Tummy Tuck vs. Lipo 360: What’s the Difference?

At PURE Plastic Surgery, we’re all about patient education. Our goal is to help you make confident, informed decisions about your body. If you’re looking to get rid of loose skin and stubborn fat in the midsection, you’ve probably come across two popular solutions: the tummy tuck and Lipo 360. While both procedures can help you achieve a more contoured appearance, many of our patients want to know if they’re a better candidate for one over the other. 

Choosing the right procedure depends on several factors unique to you. Before you schedule your consultation, let's break down the key differences between a tummy tuck and Lipo 360 to help you understand which option more closely aligns with your needs and desired outcome.

Understanding Your Options

First, let's review exactly what each procedure entails. At PURE Plastic Surgery, both a tummy tuck and Lipo 360 offer beautiful results but are used to address different needs. Lipo 360 eliminates unwanted fat throughout the torso with minimal impact on the skin. A tummy tuck involves some liposuction but also removes loose skin and repairs the abdominal muscles. Which is right for you depends on your concerns and the type of results you’d like to achieve.

Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

If you’re frustrated by excess skin and a stomach that won’t flatten no matter what you do, a tummy tuck may be right for you. This procedure trims away loose skin and repairs separated or weakened abdominal muscles to reshape the midsection. During a tummy tuck, a small amount of liposuction is also included for natural-looking results that complement your new contours. 

Lipo 360 (Liposculpture 360)

Lipo 360 is a specific type of liposuction that addresses unwanted fat around the entire midsection — front, sides and back — for seamless, 360-degree contouring. Unlike traditional liposuction, which might just target your belly or love handles, Lipo 360 removes fat from multiple areas, helping you achieve a curvier figure that looks great from every angle. It ensures a well-proportioned and balanced physique that enhances your overall body symmetry and creates a smoother transition between the waist, abdomen and mid-to-lower back.

Let’s Talk About Skin Quality

Skin quality is an important factor in determining whether a tummy tuck or Lipo 360 will give you the best results. But how do you assess the quality of your skin? If you think of the skin like a rubber band or a trampoline, it bounces back easily when it's “new” or young. Over time (or after being overstretched), it starts to lose some of that natural elasticity and sag in affected areas.

Some signs that might indicate poor skin quality include: 

• Stretch marks
• A “weathered” appearance
• Looseness or sagging
• Wrinkling and other signs of aging 
• Thinning skin

Skin quality is affected by both age and genetics, but smoking, sun damage and other environmental or lifestyle factors also play a role. One way to determine your skin quality is with a simple test: gently pinch the skin of your abdomen. If it’s healthy, it will snap back into place quickly. However, if it takes a longer time to return to its original shape, you might have reduced skin elasticity that would benefit from surgical removal rather than liposuction alone. 

Ideal Candidates for a Tummy Tuck

A tummy tuck is an outstanding option for patients who have loose skin and weakened abdominal muscles that create the appearance of a stubborn belly “pooch.” Whether it arises due to multiple pregnancies, massive weight loss or the natural aging process, no amount of dieting or core work will fix a saggy belly — but a tummy tuck can help restore slimmer, firmer contours. At PURE, we often recommend this procedure for patients who:

• Have loose, hanging skin in the lower abdomen
• Notice stretch marks or poor skin elasticity
• Experience muscle separation (diastasis recti) or hernias
• Have undergone significant weight loss
• Are typically in their 40s or 50s
• Have completed multiple pregnancies

During your consultation, our team will evaluate your concerns to determine if a tummy tuck is right for you. Ideal Candidates are at or near a healthy BMI and not planning future pregnancies for the best long-term results. Patients should also be non-smokers or willing to quit before surgery, as nicotine use can significantly affect skin quality and healing.

Ideal Candidates for Lipo 360

Compared to a tummy tuck, Lipo 360 is typically recommended for patients who maintain good overall fitness but struggle with stubborn deposits of fat around the midsection. Despite a balanced diet and regular exercise, some areas — like the waist, sides or belly — are resistant to change, thanks to hormonal and genetic factors. Lipo 360 is ideal for individuals who:

• Are bothered by excess fat throughout the entire midsection
• Have good skin elasticity
• Do not experience muscle separation or hernias
• Have completed no more than one pregnancy
• Are typically between the ages of 18-40
• Maintain a relatively stable weight

Long-term success with Lipo 360 also depends on behavioral factors and your overall body composition. The best candidates tend to lead an active lifestyle but need extra help achieving their desired contours. During an in-person or virtual consultation with our team, we will evaluate your concerns, goals and expectations to determine if Lipo 360 is right for you. 

What Is a Reverse Tummy Tuck?

Sometimes, loose skin primarily affects the upper abdomen rather than the lower belly. A reverse tummy tuck addresses this concern through an incision hidden beneath the breasts, pulling excess skin upward instead of downward. This innovative approach might be right for you if you have firmness in the lower stomach but struggle with upper abdominal laxity.

What Can Be Combined With a Tummy Tuck or Lipo 360?

Understanding which surgical procedures are combinable can help you plan your transformation effectively. While certain combinations can enhance your results and reduce your overall recovery time, others need to be staged separately to ensure your safety and comfort. 

Tummy Tuck Combinations

A tummy tuck works beautifully with several complementary procedures. If they’re a good candidate, many patients opt for what's sometimes called the "Trifecta Perfecta" — combining a tummy tuck with breast surgery and an arm lift. Your surgical plan might include:

• Any breast procedure (augmentation, lift or reduction)
• An arm lift for upper body contouring
• One small area of targeted liposuction (such as the chin or upper arms)

There are limitations to what procedures can be combined with a tummy tuck. Due to safety considerations and recovery requirements, we do not perform tummy tucks alongside Lipo 360, a Brazilian butt lift or thigh lift. If you’re interested in combining your tummy tuck with any of these procedures, schedule your tummy tuck first. Keep in mind that while some targeted liposuction is done during a tummy tuck, the total amount of fat removal is limited to 1 liter. 

Lipo 360 Combinations

Lipo 360 offers more flexibility in terms of combining procedures. At PURE Plastic Surgery, we often perform Lipo 360 as part of our comprehensive body contouring approach. The removed fat can be purified and used for fat transfer, making it an excellent option for patients interested in natural augmentation of the breasts, hips or buttocks for beautifully balanced results. 

Keep in mind that safety always comes first when planning combined procedures. During your consultation, we spend time evaluating your goals and health status to recommend the most appropriate combination of procedures for you. We'llalso make sure to explain how different procedure combinations might affect your recovery timeline and results.

Discover Your Best Option at PURE Plastic Surgery

Our experienced plastic surgeons specialize in creating customized treatment plans that meet your specific needs and goals. From tummy tucks to liposuction and combination procedures, we'll help you make an informed decision about your transformation. Get started today by completing our virtual consultation form or calling our Miami office at 305-230-4326 to schedule an in-person evaluation with Dr. Earle, Dr. Vidal or Dr. Wegerif.