If you’ve ever delved into the world of cosmetic body contouring surgery, you’ve likely come across the term “lipo 360”. This is one of the procedures that Dr. Somogyi and Dr. Jalil perform very frequently, and in this blog we’ll go over what it encompasses and whether it may be the right choice for your goals.
What exactly is lipo 360?
Lipo 360 is a circumferential procedure that typically includes liposuction of the upper abdomen, lower abdomen, lower back, and flanks (the sides of the abdomen, also known as love handles) in a single surgery. The goal is to strategically remove areas of excess fat to reveal smoother contours and sculpt the shape of the body in a way that cannot be achieved with weight loss or exercise alone.
Does lipo 360 leave scars?
Lipo 360 typically leaves very minimal scars. Liposuction of any area is performed by inserting a thin metal tube called a cannula through the skin and into the layer of fat beneath. From this single entry point, the surgeon manipulates the cannula to extract fat from a larger area. The length of these incisions can range from a few millimetres to a centimeter in length, smaller than the diameter of a dime, and scars usually fade to the point of being barely visible. Because long incisions are not necessary for liposuction, concealing the evidence is generally not a major concern compared to other types of procedures. However, as with all treatments our lipo 360 patients are provided with complete post-op and incision care instructions to ensure their skin heals optimally.
Can I have a tummy tuck and lipo 360 at the same time?
Absolutely—this is one of the most common combinations we perform. When patients combine breast and abdominal procedures for a mommy makeover, we often take care of the abdominal area with both a tummy tuck and liposuction. A tummy tuck focuses on skin excision and lifting and is an excellent option for patients who have loose skin on their abdomen and/or abdominal muscle separation, often as a result of pregnancy.
All of our tummy tucks include basic contouring liposuction to complement the results of the procedure and help the tummy area appear smooth and even. For patients who have excess fatty tissue around other areas of the trunk, adding lipo 360 can really take your transformation to the next level. Combining procedures has the benefit of a single recovery time to plan around, and also offers cost benefits to the patient as hospital and anesthesia fees will only be incurred once.
What is the recovery time from lipo 360?
You can expect to return to most daily activities by a week after your procedure. Bruising and swelling are normal aftereffects to experience during this time, and we will prescribe you medications to manage any pain. Exercise and heavy lifting or straining should be avoided for two to four weeks. At the four week mark, you can expect to be back to all activity as usual and for 80% of the swelling to have subsided. The last of the swelling can take another several months to subside.
Do I need shapewear after lipo 360?
Yes, a compression garment (also known as a faja) can be very helpful in managing bruising and swelling and supporting your new contours as you heal. Our patients are fitted with a compression garment at the end of their procedure, which should be worn as continuously as possible for the following three weeks. A second type of shapewear is recommended to be worn as much as possible for up to three months.
Am I a good candidate for lipo 360?
Lipo 360 may be right for you if:
- You have fat deposits around the abdomen, back and sides that you feel are out of proportion with the rest of your body.
- You are within 15lbs of your ideal weight and have a BMI of 30 or less (learn more about why BMI matters for surgery).
- You are a non-smoker or able to quit at least two months prior to surgery.
- You have good skin elasticity—this is something our surgeons can assess during your consultation. If you have a small amount of lax skin, liposuction add-on techniques like VASER or J-Plasma may be good options for you. Significant loose skin will require an excisional procedure such as a tummy tuck or body lift.
Will liposuction help me lose weight or go down in clothing sizes?
We always emphasize that liposuction is not a weight-loss procedure, it is a body contouring tool. The maximum amount of tissue we can safely liposuction away during a single surgery is 5000cc, which translates to about 10-11lbs of weight. While this can certainly result in a trimmer overall appearance and smaller clothing size, the goal of lipo 360 is strategic sculpting rather than all-over weight loss.
Lipo 360 is excellent for creating a more toned, defined look, eliminating rolls or creases of fat for smoother contours, and bringing the shape of your figure closer to your goals. For example, removing more fat from the waistline area can enhance your hip-to-waist ratio and help create an hourglass shape. We can take this a step further by adding fat transfer to your procedure; moving your own liposuctioned fat to areas you would like to round out such as the hip dips or buttocks for natural looking curves.
How much does lipo 360 cost?
Lipo 360 at FORM Face + Body typically costs $13,000–$16,000. We offer financing options to help you manage the costs of your procedure.
If you’d like to explore your liposuction options and learn which procedure is best suited to your goals, we welcome you to book a consultation at our Toronto clinic—Dr. Somogyi or Dr. Jalil will be happy to answer all your questions.
