What does it mean exactly when a surgeon says "lipo to flanks"? How far around the sides of the abdomen does that go?

Question

George Marosan, MD · Answer

By definition, the flank is the anatomical area bordered by the ribs superiorly and the top of the hip or pelvic bone inferiorly. Most surgeons when they do a tummy tuck and do "Lipo of the flanks" they reach around as far as they can as the patient lies in the supine position. I believe that this way one can treat only the anterior aspect of the flank only. The flank has a fairly mobile fat deposit and if you are supine it falls backwards and when you are prone it moves forward. That is why, I approach this area from a supine and prone position and many times from a sideways position of the patient. You must have the right instruments to achieve the best results. Many times if this is done from a supine position only, it looks great in the operating room, but in 3-6 months the nice shape definition is gone. See a board certified plastic surgeon experienced in advanced body sculpting techniques and has a good understanding of the underlying muscular anatomy. Good luck.

Tim Neavin, MD · Answer

Liposuction to the flanks means removing fat by method of suction from the love handles. Same pertains to the abdomen.

Sam M. Sukkar, MD · Answer

The flank consists of an anterior and a posterior component.With an abdominoplasty in the supine position, the anterior flank can be accessed, but the posterior flank is not completely addressed.If formal flank liposuction is desired or recommended, then the prone (face down) or lateral position would be necessary.I hope this helps and good luck!

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

This can mean various things to various doctors. I try to contour or shape the entire unit of the body and that includes the sides and back when I say "flanks."  I typically call liposuction or hi defenition contouring of the sides "circumferential torso" because I do the entire body all the way around 360 degrees.  This give s a much better result.  I suggest you see only a body contouring specialiast who is not just about fat removal but more about body shaping!  Best, Dr. Emer.

Justin Yovino, MD, FACS · Answer

This is the area between the front of the belly and the love handles.  It's commonly treated at the same time as the upper and lower abdomen, waist, hips, lower back, and love handles.

What does it mean exactly when a surgeon says "lipo to flanks"? How far around the sides of the abdomen does that go?

Answers (9)

Answer: Liposuction of the Flanks

Answer: Liposuction of the Flanks

Answer: Lipo of the flanks

Answer: Lipo of the flanks

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Everything you need to know about Liposuction

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What does it mean exactly when a surgeon says "lipo to flanks"? How far around the sides of the abdomen does that go?

Answers (9)

Answer: Liposuction of the Flanks

Answer: Liposuction of the Flanks

Answer: Lipo of the flanks

Answer: Lipo of the flanks

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Liposuction

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.