Combining pl. surgery procedures at 56

I'm interviewing plastic surgeons and want a reality check on how many procedures/#of hours under anesthesia is OK.  Particularly since I will soon be 56. Does anyone on this board have strong feelings on # of procedures -- either good or bad experiences? The first surgeon I recently saw recommended full circumference lower body lift as the 1st 6 hr. procedure. Then a 2nd 7 hour procedure of breast lift (no aug.), arm lift and thigh lift 6+ weeks later. I have at least 2 more surgeons to interview before making a decision. I've lost 130 lbs. I was/am an apple body, so the most of the work is stomach and boobs -- But there is plenty of empty skin hanging elsewhere. My health is good at this age (thanks to the RNY/weight loss). I realize there can be pain and a sometimes a prolonged healing period, but I don't want unnecessary complications. Thanks so much in advance for any comments. (And yes -- I have a name: Cathy. I thought it was included when I checked "include signature".) P.S. I really appreciate everyone's comments as they are coming in. Before this post, I've read and communicated with women in their 20's and 30's who have a lot of work done at once -- and I've been astounded at how much they've endured at once.

I'm 59 and had a lower body lift the end of August 2007. My surgeon would only do the lower body lift by itself as it involved about 5.5 hours. Surgery went very well. Even tho I handled it very well I would not have a second proceedure done in less than 6 months time. I had two areas that were very slow to heal. One ended up having to be cleaned out and "made bigger to make it better"(the surgeon's words). It was healing from the outside first, had to be cleaned out and was about the size of a silver dollar and over 1 inch deep. It took MONTHS to completely heal. My surgeon will do a breast and arm lift, but the thighs will be a surgery by themselves. I definitely want to have my upper thighs done.  I have a nice flat stomach, firm butt, but the size of my thighs and all of the hanging skin keeps me from being able to wear a smaller size. Just my opinion but I would be leery of a surgeon willing to do too much at one time. Six hours is a long enough time to be out at one time.  I had three drains that had to be cleaned and emptied several times a day. I will probably have my thighs done in about a year. I have a couple of trips that I want to take.  These proceedures are all major and should not be taken lightly. Really research your surgeons. Check recommendations as I'm sure you will. It's tempting to want to get it all done at once, but the most important part is that you take as few risks as you can. Any surgery is a risk and this is no exception. I am so happy that I had the lower body lift done. Email me privately through my profile if you have specific questions about incisions, healing etc. I will gladly share any info that I can that might help you with your decisions.  

Hi There, Im Carla and I am from Colorado also. I had my RNY done at Swedish. I had my plastics all done at one time 8 hr of surgery and had a lower body lift and my arms done at the sametime. It was rough being under the anesthesia for such a long time. Heeling took a long time also.  Carla.  By the way do you have a name!!!!!

Thanks for your reply. Yes, I do have a name! -- and added it to my original message. As I said, I thought it would show up when I checked "add signature". Cathy

The only PS I've had done was a breast reduction at age 53.  It took about 6 hrs and I was wiped out from being under anesthesia that long.  Also, two areas in my incisions took forever to heal.  I mean, months.  I had to keep them packed with sterile packing and wound dressing gel.  There's no way I would've been up for another PS procedure only 6 weeks after the first one.  As much as I'd like to have a tummy tuck and brachioplasty now, I still hesitate to put myself through that. Jean

Cathy, HI!  I had a tt and a breast reduction done in January at 54.  Outside of a small infection along about an inch of the incision for the tt everything was fine.  I worked at home from day 3 after the surgery and went back to work in two weeks.  I lost 125 pounds and although my thighs and arms could use a lift as could my face, I have decided that what I did was enough.  SInce everything but the breast reduction was and would be out of pocket, I really can't afford any more plastics but I am at peace with how I look and am happy with me.  Plastics are like every other surgery, you have to have faith in your doctor and your body's ability to heal and pray.  At least that is my attitude.  If you have any specific questions, please feel to PM me.  Good luck with your decision. I am glad I had my plastics done.