Understanding the differences between Lipo 360 and traditional liposuction is an essential starting point for anyone considering body contouring. Traditional liposuction is highly effective for addressing isolated fat deposits in specific regions like the stomach or arms. In contrast, Lipo 360 provides a more comprehensive approach by sculpting the entire circumference of the midsection. Your choice between these methods will ultimately depend on your personal preferences, areas of concern, and desired aesthetic results.
Dr. Gordon Andan and the dedicated team at New York Surgical Arts are committed to providing patient-centered care and achieving natural, refined results. By collaborating closely with every patient, Dr. Andan creates tailored treatment strategies that prioritize safety while aiming for superior aesthetic outcomes. Whether you are hoping to refine a specific area or seek a more comprehensive rejuvenation, Dr. Andan will work with you to achieve results that will have you looking and feeling your best.
To explore your options for body contouring with Dr. Andan, call (516) 746-0155 or reach out online.
Contents
About Traditional Liposuction
Traditional liposuction is a versatile, minimally invasive body contouring procedure that will permanently remove unwanted fat deposits from a specific, targeted region of the body. (1) This procedure helps to create a more toned and shapely contour by focusing on individual problem areas such as the abdomen, buttocks, thighs, or arms. It remains one of the most frequently performed cosmetic surgeries around the world thanks to its unsurpassed ability to contour areas that resist a healthy diet and exercise. It is important to remember that liposuction is not a weight loss solution; patients should be near their ideal weight for the procedure to achieve its greatest effects.
The Tumescent Technique
Every modern liposuction method, including traditional lipo, uses the tumescent technique. This approach involves injecting a tumescent fluid (a combination of saline, lidocaine, and epinephrine) into the fatty tissue before suctioning it away. The solution minimizes bleeding, acts as a local anesthetic, and swells the fat cells, making for safer, more precise extraction. (2) Once the tumescent solution takes effect, Dr. Andan inserts a thin microcannula through small, inconspicuous incisions to gently and permanently suction out the targeted fat cells.
About Lipo 360
Lipo 360, or circumferential liposuction, is a comprehensive and advanced approach that targets the entire circumference of the torso in a single session. This technique treats multiple areas simultaneously–specifically the upper and lower abdomen, love handles, and back–to create a dramatically sculpted and defined contour from every angle. The primary goal is cohesive body contouring, resulting in a smoother midsection, enhanced waistline, and shapely, proportionate results. Lipo 360 is especially beneficial to patients who wish to achieve a more pronounced hourglass figure or emphasize a trimmed, athletic core.
VASER Hi-Definition
Dr. Andan frequently integrates VASER Hi-Def liposuction into Lipo 360 treatments to deliver exceptionally defined and cohesive contouring across the full circumference of the torso. Following the administration of the tumescent solution, the VASER system emits ultrasonic waves delivered through a slender probe. This specialized energy selectively disrupts the bonds between fat cells, liquefying or emulsifying the fat while preserving critical adjacent structures like blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissues. (3) This precision offers a significant benefit over manual liposuction methods, which may cause greater disruption to these surrounding tissues.
Which Procedure is Right for You?
The choice between traditional liposuction and Lipo 360 is an entirely personal one and depends on the scope of each patient’s aesthetic goals.
Choose Traditional Liposuction if: You have one or two specific areas where localized fat deposits are a concern, such as the inner thighs or lower abdomen. Traditional liposuction is ideal for focused treatment and achieving definition in a singular, targeted location.
Choose Lipo 360 if: You desire comprehensive enhancement of your entire midsection and want a more defined waistline. Lipo 360 is the best option for patients with circumferential fat who want an overall slimming effect and seamless contouring that is visible from all perspectives.
Candidates
Potential candidates for both traditional liposuction and Lipo 360 share a few key characteristics. They should:
- Be in good overall health.
- Be at or near their ideal, maintainable weight.
- Possess good skin elasticity.
- Have realistic expectations for surgical outcomes.
Lipo 360 candidates, specifically, will have circumferential fat deposits around their torso and desire improvement across the abdomen, flanks, and back. If the patient’s concern is only a single or small area, traditional liposuction may be a more suitable treatment choice.
Personal Consultation
During this meeting, Dr. Andan will thoroughly review your medical history, discuss your aesthetic goals, and assess the specific areas you wish to address. Your comfort and confidence are paramount, and he will dedicate time to addressing all your questions and concerns, especially if you are unsure about which body contouring treatment is right for you. Dr. Andan uses his expertise to devise a personalized treatment plan that prioritizes safety and delivers exceptional, long-lasting results to help you reach your aesthetic goals.
To start exploring your liposuction treatment options with Dr. Andan, submit our online contact form or call (516) 746-0155 to reach our Manhattan or Garden City locations.
Preparation
Regardless of which body contouring procedure you choose, responsible preparation ensures a safe and effective procedure and smooth recovery. Dr. Andan will provide you with personalized instructions during your consultation, but some general guidelines include:
- Temporarily abstaining from using any blood-thinning medications or supplements, and avoiding alcohol consumption for a couple of weeks before your procedure.
- Quitting smoking several weeks in advance (if applicable).
- Filling all necessary prescriptions.
- Scheduling time off from work and other physical activities.
- Preparing a comfortable recovery space.
- Arranging personal transportation and assistance for the day of your procedure.
Procedure
Both traditional liposuction and Lipo 360 follow roughly the same procedural steps, with some modifications for incisions and extent of fat removal. Lipo 360 patients typically require general anesthesia due to the comprehensive nature of treating the entire torso. Traditional liposuction may use local anesthesia or IV sedation. Dr. Andan starts by making small incisions in inconspicuous areas to minimize scarring. For Lipo 360 patients, he strategically places these incisions around the entire torso to access all 360 degrees of the midsection. After introducing the tumescent solution into the treatment area, Dr. Andan will use manual or VASER-assisted cannulas to carefully suction away the unwanted fat and sculpt the remaining tissue for contoured, well-defined results. Once the sculpting is complete, Dr. Andan closes the incisions and applies a compression garment to protect the treated areas and minimize swelling.
Recovery
Recovery is similar for both procedures, though Lipo 360 patients should prepare for a potentially longer recovery period due to the larger treatment area. Swelling, bruising, and tenderness are common and can last for several weeks. It is critical to follow all post-operative instructions, including wearing the compression garment consistently. Patients usually need at least one week off work to rest. Dr. Andan encourages light walking to increase circulation and promote healing as soon as you feel comfortable, gently moving. However, you must avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting for several weeks, or until Dr. Andan gives clearance. Attend all follow-up appointments so he can monitor your progress and address any concerns.
Results
The full results of your liposuction treatment will develop as swelling subsides over the course of a few months. Traditional liposuction will result in more refined and slender contours in the target area, while Lipo 360 will deliver dramatic results across the torso, with a more defined waist and enhanced curves from all angles. In both cases, the fat cells are permanently gone. Results can be long-lasting with a healthy lifestyle and consistent weight.
Corresponding Procedures
Many patients choose to include additional procedures to fully customize their body contouring transformation. Dr. Andan can make his professional recommendations during your consultation. A couple of popular additions include:
- Brazilian Butt Lift: A BBL purifies and reintroduces the fat cells extracted during liposuction to create a shapelier bottom that can further enhance a newly sculpted hourglass figure.
- Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty): Especially for patients who have experienced significant weight loss, a tummy tuck can work in tandem with liposuction to create a smoother, tightened lower abdomen.
Cost of Lipo 360 and Traditional Lipo in New York
The cost of liposuction treatment is highly variable and will depend on the surgical technique, complexity of treatment, anaesthesia requirements, whether you choose to include additional treatments, and other factors. During your consultation, Dr. Andan will provide you with a comprehensive cost estimate that coordinates with your unique treatment plan.
To start exploring your treatment options and schedule your consultation with Dr. Andan, call (516) 746-0155 or contact us online.
FAQ
What makes Lipo 360 different from traditional liposuction?
Lipo 360 addresses the entire circumference of the torso—including the abdomen, flanks, and back—in a single procedure to create a cohesive, sculpted silhouette. Traditional liposuction, by contrast, targets specific, localized areas.
Can liposuction help me lose weight?
No. Liposuction is a body sculpting procedure, not a weight loss solution. Candidates should be at or near their ideal body weight.
Is Lipo 360 painful?
Discomfort is a normal part of the process, particularly immediately following the surgery. Dr. Andan prescribes pain medications to manage post-operative discomfort, and the pain typically tapers off steadily over the course of a few weeks. During the procedure, patients receive anesthesia to keep them comfortable.
References
- Bellini E, Grieco MP, Raposio E. A journey through liposuction and liposculture: Review. Ann Med Surg (Lond). 2017 Nov 6;24:53-60. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5681335/
- Venkataram J. Tumescent liposuction: a review. J Cutan Aesthet Surg. 2008 Jul;1(2):49-57. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2840906/
- de Souza Pinto EB, Abdala PC, Maciel CM, dos Santos Fde P, de Souza RP. Liposuction and VASER. Clin Plast Surg. 2006 Jan;33(1):107-15, vii. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16427979/