If you're interested in toning and contouring your body shape to achieve your ideal aesthetic, 360 liposuction may be a suitable solution.

Also called Lipo 360, this fat removal technique targets stubborn belly fat and other difficult-to-tone body parts. Liposuction has long been a popular cosmetic procedure for individuals looking to sculpt and contour their bodies. 

If you've never heard of Lipo 360, it is simply a variant of liposuction that addresses several specific body parts simultaneously. 

This comprehensive guide provides a detailed overview of the Lipo 360 procedure, its benefits, considerations, and recovery process. Whether you're considering undergoing this procedure or want to learn more about it, this article will serve as a valuable resource.

Here are some reasons patients pick Lipo 360 for their fat removal goals, plus other important points to consider during the evaluation stage.

What Exactly Is Lipo 360?

Lipo 360, as the name implies, takes an "all-around" approach to the standard liposuction process.

This treatment, also known as "circumferential liposuction" or 360-degree liposuction, uses many of the same fat removal techniques as regular liposuction. However, as board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Karan Chopra explains above, unlike a typical stomach or back liposuction procedure, it removes fat deposits from the entire midsection (full abdomen, waist, flanks, and back) in a single session.

Traditional Liposuction vs. Lipo 360

Lipo 360 and other liposuction techniques may seem similar, but it is best to comprehend how they differ when deciding on an operation.

Traditional liposuction usually focuses on one body part at a time, such as the belly, hips, or elsewhere per operation. This conventional plastic surgery approach is targeted in scope and does not extend beyond the area of treatment.

Lipo 360, on the other hand, contours the entire stomach in one treatment. Lipo 360 often includes fat reduction in the belly, flanks, hips, and back bra rolls. "wraps" around the entire midsection without missing any spots.

Lipo 360 Treatments Compared to Tummy Tucks

Lipo 360 is designed to focus on fat removal; it is essential to note that it does not tighten or remove excess skin due to weight loss or aging. On the other hand, a tummy tuck removes and tightens abdominal skin. 

Patients with excess fat and loose skin, or those with poor skin laxity, may need to combine Lipo 360 with a tummy tuck or mini tummy tuck to achieve optimal results. Combining these two procedures in one treatment can result in an extensive recovery, so this option might not suit you if you have a constantly busy schedule.

What Are Some Advantages of Lipo 360?

Here are some of the key advantages associated with this procedure:

• 360-Degree Results: By targeting the abdomen, flanks, waistline, and back, Lipo 360 ensures that all areas are sculpted uniformly, providing a balanced and harmonious outcome.

• Enhanced Contouring: Lipo 360 allows for precise sculpting and contouring, resulting in a smoother, more aesthetically pleasing body shape.

• Improved Confidence: The effects of Lipo 360 can boost self-confidence and improve body image, leading to an enhanced quality of life.

• Combinable With Fat Transfers: Because fat is removed from several larger areas, most patients will have enough material collected to complete a fat transfer like a BBL.  

360 liposuction has a broader scope than conventional approaches. This element means it may provide distinct advantages for people who want to sculpt different areas at the same time.

Lipo 360 addresses the entire torso as a unified cosmetic unit. Treating multiple treatment areas in one procedure allows surgeons to achieve superior aesthetic results than standard liposuction. Not only does Lipo 360 enhance the appearance of several regions, but it also helps ensure a balanced, symmetrical look across the entire midsection.

There may be visible transition areas if you receive liposuction on only one region or treat adjacent body parts in different sessions. A skilled surgeon should be able to erase such poorly demarcated transition zones with Lipo 360, resulting in smoother borders and better symmetry.

Who Makes for a Good Lipo 360 Candidate?

As with traditional liposuction, knowing who makes for a good Lipo 360 candidate and the procedure's potential risks is essential.

Generally speaking, if you are a candidate for traditional liposuction, you are likely qualified for Lipo 360. Good candidates include those:

• At or near their ideal weight 

• With a body mass index (BMI) lower than 42

• Are in good overall health

• Who understand this is not a weight-loss solution.

• With stubborn fat resistant to diet and exercise. 

The Lipo 360 Procedure Step-by-Step

Understanding the step-by-step process of the Lipo 360 procedure can help alleviate any concerns or anxieties you may have. Here's an overview of what to expect:

Step 1: Consultation and Evaluation

The journey begins with a personal consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon. The surgeon will assess your candidacy for the Lipo 360 procedure during this consultation. They will evaluate your medical history, current health status, and aesthetic goals to determine if you are a suitable candidate.

Step 2: Pre-operative Preparations

Before the procedure, your surgeon will provide detailed pre-operative instructions to ensure optimal results and minimize risks. These instructions may include dietary guidelines, medication restrictions, and lifestyle changes.

Step 3: Anesthesia

On the day of the procedure, you will be administered anesthesia to ensure your comfort throughout the surgery. The type of anesthesia used may vary based on your surgeon's recommendation and your preferences. Generally speaking, wide-awake fat removal treatments are less risky because they avoid general anesthesia. 

Step 4: Incision Placement

Small incisions, typically a few millimeters wide, will be strategically placed in inconspicuous areas to minimize visible scarring. Your surgeon will determine the optimal incision locations based on your body's anatomy and the treated areas.

Step 5: Fat Removal

Using a thin tube called a cannula, your surgeon will gently suction out unwanted fat from the targeted areas. The cannula is inserted through the incisions and moved controlled to break up and remove the fat cells.

Step 6: Sculpting and Contouring

During fat removal, your surgeon will carefully sculpt and contour the treated areas 360 degrees around the midsection to create the desired shape and silhouette. This step requires a keen eye for aesthetics and precision.

Step 7: Closing the Incisions

Once the fat removal and contouring are complete, your surgeon will carefully close the incisions using sutures. These sutures are typically absorbable, meaning they do not need to be removed later. The incisions will be bandaged to protect them during the initial stages of healing. 

Step 8: Recovery and Post-operative Care

Following the Lipo 360 procedure, it's crucial to prioritize your recovery and follow the post-operative care instructions provided by your surgeon. Here are some critical aspects of the recovery process:

• Compression Garments: Your surgeon will recommend wearing compression garments to minimize swelling and support the newly contoured areas. These garments should be worn as instructed to optimize results, usually for at least two weeks after Lipo 360. 

• Activity Restrictions: Initially, you may need to limit physical activities and avoid heavy exercise for a few weeks to allow your body to heal fully. Your surgeon will provide specific guidelines regarding activity restrictions and gradually ease back into your routine. Most can return to the gym about three weeks after Lipo 360. 

• Managing Discomfort: Some discomfort, bruising, and swelling are expected after the procedure. Your surgeon may prescribe pain medication to address this during the initial stages of recovery.

• Follow-up Appointments: Attending all scheduled follow-up appointments with your surgeon is crucial to ensure your recovery progresses smoothly. These appointments allow your surgeon to monitor your healing process and address any concerns or questions you may have.

How Long Does It Take to See Results from Lipo 360?

Like any form of liposuction, Lipo 360 can produce dramatic results for those seeking their dream body. However, the time required to see results after the procedure will likely change with each person.

The initial results of Lipo 360 can be seen once the swelling subsides, usually within a few weeks. However, the final results may take several months to develop as your body heals and adjusts fully.

Lipo 360 vs. AirSculpt®

AirSculpt is a patented fat removal and body contouring technique developed to reduce the downsides of conventional liposuction. No needles, scalpels, or stitches are required as fat is plucked through a tiny freckle-sized entryway, delivering permanent results with minimal discomfort. 

Unlike fully surgical procedures, this minimally invasive approach offers dramatic changes without the abrasive elements of traditional liposuction. Whether you have a small pocket of stubborn love handle fat or want to sculpt your full tummy, waist, and back, this customizable treatment can help almost anyone.

Patients can achieve the same benefits as Lipo 360 by combining Stomach AirSculpt and Back Bra Roll AirSculpt. Rather than going through an extensive weeks-long downtime, you can return to work within one to two days of this approach.