What area is considered to be a normal flank region?

I am going to have Smart Lipo on my flanks, however, I questioned whether an area of my back is still considered part of the flank or a bra-line. I, mistakenly, wore my bra too low for years due to attempting to cover up the original bra line. A 2nd roll appeared, due to this and pregnancy. It is technically the top of my flank, right at the bottom of the ribs, a good 2 inches below my shoulder blades. I have since corrected how I wear my bra, but that extra roll still exists. I have a consultation with the surgeon next week, but the manager believes it would be considered a separate area to treat, but wants the surgeon to look at it. I disagree because of pure anonatomy and the fact that the roll goes right down my flank on the sides as well.This will double the price on the procedure if they flag it as the bra line and not the flank. In the industry, what area do they consider to be a normal flank region?

Sort: Date | Helpful

6 answers to “What area is considered to be a...”

A: Focus on getting the treatment you want, not the names used for areas

By Sutton Graham II, MD - Greenville Plastic Surgeon

At the end of this experience, you want the body contour improvements. Your doctor's office staff is probably trying to do its best advising you over the phone, but you should get your answers when you actually see the doctor in the exam room. After you communicate what you would like done, he or she... more

A: Know what is included in liposuction procedures

By Peter E. Johnson, MD - Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Many doctors try to discuss liposuction in terms of the desired result and use terms such as flank very generally. No one can really say where the abdomen stops and the flank begins, or the flank stops and the back begins. Some surgeons will break up the trunk area into smaller or arbitrary areas to help them... more

A: The area you are describing is not the flank

By David Shafer, MD - Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

SGBsMom, The area you are describing is not the flank. There is no strict definition for the flanks; however, when it comes to liposuction, the flanks are generally considered the area that you can grab with your hands above your hip bones. Just because you have a roll that goes into the flank area does not... more

A: Smart Lipo is a gimmick

By George J. Beraka, MD - Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

To SGBsMom, Hi! I know that was not your question, but I don't know any experienced, BOARD CERTIFIED PLASTIC SURGEON who uses Smart Lipo. To answer your question, unfortunately the back rolls and the flanks are two separate areas, and I would charge you for two areas. That's fair. The flank is just the bump... more

A: The flank is not a medical term

By Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD - Los Angeles Oculoplastic surgeon

It is important to have clear communication with your surgeon and the surgeons office. A flank is somewhat in the eye of the beholder. Generally, I consider the flank as the area roughly between the lower ribs and the top of the hips. It is where the hour glass shape should live at the waist. Typically, we... more

A: In laser liposuction, the flank is the waist area above the hip bone, not the bra area

By Brooke R. Seckel, MD - Boston Plastic Surgeon

Dear SGBsMom, The flank is usually considered the area of the waist just below the rib cage down to the top of the hip bone. It is very close to the area of skin just below the breast. Most surgeons do consider the "roll" beneath the bra a separate area, often called the "bannana roll... more

Comments

Steven A. Schlosser M.D.
92 posts
2 Feb 2009

Though not precise medical terms, the flanks refer to the low back (area over the kidneys) and are generally the size of a man's hand. The area you describe is a "bra roll" and would be considered a 2nd area for Smart Lipo or other liposuction purposes. If one of my patients has a very small bra roll, I will generally include it in the cost of the flanks. As for the Dr. Beraka's response, there are many excellent Board Certified Plastic surgeons in the country who really love their Smart Lipo technology. Some are on this site, and many others are just too busy with patients to respond. I would suggest he first tries the procedure with an expert before knocking it. He is simply incorrect.

SGBsMom
2 posts
6 Mar 2009

Thank you all for the advice. They are treating it as a separate area, but I am address it with my flanks. I agree it will produce the best results for me.

Post your question

Email to friend