Me Again! ??s on Pros/Cons of Staging BL/BA into 2 Procedures

So my surgeon called me this evening as she was looking over all my pictures. She says because of the large amount of excess skin she has to remove from my breasts, that she recommends staging the procedures and doing the Breast Lift first, then letting those settle and heal, then going back in for the Breast Aug 2-3 months later. She believes that I will get much better results in the end, and that the reduced tension from not having the aug will also help minimize potential issues with scarring. She also says that I will have a better sense of the right size implants since it's hard to tell right now since I have so much extra skin.

I know she's right, and I have heard this recommended before from reading here. However, it's hard to be patient and wait!!! I know I should. However, then I have to schedule another surgery, and take more time off of work, though probably not that much since I work from home. Are there any non-"I just want to get this done" reasons for not staging the two procedures in terms of results, risks, etc?

Anyone else who made this decision either way, please weigh in. Dr. L, if you're here, your opinion is appreciated!

You never know.. you might end up being totally satisfied with just the lift..

That's true. I don't think that will be the case, but you never know.

I just had a BL and am very happy with it.  Plus, they are both the same size now and perky!

Good to know, Chris! I think it will depend on how much skin vs tissue there is, but she thinks I will end up pretty small. I was always very curvy so I'm not sure I would be happy with just the lift but I'm sure even just that will be a much much better than these tubesocks on my chest!

My surgeon's recommended splitting the two as well (I was having lift/reduction, brachioplasty, and LBL with anchor at the same time - they wanted to hold off thighs and augmentation until later) for the same reason as your surgeon. They estimated I'd be a small B when they were done with the lift/reduction.

They were able to work the lift/reduction around so that I wound up with a large C/small D, including fullness on top.

I am NOT going for augmentation at this time, much to DH's dismay (I think he wanted a Hooters look - not going there!).

Splitting the surgeries up gives you time to see how your body responds and to allow the healing, rather than tightening and stretching the skin at the same time that happens when you do them together.

But - if you emotionally need it all done NOW, then I would go for it!

All great info! Thank you! I am definitely almost 100% sure that I am going to wait. Also, LOL on the hubby wanting the Hooters look. As a single gal, I might want that look, LOL.

You know, I initially wanted the Hooters look too - it's what I've been used to for years (the bountiful boobs and butt thing).

Bu it turns out my body type is really more athletic and straight, and for me, it would look like I installed a big old shelf out there, so I'm happy with my smaller breasts based on how they fit me (and, even though DH is mourning the DDs, a large C/small D isn't that small!)

Well Dr. L did my surgery and while I did not get implants, he would have done them at the same time had I chosen to get them.  He said that this is not the norm and he usually has most patients wait a few months.  It has to do with the amount of sagging.  Mine were not too bad.

Laura

Norma, I'm a little confused about this.  Sorry, newbie.  If the surgeon goes back later to place the inserts, does that mean re-cutting on the same incision lines?  Would this create bad scars?    Thanks for your help
Jenny