What is the process of flankplasty and can it be done together with Tummy tuck procedure?

Some patients have excess tissue in the flank areas that cannot be adequately contoured through an abdominoplasty alone. This tissue is commonly treated as an extension of the abdominoplasty. In the right patient, there can be a substantial added benefit to this procedure. 

This involves the removal of excess skin/tissue from the flanks (love handles) and lower back, typically combined with a tummy tuck. Although the scar will be located on the lower back/love handle area outside of the bikini line, the contour is typically much better than a body lift for example. It's best for patients with excess loose skin where liposuction isn't a good choice.Best wishes,Dr.Bruno

A flankplasty could be achieved with extension of the tummy tuck incision to encompass the sides or flanks as well.

I am not certain what exactly the term means, but either/or, liposuction of the flanks or excision of the area along with extension of the tummy tuck.Either way, the procedure can be done at the same time when a tummy tuck procedure is performed.I would recommend you see a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your surgical options.

Hello,Flankplasty removes skin and fat from the sides, in the same way as the tummy tuck does to the front. They work together to tighten skin from side to side. 

glnjln  Flankplasty sounds like a fancy marketing term describing a procedure that addresses the flank or lateral abdominal regions. Often times these areas are addressed at time of Tummytuck with liposuction contouring and possibly skin excision by lengthening the Tummytuck scar laterally.  Most plastic surgeons include flank treatment, when indicated, within the global confines of Tummytuck surgery in order to obtain the best possible result. Consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon in your area for further explanation and determination of possible benefits for you. Good luck!

Thank you for sharing your excellent question.  The waist region can be treated at the same time as a tummy tuck to help improve/refine results.  This can take the form of liposuction or an extension of the tummy tuck scar to cut out the tissue in the region.  The best option depends on the quality of your skin and extent of adipose tissue.  Talk to your surgeon about your best option.

Dear glnjln,
it is hard to tell what did your surgeon mean by flankplasty but he is probably planning to remove the excess skin from your flanks. I usually combine tummy tuck and flanks liposuction in order to achieve a better shape. If you have extra skin on your flanks, extended tummy tuck can be used to address it. If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Hello dear!!
Thanks for the question and provided information as well.
A flankplasty is liposuction on the flanks ("love handles"). It is safe to combine both procedures, if your health and lab tests results allow it. I suggest to book a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon, to discuss the best options for your goals.
Good luck :)

Hello, and thank you for your question. (Keep in mind that an in-person consultation is necessary for the best advice.) In appropriate patients, extended tummy tuck surgery (tummy tuck + flankplasty) may be a good option for you to improve the shape and contour of your body and to achieve a more aesthetic silhouette. If you decide to pursue surgery it’s very important that you find a surgeon whom you are comfortable with and trust and who evaluates you in-person and tailors an individualized treatment plan for you and your aesthetic goals. Best of luck!
Matthew A. DelMauro, M.D.