enjoy the benefits these surgeries can provide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Surgery lasting more than 5 hours increases risks. Surgeons aim to keep the duration within this limit.
General anesthesia is safe when managed by a skilled anesthesiologist and surgeon. Combining procedures should be carefully planned to limit risks.
Side effects can be minimized by choosing an experienced surgeon, following pre-surgery health recommendations, and adhering to post-surgery care instructions.