Why Combining a Tummy Tuck and a Brazilian Butt Lift Is Not a Good Idea

Posted January 22, 2026 in Brazilian Butt Lift, Tummy Tuck

In plastic surgery, combining cosmetic procedures can sometimes make sense. Combining plastic surgeries is appealing because it can shorten total recovery time, reduce the need for multiple anesthetics, and provide a more comprehensive body transformation in a single surgical session. 

However, not all combinations are created equal. 

One pairing that warrants special caution is the tummy tuck and the Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL). These transformative procedures can yield significant changes and create a more balanced, harmonious body contour. However, careful planning by your board-certified plastic surgeon is critical.

Many patients ask whether a tummy tuck and BBL can be performed together in one surgery. The short answer is that while it may sound efficient, combining a tummy tuck with a BBL significantly increases risk and compromises both safety and recovery. 

There are three main reasons why this plastic surgery combination is not recommended and why two separate surgeries are better.

6 Min Read:

1. Safety Comes First

A Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) is a cosmetic surgery procedure that requires liposuction, often in relatively large volumes, to harvest fat, which is then transferred to the buttocks and hips. The fat removed during liposuction is repurposed for the BBL, enhancing the buttocks for a more harmonious body contour. Large-volume liposuction can cause significant fluid shifts, which can affect blood pressure, heart rate, and overall cardiovascular stability. It is important to consider how much fat is needed for a successful BBL and whether the patient has enough fat in donor areas, as combining procedures may limit the available fat for transfer. The safety of combining a tummy tuck and BBL largely depends on the patient’s overall health and the experience and advanced training of the plastic surgeon performing the procedures in an accredited facility.

A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is already a major operation. It is a cosmetic surgery that involves removing excess loose skin and fat, repairing abdominal muscles, and reducing meaningful physiological stress on the body. When you combine a large surgery like a tummy tuck with extensive liposuction, the strain on the body increases substantially. Additionally, combining a tummy tuck with extensive liposuction and fat transfer procedures often requires a longer operative time under general anesthesia, which increases the surgical risks associated with surgery.

The result is a higher risk of complications such as blood pressure instability, excessive fluid loss, anemia, and a greater likelihood of hospitalization after surgery. Simply put, stacking two major stressors together increases risk in a way that is difficult to justify. For safety, it is critical during the BBL to avoid injecting fat into or below the gluteal muscle, as this can lead to serious complications. As an alternative, some patients may choose to stage their procedures, undergoing the first surgery and then a second surgery after an appropriate recovery period, to minimize risk and allow for optimal results.

A thorough consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon is necessary to discuss the risks and benefits of combining these procedures. The surgeon will review the patient’s medical history, which is crucial in determining if they are a good candidate. Good candidates for combined procedures are generally in good health, have realistic expectations for recovery, and meet specific criteria such as BMI and non-smoking status. Patients in excellent health with no significant medical conditions are more likely to be good candidates for combined procedures.

2. Recovery Becomes a Balancing Act

The recovery requirements for a tummy tuck and BBL directly conflict with one another. It is important to understand the different recovery periods for each surgery, as the timelines for healing after a tummy tuck and a Brazilian Butt Lift may overlap or even conflict when combined.

After a tummy tuck, patients cannot lie flat on their abdomen. After a Brazilian Butt Lift, patients cannot lie on their back to protect the transferred fat. When the two are combined, patients are forced into a semi-flexed position with the buttocks suspended and no pressure on the abdomen.

This position is awkward, uncomfortable, and difficult to maintain. Poor positioning during recovery can increase pain, delay healing, compromise results, and increase the risk of complications. A recovery that should be focused on healing instead becomes an exercise in physical frustration.

Good surgery deserves a good recovery, and this combination makes recovery unnecessarily difficult. That is why we recommend these two procedures be performed separately.

3. Florida Law Matters

In the state of Florida, liposuction regulations are very clear. When liposuction is combined with another major procedure, such as a tummy tuck, the law limits fat removal to one liter. This legal limit directly impacts the BBL procedure, as it restricts the amount of fat that can be harvested and transferred during a combined surgery.

One liter of fat is typically not enough to safely and effectively perform a Brazilian Butt Lift. Surgeons who remove more than that amount while combining procedures are violating state regulations. It is important to note that these regulations apply to both full tummy tuck procedures and mini tummy tuck variations, with the mini tummy tuck being a less invasive option for patients with minimal excess skin below the navel. The law is designed to ensure patient safety regardless of whether a full tummy tuck procedure or a mini tummy tuck is performed. Patients are often unaware of this, but it is a critical legal and safety issue. These restrictions specifically affect tummy tuck surgery when performed in combination with other procedures, such as a BBL.

Ethical surgical planning means respecting both medical science and the law.

A Safer, Smarter Approach

The safest and most effective way to achieve these goals is to stage the tummy tuck and BBL procedures. Staging plastic surgery procedures rather than combining them into a single session is often recommended to maximize safety and optimize outcomes. Some surgeons may prefer to perform separate surgical sessions to reduce recovery conflicts and tailor the approach to the patient’s health and goals.

First, perform the tummy tuck surgery. A tummy tuck allows for proper skin removal, abdominal muscle repair, and abdominal contouring with a safer, more focused recovery.

Several months later, once healing is complete, the fat transfer procedure can be performed for the BBL. Liposuction can be performed safely and strategically. That fat can then be used to enhance the hips and buttocks, creating a more balanced and natural result.

Staging procedures leads to better outcomes, a smoother recovery, and a significantly lower risk of complications. While it requires patience, it prioritizes long-term results and patient safety over short-term convenience.

Ready to Talk About Safe Body Contouring Options?

In plastic surgery, doing more at once is not always better. Separate surgeries are often recommended. Thoughtful planning, respect for anatomy, and strict adherence to safety standards by an experienced plastic surgeon are what ultimately deliver the best results.

If you are considering a BBL and tummy tuck or other body contouring procedure, the team at Careaga Plastic Surgery can help you understand your safest options and develop a personalized surgical plan.To schedule a personal consultation and learn more about body contouring in Miami, call (305) 574-9262 or complete our online contact form today.