At our Dallas clinic, one of our most frequently asked questions is whether it’s possible to combine cosmetic procedures to save money and to reduce the recovery time associated with having multiple separate surgeries. Depending on their desired results, many of our patients choose to undergo one or more cosmetic procedures at the same time. Let’s take a look at common cosmetic procedures that our patients often opt to combine.

Mommy Makeover
Many women who have had children feel self-conscious about the physical signs pregnancy has left on their bodies. A mommy makeover is a complete set of procedures to improve the look of post-pregnancy breasts and abdomen. By combining a breast lift with a tummy tuck, we can restore firmness, volume and lift to a pre-pregnancy state.

Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)
When the delicate skin around the eyes begins to lose its elasticity, it is often the first noticeable sign of the aging process; therefore, blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, is very popular among patients who want to restore a more youthful appearance. Blepharoplasty is one of the most common procedures to be performed alongside a facelift. Eyelid surgery is a highly personalized procedure, since it can involve the upper eyelids, lower eyelids or both. Which part of the eyelid Dr. Constantine operates on will depend on the amount of wrinkling around the eye, as well as the results the patient wants to achieve.

Brow Lift
Another common surgery many of our patients opt to combine with their facelift is a brow lift, also known as a forehead lift. The primary purpose of a brow lift is to reduce forehead wrinkles and make the eyes more visible. A brow lift raises sagging eyebrows and places the eyebrows in a more flattering position. When performed properly, a brow lift will result in a more youthful appearance without giving the patient a constantly surprised look.

Neck Lift
Patients who are insecure about their appearance due to loose or sagging skin underneath their chin or jawline can see great results from a neck lift. This minimally invasive procedure is a good companion procedure to a facelift because it has approximately the same recovery time (back to work within one to two weeks).

Fat Transfer
In a fat transfer procedure, Dr. Constantine will take fat from “donor areas” such as the thighs or abdomen and carefully inject it into your face to restore lost volume in the chin or mid-face areas. This minimally invasive procedure typically takes less than two hours to complete, and most patients can return to work within one to two weeks.

Injectables
Patients also have the option to get cosmetic facial injections in conjunction with other procedures. We can use bio-compatible liquid fillers such as Juvederm®, Radiesse® or Restylane® to improve the look of lines and folds around the mouth, or plump up lips and cheeks. Dermal fillers are a non-invasive way to contour and restore lost volume to the face without the need to make any incisions. They are increasingly popular among our patients because they are virtually pain-free and dramatically improve appearance with little to no downtime following surgery.

Laser Resurfacing
Laser resurfacing is a technique Dr. Constantine can use to treat acne scarring, as well as sun damage, discoloration and wrinkles on the skin. Using a powerful laser, we can remove layers of skin to allow new skin cells to form, resulting in a healthier skin surface.

Other Procedures
We can also perform procedures on other areas of the body at the same time as a facelift, such as liposuction, breast augmentation and breast lifts. We do recommend getting more extensive surgeries such as a tummy tuck or rhinoplasty as separate procedures, however. As those types of surgery are more time-intensive, they can lengthen the amount of time a patient must spend under anesthesia, and potentially lead to a longer recovery process as well.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Combining Procedures?

Pros: Combining surgeries means you will only have one recovery period – adding procedures doesn’t lengthen your recovery. So if it takes three weeks after a facelift or neck lift before you are fully clear to resume normal strenuous activities, you could have both procedures done in one visit, saving yourself from requiring additional time off work and out of your normal workout routine. Consider how both surgeries will affect your recovery, and how much additional support you will need from family and friends during the recovery process.

Cons: In some cases, it’s much safer to perform procedures separately. The length of time spent under general anesthesia during surgery is one major factor to consider, as more time under anesthesia equals a higher risk of postoperative complications.

Combining cosmetic surgeries works best when patients are in good physical health and approach the surgery with reasonable expectations and a positive mindset. We always evaluate our patients to make sure they are not only good candidates from a surgical perspective, but from a medical one, as well. We understand every patient has different wants and needs, in addition to a unique anatomical makeup.

Dr. Constantine’s philosophy is to have a pre-surgical consultation in which he sits down with every patient to discuss their goals and desires, and makes sure their expectations are in line with our unique aesthetic approach to facelifts. During the consultation, the doctor will also ask you questions about your overall health and fitness to determine if you’re a good candidate for cosmetic surgery.

If you are considering combining cosmetic procedures, we will evaluate whether having multiple procedures is safe for you, based on what’s best for you and your situation.

We know each patient deserves a personalized surgical plan that will give the best and most natural-looking results possible, without an “over-operated” look. Dr. Constantine is committed to providing all his patients with care, compassion and excellence in every aspect of reconstructive and aesthetic surgery.

If you are considering cosmetic treatments to help you look and feel better about yourself, book a consultation at our Dallas office today.