Can You Get Liposuction Without a Tummy Tuck?

When you look at your body in the mirror, do you see something that’s just a touch off perfection? You’ve worked hard to sculpt your body so it’s gorgeous, but your stomach’s still bothering you.

Stubborn fat that won’t go away regardless of your diet or exercise regimen can be eliminated through liposuction. Countless patients also get abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) with it, but can you get liposuction without a tummy tuck? And if so, what are the circumstances when doing so is advantageous?

This article will go over the two procedures so you can pick the best path to achieving your ideal body.

Can You Get Liposuction Without a Tummy Tuck?

The short answer is yes, you can get liposuction without a tummy tuck. However, it may not always be the right choice for every patient.

Factors that can affect whether you’re a good candidate are:

• Skin elasticity
• Muscle laxity (diastasis)
• How much excess skin you have
• Your aesthetic goals

What’s the Difference: Liposuction vs. Tummy Tuck

Liposuction is when you have subcutaneous fat removed through small incisions. The goal is to sculpt your body and remove stubborn excess fat that doesn’t respond to diet and exercise. It treats primarily the fat layer.

The goal of a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is to remove excess skin, although some fat can be removed as well. It can also tighten separated abdominal muscles (rectus diastasis), so it can treat skin, fat, and muscle layers. 

Those who have loose skin or muscle separation won’t benefit from liposuction alone, and may need a tummy tuck too. On the other hand, if you’re happy with the amount of abdominal fat you have, and would like to get rid of excess skin, then a tummy tuck without liposuction can be the way to go.

We have an entire guide on choosing between liposuction and a tummy tuck if you’re interested in learning more about the two.

What Is Lipo 360?

Lipo 360 is also known as 360° liposuction. This is referring to liposuction done around the entire midsection (front, flanks, and back), and it’s completed in one session.

The goal is to create a continuous change that goes all around your midsection. This means that you’ll get a slimmer waistline and smoother transition from back to front.

As you might imagine, it’s a more extensive procedure than a single-area liposuction, as it addresses multiple areas.

Can You Get 360-Lipo Without a Tummy Tuck?

Yes, you can definitely get a 360-lipo without a tummy tuck. In fact, many surgeons perform this as a standalone procedure. It’s great if you have:

• Good skin elasticity
• Little to no excess loose skin
• No significant abdominal muscle separation requiring repair

If you meet the above criteria, then you should be a good candidate for just Lipo 360 alone. It should produce dramatic contour improvement, without the invasiveness of a tummy tuck.

Now that you know more about the procedure, let’s go over the Lipo 360 pros and cons.

Pros of Doing 360-Lipo Without a Tummy Tuck

The main benefit of doing 360-lipo without a tummy tuck is that it’s less invasive. There are smaller incisions, as well as shorter operation times.

On top of that, there’s a shorter recovery period and less pain since the incisions are small. Many people return to desk work within days to 2 weeks, depending on the extent of your procedure.

There’s also significantly less scarring. With a tummy tuck, you’ll have a long and horizontal scar across the lower abdomen, which can be hidden by underwear or a bikini bottom.

Lastly, it’s cheaper (more on this later).

Cons/Limitations of 360-Lipo Alone

As we’ve said before, the purpose of liposuction is to remove excess fat, so the biggest drawback of it is that it won’t remove or tighten excess skin. If you have loose, sagging skin, then it may be accentuated after liposuction, and you may need a tummy tuck later anyway.

In addition, lipo won’t repair separated abdominal muscles. For this, you’ll need an abdominoplasty.

You also risk contour irregularities if your skin doesn’t retract well. If this results in unevenness or rippling, you may need revision surgery later.

Risks and Complications

All types of surgery involve risks and complications, including the various liposuction procedures available. They include:

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Contour irregularities
• Prolonged swelling
• Numbness
• Seroma (fluid buildup)
• Poor wound healing

In rare cases, you may have serious complications, like deep vein thrombosis or fat embolism. But if you choose an experienced board-certified surgeon, and follow post-op instructions carefully, then you can drastically reduce these risks.

General Recovery Timeline

In general, it’ll take 3-6 months to see the final results from liposuction and fully recover.

The first 3 days, you’ll have to rest intensely. The swelling and bruising will be at their peak, and you’ll have to wear a compression garment continuously.

In the first 2 weeks, you can resume light activities and go back to your desk job, depending on the extent of your surgery and your surgeon’s advice. For more strenuous exercise, it’ll take 4-6 weeks, and you should do so gradually. 

360 Lipo Without Tummy Tuck Cost

In the US, the average cost of liposuction is $4,711 for the surgery alone. Don’t forget to add in other costs, such as medications, consultations, and anesthesia.

Plastic surgery is much cheaper in Mexico though, and it’s safe too. You’ll pay between $1,500 to $4,700, and these are all-inclusive numbers too.

As long as you find a reputable board-certified surgeon like Dr. Valdez, you’ll be in good hands, and you’ll pay significantly less.

Get the Stomach You’ve Always Wanted

There are many procedures you can consider to get a flat and ideal stomach, and liposuction without a tummy tuck is certainly possible. If you don’t have excess loose skin or abdominal muscle separation, plus you have good skin elasticity, then there’s no need to consider a tummy tuck.

However, the best thing to do is to speak with a plastic surgeon. After learning about your personal situation and desires, they can suggest the best steps to move forward and get you the confidence you’ve always wanted.

Contact us now to schedule a virtual consultation about 360 lipo. Dr. Valdez has leading expertise in liposuction and uses advanced techniques for superior results.