Dr. Sejal M. Patel, MD

Dr. Patel strongly advises against combining a tummy tuck and BBL due to significant patient safety risks and compromised aesthetic outcomes. A good tummy tuck involves extensive muscle tightening, which increases intra-abdominal pressure. Prolonged anesthesia after this can lead to blood pooling and increased risk of blood clots in the legs. Post-operatively, it's impossible to avoid sitting on the butt after a combined procedure, which compromises recovery for both. Combining these surgeries can lead to poor aesthetic results such as a high incision, vertical belly button scar, loose muscles, residual back fat, and an undefined or flat buttock shape. Dr. Patel's preferred approach is to perform a tummy tuck first, followed by a BBL six months later, to ensure optimal safety and maximize results for both procedures.

For a Tummy Tuck, Dr. Patel aims for a really low, anatomically shaped incision that can be hidden under panties or bikinis, a nice-looking belly button with no scar at the top portion, and custom muscle tightening including external obliques for a flat abdomen and beautiful curves. Dr. Patel also uses a special excisional pattern that highlights curves and the tightness of skin and fat overlying the muscle tightening. During a tummy tuck, only the flanks can be safely liposuctioned, and the abdominal flat cannot be liposuctioned due to blood supply disruption. For a BBL, Dr. Patel performs thorough liposuction throughout the entire body, including upper/lower abdomen, vagina, flanks, mid-back, and upper back, positioning the patient on their sides to sculpt everything. This ensures a nice shape around the pelvis, a fully liposuctioned back, nicely defined upper butt borders, and good fat transfer to the hips and throughout the entire butt, including the lower butt.

A vagina lift is included as part of Dr. Patel's tummy tucks, particularly for patients who have had a few children, to help restore that portion of the body to its correct anatomical position.

A Tummy Tuck procedure is performed to tighten muscles and remove loose skin, creating a flatter and more contoured abdomen.

Tummy tuck patients will continue to heal and experience swelling reduction for up to 6 months, with significant decrease during this period. Swelling can continue to subside for up to a year post-operation.