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Can You Get a Tummy Tuck and Lipo 360 at the Same Time?

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Woman measuring her waist with a yellow measuring tape over blue jeans against a turquoise background after a tummy tuck.

Achieve the Ultimate Body Goals in One Procedure – Here’s everything you need to know.

The quest for a flat, toned stomach is common, yet achieving this aesthetic can feel like a battle. While regular exercise and a healthy diet are essential, some find targeted fat reduction and skin tightening necessary to reach their body contouring goals. This is where the combination of a tummy tuck and Lipo 360 can be a game-changer.

These procedures reshape the midsection by addressing excess skin and stubborn fat, creating a balanced, proportionate silhouette that boosts confidence. Patients can unlock the figure they desire, trading self-consciousness for comfort in their own skin.

In this article, we’ll delve into tummy tuck and Lipo 360 procedures, exploring how they can be combined for exceptional results. We’ll discuss the differences, benefits of the combined approach, and ideal candidates. By the end, you’ll understand if this duo could help achieve your body goals.

Tummy Tuck vs. Lipo 360

A Woman Touching her Belly Fat

To understand how a tummy tuck and Lipo 360 work together, we need to define each procedure and highlight their differences.

Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure to remove excess skin and fat from the abdomen. It also tightens the underlying muscles for a flatter, more toned look. It’s popular with people who’ve lost weight or had body changes due to pregnancy, leaving them with sagging skin.

Lipo 360

Lipo 360 is a comprehensive liposuction procedure that targets fat around the entire torso, including the abdomen, flanks, upper and lower back, and the underarm area. 

It’s designed to sculpt and contour the midsection for a more balanced silhouette. The procedure focuses on fat reduction rather than skin removal and tightening like a tummy tuck.

Key Differences

The primary distinction between a tummy tuck and Lipo 360 is their focus.

Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)Lipo 360
Removes excess skin and fat from the abdomenTargets stubborn fat deposits around the entire torso
Tightens underlying abdominal musclesDoes not address excess skin or muscle laxity
More invasive surgical procedureLess invasive liposuction procedure
Longer recovery periodQuicker recovery time
Focuses on the abdomenComprehensive contouring of the midsection

Can You Combine Tummy Tuck and Lipo 360?

Yes, you can combine a tummy tuck and Lipo 360. This approach allows for a comprehensive body transformation, addressing excess skin and stubborn fat deposits around the midsection.

Benefits of the Combined Approach

  1. Comprehensive Body Contouring: Patients can achieve a more dramatic, sculpted physique by combining a tummy tuck and Lipo 360. The tummy tuck addresses loose, sagging skin while Lipo 360 targets fat for a sleek, proportionate silhouette.
  2. Addresses Excess Skin and Fat: For individuals with excess abdominal skin and stubborn fat pockets.
  3. Achieves a More Proportionate Physique: The synergistic effects of a tummy tuck and Lipo 360 can create a balanced, harmonious figure, enhancing the patient’s natural curves and contours.

Considerations for the Combined Procedure

The combined tummy tuck and Lipo 360 can deliver exceptional results, but there are key considerations:

  1. Increased Surgical Time and Recovery: Undergoing both procedures concurrently will result in a longer operation and recovery compared to either alone.
  2. Importance of an Experienced Plastic Surgeon: It’s crucial to choose a board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Darren Smith with extensive experience in performing these procedures together safely and effectively.
  3. Potential Complications: Like any surgery, there’s a small risk of infection or poor healing. These risks can be minimized by working with a skilled surgeon.

Ideal Candidates for Tummy Tuck + Lipo 360

When considering a tummy tuck and Lipo 360, what defines the ideal candidate:

  1. Good Overall Health: Patients should be in good general health, without underlying medical conditions that could compromise the safety or success of the procedures.
  2. At or Near Goal Weight: The best candidates are individuals who are at or near their ideal body weight and have maintained a stable weight for an extended period. Significant weight fluctuations can affect the long-term results of the treatment.
  3. Significant Excess Abdominal Skin and Fat: Ideal candidates will have significant excess abdominal skin and stubborn fat deposits around the midsection that can’t be resolved with diet and exercise alone.
  4. Desire for Dramatic, Long-Lasting Transformation: People who seek the tummy tuck and Lipo 360 procedure usually want a comprehensive, long-lasting body transformation, rather than targeting one specific area.
  5. Realistic Expectations: Patients need to understand the procedures, recovery process, and expected outcomes. They should have realistic goals and a positive outlook on the potential results.

By meeting these criteria, individuals can maximize the benefits of the combined tummy tuck and Lipo 360 approach. This will ultimately help them achieve a more proportionate, toned, and confident physique.

What to Expect: The Combined Tummy Tuck and Lipo 360 Procedure

A Woman Measuring her Stomach

Preoperative Planning and Consultation

  • The procedure starts with a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon.
  • During the initial appointment, the surgeon will examine the patient, assess their concerns and goals, and develop a treatment plan.
  • Advanced imaging can visualize excess skin and fat, helping the surgeon plan the approach.

Anesthesia and Surgical Technique

  1. On the day of the procedure, the patient will receive general anesthesia or a combination of local anesthesia and sedation, depending on the surgeon’s recommendation and the patient’s preference.
  2. The tummy tuck surgery starts with incisions to remove excess skin and fat and tighten the abdominal muscles.
  3. Once the tummy tuck is done, the surgeon will perform the Lipo 360. They will use specialized instruments to extract fat from the entire torso.

Recovery Timeline and Post-Operative Care

  • After combined surgery, patients can expect a longer recovery period than with either procedure alone.
  • The surgeon will provide detailed instructions and support for a smooth healing process.
  • Patients may need to wear compression garments for several weeks. They may experience mild discomfort, swelling, and bruising in the initial days after the procedure.
  • Most people can return to work and light activities within 1-2 weeks, and fully recover in 4-6 weeks.

If you’re interested in combining a tummy tuck and Lipo 360, schedule a consultation with Dr. Darren Smith, a renowned board-certified plastic surgeon in New York City.

Dr. Smith’s expertise, artistic eye, and personalized approach can help you achieve the sculpted physique you desire.