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

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.

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

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!