Can Shoulder Reduction and Rib Removal Surgery Be Done At The Same Time?

Q: Dr. Eppley, Hi, I really appreciate your medical service. Thank you for posting superior medical job at this site. I`m living at Asia and preparing for MTF surgery. I have two questions about body contouring surgery. 

First, how long should I stay for healing process? (Essential hospitalization term) Second, Which surgeries can be done at once? For example, subcostal rib removal and shoulder reduction go on first and later rib removal. Or all at once. Also if none of them can`t be done together, please tell me. 

Once again, I feel truly thankful that your hospital provides such a beautiful surgery. 

Thank you for all.

A: Thank you for your inquiry. In answer to your questions:

1) Shoulder reduction and rib removal can be performed together in the exceptionally well qualified patient but we will assume for now that they would be done separately.

2) The subcostal rib removal procedure can be combined with either shoulder reduction or rib removal. Whether that is a good procedure for your remains to be determined.

3) When to return home from either procedure partially depends on whether you are traveling along or with someone. For now I will assume the former. Thus for shoulder reduction one could return home 10 days after surgery. For rib removal it would be quicker in the 4 to 5 day time period.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana