Which is the best procedure for lose fat on my flanks? (Photo)

Question

As far as cost, pain and whats the most effective, which one works the best? Im a small women without a lot of fat, i just cant lose my lower back fat. Will it come right back if i gain any weight since it is the 1st place i gain fat in?

David Hansen, MD · Answer

Liposuction would make such a dramatic improvement in your waistline and is easy under tumescent local. cost is roughly $6000 for quality work and so worth it.

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,
There is a new gunfighter in town, and it's name is very suggestive, Bodytite. It delivers radiofrequency energy to the fatty tissue creating heat, just like lasers and ultrasonic devices.  Like one of the first laser liposuction machines from 10 years ago, Smartlipo, Bodytite suggests it does something special or does something especially well. Unfortunately, there is no evidence published in any peer reviewed journal that shows any of these high tech machines can tighten skin with clinical superiority compared to liposuction alone. Regardless, you would do very well with liposuction (surgery) or Coolsculpting, an effective fat reducing non-surgical device.  The difference in cost may be modest, given the possibility of multiple Coolsculpting treatments necessary (granted, it has a catchy name, but its efficacy is published!).  The degree and accuracy of defatting is almost always superior with liposuction, but can be impressive with Coolsculpting too on occasion.  There is no downtime or recovery with Coolsculpting, but the time necessary to get to your goal may take a half year or more. Liposuction is painful and requires at least a few days off from work/daily activities, with weeks of compression, but you will start to see your much of your results immediately. Defatting is permanent with either, and treating problem/stubborn areas makes these areas no longer any problem; contouring is permanent regardless of weight gain/loss.  Best of luck!

Mariusz Sapijaszko, MD, FRCPC · Answer

Liposuction, or even better, BodyTite are used to remove fat cells that are stubborn to diet and exercise and that includes flanks and hips. Not only can the fat be removed but the skin can also be tightened. At the same time, it is important that all prospective patients need to have detailed examination.I have been performing BodyTite Liposuction for over 5 years and it is s great technique for fat removal as well as skin tightening.Please make sure that you see an experienced doctor for a thorough consultation and assessment prior to undergoing any treatments.Best regards and I hope this helps, Dr. Sapijaszko.

Robert P. Schmid, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question! Based upon your photos & it experience of doing over 1,000 body contouring surgeries, I’d say that you have two options: Coolsculpt, which is less expensive & has less downtime & will work well for a petite woman like you who doesn’t have a lot of excess skin, or traditional liposuction, which costs more & has more downtime, but will probably yield more dramatic results. My advice would be to seek out a board certified plastic surgeon, I assure you that there are dozens in the Austin area who can’t wait to meet you! Best of luck to you!

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Liposuction can be performed to harvest the fat and then BodyTite can be used for additional tightening of tissues.  Liposuction results are highly surgeon dependent so find a board certified plastic surgeon who performs hundreds of liposuction procedures annually with great results as shown in before and after photos on his/her website.  Also read patient reviews.Fat cells are permanently removed by liposuction. Fat will be less likely to accumulate in those areas that have been liposuctioned.Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Kamran Azad, MD · Answer

It is best to be seen in person, but based on the photos alone you seem to be a good candidate for liposuction of the flanks, back, and stomach to help you achieve a curvier hourglass figure. Once the fat is removed from those areas, it is permanently removed so if weight is gained after a procedure, it will be more noticeable in areas that were not treated first. I recommend consulting with a plastic surgeon so they may better discuss the procedures to help you achieve the aesthetic results you desire.

Jennifer Lauren Crawford, MD · Answer

You appear to be an excellent candidate to improve with liposuction. If there is any skin excess or need for tightening, our practice can also offer the use of BodyTite to aid in that regard. If you keep your weight fairly reasonable and stable in the years to come, you will enjoy a permanent contour change from the liposuction. Thanks for your questions!

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear alicepat,based on your photos, you look like a good candidate for a liposuction. Liposuction of your back and flanks should give you more curves and hourglass shape. I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon because only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS 
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery  
Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. Based on your photograph, you are a
great candidate for waistline contouring liposuction of your flanks
and lower back.  This can greatly improve your overall shape with a
smaller waist.  Cost varies based on geographic region and surgeon expertise.   Make sure you specifically
look at before and after pictures of real patients who have had this
surgery performed by your surgeon and evaluate their results.  The most
important aspect is to find a surgeon you are comfortable with. I recommend
that you seek consultation with a qualified board-certified plastic surgeon who
can evaluate you in person.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D.  FACS
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Michelle Copeland, MD, DMD · Answer

Although it is difficult to say without an in person
examination, if you have good skin elasticity, you should be a good candidate
for liposuction. Liposuction works best on patients who are of relatively
average weight, but who need help with a problem area, or with shedding the ten
pounds they regain between diets.

For people who don’t want
surgery CoolSculpt is now an option to help reduce fat in selective areas, such as the flanks. The
CoolSculpting fat-freezing procedure is the only FDA-cleared, non-surgical
fat-reduction treatment that uses controlled cooling to eliminate stubborn fat
that resists all efforts through diet and exercise. After CoolSculpting,
treated fat cells that die are naturally eliminated from the body. This process
is not as rapid as invasive procedures, such as liposuction. Typically, the
most dramatic results are seen in 1-3 months after treatment. I suggest making
an appointment with a board certified plastic surgeon for consultation to
discuss your options.

Which is the best procedure for lose fat on my flanks? (Photo)

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