Is Lipo 360 Safe?

Patient speaking with a female doctor in a relaxed setting, representing an open conversation about the safety, risks, and expectations of Lipo 360 surgery.

The Lipo 360 Boom

Demand for lipo 360 has continued to rise over the last few years, and it’s easy to see why. The transformative procedure can achieve some impressive results with minimal downtime. Lipo 360 is a minimally invasive surgery, but it’s important to understand that it is surgery. As such you need to understand not just the benefits but also any potential risks of the procedure.

Scope of Lipo 360 Surgery

Lipo 360 is a comprehensive liposuction procedure that targets multiple areas around the midsection to achieve a more balanced and contoured body shape. The “360” refers to the circumferential treatment of the entire torso, addressing the front, sides, and back. It does this by targeting the abdomen, flanks (love handles), and lower back.

Potential Risks of Lipo 360

Although lipo 360 is generally considered safe, no surgery is without risks. It’s important to work with a surgeon who understands the risks and how to minimize them. The more experience your surgeon has, the better they will be at taking the necessary surgical steps to keep you safe.

Infection

Surgical infections can occur when bacteria or other pathogens enter the body at the surgery site. These infections can happen during or after the surgical procedure. They may be introduced to the body via the patient’s own skin, surgical instruments, healthcare personnel, bacteria in the clinic environment, or bacteria in the patient’s home.

At Mia Aesthetics, we mitigate the risk of infection by always ensuring all surgical instruments and environments are sterile. Your surgeon may also prescribe antibiotics before and after surgery. If so, it’s important that you take them all as directed. We’ll also closely monitor you after your procedure, making it important that you attend all of your scheduled post-op visits.

Bleeding and Hematoma

Lipo 360 involves making multiple small incisions around the midsection. Each incision presents a potential site for bleeding. The procedure also treats areas rich in blood vessels which can suffer damage during surgery, leading to bleeding.

We combat this risk in several ways. First, we perform a detailed preoperative assessment to identify potential bleeding risks. We then use extremely precise surgical techniques to remove fat while minimizing tissue trauma. Following your post-op instructions will help you avoid strain that could cause bleeding after surgery.

Seroma Formation

A seroma is a collection of fluid that builds up under the skin after a surgical procedure. This fluid accumulation occurs in the empty space where tissue was removed and can be part of the body’s healing response to trauma.

To prevent seromas, we use proper surgical techniques that minimize the amount of dead space left behind after surgery. If they feel it necessary, your surgeon will place drains at your surgical sites to prevent the fluid from building up inside your body. We will also monitor you at your follow-up appointment and intervene early if a seroma begins to develop.

Fat Embolism

A fat embolism is a serious medical condition that occurs when fat globules enter the bloodstream and block blood vessels, potentially impairing blood flow and oxygen delivery to critical organs. The condition can be life-threatening and may cause respiratory distress, neurological complications, cardiovascular complications, and multisystem organ failure.

Naturally, we take the risk of fat embolism very seriously. We reduce the risk by using careful and accurate surgical techniques that avoid high-risk areas. Our surgeons and medical staff are also trained in how to immediately recognize and treat the symptoms of a fat embolism.

Irregular Contours or Asymmetry

When surgeons start removing fat from the body, there is a risk of uneven fat removal resulting in asymmetry. Sometimes the surgeon simply removes disproportionate amounts of fat. In other cases, the patient is asymmetrical to start and the surgeon fails to correct this. It’s also possible for body contours to simply not look quite right.

The best way to mitigate this risk is to choose a skillful and experienced surgeon who utilizes proper surgical techniques and who has a keen eye for the artistic aspect of lipo 360. Both preoperative planning and the ability to make adjustments during surgery help to prevent asymmetry. In some cases, however, a post-op touch-up may prove necessary. The best thing you can do to help prevent asymmetry is to wear your compression garment as instructed.

Nerve Damage

Nerve pain and damage is a potential risk associated with liposuction procedures, including lipo 360. While it is a rare complication, it can have significant effects on the patient’s recovery and quality of life, causing sensory changes and in some cases pain.

Our skilled plastic surgeons have an expert understanding of anatomy that allows them to avoid nerve pathways so as not to damage them. We also make sure that our surgeons have adequate time to perform surgery so that they can work gently and carefully. You’ll never have to worry that your surgeon is worried about beating the clock like they are at some other clinics. As always, we also look for and manage any post-op symptoms at your follow-up appointments.

Anesthesia Risks

Used in surgeries every day, general anesthesia is generally safe when administered by highly trained professionals. It does, however, carry certain risks. Some are potentially serious and include breathing problems and cardiovascular issues. These side effects are rare but possible. It’s worth noting that local anesthesia is safer than general anesthesia, which is one of the reasons some people opt for awake liposuction.

Avoiding anesthesia risks starts with a comprehensive preoperative evaluation by an anesthesiologist, including lab work. Our anesthesiologists always use appropriate anesthesia techniques that are tailored to the patient. Patients are also continuously monitored throughout their procedures. You can help reduce the risks associated with general anesthesia by following your pre-op instructions and making sure you fast before surgery when advised to do so.

Continuous Education

More experienced surgeons are better at recognizing and mitigating risks. The Mia Aesthetics business model gives our plastic surgeons the ability to do what they love most: perform surgeries. Because of this, our surgeons are some of the most experienced and skilled. Their enormous amount of on-the-job training and surgery time helps ensure your surgery goes smoothly from pre-op to post-op. The entire Mia Aesthetics surgical team is behind you every step of the way, before, during, and after your lipo 360 procedure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lipo 360 is safer than a BBL, yes. While both procedures require liposuction, the BBL adds the risks associated with fat transfer, most notably, fat embolism. Introducing ultrasound guidance into BBL procedures has greatly reduced this risk. But a BBL is still considered riskier than lipo 360.

The experience level of your plastic surgeon is perhaps the most critical component in keeping you safe. Experienced surgeons know what areas to avoid, what surgical techniques will work best for you, and how to reduce the risk of complications. You want a surgeon who knows how to avoid problems — and knows what to do in the unlikely event that one occurs. There really is no substitute for experience.

The safest fat removal procedures are noninvasive ones that don’t require surgery, such as freezing fat cells or heating them with a laser. Unfortunately, these fat removal methods require several treatments and don’t work for everyone. They are considered safe, however, so there is certainly nothing wrong with giving them a try before opting for surgery.

After lipo 360, you will experience bruising, swelling, and soreness. You will also have to wear a compression garment for a time. Some patients also experience temporary numbness and tingling as nerves in the area repair themselves.

No. It is a surgery, but is considered a minimally invasive one. Incisions are small, usually about 3 to 5 mm. Because it removes only subcutaneous fat, lipo 360 doesn’t go deep into the body and stays close to the surface of your skin. Major surgery usually goes much deeper into the body and may involve incisions that cut through muscles.

Yes. As noted above, serious complications such as blood clots and fat embolism are rare but possible. Your safety is always our first concern, and we take these risks quite seriously, even though they aren’t common. While in the clinic, you can count on our experienced, well-trained care team to look after you. We also provide detailed aftercare instructions so you can take care of yourself properly when you get home, further reducing the risks of complications.

Weight loss medication is generally considered safer than lipo 360 and other surgical procedures. But weight loss medications aren’t right for everyone, and they carry medication risks rather than surgical risks. Weight loss medications can cause gastrointestinal upset and require ongoing use to be effective. Both these drugs and lipo 360 come with risks, although medication is considered safer than surgery.

You can greatly reduce the risks associated with lipo 360 by choosing an experienced, reputable plastic surgeon like those at Mia Aesthetics. Follow all of their pre- and post-op instructions carefully, and make sure your surgeon is aware of any health issues you may have. Don’t smoke before surgery or while recovering, as doing so increases the risk of healing problems. Working with a skilled, caring surgeon and following their advice is the best way to stay safe during any surgery.

Lipo 360 patients report moderate pain and discomfort after their procedure, especially in the first three days or so. We prescribe pain medication to ease this discomfort. You may also take OTC pain relievers, but avoid ibuprofen as it increases the likelihood of bleeding and worsens bruising.

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