Many of our patients have questions regarding the Lipo 360 vs tummy tuck procedure. These two procedures are commonly confused and they are very different. In order to get the right procedure for your needs, it is important to understand the difference between the Lipo 360 procedure and tummy tucks.
Lipo 360 vs Tummy Tuck: What’s the Difference?
The biggest similarity between Lipo 360 vs Tummy Tucks is that both procedures aim to improve the appearance of the midsection.
For instance, liposuction 360 is the removal of actual fat deposits around the abdomen. The procedure involves a plastic surgeon making small incisions near where the fat is to be removed. The surgeon then inserts a thin tube called a cannula which is used to break up the fat and then the fat cells removed through suction.
The removed body fat is either discarded or re-injected in a fat transfer procedure. The fat can be re-injected into the buttock, hips, breasts, face, or even hands. Liposuction procedure can remove fat from the abdomen, sides, back or any area where you have unwanted fat.
A Tummy Tuck, or abdominoplasty, deals more with the sagging skin and underlying abdominal muscles. During a tummy tuck, an incision is made in the belly button or bikini line and the abdominal skin is elevated. Sutures are placed in the abdominal muscles to tighten them.
These muscles commonly stretch apart with aging, weight loss, changes, and pregnancy. Suturing the muscles together can give a flat abdomen. The excess skin is then removed and the skin is put back together. The scar will be well hidden beneath underwear or a bikini.
Lipo 360 recovery typically spans five to seven days, whereas a tummy tuck necessitates approximately two to three weeks for healing.
So how do I know which is better for me?
Your plastic surgeon will help you understand whether a Tummy Tuck or Liposuction 360 is the best operation. In general, if your issue is excess fat, but your skin is not loose, then liposuction may be what you need. If your skin is loose or hanging, or your muscles are separated (giving you a “pregnant” appearance), then a tummy tuck may be better.
Remember, lipo is for fat removal, tummy tuck surgery is for skin and muscle. It is important to select the right operation so that you get a good result.
Can Lipo 360 and Tummy Tuck be performed together?
Absolutely! In fact, it is common for liposuction to be part of your tummy tuck. This is because most people have excess fat AND excess skin. Oftentimes, the only way to get stubborn fat and get a great tummy tuck result is to do liposuction at the same time.
Sometimes, your surgeon may recommend a staged approach, in which liposuction and a full tummy tuck are done in separate operations.
This may be recommended for safety reasons or in order to improve your cosmetic results.
What is “Lipo 360”?
“Lipo 360” is a newer term that refers to liposuction in a 360 degree direction (or all around your torso). Some may refer to this as circumferential liposuction. This means that liposuction is performed on the abdomen, flanks, and back.
This allows improvement in your entire torso since it is usually necessary to make the back look better to make the front look better. It provides a much more complete improvement.
Not all surgeons are experienced with this surgical procedure since it involves multiple areas of liposuction and repositioning the patients during the surgery. While some surgeons may say that they will lipo your “sides/flanks” during the procedure, you need to clarify if they will be turning you over in order to do this, since you will get a much better result when the liposuction is performed from the front and the back. This is what truly differentiates Lipo 360 from standard liposuction.
If you have excess fat on your abdomen, flanks, and lower back, then you are probably an excellent candidate for Lipo 360.
What Is a Tummy Tuck 360?
A tummy tuck 360 is similar to liposuction 360 in that this procedure will remove excess skin and improve the appearance of the abdomen from every angle. Like liposuction 360, a tummy tuck 360 removes the excess skin in the front, sides and back. This will involve removing the skin on the front, as is done with a standard tummy tuck, AND removing the skin of the lower back and upper buttocks.
The scar will go all around, like a belt, but is completely hidden under a bikini or underwear. The other advantage of this procedure is that you will get improvement in the appearance of your thighs, hips, and buttocks. It is the surgical equivalent of “pulling up your pants” and is a great option for weight loss surgery for people who have lost a significant amount of weight. A Tummy Tuck 360 is also referred to as a circumferential tummy tuck, lower body lift, or “around the world”.
It requires an experienced body contouring surgeon with exceptional skill.
The recovery for a Tummy Tuck 360 may be slightly longer than for a traditional tummy tuck, so this may be a factor in your decision.
Also, if you have had a previous standard tummy tuck, you may benefit from a surgery to remove the excess loose skin that is still present on your backside.
Can fat transfer be combined with Liposuction, Lipo 360, Tummy Tuck, or Tummy Tuck 360?
Yes, fat transfer can be combined with any cosmetic procedure. It is very common to use the fat that is removed during the procedures and re-inject it into specific areas of the body. Commonly, the fat is added to the butt and hips. This can be a very powerful way to reshape the body, by using your own tissue instead of implants.
Sometimes people seem to lose their curves after procedures such as Liposuction 360 or Tummy Tuck. By adding fat to specific areas, we can put the curves back and give a much better appearance.
Lipo 360 vs Tummy Tuck FAQ
What factors affect the cost of Lipo 360?
The cost of Lipo 360 varies based on three main factors: your surgeon’s fee (influenced by their experience, training, and geographic location), anesthesia costs (depending on the type used and procedure length), and surgical facility charges. The cost of Lipo 360 based on CareCredit data in the U.S. ranges from $6,380 to $14,660, with an average cost of $8,051.
Circumferential liposuction is more extensive than traditional stomach-only liposuction, requiring more time and planning, which affects the overall price. The only way to determine your specific cost is to schedule a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon in your area.
What should I expect with Lipo 360 before and after results?
Before Lipo 360, you’ll consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon to set realistic goals and prepare your body through healthy lifestyle adjustments. After the procedure, expect to see steady improvements as swelling diminishes day by day, with most patients witnessing remarkable changes in their midsection appearance.
Full results typically become apparent between one and three months post-surgery as your body contours settle and skin tightens. To maintain your stunning results long-term, maintain regular exercise, a balanced diet, and avoid significant weight fluctuations.
Does Lipo 360 make your stomach flat?
Lipo 360 can flatten your stomach by removing excess or undesired fat around the entire midsection. However, Lipo 360 results depend on skin quality and the amount of stubborn body fat present. Patients with good skin elasticity achieve optimal results, while those with loose or excess skin may require additional procedures to address loose skin concerns.
Which lasts longer, a tummy tuck or liposuction?
Both procedures offer permanent results when patients maintain ideal body weight. Liposuction permanently removes fat cells, while a tummy tuck vs liposuction differs as it tightens abdominal muscles and removes excess abdominal skin. Future weight gain, pregnancy, or significant weight loss can affect long-term outcomes for either body contouring procedure.
Can I get Lipo 360 without a tummy tuck?
Yes, you can get Lipo 360 without a tummy tuck if you have good skin elasticity and only need to remove stubborn body fat. This standalone procedure offers shorter recovery time, less pain, and targets the lower abdomen, flanks, and back. Consult a board certified cosmetic surgeon to determine the right body contouring procedure.
Which is more painful liposuction or tummy tuck?
Tummy tuck procedures typically cause more pain due to muscle tightening, removing excess fat, and larger incisions affecting abdominal wall muscles. Liposuction generally causes less discomfort with quicker recovery.
Pain levels for tummy tucks average higher as they address weakened abdominal muscles and separated abdominal muscles, while a mini tummy tuck focuses on less extensive corrections.
Which is better, a tummy tuck or Lipo 360?
The choice depends on your specific concerns and muscle tone. Lipo 360 targets removing excess fat but cannot remove unwanted fat along with skin.
A mini tummy tuck addresses skin laxity and repairs muscle, while also potentially reducing stretch marks. Neither procedure replaces weight loss, both work best at near-ideal weight ranges.
Schedule Your Liposuction or Tummy Tuck Consultation Today!
Both liposuction and tummy tuck can be life-changing plastic surgery procedures for those looking to improve their profiles and physiques. At Schulman Plastic Surgery, Dr. Schulman uses advanced techniques that men and women trust.
As a board certified plastic surgeon, specializing in body contouring, Dr. Schulman has performed an extensive number of procedures for his highly satisfied patients.
To book your liposuction or tummy tuck consultation today, give us a call or contact us online!
References:
https://www.carecredit.com/well-u/health-wellness/lipo-360-cost/
