If you want a more sculpted, leaner-looking waistline, you may consider liposuction or a tummy tuck. For some people, the best choice is both. You may wonder, Why should you pair lipo 360 with tummy tuck surgery . Both address different issues that may be getting in the way of the waistline you want.
Please remember this article isn’t a substitute for medical advice. See an experienced plastic surgeon for advice tailored to your needs. We want you to be safe while you enjoy the results of any plastic surgery you opt to get.
The first step to weighing your option to combine the two procedures is to understand a little about each procedure and the benefits of each.
What is Lipo 360?
Lipo 360 is a cosmetic procedure that removes excess fat from multiple midsection areas to create a more contoured and balanced appearance. The “360” refers to the treatment of the body as a 360-degree circle, targeting the abdomen, waist, hips, and sometimes the lower back.
This procedure is often chosen by individuals who want a more comprehensive body contouring result than traditional liposuction, which typically targets a single area. It’s important to note that while Lipo 360 can enhance body contours, it’s not a weight loss solution. It works best for individuals who are near their ideal body weight with stubborn fat deposits that are resistant to diet and exercise.
What is a Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen and tightens the abdominal muscles. Individuals with loose or sagging skin often seek this procedure. This may be due to significant weight loss, pregnancy, or aging.
Different types of tummy tucks include a mini-tummy tuck (which focuses on the lower abdomen) and a full or extended tummy tuck (which can also address the flanks or ‘love handles’). Like liposuction, a tummy tuck is not a substitute for weight loss.
While the results of a tummy tuck are technically permanent, the positive outcome can be greatly diminished by significant fluctuations in weight. If you are planning substantial weight loss or future pregnancies, you may be advised to postpone a tummy tuck.
Why Lipo 360 and a Tummy Tuck Work Well Together
For some people, one procedure doesn’t fully address their needs. For example, you may want to remove a little more fat than a tummy tuck can accommodate, so liposuction is a good option. You may also have loose skin from pregnancy or other weight loss best addressed by a tummy tuck. Sometimes, you may also have damaged or separated abdominal muscles that may be fixed with a tummy tuck.
Combining the two procedures allows your plastic surgeon to address targeted fat loss, damaged abdominal muscles, and tighten loose skin. Combining procedures also makes the best use of your downtime and helps you avoid being under anesthetics more than necessary.
Through the combination, you get a lean look. Sculpted waistline you want. Imagine feeling confident in a body-conscious outfit, swimsuit, evening wear, or lingerie. The secret few people mention is that someone can make lifestyle changes like improving their diet and exercising consistently and still have problem areas. Someone can lose fat and reach their ideal healthy weight and still have loose skin or feel unhappy with how a specific area of their body looks.
Finding the Right Plastic Surgeon
Finding the right plastic surgeon is a crucial step in your journey towards cosmetic enhancement. Here are some key points to consider:
- Look for a surgeon who is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery or a similar recognized professional body in your country. This ensures they have undergone rigorous training and meet high standards of practice. While some skilled surgeons don’t yet have this certification, it indicates excellence and a commitment to the craft.
- Opt for a surgeon who specializes in the procedure you’re interested in. Ask about their experience, how often they’ve performed the procedure, and their complication rates.
- Review the surgeon’s portfolio to assess their aesthetic sense and the quality of their work. This can give you a good idea of what to expect. Beyond technical excellence, there is an art to plastic surgery requiring a keen aesthetic eye.
- Even if your procedure is not taking place in a hospital, your surgeon must have operating privileges in an accredited hospital for the procedure you’re considering. Hospitals do background checks.
- Look at reviews and testimonials from previous patients. This can give you insight into others’ experiences with the surgeon and their team.
- If you know someone who had work done, ask them for the name of their plastic surgeon and whether they would recommend them.
- You should feel comfortable with your surgeon. They should be able to answer all your questions clearly and make you feel at ease. This is one reason a consultation is so crucial since: you can get a sense of whether you feel comfortable with this doctor.
Remember, cosmetic surgery is a significant decision and should not be taken lightly. Take your time, do your research, and don’t rush into anything.
During your consultation, your plastic surgeon will examine you and learn about your medical history. This is to ensure the procedure is as safe and effective as possible. A good candidate for elective surgery like a tummy tuck is someone who is generally healthy, a nonsmoker, and reasonably close to their healthy weight range. All surgery carries some risk, so any responsible doctor will assess whether a patient has than ideal risk and whether anything can be done to reduce the risk.
Having realistic expectations of the procedure is also crucial. Feel free to ask any questions about the procedure, recovery time, and what kind of results you could expect.
If you live in the Charlotte, NC, area, we invite you to reach out to Charlotte Plastic Surgery. We feel privileged that members of our community trust their appearance to us. We love seeing the confident smiles during follow-up appointments when patients are thrilled with their results. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.
