Will Tummy Tuck Take Care of Love Handles and Excessive Fat That's on my Sides?

Question

Im getting a tummy tuck soon. I also have love handles. Will the tummy tuck take away the love handles? Im hopping that it does so.

William Bruno, MD · Answer

A tummy tuck alone will not necessarily address the excess fat on the sides of your body (love handles or flanks). Typically this is treated with liposuction of the flanks at the same time as the tummy tuck which enhances the overall contour of your torso and waist area. Most patients who undergo a tummy tuck surgery will benefit from liposuction of the flanks simultaneously.

	A board certified plastic surgeon will be able to examine you in detail and determine the best approach for your love handle area.

	Best wishes,

	Dr. Bruno

Mathew C. Mosher, MD · Answer

It is very common to see patients with shape problems that extend over the hips and around to the flanks when they come in for a "tummy tuck" consultation. A "tummy tuck" or abdominoplasty does not improve the hips and flanks. The extra fullness around your waistline can be greatly improved with liposuction at the time of your tummy surgery if necessary without changing the duration of your recovery. If you have a lot of loose skin that extends around to your back as well then this can also be addressed with a modified surgical plan.  Ask your Plastic Surgeon about the options that are available and what would create the best shape improvement for you.

	Dr. Mosher

Erez Sternberg, MD · Answer

Tummy tuck surgery is a great way to help shape your midsection, flatten your tummy and get rid of excess skin and stretch marks. I order to remove the "love handle" areas at the same time your plastic surgeon will likely need to perform additional liposuction or extend the incisions further to the sides to treat this region effectively. Make sure you visit a board certified plastic surgeon and express your concern over those areas as well. He/she will be able to tell you what more can be done to best elliminate your love handles.

Peter E. Johnson, MD · Answer

It is important to be clear about your expectations to have the best result from your tummy tuck. We include liposuction to contour the hip or love handle when needed, but rather than assume and face a possible disappointment, ask your surgeon clearly what to expect. Only additional liposuction over the hip will solve your problem.
	Best of luck,
	peterjohnsonmd

Barry L. Eppley, MD, DMD · Answer

A tummy tuck is a frontal procedure that changes what happens between the hip points or where the ends of the incisions stop. Any extra skin or fat beyond these points will not be changed by the skin and fat cut out. This is the role that adding liposuction to the sides and back does. It extends the result from a 180 degree procedure to one that is a 270 degree waistline change. This is not part of the tummy tuck, either in the design of the procedure or in accounting for the time and cost to do it. You need to go back and review your planned procedure with your plastic surgeon.

Steven Turkeltaub, MD · Answer

A tummy tuck essentially addresses the "front half" of your trunk, that is, your abdomen. In order to address your love handles, liposuction of the area would also be needed. You should mention this area of concern with your surgeon so that he/she can review it with you and add it to the surgical plans if you still want to pursue this.

Thomas R. Walek, MD · Answer

Personally I will do all that is necessary to get the improvement I think is necessary. I think this is good medicine and the right thing to do. In this age of retail plastic surgery some will list all component procedures separately and price accordingly. My advice is to find a competent surgeon and clearly discuss your options and your expectations.

Lawrence C. Lin, MD · Answer

A tummy tuck only will not eliminate love handles.  You may want to to talk to your surgeon regarding adding liposuction of the flank areas which would help.

Brooke R. Seckel, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

Thank you for your question. A personal exam and consultation is always best.That said it is very common during tummy tuck to use liposuction to decrease the size of the love handles and this usually produces a nice result.Be sure to consult a plastic surgeon who is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, experienced in your procedure, and who has an excellent reputation in your community.

John Whitt, MD (retired) · Answer

A standard full tummy tuck would not improve love handles or excess fat in the flanks and upper hips. This would have to be addressed with either a body lift or liposuction, depending on the amount of excess fat and/or skin.

Will Tummy Tuck Take Care of Love Handles and Excessive Fat That's on my Sides?

Answers (11)

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