Many patients can undergo more than one facial plastic surgery procedure in one surgical session. However, whether a patient can undergo more than one procedure in a single session depends on multiple factors. A detailed discussion with your surgeon is required to determine whether one or more procedures is indicated. A surgical and anesthesia plan is then developed that is safe and as effective as possible. This plan may involve one or more procedures.
Can a Patient Undergo More than One Procedure in a Single Surgical Session?
Dr. Jeffrey Harmon
The Level of Sedation Required to Perform the Procedure is a Factor
Some procedures, such as the extended deep plane facelift, neck lift, lateral temporal brow lift, lower blepharoplasty, and nose surgery (rhinoplasty) usually require some level of sedation, whether it is oral sedation, IV sedation, or anesthesia with the use of a breathing tube (see previous blog post).
Sedation allows patients to sleep during longer, more involved procedures that otherwise could be uncomfortable. Patients often prefer to add other, shorter procedures during a single surgical session involving sedation to have one recovery period. This is a major convenience, because it not only limits the total number of days patients need to recover, but it also allows patients to achieve a more complete aesthetic result earlier.
The Length of Time Required to Perform Each Procedure is a Factor
Other patients prefer to separate multiple procedures. This may involve undergoing the longer procedures first, followed by the shorter procedures later. This also may be reversed. For example, a patient may elect to undergo upper eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), a lip lift, buccal fat removal, and/or neck liposuction under local anesthesia prior to or after an extended deep plane facelift and neck lift. One benefit of this is that patients are sedated for less total time, which is preferable to some patients.
The Medical History is an Important Factor
Many patients are very healthy and tolerate longer operative times. Other patients have medical conditions with which shorter operative times would be best. This should be discussed in consultation with your surgeon and your surgeon with their anesthesia provider.
It Can be Beneficial to Perform Some Procedures Together
It is common to perform a lateral temporal brow lift and/or a lip lift with the extended deep plane facelift and neck lift. There are multiple benefits to adding these procedures. First, each addresses signs of aging that the extended deep plane facelift and neck lift do not address. Second, the lateral temporal brow lift allows a shorter facelift incision.
Some Procedures Cannot be Performed Together
Some procedures may require a stepwise approach; that is, it may be better to allow one procedure to heal prior to proceeding with the next. For example, it may be necessary to undergo a rhinoplasty and a lip lift separately because the surgical incisions are so close.
The Surgeon and Anesthesiologist Develop a Plan
A final surgical plan and a final anesthesia plan that reflect the considerations above are developed in conversation between the surgeon and anesthesiologist if sedation is required.
Trust Your Face to a Facial Plastic Surgeon
It is important to seek a fellowship-trained specialist in plastic surgery of the face and neck when you have concerns about your face or neck.
Request a Consultation
Request a consultation with Dr. Harmon at Harmon Facial Plastic Surgery in Cincinnati. Visit our clinic. You will learn more about Dr. Harmon’s credentials, style, and approach. Build a relationship with our dedicated team. Do not stop at searching “plastic surgery near me.” Get in touch with us to learn more!
This blog post is for educational purposes only and does not constitute direct medical advice. It is essential that you have a consultation with a qualified medical provider prior to considering any treatment. This will allow you the opportunity to discuss any potential benefits, risks, and alternatives to the treatment.