Brazilian Tummy Tuck

Brazilian Tummy Tuck

What is a Brazilian tummy tuck?

A lipoabdominoplasty, often referred to as a Brazilian tummy tuck, combines liposuction with traditional tummy tuck surgery. In one procedure, it contours surrounding fat, tightens the underlying abdominal muscles, and removes loose skin.

A standard tummy tuck removes loose skin and fat below the belly button and repairs separated tummy muscles. In a Brazilian tummy tuck, liposuction also reshapes the upper abdomen and the flanks (love handles), so the waist and sides are treated along with the front.

Who is it suitable for?

It suits people who have loose skin and separated muscles, often after pregnancy or weight loss, and who also carry extra fat around the waist and flanks. Where there is extra fat but little loose skin, liposuction alone may be enough. Where the loose skin lies only below the belly button, a mini tummy tuck may suit better. Your weight should be steady before surgery.

How is the operation done?

Surgery takes place at Kinvara Private Hospital under general anaesthetic. The scar position is marked beforehand, allowing for the fact that many people's hips are not quite level. Liposuction comes first, mainly in the deeper fat to lower the risk of an uneven surface, with the amount taken from each area planned to protect the blood supply to the skin. The loose skin and fat are then removed, the separated muscles are stitched together above and below the belly button, and the belly button is brought out through the tightened skin. A small belly button hernia can be repaired at the same time.

Recovery and risks

Walking short distances every few hours from the day of surgery helps lower the risk of blood clots. You can shower 72 hours after surgery. Swelling takes several weeks to go down and is usually gone by 6 to 12 weeks. With liposuction added, this is a larger operation. Its risks include blood clots (deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism) and fluid collecting under the skin (seroma), as well as the other risks listed on our tummy tuck page. Antibiotics are given at the time of surgery. Any further surgery is charged as set out in our Revision Surgery Policy.

Medically reviewed by

Mr Vasu Karri

BSc(Hons), MBBS, MRCS, MSc, FRCS(Plast)
Consultant Plastic Surgeon

Last updated 30th September 2026