Liposuction , often referred to simply as “lipo,” is one of the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures for removing unwanted body fat. While liposuction can be performed on various areas of the body, an increasingly requested area is the “flanks” or sides of the torso. So What is Lipo Flanks?”

Defining the Flanks

The flanks essentially refer to the sides of the torso, between the hips and armpits. This area encompasses the upper hips, waist, and lower back. Fat often accumulates in these areas, resulting in the appearance of “love handles” along the sides. Lipo flanks specifically target removing excess stubborn fat from the flank/side regions.

Top Liposuction is a medical procedure that removes excess fat from specific areas of the body to help improve body shape and contour.

Benefits of Flank Liposuction

Several benefits make lipo flanks an appealing body contouring treatment:

Eliminates “Love Handles”

Flank lipo efficiently eliminates fat along the sides and lower back to elegantly contour this area and get rid of “love handles.”

Achieves an Hourglass Figure

By removing fat pockets along the flanks/waistline, an enhanced curve is created, resulting in a traditionally feminine, hourglass shape.

More Proportionate Silhouette

Losing fat along the sides helps balance out one’s proportions for a more uniform silhouette from top to bottom.

Fits into Clothes Better

With a more streamlined shape along the flanks, clothes fit better and appear more flattering. This is especially true for fitted dresses, blouses and swimsuits.

Boosts Confidence

A smoother, firmer and more uniform contour of the torso has both physical and emotional benefits – improving confidence in one’s appearance.

Am I a Candidate for Flank Lipo?

So, how do you know if you’re an appropriate candidate for liposuction along the flanks? Here are some key criteria plastic surgeons use to determine if someone will benefit from this procedure:

BMI & Weight

Your BMI (body mass index) and weight should be relatively close to normal ranges. Drastic weight loss patients may have loose, sagging skin that requires additional procedures beyond just liposuction.

Diet & Exercise

You maintain a healthy lifestyle through diet and exercise but still have remaining pockets of fat along the sides that do not respond to such efforts. Flank lipo targets those stubborn areas.

Fatty Flanks

You have noticeable, disproportionate fat accumulation along the sides of the waist, hips and lower back. These flank bulges appear even at a normal weight.

Good Skin Elasticity

Your skin retains fairly good elasticity. Skin that is too loose and lacking elastic rebound may not achieve optimal contouring improvements with just liposuction alone.

Non-Smoker

If you are a non-smoker, your risks of complications during and after surgery tend to be reduced. Smoking impairs healing and should be stopped weeks before undergoing flank liposuction.

If the above criteria describe your situation, then you can be a great candidate to tackle your stubborn flanks with liposuction!

What Does Flank Liposuction Involve?

So, what exactly does the procedure entail? Here is an overview of what you can expect:

Anaesthesia

Flank liposuction is performed under general anaesthesia or local anaesthesia with IV sedation for comfort and relaxation. Your surgeon will discuss options to determine the right fit.

Incision Placement

Small incisions just millimetres in length are made in discrete locations, like along the bikini line, to gain access beneath the skin.

Insertion of Cannula

Through the incisions, a thin tube known as a cannula connected to suction is inserted to break up and extract excess fat globules meticulously.

Contouring from Incisions

The entire flank area spanning the waistline, sides, and lower back is addressed through the strategically placed incisions.

Removed Fat Processed

After removing the targeted fat, it is processed and prepared for optional fat injections to enhance other body areas like the buttocks or face as desired.

Closing Incisions

Finally, the tiny incisions are closed with dissolvable sutures requiring no future removal. Bandages or compression garments are also applied to facilitate optimal healing.

While technique details can vary, the above provides a general framework for what flank liposuction involves. Your plastic surgeon will customise the specifics of your procedure to match your body goals.

Flank Lipo Techniques

There are a few different flank lipo techniques plastic surgeons may utilise depending on factors unique to each patient’s needs and anatomy. Here is an overview:

Technique	Description	Considerations
Tumescent	Large volumes of anaesthetic solution were injected to swell the area before suctioning.	Less blood loss Local anaesthesia option
Ultrasound-Assisted (UAL)	Energytargeted to break up fat	Effective on dense fat Reduced risk of indentations
Laser-Assisted (SAL)	Laser thermal energy liquefies fat	Promotes skin tightening Precise application

Your surgeon will evaluate your goals, body proportions, skin elasticity and more when recommending which approach(es) are ideal. Many surgeons use a combination of techniques as needed on different patient body areas for maximum contouring with fewer side effects.

Recovery After Flank Liposuction

Recovery is a very individual experience based on the extent of treatment, your pain tolerance, downtime allowance and more. But here is an overview of the general recovery pattern:

Early Stages

• First 24 hours – Rest, limit movement with a compression garment
• First 1-2 weeks – Some swelling, bruising, discomfort
• Avoid strenuous activity for 2 weeks
• Temporary numbness common

Later Stages

• 2 weeks – Return to work if possible
• 4 weeks – Exercise may be resumed
• 2-3 months – Settling of final results

While quick to perform, flank lipo does require a commitment to recovery. Following your surgeon’s postoperative care instructions facilitates the best possible results.

Results of Flank Lipo

When performed on an appropriate candidate by a skilled plastic surgeon, flank liposuction can produce very impressive outcomes.

Fat Removal

Stubborn fat resistant to diet and exercise is effectively eliminated from the sides/flanks. No more frustrating “love handles!”

Smoother Contours

Surface irregularities from fat bulges along the torso are smoothed. Trouble spots become more streamlined.

Hourglass Shape

The waistline is accentuated, resulting in a traditional hourglass feminine figure. Proportions appear more balanced.

Fits Into Clothes Better

With excess tissue removed, garments drape better rather than cling to lumps and bulges along the sides.

Boosts Confidence

The combination of physical improvements translates to looking better and feeling better about your body.

Ultimately, when performed correctly on the right candidate, flank lipo delivers dramatic, life-changing improvements, confidently revealing your beautiful shape. is a process that helps reduce the appearance of dimpled skin on the thighs and buttocks. It can involve treatments like massage, laser therapy, or exercise to improve the skin’s texture. “Thigh Liposuction: Cellulite Solution?” is a procedure where doctors remove fat from your thighs to reduce cellulite. It’s like vacuuming out the unwanted fat to make your skin smoother. Fat Redistribution Post-Liposuction is when the fat in your body moves to different areas after you’ve had a liposuction surgery. It’s like when you clean up one room, but the mess just ends up in another room.

Will Flank Lipo Results Last?

A common concern is whether liposuction results are permanent or if fat will eventually return. Here is what typically occurs:

Initial Months – Most Change

In the first 6 months after surgery, the most notable transition in your shape happens as swelling dissipates and the skin conforms.

First Year – Final Contour Achieved

Within the first year, residual swelling resolves and your final contour is achieved and stabilised.

Long Term – Maintained if Weight Stable

Provided your weight remains relatively stable, your refined silhouette can actually last years or even decades!

While liposuction permanently removes fat cells, the remaining surrounding cells can expand if one later gains significant weight. So the key is maintaining one’s current weight to retain that enhanced shape long term.

Conclusion

Flank liposuction is a body contouring procedure targeting the removal of fat bulges along the sides of the waistline. It helps achieve a slimmer and more hourglass figure by clearing “love handles” and any disproportionate tissue accumulation.

The ideal candidates, procedural steps involved, techniques utilised, recovery and anticipated results were all discussed here to educate on the process of flank lipo from start to finish. When performed correctly by a reputable plastic surgeon on an appropriate patient, dramatic, lasting improvements in both form and confidence can ensue.

So, when considering liposuction options for a shapely figure free of stubborn fat pockets, do recognise flank lipo offers some of the most dramatic potential changes. If diet and exercise alone cannot conquer troubling fatty tissue along your hips, waist and back, flank lipo may provide the edge needed towards your body goals and boost self-esteem. Be sure to select an experienced, reputable provider focused on safety and stunning outcomes that exceed patient expectations for the entire liposuction journey.

Book a consultation for in-depth evaluation with renowned Dubai plastic surgeon Dr Tarek Bayazid to determine if flank lipo is right for you. As a facial rejuvenation and body contouring expert, he will assess your needs and goals to customise a surgical plan for your ideal outcomes.

With attention to both artistry and safety, Dr Tarek produces consistently stunning, natural flank lipo improvements for patients that make them look as beautiful as they feel. Contact our friendly team today to arrange your appointment at our luxury clinic.

FAQs About Flank Liposuction

Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about undergoing flank liposuction: