A bbl procedure does not require an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) because it targets only the buttocks, hips and thighs. The procedure involves liposuctioning fat from these areas and then transferring it to other parts of your body like the face or abdomen. The average cost of a tummy tuck is $6,000-$8,000, while bbl procedures typically cost $5,000-$10,000.
A tummy tuck and bbl procedure will take approximately four hours, but your surgeon may be able to perform the procedures at the same time. If you have a tummy tuck alone, your surgeon will make incisions across your abdomen, from hip bone to hip bone. They’ll then remove any excess skin and fat from your abdomen, as well as tighten and lift the muscles in your midsection.
How Long Does A Tummy Tuck And Bbl Take, How Long Does A Tummy Tuck And Lipo Take and How Long Does A Tummy Tuck Recovery Take
How Long Does A Tummy Tuck And Bbl Take
Every woman should feel confident with her curves. But due to genetics, lifestyle issues, and past pregnancies, you might feel dissatisfied with yours. Getting a tummy tuck and a Brazilian butt lift may be an option for you. In some cases, it may be possible to combine these two surgeries into one procedure to streamline the process and the recovery period. Talk to a board-certified plastic surgeon to get the answers to your questions, like how long you can expect a tummy tuck and Brazilian butt lift to take.
It’s important to bear in mind that, while some patients may be able to get both surgeries done at once, this option may not be appropriate for everyone. Dr. Loeb will consider your overall health before making this determination.
How long does the surgery take?
The length of the surgery often depends on many different factors. You’ll need to arrive at the clinic ahead of your operative time since you’ll need to be put under general anesthesia. Once you’re asleep, it will generally take one to several hours to perform the tummy tuck. The plastic surgeon will make small incisions, through which he will remove excess fat and skin, and retighten the underlying abdominal muscles.
The Brazilian butt lift portion of the surgery can take one to several more hours. The surgeon will use the fat harvested from the abdominal region. The fat will be processed and transferred to syringes. After making small incisions in the buttocks, the surgeon will inject the fat into key areas in the buttocks. Then, the incisions will be closed.
How long does the recovery take?
One of the benefits of having a tummy tuck and Brazilian butt lift combined is that you’ll only have to go through the recovery period once. However, combining the two surgeries may make for a more difficult recovery. Temporarily, you’ll be unable to sleep on your stomach after a tummy tuck, and you’ll be unable to sit on your buttocks after a butt lift. Your plastic surgeon can give you some guidance on modifying your sleeping and sitting positions.
While every patient heals a little differently, you should plan to wait at least 10 to 14 days before resuming light activities, like an office job. Plan to abstain from exercise for a solid two months. By the time your plastic surgeon clears you to begin exercising again, you’ll be ready to show off your new curves!
How Long Does A Tummy Tuck And Lipo Take
Changes to the skin and muscles in the belly can happen due to aging, pregnancy, or a large amount of weight loss. Cosmetic surgery can help restore the belly skin and muscles to their natural shape and position. Abdominoplasty and liposuction are two cosmetic procedures. Abdominoplasty is also call a “tummy tuck.” They can be done together to improve the look of your waist and belly. During a tummy tuck, extra fat and skin can be removed from your belly (abdomen). And certain muscles can be repositioned to improve belly weakness. Liposuction removes extra fat from under the skin. It allows for greater fat removal and contouring (shaping) than can be done with a tummy tuck alone.
Be aware that, for lasting results, you will have to control your weight. And for some areas of the body, these procedures can’t be combined. Talk with your surgeon about your cosmetic goals and the options available to you.
Preparing for surgery
Get ready for the surgery as you have been told. In addition:
- Tell your surgeon about all medicines you take. This includes herbs and other supplements and any illegal or illicit drugs. It also includes any blood thinners such as warfarin, certain anti-inflammatory medicines such as aspirin, and clopidogrel. You may need to stop taking some or all of them before surgery.
- Follow any directions you are given for not eating or drinking before surgery. (If you have been instructed to take medicines, take them with a small sip of water.)
- Don’t smoke before surgery. Smoking reduces the blood flow in the skin, and increases the risk for wound healing problems. Nicotine from any source (cigarettes, e-cigarettes, patches, chewing tobacco) slows healing. Your healthcare provider may delay your surgery if you are smoking. Join a stop-smoking program to improve your chances of success.
The day of surgery
The surgery takes about 2 to 4 hours. You may go home the same day. Or you may stay overnight in a hospital or outpatient surgical center.
Before the surgery begins
- An IV (intravenous) line is put into a vein in your arm or hand. This line delivers fluids and medicines.
- You will be given medicine to keep you pain free during surgery. This may be general anesthesia, which puts you into a state like deep sleep. (A tube may be inserted into your throat to help you breathe.) Or you may have sedation, which makes you relaxed and sleepy. If you have sedation, local anesthetic will be injected to numb the areas being worked on. The anesthesiologist will discuss your options with you.
For liposuction
- During traditional liposuction, a special fluid is injected into the belly so that it’s firm and swollen. This makes it easier to remove fat. The fluid also contains medicine to numb the belly and to reduce pain and bleeding caused by the surgery.
- One or more tiny cuts (incisions) are made in the lower belly. Or they are made near the bellybutton (navel). You and your surgeon will discuss the incisions to be used before the surgery.
- A thin metal tube called a cannula is placed through the incisions to reach the fat layer under the skin. The cannula is attached to a small vacuum or syringe. As the cannula is moved back and forth, it suctions excess fat from the belly and waist. Other tools may be used as well. These use ultrasound, laser, or mechanical power to help loosen or remove fat.
- Incisions are closed with stitches, surgical glue, or both.
Your surgeon may discuss other types of liposuction that are available.
For the tummy tuck
- A cut (incision) is made in the belly from hipbone to hipbone. This is often along the lower part of the belly just above the pubic hairline. You and your surgeon will choose the exact incision site before surgery. An incision is also made around the bellybutton.
- The skin and fat beneath are lifted to expose the abdominal wall beneath. The abdominal wall includes fibrous tissue and muscles.
- If needed, the belly muscles are pulled together to tighten the abdominal wall. Stitches are used down the middle of the belly, to hold the muscles in their new position.
- After the abdominal wall is tightened, the skin and fat are pulled back down. Extra fat and skin are then removed from the belly.
- Once the skin and fat are pulled down, the bellybutton may be covered up. In such cases, an incision is made so the bellybutton can be seen. The skin is then sewn into place around the bellybutton.
- Small tubes (drains) may be placed near the incisions. These drain excess fluid that may build up as the wound heals.
- Any incisions made during the surgery are closed with stitches, surgical glue, or both. If stitches are used, they may dissolve on their own. Or they may need to be removed by the surgeon at a later date.
After the surgery
You will be taken to a recovery room to wake up from the anesthesia. You may feel sleepy and nauseated. If a breathing tube was used during your surgery, your throat may be sore at first. You will be given medicine to help prevent infection and manage pain. You will also likely be given compression garments to wear. These reduce swelling and help form a smooth shape. If you need to stay overnight, you will be moved to another room. Once you are ready to go home, you will be released to an adult family member or friend. Have someone stay with you for the next couple of days to help care for you as your healing begins.
Recovering at home
Once home, follow any instructions you are given. Your surgeon will tell you when you can return to your normal routine. During your recovery:
- Take any prescribed medicines exactly as directed.
- Don’t smoke. Smoking reduces blood flow and slows wound healing.
- Walk slightly bent at the waist, if suggested by your surgeon. Stay in a flexed position when you sleep. This helps protect the abdominal wall as it heals.
- Care for your incisions and the dressing (bandage) over them as instructed by your surgeon.
- Don’t shower for 48 hours after surgery, or as instructed by your healthcare provider. Don’t swim, take a bath, use a hot tub, or do other activities that cause the incisions to be covered with water until your surgeon says it’s OK.
- If advised by your surgeon, use a cold pack wrapped in a thin towel to relieve discomfort and control swelling. It’s important not to leave the cold pack on for too long, or your skin could be damaged. Put the pack over your bandages for no more than 20 minutes at a time or as directed by your provider. Then, leave it off for at least 20 minutes or as directed by your provider. Repeat this as often as needed during waking hours until swelling starts to improve. Don’t fall asleep with the cold pack on. If you’re not sure how to safely use the cold pack, ask your surgeon.
- When you shower, gently wash your incision sites. Then pat the incisions dry. Don’t apply lotions, oils, or creams to the incisions until after they are fully healed.
- Don’t lift, push, or pull anything heavier than 10 pounds for at least 14 days.
- Don’t do strenuous activity. Exercise as directed. Talk with your surgeon about light exercise such as walking that you can do to maintain your weight until you’re fully healed.
- Wear compression garments as directed. Doing so is important for a good cosmetic result.
- Walk at least a few times daily. But don’t push yourself too hard.
- Don’t drive until you are no longer taking prescription pain medicine and your surgeon says it’s OK. When riding in a car, carefully position the seatbelt so that it doesn’t compress your belly.
When to call your healthcare provider
Call your surgeon/healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following:
- Extreme chest pain or trouble breathing (call 911)
- Fever of 100.4° F ( 38°C ) or higher, or as directed by your healthcare provider
- Irregular heartbeat
- Symptoms of infection at an incision site such as increased redness or swelling, warmth, worsening pain, or foul-smelling drainage
- Pain not relieved by medicines
- Not urinating within 24 hours
- Pain, swelling, redness, or warmth in your leg, calf, or thigh
Follow-up
You will have follow-up visits so your surgeon can see how well you’re healing. If needed, stitches or drains will be removed at one of these visits. During these visits, you and your surgeon can discuss the results of your surgery. Let your surgeon know if you have any questions or concerns.
Risks and possible complications
Risks and possible complications include:
- Bleeding or infection
- Blood clots
- Fat clots
- Excessive scarring
- Poor wound healing
- Changes in sensation, such as numbness or pain
- Skin discoloration
- Abnormal collection of fluid (seroma)
- Death of fat cells deep in the skin (fat necrosis)
- Injury to nearby nerves, blood vessels, muscles, and organs
- Contour (body shape) irregularities
- Not happy with cosmetic results
- Risks of anesthesia. The anesthesiologist will discuss these with you.
How Long Does A Tummy Tuck Recovery Take
While recovery from abdominoplasty is different for every individual, there is a general tummy tuck recovery timeline that is applicable in most cases. While it may be six to eight weeks before you can resume all normal activities following tummy tuck surgery, you should be able to:
- Resume working a non-strenuous job within five to seven days
- Resume most household and work duties within four weeks
- Adopt an exercise routine within four to six weeks
It is recommended that you wear a compression garment for at least six weeks post abdominoplasty. However, it should not interfere with general comfort or abilities.
The First Few Weeks
It is important that you get plenty of rest in the days following tummy tuck surgery. Having a family member or friend help with household duties during this time is ideal. It can also be helpful to set up a rest area prior to your procedure to make sure you have a comfortable place to just relax. Think about books, magazines, and other things you may want to pass the time and allow yourself the opportunity to relax and recover during this period. This can have a profound impact on your long-term results.
Some swelling and mild discomfort may be present for the first few weeks. Our doctors will provide you with medications to deal with discomfort. Swelling can be reduced by wearing your compression garment and taking several walks throughout the day. These walks can be started the day after your procedure and you are free to take as many as you like – so long as you don’t exhaust yourself.
Week Six and Beyond
By weeks six, you may be able to resume a majority of your normal activities, though it could be one or two more weeks before you are completely healed. During your recovery, you will return to our office for follow-up visits to make sure you are progressing appropriately. These visits also give us an opportunity to answer any questions you might have and address any concerns.
You can help reduce risks and improve your experience by keeping these appointments and following all of our pre and postoperative directions. These will include not smoking, getting plenty of rest, and only resuming activities after we give you the okay. Simply following these instructions can have a big impact on your comfort and results. We will cover these things in greater detail during your tummy tuck consultation and review as needed while you are in our care.
Final Results
Full recovery can be expected with eight weeks, but results may take a bit longer to be realized. Swelling and bruising typically subside within this time frame, but full slimming of the midline can take a few additional months.
Be patient during this time and take care of your body to help ensure your results are both pleasing and long-lasting. This includes eating properly, exercising regularly, and taking steps to improve your health and enhance your results. We will discuss all of this in greater detail during your initial consultation to make sure you understand what will be required for the most rewarding experience.