Which procedure would be best for me, a tummy tuck or a BBL? (Photos)

Question

I can’t decide between a tummy tuck or lipo 360 with BBL. I would be combining the procedure with a breast lift. I know that it’s not advised to combine a tummy tuck with BBL. I am 37, 5’4 and 160lbs currently. Planning to lose 20 lbs before surgery.

Carlos Marciales, MD · Answer

Hello. I do almost at least 2-3 of this a week, I do breast lift, tummy tuck, liposuction and bbl, if you have the proper weight, your blood labs are ok, and the internal medical assessment it’s ok you can do all the procedures in 1 time, you need to find a plastic surgeon who perform the surgery’s with others plastic surgeons, in my time we are 3 plast surgeons working in the patient, that’s safer, and we not last more than 6 hours

Dhaval M. Patel, MD · Answer

Thank you for your questions and photos. From your photo, you would be a good candidate for a tummy tuck with 360 liposuction & BBL. All can be done with the breast lift at the same time. Fat transfer to your hips & buttocks will give them more shape, volume and a lift. A tummy tuck will address excess skin & repair of 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. 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

Stefan Mark Szczerba, MD · Answer

I like BBL to start.  After the BBL wait 6-12 months and then do a Tummy Tuck.  This combination produces amazing outcomes that truly reshape your body!  Best Wishes!!

Rafael Arenas, MD · Answer

Tummy tuck improves the abdominal loose muscle and skin; liposuction improves the subcutáneos fat thickness. Depending on the personal evaluation, your medical history and your expectations, a tummy tuck might a good start to restore the body shape. I recommend having a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss all your questions.. good luck!

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

I recommend doing the breast lift first and can be combined with either liposuction or tummy tuck.  In the second surgery I would recommend the Brazilian butt lift and liposuction if needed.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear LoveCavaliers,
based on your photos, you look like a good candidate for a TT. Full tummy tuck should tighten your abdominal muscles and remove the excess skin. Flanks liposuction would give you a better shape. I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon because only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

You appear to be a good candidate for  a tummy tuck so you should start there possibly with breast surgery as well. Bbl is a terrible operation. Eight women died this past year just in Florida from this ill conceived procedure.. I don’t know what more needs to happen for people to realize this.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

I would first do the liposuction to remove the excess fat. You may then do well or need a mini tuck. Your upper abdomen might tighten well enough to avoid the full tuck.

Michelle Copeland, MD, DMD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your photos! Although it is difficult to say without an in person examination, if you have good skin elasticity, you should be a good candidate for liposuction. Liposuction works best on patients who are of relatively average weight, but who need help with a problem area, or with shedding the ten pounds they regain between diets. I use several innovative forms of liposuction, including SmartLipo, in order to contour and resculpture the area while providing the most beautiful results with minimal scarring.

People who have especially slack skin in their midsection need more than what liposuction alone can offer. Typical candidates for a full tummy tuck are women with drooping abdomens after pregnancy, women and men who've lost a great deal of weight, menopausal women, or older people with loose skin due to age. In the tummy tuck, the skin from the rib cage down to the pelvic area is tightened, and the belly button is moved up and secured in a new position. Tummy tuck or abdominoplasty can take 3 hours or more and if you’re having the procedure as an outpatient, you’ll be able to go home shortly thereafter. My patients generally return to work in two weeks. Note that you may walk and sit a little hunched over for a few days after the operation. Don’t even try to stand up straight during this time—you risk separating the incisions. Also, you should minimize the strenuousness or suddenness of such exertions as coughing, sneezing, and laughing. I suggest making an appointment with a board-certified plastic surgeon for consultation to discuss your options.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

it's difficult to say which procedure would be best for you.  Which area bothers you more?  Typically patients are more interested in a tummy tuck as it is the front of the body and would pair well with a breast lift.  In your case you would get enhanced results if you combined the tummy tuck with liposuction for further contouring.  See a board certified plastic surgeon near you to learn more.