Tummy tuck addresses the front of the abdomen and the abdominal wall; 360° liposuction completes the contour around the flanks, lower back, and optional thighs. Operative time 3.5–5 hours. Compression garment for 6 weeks.
What this combination includes
- Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck): Standard or extended abdominoplasty depending on skin excess. Diastasis repair, umbilical relocation.
- 360° liposuction: Flanks, lower back, bra fat, optional thighs. Tumescent technique with powered or ultrasound assistance for fibrous areas.
- Diastasis recti repair: Integrated with the tummy tuck.
- Custom compression garment: Extended garment covering chest to mid-thigh. Worn 24/7 for 6 weeks.
Who is this combination for?
This combination addresses the abdomen and waistline comprehensively, without breast surgery. It is appropriate for women who:
- Are happy with their breasts after pregnancy or have already had breast surgery separately.
- Have abdominal skin laxity below the umbilicus AND localised fat deposits at the flanks, lower back, or thighs.
- Want a comprehensive 360° body contouring approach.
- Have stable weight, BMI under 32, and no major medical comorbidities.
What "360° body contouring" means
Tummy tuck addresses the front of the abdomen — skin from the umbilicus to the pubis and the abdominal wall muscles. Liposuction of the flanks and lower back addresses the side and back contours that tummy tuck cannot reach. Performed together in one operation, the result is a comprehensive improvement in the waist-to-hip silhouette visible from any angle.
The combination is sometimes called "360 lipo with tummy tuck" or "circumferential body contouring." When extensive flank and back work is needed, the tummy tuck incision can be extended laterally (extended abdominoplasty) for additional skin removal.
Liposuction technique
Dr. Erdal uses tumescent liposuction with small cannulae (3–4 mm) through tiny incisions hidden in skin creases. Tumescent fluid (saline with dilute local anaesthetic and adrenaline) is infused first to minimise bleeding and provide additional pain control. Powered or ultrasound-assisted liposuction may be used for fibrous areas.
Areas commonly treated in this combination:
- Flanks ("love handles") — above the iliac crest.
- Lower back — between the bra strap area and the buttocks.
- Bra fat — at the side of the chest below the bra strap.
- Inner thighs — for patients with persistent thigh fat.
- Outer thighs ("saddlebags") — for patients with characteristic outer thigh prominence.
How the procedure is performed
Operative time 3.5–5 hours depending on liposuction extent.
Tummy tuck with diastasis repair
Standard tummy tuck — skin and fat excision below umbilicus, diastasis repair, umbilical relocation. Drains placed in the abdominal flap.
Liposuction
Patient repositioning as needed (prone for back work, lateral for flanks). Tumescent infiltration. Powered or manual aspiration. Volumes typically 1.5–4 litres total aspirate. Compression garments applied progressively as each area is completed.
Closure and dressings
Tummy tuck closure final layers. All liposuction port sites sutured. Custom compression garment applied — covers from chest to mid-thigh for full body contouring.
What about the breasts?
If breast changes are minimal — preserved volume, acceptable position — no breast procedure is needed. Many patients have a third child after their second and find that their breasts have only mildly changed; in that case, addressing the abdomen alone is reasonable. Breast surgery can also be performed separately at a later date if needed.
Recovery specifics
Recovery from this combination is similar to tummy tuck alone, with additional considerations for the liposuctioned areas:
- Compression garment is more extensive — covers the entire treated area from chest to mid-thigh.
- Bruising is more visible (yellow, blue, green discolouration of liposuctioned areas) and resolves over 2–3 weeks.
- Skin tightness over the liposuctioned areas is common for 6–12 weeks as the tissues remodel.
- Lymphatic drainage massage from week 4 helps reduce residual swelling.
- Final contour at 3–6 months as residual swelling resolves.
Recovery
Hospital 1–2 nights. Drains 3–5 days. Custom compression garment 6 weeks. Walking from day 1, no lifting >5kg for 8 weeks. Bruising of liposuctioned areas resolves 2–3 weeks. Lymphatic drainage massage from week 4. Final contour 3–6 months.
For the complete week-by-week protocol see the recovery page.
Why not just do liposuction without tummy tuck?
Liposuction removes fat but not skin. After pregnancy, the abdominal skin is typically stretched and will not retract on its own. Pure liposuction of an abdomen with significant skin laxity produces a worse result than the starting point. Tummy tuck removes the loose skin; liposuction refines the contour beyond it.
How much fat can be removed safely?
Total aspirate volume is generally limited to 5 litres per session for safety, with 4 litres being a more comfortable upper limit. The goal of liposuction in body contouring is shape correction, not weight loss — the volumes that produce the best aesthetic results are usually well below safe limits.
Will the fat come back?
Removed fat cells do not return. However, remaining fat cells in the same and other areas can grow if weight is gained. Maintaining stable weight is essential for long-term result preservation.
What is BBL? Can it be combined?
BBL (Brazilian Butt Lift) involves transferring liposuctioned fat to the buttocks for augmentation. Dr. Erdal does not routinely combine BBL with tummy tuck due to safety concerns about positioning during a long operation. BBL can be performed as a separate operation if the patient desires it.
How does compression garment work?
Compression garment reduces post-operative swelling, supports the surgical sites, and shapes the soft tissues during the remodelling phase. Wearing the garment 24/7 for 6 weeks (only removed for showering) is the most important post-operative behaviour for an optimal final contour.
