Sometimes it can make sense, especially if the lateral breast and axilla need to read as one coherent contour field. But combination is not a virtue by itself. Each procedure has its own healing pattern, swelling behaviour, and risk budget.
In some cases, combining can improve overall coherence. In other cases, staging can be safer and more predictable, particularly if there is significant glandular tissue, skin redundancy, or concerns about healing capacity.
The decision depends on the total surgical footprint and on how much uncertainty is reasonable for the patient. My preference is to keep plans disciplined: combine only when it improves anatomical logic and stays inside a conservative safety margin.
Op. Dr. Mert Demirel
European Board Certified Plastic Surgeon (EBOPRAS)
ISAPS & ASPS Member
Istanbul, Turkey
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