Procedures like Lipo 360 and tummy tucks are popular cosmetic procedures that provide the ideal solutions for patients who are looking to restore or finally achieve their desired physique. Both procedures are safe, effective methods of redefining the body’s contours to achieve an optimal appearance with natural-looking results. However, each treatment addresses different factors that affect the abdominal region.
With Dr. Justin Bellamy, Palm Beach’s premier body contouring plastic surgeon, we’ve answered some common questions that might help you determine whether Lipo 360 or a tummy tuck is the appropriate choice for you.
What Is Lipo 360, and How Does It Work?
Lipo 360 is a surgical liposuction technique that focuses on removing deposits of fat from the midsection safely, effectively, and permanently. It’s an ideal procedure for patients to target pockets of stubborn diet- and exercise-resistant fat to sculpt a trim, sleek, toned midsection.
By targeting multiple areas of the abdominal region, Lipo 360 contours and reshapes the entire midsection in 360 degrees to provide smooth contours all around the waistline for a sculpted look.
Lipo 360 targets unwanted fat in the waistline, including:
- Upper and lower abdomen
- Waist
- Love handles, or flanks
- Mid back
- Lower back
How Does a Tummy Tuck Differ from Lipo 360?
Both Lipo 360 and tummy tucks are rejuvenation procedures that aim to improve the overall figure, including the abdomen. However, Lipo 360 is only for fat removal and does not address excess skin. With small incisions, pockets of fat are extracted to decrease the volume of the area and sculpt the midsection.
Tummy tucks, or abdominoplasty, are designed to eliminate excess, sagging skin as well as small fat pockets to restore the appearance of the abdomen. With a larger scar that crosses the abdomen below the bikini line, tummy tucks tighten or repair the underlying abdominal muscles that may have been stretched or separated (diastasis recti) due to pregnancy or significant weight fluctuations. Tightening the muscles produces a leaner, flatter abdomen. While a tummy tuck is the only way to remove redundant abdominal skin, it does not eliminate significant amounts of fat.
What Are the Key Benefits of Each Procedure?
For patients who are at or near their ideal weight, Lipo 360 or a tummy tuck offer more proportional body contouring and an overall improved tone with natural-looking, long-lasting results. After a tummy tuck or Lipo 360, patients can enjoy a renewed self-image and increased confidence.
Following a tummy tuck, patients experience a firmer, more contoured abdomen and improved abdominal tone and tightened or repaired abdominal muscles.
One of the benefits of Lipo 360 is that it’s a less invasive procedure that causes less pain and discomfort and delivers sleeker contours around the entire midsection with a limited recovery time.
How Long is the Recovery Time for Both Procedures?
Surgery recovery time will vary by patient based on the extent of the procedure. Following Lipo 360 or a tummy tuck, patients may experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort. Patients must wear compression garments to help minimize swelling and support their new contours. Following either procedure, patients should avoid strenuous physical activities, including exercising or weightlifting, for around four to six weeks.
It’s recommended that patients who undergo Lipo 360 surgery take a week off work. Lipo 360 patients can resume most light activities after a week. As Lipo 360 is considered a minimally invasive procedure, patients recover within one to two months.
As a tummy tuck is a more invasive procedure, recovery is longer. Patients who undergo a tummy tuck should take a week or two off from work. Most tummy tuck patients experience a full recovery within six months of surgery.
Which Procedure Offers More Lasting Results?
Following either a Lipo 360 or tummy tuck procedure, you will experience long-lasting results of 10 to 15 years or more. However, both procedures require a commitment to a healthy lifestyle post-procedure.
Weight fluctuations can negatively impact your optimal results, so it’s important to continue your well-balanced diet and consistent exercise regimen to maintain your stable weight. While it’s important to avoid strenuous exercising for at least two to four weeks after your procedure, you should resume your exercise routine when you are cleared.
How Do Costs Compare Between Lipo 360 and a Tummy Tuck?
As each procedure is tailored specifically to address your unique anatomical needs and desired goals, the cost for Lipo 360 and tummy tuck will vary by individual. Typically, the average procedure costs for Lipo 360 range from $2,500 to $8,000. Tummy tuck procedure costs range from $3,500 to $18,000, depending on the extent of your procedure.
Who Is the Ideal Candidate for Each Procedure?
Ideal candidates for body sculpting procedures, such as Lipo 360 and tummy tucks, are non-smokers who are generally healthy and looking to improve their body contours. Candidates are at or near their ideal weight and looking to address stubborn areas of fat or excess skin around the abdominal region.
As Lipo 360 and tummy tuck procedures are not weight loss procedures but body contouring procedures, Dr. Bellamy recommends that candidates for Lipo 360 or a tummy tuck should be living a healthy lifestyle and have maintained a stable weight for at least six months.
How Should I Prepare for My Consultation and Decision?
Typically, there is no preparation required for your Lipo 360 or tummy tuck consultation with Dr. Bellamy. Here are some tips to ensure you don’t miss discussing important topics during your consultation.
- Be honest about your aesthetic goals and medical history
- Inquire about surgery preparation and post-operative care
- Ask to review before and after photos and patient testimonials
- Discuss surgical complications, risks, and benefits
How Do I Find the Right Plastic Surgeon?
Choosing the right plastic surgeon for you is one of the most important decisions of your body sculpting journey. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Justin Bellamy is a distinguished liposuction and abdominoplasty surgeon with a passion for realizing each patient’s aesthetic vision. Dr. Bellamy will develop a unique body sculpting plan that blends unparalleled precision and sophisticated artistry to refresh your appearance and achieve your goals. With dedication to impeccable surgical care and satisfied patient results, Dr. Bellamy is the top choice for Lipo 360 or tummy tuck patients throughout Palm Beach, FL.
Schedule Your Body Contouring Consultation Today!
Renew your appearance with body contouring procedures like Lipo 360 or a tummy tuck when you partner with board-certified Dr. Justin Bellamy, one of Palm Beach’s premier plastic surgeons! Contact Bellamy, MD at (561) 705-0044 or complete our online form to schedule your body contouring consultation today!
