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Restore SD Plastic Surgery»Blog » Tummy tuck vs. 360 lipo: A plastic surgeon shares the pros & cons of each

Tummy tuck vs. 360 lipo: A plastic surgeon shares the pros & cons of each

Published June 19, 2024 by Katerina Gallus, MD FACS
Woman with nice figure wearing black underwear

Deciding on the right body contouring procedure can be an intimidating journey, and you shouldn’t navigate it alone! As a seasoned female plastic surgeon in San Diego, Dr. Katerina Gallus has guided many patients through the options available to sculpt your curves and address the effects of weight changes, pregnancy, and/or time. 

Today, we’re exploring the distinctions between a tummy tuck and “360” liposuction to help you learn the differences before your plastic surgery consultation.

Fit woman with her hands on her hips after a tummy tuck procedure

Tummy tuck tightens abdominal muscles & removes excess skin

A tummy tuck, medically known as abdominoplasty, is a transformative procedure designed to create a firmer, flatter abdomen. It is ideal for individuals dealing with excess skin and weakened abdominal muscles, often resulting from significant weight loss or pregnancy, and reliably provides a sculpted and toned appearance.

Pros

  • Addresses diastasis recti: A tummy tuck repairs stretched or separated abdominal muscles, a condition known a diastasis recti. This can alleviate associated symptoms like lower back pain, weak abdominal muscles, or poor posture.
  • Removes excess skin: This procedure offers a significant transformation by not only removing excess fat, but also removing excess skin and re-draping the skin for a toned, fit appearance.
  • Possible stretch mark reduction: If you have stretch marks below the belly button, they will be permanently removed with the loose skin that is removed. This is the only surefire way to get rid of stretch marks.

Cons

  • Longer recovery: Tummy tucks require more patience in the recovery period, as the muscles take time to heal; you will likely be away from work for about 2 weeks.
  • Scarring: Abdominoplasty leaves a scar along the base of the abdomen (still, this is strategically placed to be concealed by underwear or a swimsuit).
Before and after tummy tuck with liposuction
View tummy tuck gallery »

360 liposuction targets fat deposits

360-degree liposuction targets fat deposits below the skin, allowing Dr. Gallus to sculpt the waist and hips by selectively removing fat through a suction device. This procedure does not require lengthy incisions like a tummy tuck, yet can yield a slimmer contour and meet your goals when diet- and exercise-resistant fat deposits are the source of your frustration. If your concerns are limited to a tummy pooch and/or love handles, without excess skin, then 360 lipo could be ideal for you.

Pros

  • Less extensive surgery: The procedure is less invasive, slightly reducing the risk of complications.
  • Quicker recovery: 360 lipo offers a quicker recovery time, with patients usually returning to work and their regular activities within a week.
  • Smaller scars: Liposuction incisions are about the size of a pencil eraser, and are easy to conceal once healed.
  • Local anesthesia: Depending on the extent of surgery, Dr. Gallus may offer you local anesthesia with sedation, shortening the recovery time and enabling you to have the procedure in an office setting.
  • Combines easily with Renuvion: To achieve mild skin contraction, Renuvion skin tightening can be performed at the same time as liposuction.

Cons

  • Cannot address loose skin: Liposuction is a fat removal procedure, not a skin removal procedure; it does not remove moderate-to-severe loose skin or repair underlying muscles. 
Real patient shown before and after liposuction
View liposuction gallery »

Make a surgical plan with a board-certified plastic surgeon

Selecting the right procedure depends largely on your specific concerns and desired outcomes. In the hands of a board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Katerina Gallus, you will receive personalized advice and care from the initial consultation through your recovery. Together, you will discuss your goals, evaluate your medical history, and consider your preferences to decide on the treatment plan that best suits your needs.

Schedule a consultation in La Jolla today

As a board-certified plastic surgeon with many years of experience, Dr. Katerina Gallus has the skills to help you achieve a confidence-boosting look! She is also down-to-earth and makes creating your surgical plan a collaborative experience. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Katerina Gallus today, call 858-224-2281 or contact us online and our team will reach out to you.

Areas served:
  • La Jolla
  • San Diego

Filed Under: Body Surgery

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