It’s easy to see why people are drawn to combining plastic surgery procedures — and in some cases, why medical professionals recommend it.
For one, it can make the process more efficient. Depending on factors like recovery time, anesthesia use, a patient’s personal goals, and even the expected duration of surgery, combining two procedures (or enhancing one by adding another) can sometimes lead to better overall outcomes.
In other words, combining two or more surgeries can save time, reduce costs, and create results that feel more complete.
Still, patients often wonder: Is it safe? And how do you know if it’s the right move for you?
At our Milwaukee, Wisconsin clinic, Dr. Mark Bosbous helps patients answer these questions frequently. In this article, we’ll go over what you need to know.
Why people choose to combine procedures
The biggest reasons are usually cost and convenience.
When considering plastic surgery for several areas of one’s body, most people can’t afford the multiple recovery periods that come with it.
When you do two (or more) surgeries in one session, you’re cutting down on time off work, time away from your family, and time spent on healing overall.
There’s also a financial side. One surgery means paying for anesthesia and facility costs only once instead of twice, which makes combining procedures an appealing option for many patients.
And then there’s the outcome itself. In many cases, a combo can create more balanced, natural-looking results than doing them separately.
For instance, a popular option is pairing a tummy tuck with liposuction. While the tummy tuck addresses excess skin, adding liposuction helps contour the midsection more precisely, bringing the final result closer to what you envisioned.
But it’s not without trade-offs
Of course, combining procedures isn’t just a “two-for-one deal.” Longer surgeries mean more time under anesthesia, which naturally carries more risk. Recovery can also be more intense when multiple areas of your body are healing at the same time.
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, combining procedures does slightly increase complication rates — especially with more invasive surgeries. That doesn’t mean it’s unsafe, but it does mean you need a surgeon who knows exactly how to plan and execute combination cases safely.
This is where experience really matters. Dr. Bosbous carefully evaluates each patient’s current physical state, goals, and the procedures they’re considering to make sure a combined approach makes sense.
What kinds of surgeries work well together?
Some combinations are so common they even have names. The “mommy makeover” — usually a breast surgery plus a tummy procedure, sometimes with liposuction — is one of the most requested.
Other safe and popular pairings include a facelift and neck lift. These use similar incision areas and create a smoother, more cohesive look.
Similarly, another highly-requested combination is a breast lift and augmentation for patients who want added volume and a more lifted look at once.
These make sense, as they complement each other and don’t require radically different positioning during surgery.
When is it better to space things out?
First of all, if the surgery is expected to take more than six hours, most surgeons will recommend breaking it up into separate sessions. Longer operating times increase risks, so spacing out the procedures is often the safer choice.
The same is true for combining facial and body surgeries. Healing from two very different areas at once can make recovery more complicated, which is why most surgeons don’t consider it safe.
Additionally, procedures like arm lifts or thigh lifts are often performed on their own. These surgeries carry a higher risk of infection, so giving the body time and energy to focus solely on healing that area leads to better, safer outcomes.
What recovery looks like
Recovering from multiple procedures at once is no small thing, especially when targeting multiple areas of the body, such as during a ‘mommy makeover.’
You’ll probably feel more tired, need extra help at home, and require more time off work than if you’d had just one procedure.
That’s why we always encourage patients to plan ahead: arrange support, line up childcare if needed, and make sure your schedule is clear enough to actually rest and let your body fully heal.
The bottom line
For the right patient, combining plastic surgery procedures can be safe, cost-effective, and lead to better results overall. You’ll get one recovery period, one set of fees, and a result that feels more complete.
But it’s not for everyone. The decision depends on your safety, health, goals, and how much your body can handle at once.
Dr. Mark Bosbous takes all of this into account when building your surgical plan. If you’ve been considering combining procedures — or you’re not sure if it’s right for you — scheduling a consultation is the best first step. He and his team will walk you through your options, answer your questions, and help you figure out what makes the most sense for you. Don’t hesitate to book your consultation now!