For decades, liposuction has been one of the most popular cosmetic treatments in America. This very commonplace plastic surgery procedure involves removing fat cells from certain parts of the body, resulting in smoother contours and a more toned physique. Given the popularity of this procedure, it should come as no surprise that clinicians have developed new ways to administer liposuction even more effectively. One example of this is a technique known as Lipo 360.
But what is Lipo 360, exactly? How does it differ from traditional liposuction? And how do you know whether Lipo 360 is right for you? Join us as we explore some common questions related to Lipo 360. And with any specific inquiries, don’t hesitate to contact Charlotte Plastic Surgery directly.
What is Lipo 360? An Overview:
Lipo 360 is similar to traditional liposuction in many respects. The biggest difference is that, historically, liposuction has targeted one body part at a time. So, when making a liposuction appointment, patients generally ask that their surgeon focus on a singular area of their body, often the abdomen but sometimes the buttocks, thighs, etc.
What makes Lipo 360 so unique is that it’s able to target multiple areas of the abdomen at the same time. The procedure gets its name because it uses 360-degree, circumferential liposuction, allowing for a more efficient and comprehensive procedure.
What are the Benefits?
There are a number of advantages that Lipo 360 offers over traditional liposuction. The biggest advantage is in the end result. Traditional liposuction usually focuses on removing a certain amount of fat, but the more comprehensive nature of Lipo 360 allows it to focus on your overall proportions. As such, many patients find that Lipo 360 brings them much closer to the form and figure they desire.
To fully understand the advantages of Lipo 360, it’s important to know about a concept called liposculpting. Here’s what it means: With traditional liposuction, your surgeon will mostly be concerned with extracting fat cells from the abdomen. This happens with Lipo 360, too, yet the Lipo 360 procedure also allows your surgeon to reshape and recontour the fat deposits that are remaining on your body. Again, this means Lipo 360 can bring you quite a bit closer to the shape you really want.
What Areas Can Be Treated?
It’s only natural to wonder about the specific treatment areas with the Lipo 360 procedure. Basically, the procedure encompasses the entire midsection of your body, covering the full 360 degrees. In other words, Lipo 360 treats:
- Your full abdominal area.
- The obliques or flanks.
- Your mid-and lower back.
You should also note that a Lipo 360 procedure can be tailored to address your specific needs and aesthetic goals. Always be clear and candid when talking with your plastic surgeon about what you’d like to achieve.
How Does Lipo 360 Work?
To understand how Lipo 360 actually works, it’s first necessary to review how traditional liposuction works.
Traditional liposuction is all about removing fat cells from the body, something that involves two basic methods:
- Suction-assisted liposuction, where targeted fat cells are injected with a saline solution and then literally sucked out of the body via a narrow cannula (resembling an IV needle).
- Ultrasound-assisted liposuction, which involves ultrasound waves being used to gently break apart fat cells before they can be suctioned from the body.
Lipo 360 can employ these same methods but in a much more comprehensive fashion. As such, Lipo 360 can provide patients with a number of benefits, including:
- Removing stubborn belly fat, resulting in a smoother tummy area.
- Removing the love handles for a shapelier waistline.
- Removing bulges and “muffin tops” to help clothing fit better.
- Increasing confidence in your overall physical appearance.
What to Expect from Lipo 360
The Lipo 360 procedure is performed when you are under anesthesia, preventing you from feeling any pain or discomfort during the surgery itself.
And what is Lipo 360 recovery like? Following their surgery, patients can anticipate some mild to moderate soreness, bruising, and swelling around the treatment area. The downtime required following Lipo 360 is usually minimal, with most patients resuming their normal activities within a few days. (Your surgeon will likely advise that you delay strenuous physical activity for a few weeks.)
Another common question: How long does it take to see the results from Lipo 360? Due to the swelling, you may not have a clear sense of your results at first, though you should see more and more impact as the swelling subsides. Ultimately, it may take three months or so before you get a full sense of your Lipo 360 results.
Are You a Good Candidate?
As you consider getting Lipo 360, one thing to keep in mind is that this is not a weight loss solution. In fact, we typically recommend this procedure only to patients who have relatively healthy and stable body weight, but who wish to address stubborn areas of fat that do not respond to diet or exercise.
Additionally, the best candidates for Lipo 360:
- Are not smokers.
- Are in good physical health overall, and do not have any conditions that would impede healing.
- Have spoken with their surgeon and have clear expectations about what Lipo 360 can and cannot do.
To find out more about your eligibility for this procedure, or to ask any questions about the merits of Lipo 360 over traditional liposuction, we invite you to contact Charlotte Plastic Surgery.
Learn More About Body Contouring at Charlotte Plastic Surgery
At Charlotte Plastic Surgery, we provide a number of solutions to help you achieve the figure you desire, including surgical and non-surgical options alike. Many patients pair Lipo 360 with another procedure such as a tummy tuck, CoolSculpting®, or a whole-body transformation.
To find out more about these different options, contact us to schedule an appointment here at Charlotte Plastic Surgery.
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