Can love handle lipo be done with a single vertical scar above the “butt crack”? (Photo)

Question

I have gone to several consults and usually their are two incisions at the waist line/upper glute (for love handle lipo). I found a doctor who will do the minimally invasive “butt crack” scar but he charges a double. Is this technique reliable? It seems somewhat new. Also is it insulting to ask the other surgeons if they would preform the lipo this way? I know scars are small and will fade, but I would prefer to have no visible scars if possible.

George Marosan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photo. To get the best results, you will need this area addressed from the back and also from the front. The love handles wrap around the sides and will not get a great result from a posterior approach only. That being said, I always use one single poke hole at the top of the butt crack. There's no need for other obvious visible incisions. From the front, the small poke holes are placed low in the pubic area and inside the umbilicus. 
It just shows, that surgeons are creatures of habit and do things the same way for decades, because it "always worked for them" and tell patients that is the only way to do it. Surgical techniques and instrumentation progress and I believe that the surgeons need to keep up with the times.
See a board certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in advanced body sculpting techniques for an in person consultation/evaluation. Good luck.
See attached web reference. No sign of liposuction poke holes!

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

The answer is yes, all of this can be done through small incision above gluteal crease. However, small incisions needed for liposuction in patient like you are well hidden and practically invisible after scar mature. For that reason you should accept two additional incisions above buttock (covered with your current under ware), if need to provide excellent result; shape matters, not small incision/invisible scars. Good luck.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

if you want the best result you will need butt and side incisions plus adding renuvion.  Best, dr. Emer.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Giving977649,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. Generally speaking, incisions for liposuction are very small and once they heal they will be almost invisible. 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

Ramiro Morales, Jr., MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and pictures.  While love handle liposuction could be done via a single middle incision, a much better job can be done via 2 small incisions.  The incisions are so small that it really isn't worth avoiding a second one and possibly decreasing your results.  Be sure to see a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon for your consultation.

Can love handle lipo be done with a single vertical scar above the “butt crack”? (Photo)

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Can love handle lipo be done with a single vertical scar above the “butt crack”? (Photo)

Answers (10)

Answer: Liposuction candidate

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