Tt with Lip of Flanks, Back and Axillary- But What Are Flanks?

the flanks are the lower back above the crests of the buttocks.  they connect to the posterior part of the hip roll

 

The more common name for flanks are the love handles just above the waist on a pair of jeans. Other affectionately term this a muffin top.

Liposuction of the flanks at the time of TT help narrow and contour the waist as it wraps around from the lower back to the tummy.

We do sometimes use terms that can mean different things to different doctors so it can be confusing. For me, I call flanks the area of the lower back between the shoulder blades and the hips...kind of below that "bra roll" area! But I have heard of some doctors calling flanks the area behind the armpit too!

Flanks are what are commonly known as 'love handles'. These can be pulled in during a TT without the need of an extra procedure. I routinely suture your lateral muscles (below your flanks) to create a natural waist line. This technique helps pull you in on the sides, making your flanks less noticeable. It also increases the amount of weight loss in the following weeks. Abdominal liposuction in conjunction with a TT can be tricky in unexperienced hands. Please consult with a Board Certified Plastic surgeon that has many under his belt. Best wishes, Dr. H 

Hi there-

Most plastic surgeons refer to the area below your waist, but above your hips as the flank area, but you should carefully discuss this with your surgeon to be sure you are on the same page.

When you say you are ready I assume you have seen and chosen a surgeon for your tummy tuck and liposuction. This is a question you should be asking your surgeon and the answer should be in terms you can understand. If you put one finger at the bottom of your rib cage on your side and another on top of your hip bone on the side the area between your fingers is your flank. Everyone has a flank but not everyone has a love handle which is a localized excess collection of fat in the flank area.

I hope you realize that this format of posting questions and receiving answers lacks the face to face direct communication required for you to make an informed decision regarding your surgery. Most of the scar tissue that arises is formed in these areas of tissue plane separation. The same applies to breast implants where most of the scar is really around the implant.

My response to your question/post does not represent formal medical advice or constitute a doctor patient relationship. You need to consult with i.e. personally see a board certified plastic surgeon in order to receive a formal evaluation and develop a doctor patient relationship.

Flanks or hips arr the area you are questioning. This is often liposuctioned in patients undergoing a tummy tuck.

You are correct the "flanks" are your hips, love handles. Be sure you and your chosen doctor are on the same page as to terms. 

Liposuction of the waist (flank) and hips is performed on all abdominoplasty surgeries (tummy tucks) in my office, even if there is minimal adipose tissue. Women tend to develop adipose tissue in this area, especially after a tummy tuck and aging, which leads to a flat stomach and hip or flank fullness. Liposuction of the back and flank should contour most of your posterior.

I believe that the term "flanks" is used somewhat loosely with regard to liposuction.  Generally, plastic surgeons are referring to the "love handles" and fat in the waist area.  This area typically extends toward the back.  While the hips can also be suctioned, they are considered a different region.  Check carefully with your plastic surgeon so that you both know exactly the suctioning is to take place.   Good luck.