Tummy Tuck First or Brazilian Butt Lift?

In my practice, I perform butt reshaping very frequently. To answer your question in regard to having multiple procedures done at the same time, including a tummy tuck, you have to understand what involves the postoperative recovery of the fat transfer procedure to the buttock area and what the procedure is about. The fact is that as much fat as possible is needed to reshape the person’s butt and make it proportionate to the body frame. In other words, fat will be taken from the abdomen, flanks, back, and axilla among other areas. Now, after surgery, you can’t sit constantly on the buttock for approximately 10-14 days to make sure the fat is not damaged. If going to the bathroom, the person can just sit for 5 minutes. That’s it.

Now, let’s think about the tummy tuck. You will have an incision on your lower abdomen that will hurt so most likely you won’t be able to lie on your stomach for some days. Let’s say you have a tummy tuck and a Brazilian butt lift. You won’t be able to lie on your back due to the Brazilian butt augmentation nor on your chest because of the tummy tuck. In other words, your recovery will be unbearable.

This is not a matter of having multiple procedures done at the same time. In fact, multiple procedures at the same time like a tummy tuck and a breast surgery (Mommy makeover) could be done but not together with the Brazilian butt lift. In my practice, I perform the Brazilian butt lift first, harvest as much fat as possible, and then do a tummy tuck at least 6 months after the procedure, if the patient needs it. This will depend on how your skin will respond to liposuction.

In my practice, some of my patients have indicated me that certain surgeons recommend having multiple procedures done with the buttock augmentation.  On further questioning, they even recommend having a tummy tuck and also the butt augmentation while the patients are on their back on the surgical table. Injecting the butt with fat when the patients are lying on their back is a bad idea. You will need to be on your chest for the surgeon to visualize the areas of deficiency and inject the buttock properly. In addition, if you take into consideration the surgical implications of both procedures, you come to the conclusion that it is not possible. For example, when you close the incision for a tummy tuck, many times the patient’s belly needs to be bent forward to excise the excess abdominal skin. Consequently, this will prevent the patient from lying on the chest for the buttock procedure once the tummy tuck is done.

Understanding the postoperative recovery is as important as the surgery itself. In conclusion, I do not recommend having any procedure done in addition to the butt sculpting procedure since you will compromise your recovery and long-term results

Thank you for your question regarding whether you should undergo a tummy tuck or Brazilian butt lift (BBL) first. Both procedures can provide excellent results, but the best approach depends on your specific goals and body composition.

If your goal is to maximize the amount of fat available for your BBL, it might be wise to consider doing the BBL first. The BBL procedure relies on transferring fat from areas such as the abdomen, flanks, and thighs to the buttocks. If you have the tummy tuck first, the excess fat in your abdomen will be removed, and you might not have as much fat available for the buttock augmentation. Many plastic surgeons suggest addressing the BBL first to ensure there's enough fat for grafting.

On the other hand, if your priority is to have a slimmer waist and a flatter abdomen, it might be better to have the tummy tuck first. A tummy tuck will remove excess skin and fat from your midsection and tighten the abdominal muscles, giving you a narrower waist. This improved contour could make the BBL results even more striking later on.

Given that you’ll need to travel for the BBL and your tummy tuck surgeon does not perform butt augmentation, it’s crucial to have consultations with board-certified plastic surgeons who specialize in both procedures. A surgeon who is experienced in body contouring can help guide you through the process and recommend the best approach for your goals.

In summary, if fat grafting for the buttocks is your top priority, most surgeons recommend the BBL first. If your main focus is achieving a flat abdomen and a slim waist, a tummy tuck may be the better starting point. Be sure to consult with skilled plastic surgeons who can help you develop the right surgical plan.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Thank you for your question. Based on your photos you will achieve your body goal with a full tummy tuck combined with intense liposuction including abdomen, waist, laterals and upper and lower back to improve your body contour and get better curves, especially in your waist area.
Kind regards,Dr. Emmanuel Mallol Cotes.-