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Safety of Multiple Cosmetic Procedures in a Single Operation Confirmed

A new medical research study published this month demonstrated the safety of multiple cosmetic procedures when performed in a single operation. This important information, published in the prestigious medical journal Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, comes at a time when "mommy makeover" surgery is gaining more public attention.

The study examined a consecutive series of 415 tummy tuck operations that were performed at Marina Plastic Surgery Associates in Marina del Rey and Beverly Hills, California. One hundred fifty-one of those patients underwent simultaneous breast surgery, and there was no increase in complication rates in that group.

Plastic surgeon Dr. W. Grant Stevens, the lead author on the research, said "this landmark study supporting the safety of combined plastic surgery operations should come as reassuring news for patients who desire more than one procedure and a single recovery period." According to statistics from the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, over 600,000 cosmetic operations were performed on the breast in 2005. The three most common types of cosmetic breast surgery were augmentation, reductions and lifts. Almost 170,000 tummy tuck procedures were performed in the same period. The combination of breast surgery and tummy tucks is especially prevalent among mothers, whose bodies frequently go through dramatic changes following pregnancy and breast-feeding. "Mommy makeover" has become a popular term for mothers who want to restore their figures through several plastic surgery procedures.

Dr. David A. Stoker, a plastic surgeon and co-author on the study said, "After doing hundreds of these cases, we were extremely pleased with our safety record. Most of our patients preferred to do multiple procedures during one operation rather than separately." Dr. Stoker also cautions patients to do their homework before choosing a surgeon. All plastic surgical procedures have risks and possible complications. Patients are more likely to have favorable outcomes when they choose board certified plastic surgeons with expertise in their procedures of interest.

Drs. Stoker and Stevens, board certified plastic surgeons and partners in a busy practice in Marina del Rey and Beverly Hills, have seen a dramatic increase in the number of patients requesting combined cosmetic procedures. In addition to their research, the surgeons have responded to the public interest by creating a website, www.amommymakeover.com, dedicated to answering questions mothers frequently ask. Dr. Stoker adds, "Many mothers find it comforting to know that they have more options than ever for restoring their youthful appearance."