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?

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11 Doctor Answers | Asked by SGBsMom in Boston, MA

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Flank vs upper back roll

The flank usually refers to hip rolls and not upper back or bra rolls. Either way, you should talk to your surgeon and work something out to have it treated if that is waht bothers you.

Steven Wallach, MD

12 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Communication with your Plastic Surgeon is the key to great results

Hello SGBsMom, Liposuction is an excellent way to contour these troublesome areas. I prefer tumescent or ultrasonically assisted liposuction (UAL) for these regions. Although the flank and bras strap area are not strictly anatomical terms, most physicians make a distinction when it comes to liposuction. It is preferable to treat regions (bra strap area, back, flanks) rather than to spot treat areas (flanks). This gives a much more balanced and harmonious appearance. I... more

The flank is a common area for liposuction

Most surgeons consider the flanks to be the area of the lower back below the rib-cage and down to the iliac crest; this area is commonly referred to as "love handles". I would consider upper back rolls or back fat to be a separate area and would not be included in treatment of the flank.s Typically this would be considered a second area of treatment and can be safely performed at the same time as the flanks, but it does require additional incisions and additional... more

Liposuction of the flanks

Liposuction is a safe, popular, and effective way to contour the body. The area of the flanks is the area on the side of the abdomen usually from the waist up to just below your bra. This area to be treated very effectively with liposuction.

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

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." Laser liposuction of the back and area beneath the bra adds significant time to the laser liposuction procedure-your body has to be turned and repositioned, and the back tissues are... more

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

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 will discuss how they feel you can best reach those goals. They will estimate the time and other resources involved and give you a cost estimate. The names of areas aren't really important.... more

Know what is included in liposuction procedures

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 with pricing or as means to up sell; start a discussion as a seemingly low cost which is very attractive only to have the cost creep higher as you discuss with them what your goals are... more

The area you are describing is not the flank

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 mean that this entire area is now considered the flank. In any case, it is up to your surgeon to decide. If you are not happy with their answer, then I would suggest getting a second... more

The flank is not a medical term

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 include in this zone the fat that extends from this area toward the spine to help fully shape the waist. Now, I would have absolutely no disagreement if another doctor wanted to... more

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD

8 reviews

Los Angeles Oculoplastic Surgeon

Flanks are the area just below your waist.

The goal of liposuction in this area to increase the contour of the waistline. The excess fat below the bras sits just above the waistline. This area is actually more difficult to treat than the flanks and is anatomically separate. The fat can be more difficult to get out and you may be left with some loose skin. It is extremely unusual to get loose skin after liposuction of the flanks.