Is it possible to remove excess skin from flanks with no conventional tummy tuck? (photos)

Question

Hi all! I'm 29 y.o., 6'1 and I weigh 200lbs. From 18 y.o. I've oscilated between 180 and 245lbs. My skin is unpleasantly tender even when I'm fatter. Now I am willing to go through a sugery to eliminate my flanks (I hate my front silhouette and my female waist). In addition to a liposuction, would you reccomend me a tummy tuck? Are there alternatives to remove excess skin from flanks with only lateral cuts (avoiding the wide traditional cut)? Thank you!!

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello, and thank you for your question regarding whether it's possible to remove excess skin from flanks with a conventional tummy tuck. Thank you for your history and your pictures.

Upon analyzing your pictures, you appear to have excess skin and fat in the abdomen and flanks. Due to your young age and the absence of stretch marks, the abdomen and flanks (or superior iliac crest) will respond very well to traditional liposuction. For added benefit, consider VASER high-definition liposuction to sculpt your abdominal muscles. This would lead to a more athletic abdomen. Most experienced plastic surgeons can sculpt out a six-pack. Also, concentrated liposuction can be performed over the hips, flanks (or "love handles). With the VASER liposuction technique, your skin should contract nicely. The VASER does two unique things. The VASER melts the fat around the muscle and helps to warm the skin, allowing the skin to shrink-wrap tightly around the muscle for optimal results. Most plastic surgeons would agree that you do not need a tummy tuck or abdominoplasty. If the VASER abdominal liposuction is performed well, your skin should shrink-wrap to give you outstanding results. Additionally, it is essential to undergo postoperative lymphatic massage and wear your garment for at least 6 to 8 weeks. Specifically, if you are concerned about the flanks, there are hip lift procedures. Hip lift procedures included an incision over the hip to remove an elliptical area of skin and fat over the hip region. This would eliminate the flanks and lift the lateral thigh. However, most plastic surgeons would not recommend this for you at this stage. Again, most plastic surgeons would recommend VASER 360 liposuction and VASER hi-def abs. That means liposuction of the entire abdomen, superior iliac crest, love handles, flanks, and lower back. This surgery will alter the shape of your back, transforming it from its current status to an athletic, male V-shaped body. Additionally, most plastic surgeons would recommend high-definition liposuction to sculpt out a six-pack. Thank you for your question regarding whether it's possible to remove excess skin from the legs with a conventional tummy tuck. Good luck.  Sincerely, Dr.  Katzen, MD, MBA (Aesthetic, Cosmetic, and Reconstructive Plastic Surgeon),  President of the American Society of Bariatric Plastic Surgeons, certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Fellow of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, and International College of Surgery and member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery and RealSelf Hall of Fame.)

Bhupesh Vasisht, MD · Answer

You cannot remove excess skin without cutting it out and liposuctioning of the surrounding tissues. This type of surgery involves creating scars so you will have to be comfortable with that idea.  My suggestion is that you first come down to your ideal happy weight and then consider the surgery.  Good luck.  Dr Vasisht

Joshua A. Halpern, MD, PA · Answer

Thank you for your question.This is a procedure that I commonly do. Surgery takes approximately 3 hours, no drains are involved. Recovery is fairly quick as well. It is not uncommon for people to be driving 3 to 4 days after surgery. Patients also state that pain is very minimal. I will put a picture of a male flank before and after on my Facebook page, it should be up in a day or so.I hope you find this information useful.

Is it possible to remove excess skin from flanks with no conventional tummy tuck? (photos)

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Is it possible to remove excess skin from flanks with no conventional tummy tuck? (photos)

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Everything you need to know about Male Tummy Tuck

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