Lipo 360 and tummy tuck are two different procedures that can help you get a flatter stomach. Lipo 360 is a non-surgical procedure that uses vacuum technology to suction fat from the body. Lipo 360 is best for people who have small areas of fat that need to be removed.
Tummy tuck is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from around the abdomen, waist, and hip area. Tummy tucks are best for people who have a lot of extra skin around their midsection, but also want to remove some fat deposits as well.
Patients sometimes ask about the difference between Lipo 360 vs Tummy Tuck. Both procedures result in a more sculpted and leaner-looking waistline. However, each option appeals to patients with different goals. Sometimes people who find they just can’t lose the fat around the waist despite diet and exercise opt for cosmetic treatment to give them the appearance of a leaner waistline and a flatter tummy. Other people successfully lose weight but feel very self-conscious or uncomfortable because of loose skin around their abdomen and elsewhere.
In both cases, a cosmetic procedure may give them the appearance they desire, but one may benefit more from liposuction while the other wants a tummy tuck. We hope this article clarifies the similarities and differences between these options. Please keep in mind that this article isn’t a substitute for individualized medical care. A board-certified plastic surgeon will give you information specific to your health history, needs, aesthetic goals, budget, and personal preferences. This article is simply a starting point.
What is a Tummy Tuck?
During a tummy tuck (otherwise known as abdominoplasty), your doctor makes a horizontal incision between the naval and pubic area and repairs the abdominal muscles by pulling them together and stitching them with medical-grade nylon. Your surgeon then removes the excess skin and fat, resulting in a flatter-looking tummy. Of course, this description over-simplifies a procedure that requires precision and skill.
Patients who opt for a tummy tuck often do so since this cosmetic procedure treats both unwanted fat and excess skin.
It especially appeals to people after a rapid or large weight loss, primarily to remove the loose skin. Other reasons people opt for a tummy tuck are to restore a leaner-looking appearance due to aging-related sagging or gain, lax muscles from pregnancy, or prior surgeries. A tummy tuck also helps people who struggle with belly bulges achieve a flatter tummy.
In summary, a tummy tuck:
- Removes excess or undesired fat.
- Removes loose or excess skin around the abdomen.
- Tightens abdominal muscles.
- Results in a “tighter” looking and sculpted waistline.
Some patients prefer a “mini tummy tuck.” While a full tummy tuck treats excess fat and skin all over the abdomen, a mini tummy tuck focuses on the area below the navel.
Since a tummy tuck is a surgical procedure requiring a general anesthetic, patients may require weeks or months to heal completely. A board-certified plastic surgeon will talk you through that process and what to expect. Since people heal at different rates, your overall health history is a big factor. For some, liposuction may be preferred.
What is Lipo 360?
Before getting into the specific description of Lipo 360, it helps to have a basic understanding of liposuction.
Compared to a tummy tuck, liposuction is a less invasive way to remove unwanted fat. It may be a better solution for people with good skin tone and muscle tone who just want to lose a little fat in specific areas.
Doctors perform liposuction on the stomach, legs, arms, under the chin, or elsewhere. Liposuction is still a surgical procedure, so like any operation, you need time to recover afterward.
Although there are some similarities between a tummy tuck and liposuction, there are also major differences. Unlike a tummy tuck, liposuction doesn’t address loose skin. It is intended for people who want to remove stubborn body fat but do not need to remove excess skin.
During liposuction, your surgeon uses a saline solution inserted with a cannula to suck the fat out. A liposuction cannula is tiny, with an inside diameter of less than or around 2.2 mm. It resembles a hypodermic needle.
The fat removal is highly targeted, so it addresses stubborn fat that diet and exercise cannot specifically target. Although the fat cells are permanently removed, the patient may still gain new body fat from overeating.
Lipo 360 targets fat all around the midriff area. So instead of performing liposuction in a specific area like just the lower abdomen, during Lipo 360, the doctor removes fat from the abdomen, waist, and hips (including lower back).
People who are concerned about love handles and a protruding abdomen are frequently especially interested in Lipo 360.
Liposuction, including Lipo 360, might be right for you if you:
- Are close to your ideal body weight, i.e., within 20 pounds.
- Don’t have lax muscles, sagging skin, or excess skin around your abdomen.
- Just want to remove body fat that resists diet and exercise.
Combining a Tummy Tuck and Lipo 360
It isn’t an either-or choice for some people between Lipo 360 vs tummy tuck. They may opt to combine the two for a more sculpted appearance, especially if they also have excess abdominal skin from weight loss or pregnancy.
Neither liposuction nor a tummy tuck is a replacement for weight loss through diet or exercise. In fact, many patients who were satisfied with their results sought these treatments after a successful weight loss through bariatric surgery, diet, and lifestyle change.
What Is The Difference Between Lipo 360 And Tummy Tuck
Many women don’t realize that diet and exercise, although important, have limitations to how they can alter the body’s shape and appearance, that surgery can help.
Dr. Cat Begovic is a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in tummy tucks and 360 liposuction in Beverly Hills to help patients enhance their figure.
Cosmetic procedures like 360 liposuction or a tummy tuck can produce a slimmer, more toned figure through plastic surgery. While these two options can both help improve your figure, they are two very different treatment options. How do you know which one is best for you?
Read on to learn the differences between 360 liposuction and tummy tuck procedures.
What Is 360 Liposuction?
360 liposuction is a surgical procedure that aims to remove fat from the body through use of suction. It is a minimally invasive surgery that is intended for patients who have a small to moderate amount of excess weight in various areas of the body. This typically includes the stomach, back, thighs, and arms.
Dr. Cat explains her 360 Liposuction technique below:
“I cannot emphasize more how liposuction is not about fat removal, it’s really about shaping and blending what needs to be done in a very precise and meticulous way in order for all of the areas to blend properly into each other and avoid situations with dents, irregularities or shelves around different sections of the body.”
What Is a Tummy Tuck?
Also known as an abdominoplasty, a tummy tuck is a surgical procedure that aims to remove excess skin around the midsection while repairing and tightening abdominal muscles.
It can be an extensive, invasive procedure that is intended for patients who are close to their ideal weight, but have excess loose skin of the abdomen. It is not a weight loss surgery. Instead, it is meant to enhance the appearance of the abdomen.
Diet and exercise, although important, often cannot repair or treat the skin and underlying muscles that have been stretched. Even some of the thinnest patients have excess skin that they just can’t remove, that a tummy tuck can help with. If there is excess fat in addition to excess skin, patients may also need to have liposuction as an additional procedure. If the mons pubis is also hanging, patients may also need to have a pubic lift.
Tummy Tuck vs. 360 Liposuction in Beverly Hills
When patients are looking to get in better shape and have a slimmer, more toned figure, they may not know which procedure is best for them.
360 liposuction can remove fat cells, while a tummy tuck can enhance underlying muscle tone. You may think the ideal solution is to have both procedures performed at once, but this isn’t safe. Dr. Cat explains why she does not perform 360 lipo with tummy tucks below:
“I would never perform a tummy tuck and 360 liposuction together since the blood supply to the stomach skin runs through the fat so it is not recommended to do extensive or aggressive liposuction at the same time as a tummy tuck.”
Since these two procedures are not performed at once, Dr. Cat works with each patient to determine which of the two treatments will benefit them the most or if a combination of the two in separate surgeries would be the best plan. These two surgeries are very different in approach and outcomes, as well. The unique circumstances for each patient will dictate which procedure will be the better option for them.
Learn more about the differences between 360 liposuction and tummy tucks below.
360 Liposuction Procedure
360 liposuction is performed under general anesthesia in a plastic surgery center. The procedure begins with numbing the various treatment areas. For most patients, this includes some combination of the stomach, thighs, arms, and back.
Next, small incisions are made in these various areas around the body where there is excess fat. Dr. Cat goes above and beyond to make sure that these incisions are as discreet as possible with her special incision closure technique, resulting in nearly invisible scars.
A thin liposuction cannula is then inserted into each incision one at a time. This cannula is attached to a suction machine, which will provide the power to gently remove fat from the body.
Dr. Cat carefully maneuvers the cannula to suction away fat in a specific manner, essentially sculpting the body into a more desirable shape. The entire process can take anywhere from three to five hours, depending on the patient’s needs.
Tummy Tuck Procedure
Tummy tucks are performed under general anesthesia in a plastic surgical center. The procedure begins with the application of a numbing solution to the abdomen. Dr. Cat then makes a low, curved incision along an area that is marked prior to surgery.
Dr. Cat consults with the patient to determine exactly where they want their incision to be. It is usually just above the pubic area.
Once the incision is made, the skin and fat are lifted away from the abdominal wall, up to the edges of the ribs. A small circle is cut around the belly button and the skin around this is lifted, giving access to the abdominal muscles.
Excess skin and fat is removed and the underlying abdominal muscles are repaired and tightened. The skin is then lowered back down to cover the newly altered abdomen.
In many cases, the belly button will need to be reconstructed to fit the new appearance of the abdomen. Dr. Cat has developed a specialized technique to create a natural-looking innie belly button for her tummy tuck patients.
The entire tummy tuck process can take anywhere from four to seven hours, depending on the complexity of the patient’s needs.
360 Liposuction Recovery
The recovery from 360 liposuction is relatively simple. Patients are usually up and walking several hours after surgery. Most patients are discharged to return home that same night, but some may required to remain in the surgical aftercare center overnight before they can be discharged, depending on the number of areas of liposuction. Many patients return to work a few days after their procedure.
Patients may experience mild swelling and bruising for a few weeks after surgery. Patients are asked to wear a compression garment during this time to reduce swelling and promote healing.
Dr. Cat has developed specialized techniques that create minimal scarring, which means that your 360 lipo scars will be almost invisible.
Tummy Tuck Recovery
Recovery from a tummy tuck is more extensive than the recovery from liposuction. Patients are required to remain in the surgical aftercare center overnight before they can be discharged.
During the first two weeks, patients will need to walk bent over for optimal healing. They can typically return to work after this period.
Surgical drains will be in place for one to two weeks and compression garments will be required for six weeks to enable proper healing.
There is minimal pain associated with a tummy tuck recovery, as Dr. Cat has developed an advanced approach that decreases discomfort.
360 Liposuction Candidates
The ideal candidate for 360 liposuction is someone who has a small to moderate amount of excess fat in various areas of the body. This includes the stomach, buttocks, arms, thighs, and back. The patient should be in good overall health, as the procedure requires general anesthesia.
Liposuction does not remove excess skin or alter underlying muscles in any way. It simply removes excess fat from the body. Patients who are looking to have excess loose skin removed or their underlying muscle enhanced will not benefit from liposuction.
Tummy Tuck Candidates
The ideal candidate for a tummy tuck is someone who is close to their ideal weight, but struggling with excess loose skin around the abdomen. The patient should be in good overall health because the procedure requires going under general anesthesia.
Tummy tuck procedures are not weight loss treatments. Rather than removing excess fat, they remove loose skin and enhance underlying abdominal muscles. Patients who want to remove excess weight will not benefit from a tummy tuck.
Tummy Tucks and 360 Liposuction in Beverly Hills
If you are interested in achieving a slimmer, more toned figure through plastic surgery, look no further than Dr. Cat Begovic.
Dr. Cat is a board-certified surgeon who performs tummy tucks and 360 liposuction in Beverly Hills. The satisfaction of her patients is Dr. Cat’s biggest priority.
Dr. Cat works directly with each patient, assessing their current anatomy and discussing their desired outcomes. Every patient’s anatomy is different, which is why it is vital to have a consultation with an expert plastic surgeon to determine which surgical approach will best meet your needs.
During your plastic surgery consultation, Dr. Cat will perform a complete physical examination. She will also address any questions or concerns you may have about your treatment options. She will use this time to create a detailed and customized plan for your specific surgical procedure, ensuring that your surgery is tailored to your specific goals.
Next Steps: See a Board Certified Cosmetic Surgeon
Book a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon for any cosmetic procedure, especially cosmetic surgery. Any surgical procedure comes with risk factors that may make it inappropriate for some patients. A skilled physician will be able to assess whether you are a good candidate and answer any questions you may have.
At Charlotte Plastic Surgery, we feel privileged to help our patients make these highly personal decisions about their appearance. We love the confident smiles we see when a patient is overjoyed with their results.
Lipo 360 And Tummy Tuck Prices
Surgical
Breast Procedures
Primary Breast Augmentation
| Saline or Silicone (Incision under Breast) | $10,000 |
| Saline or Silicone (Endoscopic Transaxillary) | $11,500 |
| Fat Transfer | $11,000 |
| Hybrid (Gel + Fat) | $17,500 |
| Revision Breast Augmentation* (Other Surgeon as Primary) | From $11,100 |
* Straightforward implant exchange without revision of the pocket priced as primary.
| Explant (alone) | $6,000 |
| Explant (With Capsulectomy) | $9,500 |
| En-Bloc (Capsulectomy) | $13,000 |
* For Grade III/IV capsules. For Grade I/II + $1,000
** Add: PA Lift + $2,060, Fat Tx + $6,280 ($2,800 if doing other lipo), CV/Anchor Lift + $5,150
Breast Lift / Non-OHIP Breast Reduction
| Periareolar (Donut Lift) | $12,000 |
| Vertical / Wise (Lollipop / Anchor Lift) | $14,500 |
Combined Breast Lift / Augmentation (Silicone)
| Periareolar (Donut Lift) | $11,995 |
| Vertical / Wise (Lollipop / Anchor Lift) | $14,165 |
Gynecomastia Correction (Male Breast Reduction)
| Gynecomastia | From $7,500- $10,000 |
| Inverted Nipple Correction | $1,700 (one) | $3,000 (both) |
| Nipple Reduction | $1,700 (one) | $3,000 (both) |
| Areola Reduction | $9,000 |
| Overnight Stay (If Required) | $2,000 |
* All listed prices are ESTIMATES ONLY. Final price will be determined post consultation. HST is additional.
Surgical
Body Procedures
Weight Loss Surgery
| Gastric Sleeve | $18,000 (incl. HST) |
Tummy Tuck / Abdominoplasty
(Without Liposuction)
| Mini | $9,000 |
| Short-Scar(No Drain) | $11,000 |
| Extended | $13,000 |
| Extended with Liposuction to Flanks | $14,500 |
| Fleur-de-lis | $16,500 |
| Fleur-de-lis with Liposuction to Flanks | $18,000 |
Body Lift
| Lower Body Lift/Butt Lift | From $10,000 |
| Circumferential Body Lift | $22,000 |
| Bra-Line Back Lift | $10,000 |
Brachiaplasty (Arm Lift) / Thighplasty (Inner Thigh Lift)
| Mini | $9,500 |
| Full | $11,000 |
| Extended | $12,500 |
Liposuction
| First Area | $7,500 |
| Additional Areas (See Map) | $3,000 ~ $5,000 |
| Lipo 360 (Abdomen, Flanks, Bra Roll, Lower Back) | $13,000 (If adding to a Tummy Tuck + $9,945) |
Brazilian Butt Lift
| Including 1 zone Liposuction | $11,500 |
| Including 2 zones Liposuction | $14,000 |
| Including Lipo 360 | $15,500 |
Lower Body Procedures
| Vaginoplasty | $5,700 (General Anesthesia) |
| Labiaplasty | $4,200 (Local) | $5,200 (General) |
| Labia Majora | $4,500 (Local) | $5,500 (General) |
| Hymenoplasty | $2,800 (Local Anesthesia) |
| De-Hooding | $3,500 (Alone) $2,000 (If added with Labiaplasty) |
* All listed prices are ESTIMATES ONLY. Final price will be determined post consultation. HST is additional.
Surgical
Facial Procedures
Blepharoplasty (Eye Lift)
| Upper Only | $4,500 ( Local Anesthesia ) $5,000 (General Anesthesia) |
| Lower Only | $4,500 ( Local Anesthesia ) $5,000 (General Anesthesia) |
| Upper & Lower | $7,000 ( Local Anesthesia ) $8,000 (General Anesthesia) |
Other Facial Procedures
| Nose Job (Rhinoplasty) | From $9,000 |
| Buccal Fat Removal | $6,000 |
| FaceLift | From $19,600 |
| FaceLift with Eyelid Surgery | From $23,500 |
| Lip Lift | $4,500 ( Local Anesthesia ) $5,000 (General Anesthesia) |
| Facial Fat Transfer | From $7,500 |
| Brow Lift | From $8,000 |
| Otoplasty (Setback of Prominent Ears) | $6,000 ( Local Anesthesia ) $7,000 (General Anesthesia) |
| Ear Lobe Reconstruction | $1,500/One, $2,200/Both |
**All listed prices are ESTIMATES ONLY. Final price will be determined post consultation. HST is additional.