It’s almost a fact of life that for many of us, our abdominal regions and midsections just aren’t as flat as they used to be. Even if you’re someone who commits to a healthy diet, regular exercise, and watching your weight, areas like the tummy and love handles can still cause problems. Whether you’re working on a better beach body, or want to avoid the dreaded “muffin top” with your favorite jeans, it can be hard to know where to turn next.
Cosmetic procedures designed to sculpt the body can make a huge difference in your appearance and help you turn the corner with your appearance goals. Two popular approaches for treating the midsection are Lipo 360 and tummy tucks. If you want to know which of these procedures is better for your goals, read on to learn more about both — including the differences and the potential benefits they offer.
Each option can be appealing and beneficial depending on your individual goals. We hope the following information helps you make an informed decision that fits your needs and lifestyle.
What Is Lipo 360?
Lipo 360 has become something of a buzzword in cosmetic procedures, and it gets used so much and in so many ways that it can be difficult to find out what it actually is. Also called 360 degree liposuction, Lipo 360 is an all-inclusive liposuction procedure designed to remove fat from the abdominal, midsection, waist, and even the back. As the name implies, a true Lipo 360 procedure should go all around the midsection.
Lipo 360 does not describe a particular technique or device for liposuction, and is instead more of a general term. The type of device used to perform a Lipo 360 procedure can vary, and different procedures may involve different areas and may be more inclusive than others.
At Innovations Medical, Lipo 360 is performed as awake Lipo 360. It is done under local anesthesia, and our practice has performed more than 6,000 awake liposuction cases since 2007. Full stomach liposuction typically ranges from $6,500 to $9,500.
Benefits of Lipo 360
The goal of Lipo 360 is to help people achieve the goal of a slimmer, smoother-looking midsection. Benefits of Lipo 360 can include:
- A smoother and more proportional appearance
- A flatter abdominal region
- Can reduce the appearance of love handles
- Can help reduce “muffin tops” that can happen with jeans, swimwear, and other favorite items of clothing
- Can be combined with separate procedures such as a Brazilian Butt Lift to improve both the midsection and lower body
Dr. Bill Johnson performs Lipo 360 as an awake procedure at our Dallas office.
What Is a Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, is a popular cosmetic approach for flattening and firming up the abdominal or stomach region. A traditional tummy tuck removes excess skin and fat and usually repairs separated or weakened abdominal muscles (muscle plication) under general anesthesia.
At Innovations Medical, we perform an awake mini tummy tuck with liposuction. It removes loose skin below the navel and includes liposuction of the upper, lower and lateral abdomen in one surgery. It does not include muscle plication or skin removal above the navel. Most patients return to desk work in about 1 week, with soreness and swelling for about 6 weeks. Pricing starts at $12,500.
Benefits of an Awake Mini Tummy Tuck
For patients who are good candidates for a tummy tuck, the procedure can offer the following advantages:
- Addresses loose skin below the navel, including skin laxity from aging
- Can help with mild lower-belly skin laxity after weight loss
- Can improve lower-belly skin after pregnancy (it does not repair separated abdominal muscles)
- Combines skin removal and abdominal liposuction in one surgery
- Helps clothes fit better
- Many patients report feeling more comfortable in their clothes
Like other cosmetic procedures, tummy tucks are not a substitute for weight loss and are not recommended for anyone with medical problems or who has significant weight loss goals.
Deciding Which Procedure is Right for You
Which Is Right for You?
- Lipo 360 (awake liposuction): You have stubborn fat around the abdomen, flanks and back, and your skin tone is good, so it should retract after fat removal. Full stomach lipo runs $6,500–$9,500. Learn about Lipo 360
- Awake mini tummy tuck + lipo: You have loose or hanging skin below the navel, often after pregnancy or weight loss, along with fat you’d like contoured. Pricing starts at $12,500 and includes upper, lower and lateral abdominal lipo. See the awake mini tummy tuck
- Traditional tummy tuck (performed elsewhere): You have abdominal muscle separation (diastasis recti) that needs repair, or significant loose skin above the navel. Our mini tuck does not include muscle repair, so we will tell you honestly if a traditional tummy tuck is the better route.
When you come in for a consultation at Innovations Medical, Dr. Johnson will evaluate your skin tone, fat distribution and abdominal wall to recommend the option that fits your goals.
Contact Innovations Medical and Learn About Options to Slim Your Midsection
If you’re looking for a slimmer appearance, particularly in your tummy and midsection, Innovations Medical is here for you. Our team helps you decide which treatment fits your goals – keeping you informed and confident in the next steps. We have performed more than 6,000 awake liposuction cases since 2007, and our body contouring procedures are done awake under local anesthesia.
To find out if any of our body sculpting procedures are right for you, and to learn how Innovations Medical can improve your life, call us at (972) 944-5831 or schedule a consultation.
Not Sure Which Is Right for You?
- Explore Lipo 360 / Awake Liposuction →
- Explore the Awake Mini Tummy Tuck →
- Schedule Your Consultation →
0% financing for 24 months is available. Compression garments are not included in procedure prices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the awake mini tummy tuck the same as a traditional tummy tuck?
No. Our mini tuck removes skin below the navel and includes upper, lower and lateral abdominal lipo. It does not tighten the muscles or remove skin above the navel. Patients who need muscle repair are better served by a traditional tummy tuck.
How much do Lipo 360 and the mini tummy tuck cost?
Full stomach liposuction is $6,500–$9,500. The awake mini tummy tuck with lipo starts at $12,500. Compression garments are not included, and 0% financing for 24 months is available.
What is recovery like?
Most mini tuck patients return to desk work in about 1 week and have soreness and swelling for about 6 weeks. Dr. Johnson will review your expected lipo-only recovery at your consultation.
Can lipo alone fix loose skin?
Liposuction removes fat. It does not remove skin. If your skin tone is good, lipo alone may be enough. If you have loose skin below the navel, the mini tuck may be the better choice.
