Tummy Tuck vs Lipo 360: Which Is Right for Me?

POV: You're unhappy with the appearance of your abdomen — is it loose skin? Excess fat? You're not sure, but it isn't coming off with healthy diet and exercise.
You wonder if plastic surgery could help. Maybe. But which is better — a tummy tuck or liposuction procedure?

Before we dive right in, you need to know if you qualify for either of these surgeries — especially tummy tuck surgery, which is more invasive.

Do a quick check here to find out.

Is It Better to Get Lipo 360 vs Tummy Tuck Surgery?

Two of the most popular plastic surgeries available today to patients are tummy tuck surgery and liposuction. Neither tummy tuck surgery nor liposuction is a weight loss surgery. However, both provide solutions to common aesthetic issues — fat and excess skin on the abdomen.

Let's take a look at each of these different procedures, in turn, then discuss which one might be right for you, based on your unique situation.

Tummy Tuck Surgery Explained

Tummy tuck surgery (also called abdominoplasty) is a cosmetic procedure that aims to remove excess skin (and sometimes, fat) from the abdomen. The procedure also tightens abdominal muscles that have weakened over time.

This is the procedure you want if you have excess loose skin on your abdomen. You may experience:

• Difficulty finding clothes that fit well
• Discomfort and pain when exercising
• Low confidence levels about your excess skin
• Rashes around your abdomen

There are several different types of abdominoplasty surgery. Your surgeon will help you decide the best type for you based on your unique circumstances.

First, there is the full abdominoplasty, which is most common. During this surgery, two incisions need to be made on the abdomen: one on the lower abdomen and one around the belly button. The stomach skin is repositioned, a new hole is made for the belly button, the two abdominal wall muscles are tightened, and the incisions are closed up leaving a tummy tuck scar.

Extended tummy tucks are very similar to full tummy tucks. However, a longer incision is made on the lower abdomen. It will usually circle around to each side of the waist so that a larger amount of skin can be repositioned and remove excess fat taken off.

Finally, a mini tummy tuck only addresses excess skin below the navel. Therefore, most patients only one incision is necessary from hip to hip. The naval will not be repositioned.

Then there is the plus size tummy tuck. This procedure is an abdominoplasty designed for individuals classified as “overweight” or “obese” based on their BMI.

Liposuction Procedure Explained

Liposuction reduces fat on the body. When it comes to tummy tuck procedures vs lipo, it's easy to see that if you don't have excess skin on your abdomen, you certainly should not opt for a tummy tuck to reduce bulk. This is where liposuction comes in.

Liposuction is for patients with unwanted fat on their abdomen, flanks, back, or — for the most part — any other area of their body. It is not a weight loss procedure, but it is a surgery that can help to slim your waistline, upper arms, thighs, etc. Some people even get liposuction on their chins and necks to remove a double chin.

If you are debating between tummy tuck surgery and liposuction, also remember that both procedures can be done at once in a many women and cases as well.

FAQ: Tummy Tuck vs Lipo 360

Is lipo 360 as painful as a tummy tuck?

Generally speaking, a tummy tuck recovery is more challenging than liposuction. In large part, this is because a tummy tuck requires a larger incision to be made. In fact, multiple incisions are necessary with tummy tuck surgery. Tummy tuck surgery also involves repositioning the belly button and tightening the abdominal muscles, which can be more taxing on weakened muscles in the body.

Does liposuction give you flat stomach and sides?

Yes, liposuction can definitely slim your stomach and remove body fat from the sides of your abdomen. Liposuction can remove fat cells from almost anywhere on the body.
Just keep in mind that liposuction is not a weight loss solution. It's meant to assist with the removal of small amounts of stubborn fat cells — fat that's difficult to lose through diet and exercise alone.

What is better than a tummy tuck if you have loose skin around your abdomen?

A tummy tuck is usually the best surgical solution if you have loose skin around your abdomen. If you have excess stubborn fat around your abdomen, you might consider lipo 360 vs tummy tuck surgery. Lipo 360 reshapes and contours the entire abdomen, 360 degrees around.

What are the cons of liposuction?

Liposuction will come with scars, though they will be small. You will also need to take time off work and away from your daily activities after surgery. The recovery period for liposuction usually lasts for about four weeks. As with any surgery, there is always a risk of complications as well.

What are the cons of a abdominoplasty?

A abdominoplasty is an invasive surgical procedure, that requires having a lower abdominal scar post-surgery. Other drawbacks of this procedure include an extended recovery period and the possibility of surgical complications.

Still not sure whether tummy tuck vs lipo is right for you? Contact Après Plastic Surgery today to speak with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Aric Aghayan. Dr. Aghayan has helped hundreds of patients achieve a slimmer, more attractive midsection through abdominoplasty surgery, liposuction, and other life-changing cosmetic procedures.

Let's discuss your aesthetic goals. Get in touch with us today, and start getting ready for a new you!

What does a Lipo 360 include?

360 Lipo is a cosmetic procedure that involves removing excess or body fat, from multiple areas of the body, including the abdomen, waist, hips, and back. The procedure is designed to provide a comprehensive contouring effect, hence the term “360” which refers to the entire circumference of the body.

Specifically, a 360 Lipo procedure typically involves the use of traditional liposuction techniques to remove fat deposits from the front, sides, and back of the torso. The surgeon may also use liposuction procedures to contour the flanks, lower back, and upper buttocks of many patients, to create a smoother, more defined appearance.

The exact details of a 360 Lipo procedure will depend on the patient's individual needs and goals, as well as the surgeon's techniques and experience.

Book your 360 Lipo body contouring procedure today

Fat removal via 360 lipo by Dr. Aric Aghayan of Arpres Plastic Surgery Portland is done under general anesthesia to give you your ideal body shape.

360 Lipo can be combined with a Brazilian butt lift and other body sculpting procedures. Find out if you are a good candidate. Book your personal consultation today!

References

https://www.healthline.com/health/liposuction-vs-tummy-tuck