360° Tummy Tuck
What Is a 360 Tummy Tuck?
A 360-degree tummy tuck is also called a circumferential abdominoplasty or belt lipectomy. This is the ultimate tummy tuck and contours the entire trunk going steps further than an extended tummy tuck.
The 360 tummy tuck is the most invasive type of tummy tuck and is normally used for patients who have undergone a tremendous weight loss such as after bariatric surgery.
What Areas Are Addressed During a 360 Tummy Tuck?
During a circumferential tummy tuck, loose skin and/or excess fat is removed from areas such as the upper and lower abdomen, midsection, lower back, waist, and buttocks.
How Does A 360 Tummy Tuck Compare To Other Techniques?
There are several different tummy tuck techniques and the surgeon will use the one that is best suited to the patient’s needs.
1. Circumferential Tummy Tuck vs Extended Tummy Tuck
The incision for an extended tummy tuck goes beyond that of a traditional tummy tuck and targets the flanks (love handles) as well as the abdominal area but the 360° tummy tuck incision runs around the body like a belt and also addresses the lower back and lifts the buttocks.
2. Circumferential Tummy Tuck vs Tummy Tuck
The traditional tummy tuck is the most common technique and eliminates the abdominal “pooch” and loose skin often found in women after pregnancy. The circumferential tummy tuck is used to address large amounts of loose skin all around the body.
When Is A 360-Degree Tummy Tuck The Best Option?
Formerly obese patients who have lost a massive amount of weight (70 pounds+) through bariatric surgery or another method and have loose excess skin around their entire midsection. Super Obese patients normally have skin that stretches out all around the entire trunk. They usually have excess skin hanging from the hips, flanks, abdomen, lower back, buttocks, and thighs. Circumferential abdominoplasty is the only type of procedure that can achieve the significant transformation needed to best recontour these areas.
Who Is A Candidate For 360 Abdominoplasty?
Patients that were formerly obese who wish to eliminate excess skin and fat and increase muscle tone are the ideal candidate. This procedure is probably not the best fit for those who have mild to moderate protrusion of the abdominal area and some loose skin. The latter would be best served by a full tummy tuck or extended tummy tuck.
You may be a candidate for 360° tummy tuck surgery if:
- You have undergone weight loss surgery or a weight loss procedure to address morbid obesity;
- You have lost at least 70 pounds;
- You are in overall good health;
- You are emotionally health;
- You are inhibited in your daily routine by excess skin that gets in the way, rubs together, chaffs, getting dressed is difficult, and will not go away without medical intervention;
- You understand and have realistic expectations about what a circumferential abdominoplasty can do for you.
How Is A Circumferential Tummy Tuck Performed?
A 360 tummy tuck is performed under general anesthesia and takes approximately 4 to 6 hours to complete.
- The surgeon makes an incision that runs all around the body like a belt. The incision runs just above the pubic line in the front and around to the back where the lower back meets the buttocks.
- Often, some form of liposuction technique will be used to remove excess fat from the lower back, abdomen, waist, and flanks.
- The surgeon will then move the skin and fat layer to access the abdominal muscles and will repair any loose or separated muscles by closing gaps and suturing them back together.
- The skin will then be pulled downward and the excess that falls below the incision line is trimmed.
- The belly button is repositioned to look natural.
- The surgeon will close the incision all the way around using sutures. Often the incisions are then covered with surgical dressing or tape.
- After the surgery is complete, the patient is taken to a recovery room to be closely monitored. Depending on the patient and the extent of the surgery, they may be kept for one to three days in the hospital or surgery center.
Recovery After 360-Degree Tummy Tuck
The circumferential tummy tuck recovery time can run as long as 10 weeks due to the highly invasive nature of this surgery. Patients will be released to go home with drainage tubes in their incisions that will help remove excess fluid and mitigate swelling. Patients are not to shower until the drainage tubes have been removed which is normally one or two weeks after surgery. They must also wear compression garments for several weeks as instructed by the surgeon.
Patients will be provided detailed aftercare instructions on how to take care of their incisions, when they can drive and guidelines for returning to normal activity levels, etc.
Swelling, discomfort, and bruising are very common, and patients are provided pain medication as well as antibiotics to help alleviate pain and reduce the risk of infection.
Most patients who undergo a 360-degree tummy tuck can resume light activities after one month. However, patients should wait until they are cleared by their surgeon before resuming strenuous activities which can take up to 10 weeks.
How Much Does A 360 Tummy Tuck Cost?
The circumferential tummy tuck price will vary for each patient depending on the extent of the procedure. However, the average range in the United States is $12,000-$13,650.
At SurgiCare Arts & Aesthetics the price includes all fees:- anesthesia fee;
- procedure fee;
- surgeon’s fee;
- facility fee.
Many of our procedure prices also include pre- and post-procedure consultations/care, which may not be included at other clinics. When inquiring about the cost of a 360-degree tummy tuck, make sure to ask detailed questions about what is and is not included, and whether or not post-surgery care is covered.
