360 Liposuction vs. Tummy Tuck

360 Lipo vs Tummy Tuck in London: Which Surgery is Right for Your Body Goals?

Lots of women think that just sticking to a diet and working out is all you need to change the way your body looks. While these things are key, they can’t do everything. Sometimes, you might need a bit of surgical help to get the shape you’re dreaming of.

Here at Centre for Surgery, our expert team of plastic surgeons in London are masters in tummy tucks and 360 liposuction. They’re here to help you get the body you’ve always wanted.

You might be wondering, what’s the difference between a 360 liposuction and a tummy tuck? Both sound like they could help you get a more toned, slimmer body. But these are two different types of surgery, and the best one for you will depend on what you’re looking to achieve.

Keep reading to understand what sets 360 liposuction apart from a tummy tuck and find out which one could be the best fit for you.

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Exploring 360 Liposuction: More Than Just Fat Removal, It’s an Art of Body Contouring

360 Liposuction is a surgical technique aimed at getting rid of unwanted fat from different parts of your body, using suction. This is a less invasive procedure compared to other surgical methods and is often recommended for those who have a small to moderate amount of extra weight. Common areas that can be targeted include the abdomen, back, thighs, and arms.

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It’s crucial to understand that liposuction is not merely a fat-removal operation; it’s much more than that. The procedure is actually about careful sculpting and shaping of the body. It’s an art that requires a high level of precision and attention to detail. The goal is to ensure all the treated areas flow naturally into one another, thereby avoiding any odd bumps, dips or ‘shelves’ that could appear across different sections of your body.

So, liposuction is not just about removing excess fat; it’s about crafting a smoother, more harmonious physique. This is achieved through a meticulous process that ensures all the areas blend seamlessly with one another, avoiding any imperfections like dents or irregularities. This makes it a complex procedure that should only be conducted by experienced surgeons, who can bring a delicate touch to this form of body artistry.

Understanding Tummy Tucks: More Than Skin-Deep Transformation for Your Midsection

A tummy tuck, medically known as abdominoplasty, is a surgical operation designed to get rid of extra skin around your middle area while also firming up and tightening the abdominal muscles. This is generally a more invasive procedure and is most suitable for people who are near their target weight but are bothered by loose or sagging skin around their abdomen.

It’s crucial to note that a tummy tuck is not a weight-loss surgery. Rather, it focuses on improving the look of your belly area by removing excess skin and reshaping the abdominal muscles.

Regular exercise and a balanced diet are important for overall well-being, but they often fall short when it comes to dealing with stretched skin and weakened underlying muscles. Even individuals who are otherwise quite slim may find themselves struggling with stubborn skin folds that simply won’t go away. That’s where a tummy tuck comes into play.

In some cases, where there is also excess fat along with the extra skin, liposuction might be recommended as an additional treatment to further enhance the final result. Moreover, if the mons pubis—the fleshy mound located over the pubic bone—is sagging, a pubic lift may be advised as an additional procedure.

Choosing Between a Tummy Tuck and 360 Liposuction in London: A Tailored Approach to Body Sculpting

When you’re on the quest for a fitter, more contoured body, you might find yourself stuck between two popular surgical options: 360 liposuction and a tummy tuck. Both surgeries promise to enhance your figure, but they do so in different ways and are suited for different needs.

360 Liposuction is all about fat removal and careful body contouring, while a tummy tuck focuses on eliminating excess skin and tightening the abdominal muscles. It might seem like getting both procedures at the same time would offer the best of both worlds. However, combining these surgeries isn’t always advisable. Your surgeon will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of opting for both.

One key concern is the blood supply to the skin of the stomach, which flows through the fatty layers. Performing aggressive liposuction alongside a tummy tuck can compromise this blood supply, making it risky to undertake both procedures simultaneously.

If your surgeon advises against combining the two treatments in a single session, don’t worry. They’ll collaborate closely with you to determine which procedure will serve your needs best. It might even be recommended to undergo both surgeries, but in separate sessions, to safely achieve your desired results.

The right course of action will depend on your unique circumstances—such as your body shape, skin elasticity, and overall health. These surgeries differ not only in their methods but also in their outcomes. Consequently, a personalised consultation with your surgeon is vital to figure out the optimal plan for you.

The 360 liposuction procedure is carried out under general anaesthesia at our specialised plastic surgery clinic in London. Here’s a step-by-step walkthrough of what to expect during the surgery.

Preparing the Treatment Areas

The first step is to numb the areas of your body that are going to be treated. For most individuals, this involves a combination of areas like the stomach, thighs, arms, and back.

Making the Incisions

Once the target areas are numb, the surgeon makes small, carefully-placed incisions where the excess fat is located. We pride ourselves on our ability to minimise scarring; our skilled surgeons use a special technique for closing up the incisions that results in scars that are virtually invisible.

Inserting the Cannula

Following the incisions, a thin tube known as a liposuction cannula is inserted into each cut, one at a time. This cannula is connected to a suction device which provides the necessary power to extract the fat.

Sculpting Your Body

The surgeon skillfully guides the cannula to suction out the fat in a highly specific way, almost like sculpting your body into a more flattering shape. It’s not just about fat removal; it’s an art of body contouring that demands precision and skill.

Duration of the Procedure

The entire 360 liposuction operation typically lasts between three to five hours, although the exact time can vary depending on the individual patient’s needs.

The end result is a more sculpted, toned appearance, achieved with the utmost care to ensure minimal scarring and optimal aesthetic results.

Tummy Tuck Procedure: A Detailed Look at What Happens at Our Baker Street Clinic in London

A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a transformative surgical procedure aimed at enhancing the appearance of your abdomen. Here’s a step-by-step guide to what the process entails at our state-of-the-art Baker Street clinic in London.

Pre-Procedure Consultation and Numbing

Before the surgery, you’ll have a consultation with your surgeon to discuss the specific location of the incision, which is generally situated just above the pubic area. On the day of the surgery, your abdomen is numbed using a special solution, and you’ll be placed under general anaesthesia for your comfort.

Making the Initial Incision

Your surgeon will make a carefully planned, low curved incision along a pre-marked area on your abdomen. This incision is strategically positioned to be as discreet as possible, generally hiding within the bikini line.

Lifting the Skin and Accessing the Muscles

Once the incision is made, the skin and fatty tissue are lifted away from the abdominal wall, extending up to the ribcage area. A small circular cut is made around the belly button, and the surrounding skin is lifted, giving the surgeon access to the underlying abdominal muscles.

Muscle Tightening and Skin Removal

Any excess skin and fat are surgically removed, and the abdominal muscles are repaired and tightened. This provides a firmer, more contoured midsection.

Re-Positioning the Skin and Belly Button

After the abdominal reshaping, the skin is lowered back into place, conforming to the new, improved structure of your abdomen. In many cases, the belly button needs to be reconstructed to match the revamped appearance. Our skilled surgeons use a specialized technique to create a natural-looking ‘innie’ belly button, enhancing the overall aesthetic outcome.

Duration and Complexity

The entire procedure can last between three to six hours, varying based on the complexity and unique requirements of the patient.

Recovery Journey After 360 Liposuction: What to Expect

Recovering from 360 liposuction is generally straightforward and less complicated than many other types of surgery. Here’s a look at what the post-operative period typically entails:

Immediate Post-Operative Period

Patients are usually able to get up and walk around just a few hours after the surgery is completed. In most cases, you can head home on the same day. However, for those who’ve had liposuction on multiple areas, an overnight stay at one of our partner hotels may be recommended for closer monitoring before you make your way home.

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Returning to Work and Daily Activities

Most people find that they can go back to work within a matter of days post-procedure, although this can vary depending on the extent of the liposuction and your personal comfort levels.

Managing Swelling and Bruising

It’s normal to experience some level of swelling and bruising in the weeks following the surgery. To manage these symptoms and expedite the healing process, we recommend wearing a compression garment. This helps to control swelling and promotes faster recovery.

Scarring Concerns

One of the advantages of opting for 360 liposuction at our centre is the minimal scarring you can expect. Our surgeons employ specialised techniques designed to leave nearly invisible scars, adding to the overall satisfaction of your body-contouring experience.

RELATED: What Liposuction Scars Can I Expect?

Your Road to Recovery After a Tummy Tuck: What You Should Know

The recovery process following a tummy tuck is more involved than that for liposuction, so it’s important to know what to expect and how to prepare. Here’s a comprehensive overview of the recovery timeline and key considerations:

Immediate Post-Operative Care

Patients are typically fit to go home later on the same day of the surgery, provided they meet all medical criteria for discharge.

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Initial Recovery Period

During the first two weeks post-surgery, it’s recommended that patients walk in a bent-over position. This stance helps facilitate optimal healing of the abdominal area. Most people find they can return to work after this initial two-week period.

Use of Surgical Drains and Compression Garments

To aid in the healing process, surgical drains are usually in place for about three to five days after the operation. In addition, you’ll be advised to wear a compression garment for approximately six weeks. This garment helps to reduce swelling and ensures that the abdominal area heals correctly.

Pain Management

One of the unique aspects of undergoing a tummy tuck at our clinic is the minimal discomfort during recovery. Our surgeons have developed advanced techniques that significantly reduce post-operative pain, making your recovery as comfortable as possible.