Order of operations? Tummy tuck, liposculpting, fat transfer

Question

I'm a mom of three interested in tummy tuck, liposculpting of abdominals and hips, and fat transfer to glutes. In what order do you recommend I have these procedures? How many operations are required to achieve them? How much time for recovery is needed between each? Thank you.

Alan Gonzalez, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello @Kind549435, thank you for your question. It is important to take into account your expectations in order to make a complete surgical plan. All this procedures can be done in one surgical time with Vaser, laser and micro air ultrasound depending on the patient characteristics and what she is hoping to achieve. For more information and recommendations is best to consult with one or several board certified plastic surgeons. Best wishes! Alan Gonzalez MD, FACS

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello! I understand that you're considering a tummy tuck, liposculpting, and fat transfer to the glutes after having children. In your case, it may be beneficial to split the procedures into two separate operations to ensure optimal results.

First, you could undergo liposculpting to remove and harvest fat from the desired areas, followed by the fat transfer to the glutes to enhance their shape and volume. Full abdominal liposculpting is not typically performed during the same operation as a tummy tuck. By performing these procedures separately, you can achieve better results.

After a recovery period of about 2-3 months, you can return for the tummy tuck procedure to address excess skin and tighten the abdominal muscles. Splitting the procedures this way allows for a more comfortable recovery, as you'll be able to use a BBL pillow to avoid putting pressure on the newly transplanted fat while still being mindful of your healing abdominal area.

It's essential to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon who can assess your individual needs and develop a personalized surgical plan. Thank you for your question!

Sincerely, Dr. Katzen.

Finny George, MD · Answer

Hi, thank you for sharing your question. Photos are helpful it’s determine a plan here but an in person evaluation is always best. Typically, I recommend doing the liposuction first along with fat transfer. Then, 6-9 months later, a tummy tuck with touch-up liposuction is done. This order is to maximize amount of fat harvest and amount of skin tightening, which can be optimized by doing two stages as you are considering. I hope this helps.

Dhaval M. Patel, MD · Answer

Thank you for your questions. Tummy Tuck, liposculpting & fat transfer: We regularly do all of these procedures at the same time with beautiful results. Not to mention the benefit of only one recovery. A tummy tuck will address excess skin & repair the abdominal muscle. The abdominal wall can be weakened after pregnancy and (or) significant weight gain & loss. By repairing the muscle, not only does the appearance of your abdominal area improve, but your core strength as well. The repair of the muscle will cinch your waist like an inner corset, which will accentuate your curves. Liposuction will remove excess fat from unwanted areas with some skin retraction. Transferring fat to your buttocks will give you curves and volume in the places you want, for the shape you've dreamed of. Your expectations and health will dictate the best procedure(s) for you. I suggest a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon to go over the options that best address your goals. Best of luck!

Dhaval Patel MD
Double Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Chicago
South Barrington
Oakbrook
Orland Park

Dhaval Patel MD 
Double Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Chicago 
South Barrington 
Oakbrook
Orland Park

Robert M. Tornambe, MD · Answer

I appreciate your concerns and your questions are extremely valid! Most board-certified plastic surgeons prefer to stage that many procedures. 
It is safer and better for your recovery. BBL and Tummytuck operations each carry a higher incidence of blood clot formation and possible harm or blockage of the lungs. Performing them simultaneously statistically increases the chances of this occurring. Also, recovery from BBL requires no pressure on your buttocks for two weeks after surgery to preserve fat take. You also cannot lie on your stomach after tummy tuck, so this limits the positions that you can recover.  It is best to perform the BBL first, to allow your surgeon to harvest as much fat as possible for transfer. 4 to 6 months later, Tummytuck  can then be performed.  In some instances they may be performed simultaneously if amount of fat transfer to the buttocks is modest. Come see me or another board-certified plastic surgeon in our area to explore the best options for you. Good luck!.​

George Marosan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Without photos, it is not possible to answer your question. If your BMI is less than 30, all these surgeries can be done at the same time if you are otherwise in good health. See a board certified plastic surgeon experienced in advanced body sculpting techniques for an in person consultation/evaluation. Good luck.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Kind549435,
I understand your concern. It is best however that you consult with a board certified plastic surgeon to determine whether you can have several aesthetic surgeries in one session, as this would depend on various factors including but not limited to your general health condition, the type of anesthesia that will be used, and the type of surgeries that will be performed among others.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

I would do the liposuction and fat transfer first. then, once healed, least 6 months, consider the tummy tuck if needed. You might find you don't need the full, just the mini tuck.

Douglas Taranow, DO, FACOS · Answer

I would perform the abdominoplasty first to flatten the abdomen.   Wait 3 months then do the liposuction of the abdomen, sides and lower back with BBL
This order allows you to better sculpt the anterior abdomen and also allow you to sleep on your belly while the fat grafting to your buttocks heals.

Adolfo Sesto, MD · Answer

Hello.
In my practice I do perform these 3 procedures at once, as the fat transfer is just  injecting the fat obtained by  the liposculpture to the gluteous (receptor area) for a Brazilian Butt Lift. 
 But of course you need to be healhty and with a BMI of 30. 
Is a myth that the transfered fat will need you not to be sitting normally, needing a donut, or  not sleeping on your back.