Learn about the extended tummy tuck with lipo 360 procedure for dramatic body contouring results.
An extended tummy tuck with lipo 360 is a comprehensive body contouring procedure that combines a traditional tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) with liposuction around the entire midsection, including the flanks, hips, and lower back.
This surgical procedure is ideal for patients who have experienced significant weight loss, pregnancy, or have loose, sagging skin and stubborn fat deposits that don’t respond to diet and exercise.
What is an Extended Tummy Tuck?
A standard tummy tuck addresses loose skin and muscle laxity in the abdominal area below the belly button. An extended tummy tuck goes further to remove excess skin across the entire abdominal area, both above and below the belly button.
The incision for an extended tummy tuck is longer, often extending from hip to hip. During the procedure, the abdominal muscles are tightened and excess skin is removed to create a flatter, more toned appearance.
What is Lipo 360?
Lipo 360 is a liposuction technique that removes excess fat deposits from the entire midsection – a full 360 degrees around the waistline. This includes the abdomen, flanks (love handles), hips, and lower back. By contouring the entire midsection rather than just the front abdomen, lipo 360 provides more comprehensive results for an improved overall shape and silhouette.
Combining an Extended Tummy Tuck with Lipo 360
An extended tummy tuck with lipo 360 addresses both excess skin and stubborn fat for dramatic body contouring results. The tummy tuck tightens lax abdominal muscles and removes sagging skin, while lipo 360 eliminates fat pockets and refines the contours of the midsection. Together, these procedures can:
- Flatten and tone the abdomen
- Remove loose, excess skin
- Tighten stretched and separated abdominal muscles
- Eliminate stubborn fat deposits
- Contour the waistline, flanks, hips, and lower back
- Improve the overall shape and proportions of the midsection
Who is a Good Candidate?
The ideal candidate for an extended tummy tuck with lipo 360 is someone who is at or near their goal weight but struggles with loose skin and excess fat in the midsection. This is often the result of significant weight loss, pregnancy, or the natural aging process. Good candidates should be non-smokers in generally good health.
It’s important to have realistic expectations for the procedure. An extended tummy tuck with lipo 360 can dramatically improve the appearance of the midsection, but it is not a weight loss solution. Patients should be committed to maintaining their results with a healthy lifestyle.
What to Expect During the Procedure
An extended tummy tuck with lipo 360 is performed under general anesthesia and takes several hours to complete. The surgeon starts by making a horizontal incision across the lower abdomen, typically from hip to hip. The length and shape of the incision depends on the amount of excess skin to be removed.
Next, the skin is lifted to expose the abdominal muscles. The surgeon tightens and repairs stretched or separated muscles, pulling them closer together to create a firmer, flatter abdominal wall.
Liposuction is then used to remove excess fat from the abdomen, flanks, hips, and lower back. The remaining skin is pulled down, and any excess is trimmed away. The belly button is repositioned as needed. Finally, the incisions are closed with sutures, and surgical drains may be placed to prevent fluid buildup.
Recovery and Healing
Recovery after an extended tummy tuck with lipo 360 takes time and patience. Patients typically need to take 2-3 weeks off work and other normal activities to rest and heal.
Swelling, bruising, and discomfort are common in the initial days and weeks following surgery. Pain medication and compression garments help manage these side effects.
It’s crucial to follow your surgeon’s post-operative instructions carefully to support proper healing and minimize the risk of complications. This includes getting plenty of rest, staying hydrated, eating a healthy diet, and avoiding strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for several weeks.
Swelling can take several months to fully subside, and it may take up to a year for the final results to develop. However, patients often notice a significant improvement in the shape and contour of their midsection soon after surgery. The results of an extended tummy tuck with lipo 360 can be long-lasting if the patient maintains a stable weight through a healthy lifestyle.
Choosing a Plastic Surgeon
If you’re considering an extended tummy tuck with lipo 360, the most important decision you’ll make is choosing a qualified plastic surgeon.
Look for a board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Darren Smith who has extensive experience in tummy tuck and liposuction techniques.
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Smith to discuss your goals, review before-and-after photos, and make sure you feel comfortable with the process..
Risks and Complications
As with any surgical procedure, an extended tummy tuck with lipo 360 carries some risks, including:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Poor wound healing
- Seroma (fluid accumulation)
- Changes in skin sensation
- Unfavorable scarring
- Asymmetry
- Anesthesia risks
Your plastic surgeon will discuss these risks in detail and take steps to minimize them. Following your pre- and post-operative instructions closely also helps reduce the likelihood of complications.
The Bottom Line
An extended tummy tuck with lipo 360 can be a transformative procedure for patients seeking a firmer, flatter, and more sculpted midsection.
By combining two powerful body contouring techniques – tummy tuck and liposuction – this surgery provides comprehensive reshaping of the abdomen, flanks, hips, and lower back.
While it does require significant downtime for recovery, the long-lasting results can greatly improve body confidence and self-image for the right candidates.
If you’re considering this procedure, consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon to learn more and find out if it’s right for you
