Having two or even three cosmetic surgery procedures simultaneously may seem excessive, but combining surgeries is actually very common and has many benefits. Some patients may even unwittingly have more than one procedure done at a time. Many plastic surgeons combine procedures, such as using some liposuction during a facelift, to achieve optimal results.

Two cosmetic surgeries that are commonly performed at the same time are rhinoplasty and chin augmentation. Although they may seem unrelated, the chin and nose help to balance the aesthetics of the face. A small chin can make a large nose appear even larger, while men with extremely strong jaws may find that a small nose becomes more feminine.

Having both plastic surgeries performed at the same time won't lengthen the recovery period or cause excess pain. Most people still recover in the same amount of time as they would from one cosmetic surgery. In addition, multiple surgeries performed simultaneously can help patients go back to work sooner and eliminate the trauma, expense and inconvenience associated with back-to-back surgeries.

Liposuction is another procedure that can easily be combined with others for better results. Liposuction under the chin and around the neck is performed with facelifts and injectable treatments such as Botox. Using liposuction in conjunction with these procedures gives a more youthful, natural appearance.

For patients who have are formerly obese and have lost massive amounts of weight, combining plastic surgery helps cut down on recovery time and increases self-esteem faster. Weight gain can cause skin to permanently lose its elasticity, so weight loss results in excess, loose skin that can only be removed via plastic surgery. Cosmetic surgeons use procedures such as thigh and arm lifts and tummy tucks, to remove the extra skin and re-drape what is left to look tighter and smooth.

Because body contouring procedures for massive weight loss are very extreme in nature, it is a better idea to have a few done at the same time instead of spreading them out over many years. Recovery periods can be lengthy, leaving the patient out of work and draining finances. Simultaneous cosmetic surgery can also help to quickly alleviate the emotional distress caused by the body's altered appearance after weight loss.

Laser treatments are gaining popularity and are often combined with plastic surgery. Patients undergoing injectable treatments or facelifts find that their skin looks even more improved with laser resurfacing. By working to rejuvenate the entire face rather than just one specific area, the face will look more natural and less "plastic".

There has been no evidence to suggest that undergoing multiple cosmetic procedures increases the occurrence of risks and complications; however, it is important to choose a skilled and board-certified plastic surgeon to ensure the best possible care and to decrease potential risks.

If you plan to get work done on multiple areas, you may be more incapacitated and need extra help for the first few weeks of your recovery. Consult with a plastic surgeon to decide what options are available and will best suit your needs and aesthetic goals.