How much fat can be removed during liposuction of the flanks during a Mommy Makeover?

There be no reason my opinion to leave any fat behind in the flanks the time of a mommy makeover.Liposuction of the flank should have little effect on blood supply to the abdominal flap.

I think that this depends upon your anatomy and the skill and effort of your surgeon. Find an expert
in all of these procedures who has great before and after pictures and
great reviews.Kenneth Hughes, MDLos Angeles, CA

Dear Dreamer,    Mommy make over , most commonly entails improvement on the breasts and tummy following children delivery and aging.  The utmost concern in any surgery should be your safety. Patients underestimate their ability to recover from multiple surgeries like tummy tuck and breasts surgery. Both these surgeries are painful and recovery is difficult . It can result in serious complication due to dehydration , lack of ambulation or both. My recommendation to my patients is to split the operations for the sake of their safety. Many of my patients lose significant weight after tummy tuck surgery due to the muscle tightening that prevents over eating. As a result , many times , liposuction is unnecessary. I wait 6 - 8 weeks for the weight to stabilise and reassess the possible need for liposuction. The amount of fat removed varies according to the areas that have to be lipoed. The optimal approach is based on aesthetic units which includs the hips, waists, lower flanks, abdomen and lower chest. Doing less, will result in excessive fat accumulation in the areas that did not have liposuction. Always consult with board certified plastic surgeons who operate in accredited surgery center for your safety. Check their before and after pictures to make sure that they are numerous, consistent and you like them. Check also the reviews for positive patients experience.             Best of luck,                                    Dr Widder

The most important point to liposuction is that the fat is removed so that all areas of the body fir seemlessly together. This means that any liposuction to the flank must include some liposuction to the back, abdomen and outer thighs. During a tummy tuck, we start by liposuction the back, then perform the tummy tuck and finish the procedure with more liposuction of all exposed areas.This is the artistry of plastic surgery.

The answer to your question depends on your anatomy - how much extra fat do you carry in your flanks?   This question requires a physical exam to provide a more reliable answer.  Please see a board certified PS to learn more about your options.  Best wishes,Dr. Basuhouston, tx

The amount of fat removed with liposuction during the course of a Mommy Makeover depends on how much fat is present in the beginning. It is not unusual to remove 700 cc to 1000 cc from each flank. When liposuction is performed as an outpatient procedure most surgeons limit the total amount of fat removed to under 5000 cc. It is unlikely that this amount would be reached during the course of liposuction of the flanks alone.

Liposuction of the flanks can be performed at the time of a mommy makeover if you are a good candidate for this additional procedure.  The amount of fat removed is dependent on how much fat there is.  The liposuction procedure will improve the contour of the flanks so close fit better.

Thank you for your question. During a Mommy Makeover liposuction of the abdomen and flanks can be combined with an abdominoplasty “tummy tuck” to remove excess skin and fatty tissue from the abdomen, thereby improving the stomach and other areas of the body that may have been unresponsive to diet and exercise after a pregnancy. Breast enhancement procedures may also be necessary during a mommy makeover. The amount of fat that is removed varies from patient to patient and can only be determined by a thorough examination. I recommend that you make an appointment with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your surgical options.

In most cases, the question is not how much fat can be removed, rather, how much should be removed.  High-volume liposuction can be dangerous, but you will not generally reach these levels by liposuction of the flanks alone.  The amount of fat removal must take into account your body size, shape, and amount of skin removal.  If too much fat is removed, you may be left with a very unnatural result.  As always, it is important to personally conuslt with a board-certified Plastic Surgeon.

A Mommy Makeover usually consists of a tummy tuck with breast enhancement and liposuction.  A tummy tuck requires an intact blood supply from the tissues in the flanks to provide blood to the abdominal tissues.  Liposuction of the flanks can damage the blood supply to the area and cause healing problems.  Care must be taken during lipo in these areas.