What are the pros and cons of having lipo 360 done in combination with a tummy tuck?

Lipo 360 and a tummy tuck can be done together or separately, depending on your goals and health. Combining them has several advantages. One significant benefit is that you’ll only need one recovery period, reducing downtime and allowing you to return to normal activities sooner. Additionally, performing both procedures together provides comprehensive contouring, targeting your abdomen, flanks, and back, while also repairing muscles and removing excess skin in one session. On the downside, the combined procedure may result in a more challenging recovery due to the extent of the work done. There’s also a slightly higher risk of complications like swelling or fluid retention. If done separately, each procedure may be less intense, but you'd need to go through two recovery periods and schedule two surgeries. Ultimately, the choice depends on your personal health, goals, and the advice of your surgeon.

Lipo360 generally refers to the contouring of the sides, and back (mid & lower back), in addition to the front, as in the stomach area. When combined with a tummy tuck, the lipo360's effect is focused on the flanks and mid/lower back, while the tummy tuck takes care of contouring, and tightening the front. The advantage of combining the procedures is that the results can be powerful in 3 dimensions contouring of the body's midsection, often well beyond what is achieved with a tummy tuck alone. Also, the compression garment that you have to wear for 6 weeks to support the muscle separation repair, is also perfect compression for the areas of contouring by lipo360. The disadvantages are that your recovery is a bit more difficult in the first couple of weeks, the surgery takes a longer, and there is more cost involved.

For most patients, when healthy, and deemed a candidate to safely combine these two surgeries, the impressive results by far outweigh the disadvantages.

Dr. B.

Thank you for your question regarding combining Lipo 360 and a tummy tuck. This combination is popular among patients looking for comprehensive body contouring, but it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of doing both at the same time versus staging them as separate procedures.

Pros of Combining Lipo 360 with a Tummy Tuck:

Single Recovery Period: By having both procedures at the same time, you only go through one recovery period, reducing overall downtime and the need to take time off from work or daily activities.
Complete Body Contouring in One Step: Lipo 360 addresses fat around the entire midsection, including the flanks and back, while the tummy tuck tightens muscles and removes excess skin. Combining the two procedures can provide a dramatic improvement in your overall body shape.
Cost Efficiency: When performed together, you may save on costs related to anesthesia, surgical facilities, and other associated fees compared to doing two separate surgeries.
Cons of Combining Lipo 360 with a Tummy Tuck:

More Painful Recovery: Combining these procedures leads to a more painful recovery. The body must heal from both the extensive liposuction and the muscle repair and skin tightening of the tummy tuck, which can result in increased discomfort and a longer recovery period.
Less Liposuction on the Abdomen: A significant downside is that your surgeon will need to be more conservative with abdominal liposuction during a combined procedure. This is necessary to avoid jeopardizing the blood supply to the skin and tissues in the abdominal area, which is crucial for proper healing after a tummy tuck. As a result, less fat can be removed from the abdomen itself.
Longer Surgical Time: Combining the procedures increases the overall time spent under anesthesia, which can increase the risk of complications, although this risk can be managed by an experienced surgeon.
Increased Risk of Swelling and Fluid Build-Up: The combination of liposuction and tummy tuck can lead to more post-operative swelling and a higher chance of fluid collection (seroma), requiring careful follow-up care.
For patients like yourself, who are of normal weight and need both muscle repair and moderate fat removal, combining the procedures may offer excellent results. However, it’s important to consider the more intense recovery and the potential limitations of liposuction on the abdomen due to the need to protect blood supply.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen