Liposuction 360 is a form of liposuction that treats the entire body, including the neck and face. The procedure uses advanced techniques to remove fat from all areas of your body, including those areas that are typically difficult to treat. Liposuction 360 is ideal for patients who have stubborn pockets of fat in their abdomen, hips, and thighs.
The procedure works by using ultrasound technology to break up fat cells before they’re removed through suction. Ultrasound energy is applied directly to the targeted area, which is then cooled with ice or freezing gel packs to reduce post-operative discomfort. This technique allows us to target and remove even small pockets of fat beneath the skin’s surface without damaging nearby muscle tissue or causing bruising or swelling around the treated area.
Liposuction 360 has been proven effective by numerous clinical studies and offers many benefits over traditional liposuction methods.
Right here on Cosmeticsurgerytips, you are privy to a litany of relevant information on 10 most popular areas of the body for liposuction, lipo 360 recovery, what does lipo 360 include, and so much more. Take out time to visit our catalog for more information on similar topics.
Liposuction 360 Cost
If you’re researching liposuction procedures you’ve probably heard of Lipo 360°. In fact we’ve had quite a few people inquire about Lipo 360°, the cost, and the recovery time. We’ll cover all that in this article.
Lipo 360 (or 360 Lipo) refers to the body areas where liposuction is performed – three hundred and sixty degrees, or all the way around the midsection. That’s all there is to it! If a liposuction procedure includes lipo on a patient’s abdomen and waist / hips (which reaches around to either side of the spine), then it’s considered Lipo 360°.
It’s important to note that Lipo 360° is not a trademark, brand name, or special type of liposuction procedure. Any liposuction surgeon can claim to offer Lipo 360° – it’s mostly just a marketing buzzword. All it means is liposuction on the stomach and love handles, which any liposuction specialist will be able to provide. Some surgeons will use this to refer to liposuction that also includes the back – because it’s not an official term, there’s no one definition. It’s also important to note that Lipo 360° is different from what’s sometimes called “fully body liposuction.” Lipo 360° only addresses the midsection, and won’t suction fat from arms, thighs, calves or upper back.
Different surgeons will define Lipo 360° differently, so make sure when you meet with your surgeon that you’re clear which body areas will be addressed.
Generally when we talk about a 360 Lipo procedure the expectation is that all the body areas will be completed in one session – but it will depend on the size of the case, and the type of anesthetic used.
Lipo 360° doesn’t refer to any specific type of liposuction device or procedure, like laser liposuction (SmartLipo) or Vaser. You can have 360 Lipo performed with SmartLipo, with Power Lipo, with Vaser, or with standard liposuction equipment. As with any liposuction procedure, there is a risk of loose skin after fat is removed. It’s especially important to include skin tightening (like the laser stimulation found in SmartLipo) as part of a 360° procedure.
Liposuction 360° Examples
This patient had liposuction on her upper abdomen, lower abdomen, and waist / hips. We can see how the back area is also improved with the reduction in the love handles. Actual patient of Houston Lipo Center, Houston TX.
This patient had liposuction on her upper abdomen, lower abdomen, and waist / hips. We can see here in the reverse how the hips and waist area extends all the way around the back side for 360-degree liposuction. Actual patient of Houston Lipo Center, Houston TX.
What is Recovery Like for Lipo 360°?
This is a big question and will depend on a number of factors. Ultimately, how long recovery takes will come down to the size of the cannulas used. The larger the cannulas, the faster the procedure, but the more tissue damage. There is little to no additional recovery time required as a result of using general anesthesia (aside from recovery from the anesthesia itself) – but surgeons performing lipo under general anesthesia tend to use larger cannulas, since they are able to work faster and don’t need to consider pain or discomfort. As always, speak with your surgeon about recovery times before scheduling your procedure.
How much does Lipo 360° cost?
Liposuction is priced by the body area – ultimately you’re the decision-maker when it comes to what body areas you want fat removed from. If you want upper and lower abdomen and waist/hips, then the total cost would be in the price range of $5,500 – $7,500, depending on the size of your case. If you also want to address the upper back as well, the cost will be greater (generally though we see good results on the back when we address the love handles / hips area).
The best way to get an accurate price quote is to schedule consultation. In addition to getting an accurate cost estimate, a consultation will check for visceral fat, skin laxity, diastasis recti and other conditions that may affect your results, and will let you know if you’re a candidate for Lipo 360°. At Houston Lipo Center we have the option of virtual consultations available as well as in-person consults, but regardless of which route you chose, you’ll need to meet in-person prior to scheduling surgery.
10 Most Popular Areas of the Body for Liposuction
Liposuction is a highly successful way to dramatically reduce stubborn fat that diet and exercise have not been able to erase. It also improves your body’s shape, tightening and toning the abdomen, trimming the waist, contouring the buttocks, and slimming the thighs and lower legs. There are so many wonderful things liposuction can do.
With over 20 years of specialized surgical experience, I have performed liposuction on almost every part of the body. While each patient is different in body type and goals, there are some common areas where patients, both male and female, want to lose stubborn fat deposits that won’t go away, even after diet and exercise. For more information about liposuction, watch my short 2-minute video below.
The most popular areas where people want to reduce fat by having liposuction
Liposuction can be performed on several areas of the body at the same time. It can also be done in conjunction with other cosmetic surgery procedures. Here are the areas where liposuction is most commonly requested:
- Waist. For both men and women, “love handles” can be extremely hard to get rid of, even with a healthy regimen of diet and exercise. The waist area is very responsive to liposuction because of optimal skin elasticity, and patients who undergo waist liposuction experience a notable decrease in waist size.
- Flanks. Like the waist, the flank area also has great skin elasticity. This area is considered the back end of the “love handles” and resides in the lower back above the pant line. Liposuction in this area is commonly done in conjunction with the waist to give an even contour and smooth midsection transition, enabling female patients to achieve the hourglass curves they desire.
- Hips. In most women, it is very important to shape this area properly in order to create a rounder, more well-defined buttock as well as a curvy feminine silhouette.
- Upper Arms. A common sign of aging is excess fat and tissue in the upper arm. Liposuction can tone this area, resulting in a more youthful appearance. And depending on a patient’s body type, liposuction may deliver many of the benefits of an arm lift without permanent scarring.
- Lower Abdomen. A frequently requested area, liposuction of the abdomen (“muffin top”) can result in a tight and toned stomach. However, if the amount of fat in this area is too large or if skin laxity is severe, the patient may be better suited for a tummy tuck or lower body lift.
- Upper Abdomen. Typically if the lower abdomen is treated, the upper abdomen (the area between the belly button and the ribs) should also be treated in order to create a smooth transition from one to the other.
- Buttocks. Generally, I recommend against liposuction of the buttocks because the procedure can result in a deflated or flat-looking appearance. Instead, I recommend the Brazilian butt lift to create the full, shapely buttocks shape patients desire.
- Inner Thighs. Liposuction can help keep the inner thighs from touching when standing up straight, which makes this a very popular area for women desiring liposuction. Some women only need the upper inner thigh to be contoured, while others require treatment of the entire inner thigh to achieve their desired result.
- Outer Thighs. Commonly referred to as “saddle bags,” the outer thigh is a common problem area for most women. It plays a significant role in a woman’s silhouette and therefore it is important to accurately reduce the correct quantity of fat given the specific body attributes of the individual patient. Liposuction in this area can also compliment the curve of the buttocks.
- Lower Legs. Liposuction in this area is often challenging because the entire lower leg needs to be reshaped to achieve natural-looking proportions. Calves and ankles also have very little “deep fat” pockets, therefore the procedure must be done carefully to avoid creating any irregularities in appearance.
Liposuction can be performed along with other plastic surgery procedures
Liposuction can successfully be combined with other cosmetic surgery procedures such as a facelift, breast augmentation, tummy tuck or lower body lift. If you’re interested in decreasing fat throughout your entire body, this will likely take multiple procedures.
What happens during the liposuction procedure
During liposuction surgery, body fat is removed by first inserting a small, hollow tube (cannula) through one or more tiny incisions near the area to be suctioned. Incisions are usually less than one-quarter inch in length and are placed in places where they will be least noticeable, often within skin folds or contour lines. The cannula is connected through a tube to a vacuum pressure unit. Guided by a plastic surgeon, the suction device then vacuums away your unwanted fat.
Who is a good candidate for liposuction
A good candidate for liposuction should have realistic expectations about the results of the procedure. In addition, he or she should:
- Be of average or only slightly above-average weight
- Have firm, elastic skin
- Be in good overall health
- Be within 30% of their ideal body weight
- Have concentrated pockets of fat that do not respond well to diet and exercise
Lipo 360 Recovery
Did you know that liposuction is the second most popular cosmetic surgery treatment? In 2018, surgeons performed over 250,000 liposuction procedures in the United States, so if you’re considering liposuction, you’re in good company.
While liposuction is quite safe and can help to successfully remove stubborn fat pockets from the body, it’s still a surgical procedure that requires care and attention for a proper recovery. Knowing what to expect post-surgery can help make the recovery process all the easier.
A few considerations
First, nothing is more important than a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. A personalized consultation will allow an experienced surgeon to give you a more concrete idea of how well liposuction will work for you and what kind of recovery process to expect.
Second, you should also be aware that recovery varies from one individual to the next. Factors such as age, overall health and prior medical history all play a role in determining how quickly you will recover. It’s important to let your body heal at its own pace.
Finally, you will want to have realistic expectations when undergoing liposuction. It can be wonderfully transformative when utilized to help meet certain aesthetic objectives, but speaking with a trusted, board-certified plastic surgeon about your goals will help you understand how feasible liposuction is for reaching those objectives.
The recovery process
This is typically an outpatient procedure, which means you can go home the same day, however, if you are having a significant amount of fat removed, you may be required to stay in the hospital overnight for observation.
Regardless of whether or not you have to stay overnight, you will need someone to drive you home when you’re cleared to leave. You will be sore and likely feeling residual effects of the anesthesia or pain medication, so it’s not safe to operate a vehicle.
The first three days
Your surgeon will have given you a compression garment or elastic bandages to wrap around the treatment areas. It’s important to wear these diligently, as they help to reduce swelling and contour your body to its new shape.
You may also have small drains placed at the surgical sites. These prevent fluid from building up around the incisions, which can slow healing. If you have these drains, your surgeon will tell you exactly how to care for them and how long you will have them in.
During the first few days of recovery, you can expect moderate pain and soreness. Your surgeon will have given you pain medication to make this discomfort manageable, so follow your medication schedule closely.
You should plan to limit your activity during this time as well. Your compression garments may restrict your movements some, but it’s also important to limit unnecessary activity when possible. It’s recommended that you enlist help around the house for these few days, especially if you have young children.
Weeks 1-2
After the initial few days of total rest and moderate pain, you will likely notice a significant reduction in pain and soreness in the week or two following your procedure. Many people can return to work after two weeks, but if you have a particularly physical or demanding job, you may want to schedule additional time off in order to recover more fully.
You will still be required to wear your compression garments during this time as well.
Weeks 3-5
Around the one-month mark is when patients typically no longer feel pain or soreness. You may still see swelling, but this is normal. Swelling can take months to completely subside. At this point, you will likely begin to see visible results as well. Keep in mind that your results will improve as the swelling and bruising continue to heal.
After about four weeks, most people are able to resume light exercise, but any heavy or strenuous activity should still be avoided.
Week 6 and beyond
The six-week mark is where the majority of bruising and swelling should have subsided, but lingering swelling can last a bit longer for some.
You will likely no longer need your compression garments at this point, and your activity levels will no longer be restricted unless otherwise ordered by your doctor.
By this point, you will likely be able to see the full scope of your liposuction results.
Recovery tips
You should not try to rush your recovery, but there are certain things you can do to help your body’s natural healing process.
Eat well
Even if you’re healthy, surgery is tough on your body. Proper healing requires good nutrition. You can prep healthy meals ahead of your surgery since you likely won’t feel like cooking. Be sure to eat well and eat regularly.
Include plenty of fresh fruits and veggies in your diet to help boost recovery and limit inflammation.
Stay hydrated
Drink plenty of broth and water post-procedure. Hydration is a key component of successful recovery. You can infuse your water with fresh fruit if you need a change.
Rest up
Taking it easy and getting plenty of sleep in the first few weeks following your surgery are the best ways to help your body heal.
Take a walk
While exercise is not recommended during your recovery, light movement can actually help to speed your body’s healing. If you feel up to it, taking short walks is a great way to get moving without straining your body.
Ask for help
When possible, you should ask for a friend or family member to help you with activities such as cleaning, caring for young children or running errands. You likely won’t be able to pick up your children for a few weeks following surgery, and having a full schedule of errands will wear you down.
Liposuction is a great confidence booster
Liposuction can be life-changing for many people. It can be a great way to boost your confidence and help you to feel happier with your appearance. Knowing what to expect during the recovery can help you make a better-informed decision to undergo liposuction and enjoy the journey to a slimmer, more contoured body.