If I get Smart Lipo on my upper and lower abdomen, do I also have to do my flanks? Or can I opt-out of that?

With the SMARTLipo procedure extra energy is applied to areas where skin is especially loose in order to help the skin contract around the area where subcutaneous fat has been emptied. This can be a large area such as the entirety of the abdomen and flanks or it could be a small area that is concerning for you. Having the SMARTLipo on the anterior abdomen but not the flanks should not look abnormal long term.

Some individuals may not have enough fat to remove from the flanks, but if you do and you decide to forgo this area while getting your abdomen treated you may regret leaving that area out of your treatment plan. Consult with your surgeon on what they would recommend based on how much fat you carry in that area.

I have women that will be satisfied without adding or coming back to do their flanks. But some women with larger flanks, will likely be disappointed and wish they had added the flanks.

Thank you for your question. You can have Smartlipo of the abdomen which involves liposuction of the upper and lower abdomen utilizing a laser. A lot of patients consider doing the flaks because it adds contour and curves to the final result. But if your abdomen is the only area that's bothering you, it is definitely possible, and common, to just do SmartLipo of the abdomen and get significant improvement in your appearance. Good luck in your search!

Since liposuction is an elective procedure, your opinion matters first. What areas you want liposuctioned is strictly up to you. It is also up to you whether or not you wish to listen to your plastic surgeon. There are many plastic surgeons available and you should go with your gut feeling. I hope this helps and good luck from New York City plastic surgery

Typically I treat the entire torso as a single anatomic unit and try not to spot treat the torso.Treating only your upper and lower abdomen will leave you with an abnormal fat distribution.It doesn’t look natural or appropriate. I typically recommend treating the entire torso or not doing the treatment.A full torso includes upper abdomen, lower abdomen, love handles, waist, back and under arm or armpit area.In our practice we don’t split this into six areas with simply call it a “full torso” so and charge appropriately for it.If you treat your flanks and don’t treat your hips or love handles then they will also look disproportionate.The same goes for your back.Best, Mats Hagstrom MD

Hi and welcome to our forum!
Liposuction can be performed anywhere there are unsightly fat repositories. The surgery can be limited to one area or multiple areas can be treated at the discretion of the patient. If there isn't a flank repository, liposuction is obviously not warranted.
Visit a board certified plastic surgeon for evaluation and discussion.
Best wishes...

It is very common for the flanks to be done with the abdomen but there is no hard and fast rule. It is whatever you want. not everyone that treats the abdomen will treat the flanks. Also you can always go back and have them treated at a later date if that is something you want later.david berman md