Are my remaining love handles made up of muscle or fat? Can I get rid of them? (photo)

Question

34 yo, Vaser lipo to flanks. I was recently told by my dr that my love handles are muscle, not fat and he could not remove them; after recovering from Vaser to flanks and discovering I have a horrible body shape. My body before gaining some weight was not like this. Are these lumps muscle or fat and how do I get rid of them if my dr won’t?

Kenneth Brito, MD · Answer

Based on your photo, it looks like there are still pockets of residual fat. A good way to check if it is fat or muscle is by pinching test. If you can pinch the tissue, it is likely fat.
If it is fat, then revision vaser liposuction will be appropriate.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding whether your remaining love handles are made up of muscle or fat and if you can get rid of them. Thank you for your history and your pictures. In examining your pictures, I believe your love handles are made up of muscle. It doesn't appear that you have much fat in this area. Mainly if your doctor has performed VASER liposuction and says your love handles are made of muscle, if they are made of muscle, I would not suggest removing them. You need those muscles to keep your intestines and other organs in place. Regarding your body shape, you may consider further liposuction of your hips or possibly fat transfer or hip implants to get you more of an hourglass figure. You may also consider injections of Sculptra to grow areas of soft tissue. Please seek a board-certified plastic surgeon. Good Luck. I hope my answer helps to answer your question regarding whether your remaining love handles are made up of muscle or fat and if you can get rid of them. 
Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Jerimiah Mason, MD · Answer

The love handles seen in the photo can almost definitely be improved with additional liposuction. I would consider finding a different surgeon. Also, while Vaser is a nice tool, it wouldn't be necessary to give you a better result.

Kelvin Eusebio, MD · Answer

I'd suggest you to get the fat lipoed and some transfer to hips depending on the body shape you expect

Thomas Wright, MD · Answer

Gregarious  Thank you for sharing your photos.  They show very your hip bones and rather slender flanks.  I don't recommend more surgery for you.  At least not on your flanks.  Wishing you the best of health, Dr Wright

Are my remaining love handles made up of muscle or fat? Can I get rid of them? (photo)

Answers (10)

Answer: Vaser all the way!

Answer: Vaser all the way!

Answer: Not much fat there

Answer: Not much fat there

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Vaser Liposuction

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

Are my remaining love handles made up of muscle or fat? Can I get rid of them? (photo)

Answers (10)

Answer: Vaser all the way!

Answer: Vaser all the way!

Answer: Not much fat there

Answer: Not much fat there

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Vaser Liposuction

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