Liposuction. Are the flanks and waist considered the same area? (Photo)

While physical exam is optimal, your photo seems to demonstrate 2 succinct areas that would benefit from liposuction. The areas are well defined, so the chances of an optimal result are good! To maximize your results try to be at your optimal weight. Good luck!

Thanks for the question.  The flanks are essentially considered the waist, however, the bra roll (also known as the dorsal roll) is the part of your back above your flanks. Hope this helps.Dr. Burnett

The flank area is above the waistline that blends into the waistline on the sides and back.  This is a separate area of consideration for liposuction and is more about how much it would cost you vs. what should be done to improve the shape of your body.  The most important thing is to find a surgeon with whom you can have an honest discussion about the pros and cons for liposuction, the technique he or she uses and answer all the questions you have.  I prefer to use a technique using micro-cannulas to decrease swelling time and discomfort postoperatively.  I would advise you to see a board certified plastic surgeon for an expert opinion based on a comprehensive examination.  Good luck!

There are no set guidelines for what constitutes the specific boundaries of an anatomic area.Based on your pictures, I would define the area above your back crease as your back bra roll.The area below your crease to just below the thinnest part of your waist is the waist area, and everything from there to the very upper part of the thigh is the hips.In my practice, the great majority of patients who have their trunk treated with liposuction have treatment of their full abdomen. This includes upper abdomen, lower abdomen, waist and hips.It is unusual for someone to have a great outcome unless all areas are treated. This can be difficult to convey to patients.While some patients may have one of these as their troubled areas, it will still be out of balance if treated correctly after liposuction unless all surrounding areas are treated.When a typical patient insists on having only one area treated, then the surgeon is left with a dilemma. Either the area can be treated to obtain a sense of balance with the adjacent areas or the area can be treated to look the best that it can look at the cost of being disproportionate to the surrounding areas.For example, if I treat only the lower abdomen and I make it look the best that I can, the upper abdomen, hips and waist will look disproportionate.In the end, each surgeon sets their own criteria.If you are dealing with a talented and ethical surgeon, then they will steer you towards the right decision and charge a fair price.Best of luck,Mats Hagstrom, M.D.