A 360 tummy tuck, also known as a 360 abdominoplasty, is a cosmetic procedure that removes excess skin and tightens the abdominal area. Compared to a traditional tummy tuck, this type of abdominoplasty takes a 360 approach to target fat and loose skin in your back, hips, and love handles. If you’re considering this procedure, you may be wondering about how it works, the potential benefits, and what the surgery looks like from start to finish.

This guide will provide a comprehensive overview of 360 tummy tuck procedures and highlight how it stacks up against a lipo 360. Read on to learn everything you need to know about 360 abdominoplasties.

How The 360 Tummy Tuck Works

As mentioned, a 360 tummy tuck is an intensive cosmetic surgery that targets loose skin around the front and back of a person’s midsection. This includes removing back fat, love handles, bra rolls, and more. It’s often referred to as 360 abdominoplasty, extended abdominoplasty, or belt lipectomy. This kind of tummy tuck incorporates liposuction to complete the procedure. It can also be included in a mommy makeover. 

The 360 transformation begins with medical staff administering anesthesia. Then, a plastic surgeon will proceed to make a few incisions on your abdomen, which are generally located around your belly button and the area between your belly button and pubic hairline. The skin is then pulled down and any excess is removed. 

Individuals may opt to go under the knife and receive a 360 tummy tuck because it can tighten flabby skin due to pregnancy or losing a significant amount of weight. A few cosmetic and medical benefits of a 360 tummy tuck are:

• Regain confidence in your physical appearance 
• Remove excess fat and skin that traditional tummy tucks can’t
• Improve posture 
• Reduce Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI)
• Correct ventral hernia
• Alleviate symptoms of certain types of back pain 

Pre-surgery

While a tummy tuck can benefit those looking to remove flabby skin and fat, it’s not recommended for everyone. Before your surgery, a plastic surgeon should ensure that you’re a suitable candidate for the tummy tuck. Ideal candidates for a tummy tuck procedure include those who:

• Are at a stable weight 
• Are physically healthy
• Don’t plan on getting pregnant 
• Don’t smoke 

You may be required to undergo a medical evaluation and complete lab work to verify that your health is in good shape. Additionally, your plastic surgeon may also request that you stop partaking in a few activities, such as smoking and taking certain medications. Drugs and supplements that increase bleeding, including aspirin, anti-inflammatory medication, and herbal supplements. should also be avoided during this time

Following the pre-surgery recommendations outlined by your doctor can reduce the risk of complications during and after the tummy tuck procedure. That said, it’s a good idea to discuss any questions or concerns you may have with your surgeon prior to surgery.

Recovery and post-op

After your 360 tummy tuck, you may be asked to stay overnight to ensure the procedure went smoothly. During this time, your midsection will be covered in dressings and there may be drainage tubes present where the incisions are located. Make sure that a friend or relative is available to help you get home and can stay with you one or two days since your mobility will be limited. 

Before getting discharged, your doctor will provide you with general post-op care instructions so that you can recover quickly and correctly. Post-op care can include:

• Sleeping at an angle
• Taking the correct medication
• No bending, lifting heavy objects, standing for long periods, or exercising
• Properly cleaning incisions
• Wearing a compression garment
• Eating nutritious meals 
• Staying hydrated
• Avoiding smoking and the consumption of alcohol

It’s vital to follow these recommendations closely to minimize the likelihood of infections and blood clots. If left untreated, an infection can become severe and may ruin the appearance of your newly sculpted abdomen or lead to hospitalization. 

How long your tummy tuck recovery will ultimately depend on several factors, including your age, overall health, and how well you follow the post-op care guidelines. Generally, you can expect to return to work and your regular activities after four weeks. 

How much does a 360 Tummy Tuck cost?

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost of a tummy tuck is $6,154. However, this average doesn't account for other expenses, such as anesthesia, bloodwork, or in-person care. Keep in mind that the price of an abdominoplasty will vary, depending on the following factors:

• Surgeon
• Location
• Surgical facility 
• Additional expenses 

Moreover, because a 360 tummy tuck is regarded as a cosmetic procedure and unnecessary for your overall well-being, most health insurances won’t cover it. However, financing is often available at facilities where abdominoplasties are performed. 

While a tummy tuck can be pricey, it’s essential to choose quality over cost. An abdominoplasty is an intensive surgical procedure, which can lead to a variety of complications when performed incorrectly due to a lack of knowledge or unsanitary conditions. 

Potential risks

While there are several benefits to having a 360 tummy tuck, there are also a few potential risks you’ll have to weigh before making the decision to go under the knife. Some of the tummy tuck risks include: 

• Complications due to anesthesia 
• Change in nerve sensitivity 
• Deep vein thrombosis
• Fat necrosis
• Infections 
• Skin discoloration 
• Swelling 
• Scarring

Certain abdominoplasty complications are preventable, and the risks can be reduced when the necessary precautions are taken. For example, proper wound care and cleaning for incisions can minimize the chances of developing an infection and decrease swelling. 

Tummy tuck scarring can also be significantly reduced when paired with a scar therapy solution, such as the embrace^® Active Scar Defense. Featuring Stress-Shield™ Technology, the Active Scar Defense applicator can help decrease the visibility of scars in as little as 60 days. 

If you have questions or concerns about the potential risks and complications of your 360 tummy tuck, make sure to mention them to your doctor.

Lipo 360 vs. Tummy Tuck

Even though a tummy tuck and lipo 360 are cosmetic surgeries meant to enhance your appearance, there are a few key differences that set them apart. 

For starters, a liposuction procedure only requires a small incision, making it less invasive than a tummy tuck. And, instead of removing excess skin, it simply suctions fat from problem areas, such as the abdomen, hips, buttocks, and thighs. As a result, liposuction scarring is less visible. 

If you’re debating between a tummy tuck vs. lipo 360, the best option for you will depend on your specific needs. If you have loose skin in your abdomen, for instance, a tummy tuck can help you remove the excess skin and deliver a more contoured look. On the other hand, lipo may be the better option if you’re seeking a procedure that can eliminate fat with minimal scarring. Regardless of which cosmetic procedure you pick, both will require you to set aside time to heal properly and lead to scars.

360 Tummy Tuck: Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re debating whether to get a 360 tummy tuck or not, we’ve answered a few of the most frequently asked questions below. 

What is a 360 tummy tuck?

A 360 tummy tuck is a cosmetic procedure that removes loose skin and excess fat in the abdomen as well as in other problem areas, including back fat, love handles, waist, and bra rolls. A traditional abdominoplasty only targets the front portion of the abdomen. 

Can I benefit from a 360 tummy tuck?

One of the biggest advantages of a 360 abdominoplasty is that it can eliminate excess skin and fat, providing you with a smooth and well-defined stomach. Additional benefits include:

• Boost in confidence 
• Enhanced appearance 
• Ventral hernia correction
• Improved posture
• Back pain relief 
• SUI reduction

How much is a 360 tummy tuck? 

The average cost of a 360 tummy tuck is $6,154, but it can fluctuate depending on the surgeon, surgical facility, location, and additional expenses, such as lab work, medication, and compression garments. Most insurers don’t cover 360 abdominoplasties because they’re considered a cosmetic procedure, so you’ll have to pay with your own money.

Wrapping Up

A 360 tummy tuck surgery can be a great way to increase your confidence and give your midsection a complete makeover. Despite the benefits, a few considerations to keep in mind include the surgical process, recovery timeline, cost, and risks. 

If you’re worried about tummy tuck scarring, embrace^® silicone scar sheets can help minimize noticeable scars left behind from the procedure. With embrace^®, you’ll be able to show off your abdomen without worrying about distracting scars in only two months. Check out our collection of unedited before and after pictures to see the difference embrace^® can make on your post-op journey toward recovery.