Liposuction
(Lipo 360)
Comprehensive contouring of the abdomen, waist, and lower back
Even with a healthy lifestyle, certain areas of the body can continue to hold onto fat. You may notice this around the abdomen, waist, or lower back, where localized fat deposits can influence the natural shape of your midsection. It can feel discouraging when you stay active, pay attention to your health, and still find that the contour of your body does not fully reflect the effort you put into it.
These changes often develop gradually over time. The concern is not always related to weight, but to the way specific areas of the body store fat in a way that affects balance and proportion.
Liposuction is a surgical procedure that removes localized fat deposits that do not respond to diet or exercise. When performed as Lipo 360, the procedure focuses on the entire midsection, including the abdomen, waist, flanks, and lower back. Treating these areas together allows the torso to be refined in a balanced way so the transition between the abdomen, hips, and back appears smoother and more natural.
At PIPS (Partners in Plastic Surgery of West Michigan) in Grand Rapids, liposuction is performed for women and men who would like to improve body contour in a thoughtful and individualized way. Taking time to understand what you have been noticing in your body, and what changes you would like to see, is an important part of the process before considering surgery.
When Lipo 360 may be considered
Lipo 360 may be an option when fat around the abdomen, waist, or lower back remains resistant to diet and exercise. These areas often influence the overall silhouette of the body and can affect how the midsection appears from the front, the side, and the back.
Improving the contour of these areas may help create a more defined waistline and a smoother transition between the abdomen and lower back. Skin elasticity also plays an important role, since the skin needs to adjust naturally to the new contour once fat is removed.
It is important to understand that liposuction is intended to refine body shape rather than serve as a weight loss procedure.
Planning your procedure
Every body has its own proportions and areas where fat tends to accumulate. During the consultation, time is taken to understand the concerns that led you to consider liposuction and the type of changes you would like to see in your midsection.
The shape of the torso, the distribution of fat around the abdomen and back, the quality of the skin, and the natural proportions of the body are all considered when planning the procedure. In some situations, combining liposuction with another procedure such as abdominoplasty or fat transfer may be discussed in order to achieve a more balanced result.
This careful planning helps ensure that the contour of the midsection looks smooth and natural rather than overcorrected.
How the procedure is performed
Lipo 360 is usually performed under general anesthesia or deep sedation in our private surgical facility.
Before fat removal begins, a tumescent solution is placed in the treatment areas. This solution helps reduce bleeding, improves comfort during recovery, and allows fat to be removed more smoothly.
Through very small incisions, fine cannulas are used to gently remove fat from multiple areas of the torso. The abdomen is contoured to refine both the upper and lower portions of the midsection. The flanks are sculpted to help define the waistline, while the lower back is refined so the transition above the buttocks appears smoother.
Addressing the torso from multiple angles allows the midsection to be reshaped in a three dimensional way rather than focusing on a single area. The procedure typically takes about two to three hours.
Benefits of Lipo 360
Refining the entire midsection can create a more balanced silhouette and a smoother transition between the abdomen, waist, and back. As the contour of the torso improves, clothing often fits more comfortably and the waistline may appear more defined.
Because the procedure addresses the body from multiple angles, the results tend to look consistent whether you are viewed from the front, the side, or behind. The goal is not to change the natural character of your body, but to refine the areas that may have been difficult to address through exercise alone.
Recovery and healing
After surgery, swelling and mild soreness are expected as the body begins to heal. Compression garments are usually recommended for several weeks to support the tissues and help the skin adapt to the new contour.
Light daily activities can often be resumed within a few days, while more strenuous exercise should wait until healing has progressed further.
As swelling gradually improves over the following weeks, the contour of the waist and midsection becomes more visible.
Insurance information
Liposuction is considered an elective cosmetic procedure and is not covered by insurance.
If you are considering surgery, the cost of the procedure and related care will be your responsibility. During your consultation, detailed information about pricing and payment options will be provided so you can review everything before deciding whether to move forward.
Liposuction at PIPS
Partners in Plastic Surgery of West Michigan
Body contouring procedures at PIPS are performed by Dr. Dennis Hammond and Dr. Paige Goote.
Dr. Hammond is widely recognized for his expertise in aesthetic and reconstructive plastic surgery and has spent decades refining surgical techniques that emphasize precision and natural body proportions. Over the course of his career he has contributed extensively to the field through teaching, research, and surgical innovation. His work in breast surgery and body contouring has influenced how many surgeons approach these procedures today.
Patients often appreciate Dr. Hammond’s thoughtful and measured approach to surgery. Careful planning, attention to anatomical detail, and a focus on balanced results remain central to his practice.
Dr. Goote is a fellowship trained plastic and reconstructive surgeon who incorporates contemporary contouring techniques to create smooth transitions and harmonious body proportions.
Most procedures take place in our private surgical facility located within the PIPS practice in Grand Rapids, serving individuals throughout West Michigan.
Let’s Start the Conversation
Every decision begins with understanding your goals. Schedule a consultation to explore your options in a setting designed around your comfort and privacy.
