Should I consider having flank liposuction done along with my tummy tuck? (photos)

Thanks so much for your inquire,

Deciding whether to have flank liposuction performed along with a tummy tuck depends on several factors, including your specific body shape, aesthetic goals, and the recommendations of your plastic surgeon

Achieving balance and proportionality in your body contours is essential for overall aesthetic harmony. Combining flank liposuction with a tummy tuck can help ensure that your waistline is sculpted and defined, complementing the results of the tummy tuck procedure.
Sincerely,
Dr. Emmanuel Mallol

Hi, thank you for sharing your question. I believe that you are a great candidate for liposuction along with your tummy tuck. Based on these photos, there seems to be adequate fat along the flanks and upper hips to remove with liposuction. This will elevate your results and I highly recommend it.

Thank you for your question about whether to consider having flank liposuction done along with your tummy tuck. It's important to carefully consider all aspects of body contouring to achieve the best results.

By examining your photos, it seems that liposuction of the flanks is not strictly necessary, as your surgeon suggested, especially if there isn't a significant amount of fat in those areas. However, if your goal is to enhance your waistline and maintain a more hourglass figure, adding liposuction of the flanks could potentially enhance your contour and prevent a boxy appearance post-surgery.

More importantly, the tummy tuck—particularly an extended tummy tuck for your case—will likely provide you with amazing results. An extended tummy tuck is more comprehensive than a standard tummy tuck as it addresses excess skin and fat not just in the abdominal area but also around the flanks and lower back. This procedure combined with muscle plication, which tightens and realigns the abdominal muscles, can significantly bring in your waistline by 2-4 inches, instantly enhancing your natural contour and providing a dramatic improvement.

Given that your initial consultation was conducted via video conference, I recommend having an in-person evaluation with your surgeon or a second opinion if possible. This would allow for a more accurate assessment of your body's specific needs and ensure that all your concerns are addressed before proceeding with surgery.

Discussing these options in detail with a board-certified plastic surgeon will help you make an informed decision that aligns with your aesthetic goals and leads to satisfaction with your surgical outcomes.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Thank you for including multiple views of photos. In short, the flank liposuction helps create a better contour in the immediate term, and prevents contour issues in the future.

During a tummy tuck, a significant portion of the skin and fatty tissue is excised from the lower abdomen. The remaining tissue is then stretched downward to achieve a tighter abdominal appearance. As a result, the fat cell density in the treated area is notably reduced compared to the original state or that of the flanks. Failure to contour the flanks may lead to an abrupt transition from lower-density fat cells to the normal density in the flanks. This can result in disproportionate weight gain in the flanks if your weight fluctuates.

Dr. B

Thank you for the question. I perform flank liposuction in every tummy tuck, mostly because the skin left after removal is usually thicker in character and liposuction allows me to even out the top and bottom sections for a beautiful result.

From your photographs, it does not appear that liposuction is necessary. However, at the time of your examination, he can pinch your tissue laterally and determine how much fat you have there. You may get minimal improvement or you may get more improvement. That is a decision you and your surgeon will have to make once he examines you in person.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

An in person evaluation is needed for the best recommendation but typically patients do benefit from liposuction along with the tummy tuck. This allows me to further contour and enhance the results of the tummy tuck. Take a look at some of my before/after photos on my website and you'll see that the boxy shape is definitely not the result!

An examination is needed to see if you have any residual flank fat that could benefit from liposuction.

Hello; in the abdominal area, Liposuction only; not for reducing fat; in tummy tuck, it ensures for that; the tunnel opened between the skin and muscle in the upper abdomen; is narrower. During liposuction treatment, the upper abdominal skin; areas where it holds tightly to the ribs and resists pulling are loosened. Additionally, the skin becomes looser; due to the fat removal. In this way, Lipoabdominoplasty can be performed with less tension; it is possible for performing Abdominoplasty surgery.
You have fat in your abdomen and waist fields. Also, on your hip; there is a decrease in fat tissue and wrinkles on the skin. My advice for you; fat taken from the abdomen and waist; given to the hip and it balances the fat reduction; in this area.

Based on the post of photos you were candidate for added flank Lipo with the full tummy tuck best to discuss with your chosen surgeon or seek virtual consult with expect fees to range from $6000-$10,000