What are flanks - hips or love handles? (photos)

Dear Summer,    Thanks for submitting your pictures. From observing your pictures, you appear to be a very good candidate for tummy tuck, however, I would not recommend to combine tummy tuck with liposuction , due to the significant increase in severe complication rate , when combining the two.   In a recent article in the plastic surgery journal that was based on data from cosmetic surgery only insurance company, it was revealed that combining tummy tuck with liposuction, increases the complication rate X 10 in comparison to tummy tuck alone . Additionally, in the state of Florida, it is illegal to perform tummy tuck with liposuction of over 1000 cc (relatively, very small amount). That was legislated after the  state investigated a very high rate of  severe complications in plastic surgery centers, including many deaths.    Obviously, it is your decision, however, in my opinion, an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure. More over, many of my tummy tuck patients lose significant amount of weight after tummy tuck, due to the abdominal muscles tightening, which reduces the amount of food that you can eat and your sense of hunger. So, you might not require liposuction after all. Only about 10% of my patients request liposuction after tummy tuck.    Always, consult with experienced board certified plastic surgeons who operate in accredited surgery center for your safety. Most importantly, check the before and after pictures in the photo gallery, to make sure that they are numerous, consistent and attractive with flat stomach, tight and youthful skin, nice belly button, improved body posture and low scar.                               Best of luck,                                                        Dr Widder

The flanks are the area that commonly referred to as the love handles. Many times liposuction of the flank area is combined with a tummy tuck to give a smooth and tight abdomen from all around. Good luck with your procedure! 

They are the love handles. They are the area that is between your waist and your hips. Good luck with your upcoming surgery. 

Each office refers to areas differently.  Waist, and flanks, are the same but the hips are different.  ....

Congratulations on your decision to proceed with tummy tuck surgery. You are correct in that semantics can be confusing;  in order to avoid confusion, best to communicate your areas of concerns, goals and your plastic surgeon's plans in front of a full length mirror.  Working together you will come up with a good plan to achieve an outcome that you will be pleased with. Best wishes.

Hi, thanks for sharing your concern and photos with us!
First I want to congratulate you for making this important decision. Deciding to get an aesthetic procedure to change your body and get a new life style is a big step!

Looking at your photos I might say that you´ll be a great candidate to get an entire back, waist and flanks liposuction, with BBL, and tummy tuck, this is because all the extra skin located in this areas plus your abdominal muscle needs to be repaired. Before all this, of course, you need to get a complete medical evaluation and laboratory exams to check everything is fine. For us your safety, always, is going to be first.

Have a great day!

Dr. JPG

Flanks are a slang term we use to describe the "love handle" or "muffin top" area.  The flanks transition to the hip area and sometimes where one ends and the other begins is arbitrary. Many will choose to undergo lips of the flanks at the same time as a tummy tuck. I find it useful to draw on the patient with a white pencil to show the exact areas being treated.  Discuss this with your board certified plastic surgeon before surgery

I always use the terms interchangeably. To me it means the sides of your body from your bra line down to your hip. Just make sure you discuss the areas exactly with your surgeon so there is no misunderstanding as to what is being performed. Best of luck!

flanks is not clearly defined. but , in general......  with a TT, the flanks would be the "front" portion of the love handle area that can be treated with the patients laying flat on their backs. this shape can be improved in conjunction with your TT.