Can You Get a Brazilian Butt Lift with a Tummy Tuck?

 Thanks to modern cosmetic procedures, getting the ideal body is as simple as putting in the effort to find the right options. For many people, if they decide to have one procedure, they might consider having multiple done at the same time when it’s possible. After all, since you’re already going under the knife, you might as well get as much as possible out of the experience, right?

Two popular procedures today are the Brazilian butt lift and tummy tuck. The butt lift uses fat transfer from other places on the body to create the ideal shape for each patient, while tummy tucks remove the fat from the abdomen to create a smoother appearance—wouldn’t it make sense to combine the two? In some cases, yes. Here’s what you need to know.

Overview of the two procedures | Tummy Tuck and BBL

What Is a Tummy Tuck Procedure?

Also known as an abdominoplasty, a tummy tuck is a surgical cosmetic procedure that is designed to tighten the muscles of the abdominal wall. This cosmetic surgery will remove fat and excess skin from the abdomen to create a flatter stomach. In certain cases, a tummy tuck can also tighten the abdominal muscle correcting the muscle separation (diastasis recti) caused by pregnancy or major weight loss/gain. Unlike liposuction, which is a relatively simple fat removal procedure, tummy tuck surgery is more invasive and designed to remove excess skin and stubborn fat deposits from the abdominal area.

This surgery starts with an incision above and along the pubic area (usually from hips to hips), with a second around the belly button to detach it from the fat and muscle layers so it can be placed in the right spot after the tummy tuck is done. Then, the surgeon will open the abdomen and tighten the muscles with stitches. The loose skin will be removed via excision.

Once it’s complete, the navel is returned to its place and stitched, along with the incisions and drains that are stitched in. Recovery from this procedure takes three to six weeks and includes minor abdominal discomfort and lifting restrictions. However, when the healing is complete, people will have tighter, firmer abdomens and get rid of a lot of stubborn extra skin or other issues.

What is BBL?

The Brazilian butt lift is one of the most popular butt lift procedures available today. It uses the body’s existing fat to reshape and firm up the butt based on the patient’s unique anatomy and size selected by the patient and surgeon. This procedure starts by removing the fat cells from the other areas of the body via liposuction and then injecting it into the butt to create the desired appearance.

In some cases, people may be advised to gain some weight to ensure there’s enough fat to transfer to the buttocks for their BBL procedure. Many people choose this procedure because it delivers great results for shaping the body. It can also firm up the butt and eliminate unsightly dimples.

Since you’re using your own fat, there are few issues with rejection or reactions, and it doesn’t require any major incisions, so it’s an easier recovery with less scarring and lower infection risk. However, it’s still usually best done on its own in many cases because it’s considered major surgery.

Can You Combine Tummy Tuck and a Brazilian Butt Lift? Who is the best candidate for these two surgeries?

Although it’s possible to have a Brazilian butt lift and a tummy tuck performed at the same time, each patient is going to be different. It’s a good idea to talk to your surgeon to find out what the best options are based on the improvements that you want to make or the results that you desire. 

Pros of combining both plastic surgery procedures

Having a tummy tuck and bbl is very common when women are getting a surgery called a mommy makeover. Combining both plastic surgeries in one operation allows one to target multiple problem areas simultaneously and give an overall better body figure.

It also prevents you from undergoing multiple general anesthesias and you can achieve your desired result faster.

Cons of combining a tummy tuck and bbl

Both surgeries have their own concerns and are rather invasive procedures, so combining them only further complicates things and puts a lot of strain on the body. This is what leads to longer recovery times and potential complications in the recovery process.

Recovery time by combining both surgeries will be longer and more challenging. After a Brazilian buttocks lift you cannot sit or lay down directly on your buttocks for about 4-6 weeks. Similar to a tummy tuck surgery, you are not able to lay down on your stomach for a minimum of 4-6 weeks. Recovery will require you to keep your buttocks elevated at all times while lying down in bed, making the recovery period challenging. You can also have some trouble standing, and the help of a caregiver will be needed.

Are you a candidate to combine the two procedures?

If you are in good health and don’t have any major risk factors for surgery, you will likely be a good candidate to have a dual procedure performed. However, it’s important to remember that after the fat is removed via liposuction and transferred to the buttocks with the Brazilian butt lift surgery, there will be more incisions and work required to tighten the abdomen walls and finish the tummy tuck. This means a longer recovery time, among other concerns.

Post-Op Recovery Tips After a Combined Procedure

After you have a BBL and tummy tuck together, you’ll want to follow all of your doctor’s recommendations for recovery, including plenty of rest, avoiding certain positions and activities, and so forth.

Make sure that you aren’t expected to work, care for the kids, run errands, or do any strenuous activities for at least a few weeks, although a couple of months would be better. If you are healthy and heal quickly, you may need less downtime.

How to Choose the Best Surgeon for a BBL + Tummy Tuck

When it comes to choosing the right surgeon, it’s important that you look for someone who is licensed and experienced. A board-certified plastic surgeon is essential. Not only will they have the best experience and training, but they are the only ones licensed to perform this type of surgical procedure in the first place.

Consider their expertise with Brazilian butt lift procedures specifically, as well as the other procedures they offer, including tummy tucks and breast augmentation. You’ll want a surgeon who can handle all the work that you want done to create a cohesive end result.

Take advantage of consultations to speak to a surgeon and get to know them and their expertise. Ask questions and get as much information as you can so that you can make the right decision about your cosmetic procedures.

BBL + Tummy Tuck is a Long Procedure

When it comes to longer procedures, anesthesia choice matters, you have to use a reputable cosmetic surgeon that has an experienced anesthesiologist to handle the procedure. After all, when you go from an hour-long procedure to four or five hours under, there’s a lot more risk to consider. IV anesthesia can be used to allow you to get longer procedures with less risk, but that again depends on your specific circumstances and health factors. Talk to your surgeon to decide on the best plan for your needs.

Should You Get a BBL or Tummy Tuck First?

Those who don’t get dual procedures will usually be advised to get a BBL first since this requires getting fat from other body areas. If the tummy tuck is done first, there may be nowhere to get fat for the BBL, which means patients may have to gain weight or wait to have their BBL until there’s more fat available to use.

Those with more than enough fat in their thighs or other areas of the body can go ahead with a tummy tuck because they won’t have to worry about getting it later. These are all considerations that will be discussed with each patient on a case-by-case basis, with the surgeon advising as to what they think is best.

How Long After a Tummy Tuck Recovery Period Can You Have a BBL? (Or Vice Versa)

Generally, you’ll want to wait four to six weeks after a tummy tuck to resume normal activities and consider getting a BBL. With the BBL, you might only need a couple of weeks of recovery to get back to normal, although you will likely have to avoid sitting for prolonged periods of time. Doing them too close together could be just as potentially dangerous as doing them simultaneously, and it’s best to exercise caution with cosmetic procedures like this.

How About BBL and Breast Augmentation?

It’s probably best to have a breast augmentation and Brazilian butt lift done separately. In the same vein as the combination of a tummy tuck and BBL, you will not be able to lie down on your chest/abdomen, or back. Your buttocks will need to be elevated when sleeping and recovering making it challenging.

Breast augmentations generally take six weeks to recover. Breast implants will take up to six months for the full recovery period.

Again, you’ll want to discuss the procedures with your surgeon and determine what the best course of action is, whether that means that you have combined procedures or have them done separately.

Schedule Your BBL Tummy Tuck Consultation Today

If you’re ready to discuss your options with a cosmetic surgeon, contact Greenberg Cosmetic Surgery today. We can set up a consultation to go over the BBL surgery and tummy tuck procedures, including what they entail, how best to approach them, and whether you can have them done at the same time or should consider separate procedures. Plus, we can answer all of your questions to ensure that you’re making the right choice. Schedule a personal consultation now!