Tummy tuck first or BBL? Does it matter what order?

Question

I want a tummy tuck and a bbl so my question is do it really matter which procedure I get done first? I do have a lot of fat on my stomach I’m 5’4 and my weight is 208. I feel as though if I get the TT first I once have enough fat for the BBL.

Kenneth A. Godwin, DO · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. I perform the BBL before Abdominoplasty in my practice. I feel that this allows for the most fat to be transferred to the Buttocks. Doing these two procedures can make for a difficult recovery due to the sitting restrictions that are required after a BBL.  A consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon would be the best way to determine what procedures would be most appropriate for you. Best wishes.

Harry T. Haramis, MD, FACS · Answer

I usually perform Vaser ultrasound liposuction with fat transfer before tummy tuck to make use of all the available fat. I do not perform these at the same time to avoid extra risks and difficult recovery.An exam and consultation with a plastic surgeon who performs these procedures is recommended to confirm you are a candidate as well as discuss your options and expectations.

Jeffrey E. Schreiber, MD, FACS · Answer

The answer to your question really depends upon how much extra skin you have on your belly and on your aesthetic goals.  Many of my patients actually get both at the same time to save recovery and money.  The recovery takes about 1-2 weeks off of work and exercise as well.
Thank you for your question!
Dr. Schreiber

Daniel P. Markmann, MD · Answer

You can proceed with either first.   With your height and weight, you should still have plenty of fat to transfer after the tummy tuck.   There is always the option of combining both procedures as well.   Many patients like this option as there is only one recovery period.

Emmanuel Mallol Cotes, MD · Answer

Thanks for the question. In my practice I usually perform both procedures in the same surgical time if the patient have good health. I usually recommend a body mass index 30 or less to avoid unnecessary risks. Kind regards

Adam Tattelbaum, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. Provided you are a healthy and appropriate candidate the two surgeries can be combined. Some doctor are concerned that pressure on the buttocks such as the sitting position after tummy tuck can diminish the amount of fat that remains after BBL. It is not clear though that this is the only factor. Overall about 40% of fat will be reabsorbed anyway. My personal opinion is why waste the fat? In a combo BBL and tummy tuck I turn to the back and flank fat as well as the fat in the lower abdomen which would be thrown away anyway. I have my patients put pillows under the thighs to keep weight off the buttock itself. Different physicians will have different opinions, but the combo can be performed in the right patient.Best wishes.

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. If you are in good health and can obtain medical clearance from your primary physician, then you may be able to have a tummy tuck and BBL safely performed at the same tome.  If you are an appropriate candidate for a tummy tuck, this can be done
through a low and short incision, all completely below the bikini line.  The belly button can be designed to look
natural and have no scars on the exterior.  
Your muscles can also be plicated resulting in a flat
abdomen.  A BBL can be performed at the same time for improved
buttock and waist contour.  Make sure you
specifically look at before and after pictures of real patients who have
had this surgery performed by your surgeon and evaluate their results.
 The most important aspect is to find a surgeon you are comfortable with.
I recommend that you seek consultation with a qualified board-certified plastic
surgeon who can evaluate you in person.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D.  FACS
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Kevin Tehrani, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for the detailed question. In our office, we prefer to do the abdominoplasty first and BBL later. During the abdominoplasty, we usually just do liposuction of the flanks and remove most of the skin to help with abdominal contouring. You will still have enough fat to perform BBL afterwards. My patients tend to lose 10-15lbs after abdominoplasty. If we did the BBL first, you would lose some of the transferred fat that we place in your buttocks. I recommend seeing a board-certified plastic surgeon for an in-person consultation to discuss your goals and a treatment plan that is right for you. For more information please visit our webpage.

Tania Medina de Garcia, MD · Answer

Hello dear!!
Thanks for the question and provided information as well.
A liposuction with a traditional tummy tuck, is a combination that has become a very common procedure. It is safe to combine the two procedures. 
In general you may be a good tummy tuck and liposuction candidate if:
You are physically healthy and at a stable weight
You have realistic expectations
You are a non-smoker
You are bothered by the appearance of your abdomen.
I recommend you to make an appointment with a board plastic surgeon for a good evaluation and to talk about your goals.
Good luck :)

Jean Paul Giudicelli Saba, MD · Answer

Hi, thanks for sharing your concern with us! I usually do the lipo first to extract the fat for the BBL and then the tummy tuck.

Tummy tuck first or BBL? Does it matter what order?

Answers (16)

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