Flank Liposuction

Flank liposuction is a cosmetic procedure that removes excess fat from the sides of the abdomen. Also referred to as “love handles,” the flanks are an area of the body that often concerns patients. Liposuction smooths the area and improves the overall midsection contour without removing skin or invasive incisions. The procedure is a good fit for patients wanting to sculpt their waist and enhance their physique in a safe and effective way.

Dr. Gordon Andan is a board-certified cosmetic surgeon providing excellent patient care to those in Manhattan, Garden City, and beyond. He is a highly sought-after and passionate physician who provides optimal results with both surgical and non-surgical aesthetic procedures. To schedule a private consultation with him, please do not hesitate to call our office at (516) 746-0155 or fill out this contact form to get started.

All About Flank Liposuction

Liposuction has remained one of the most popular and frequently performed cosmetic surgeries since the 1980s. ⁽¹⁾ With several different techniques and methods, this procedure utilizes specialized instruments and medical-grade suction to safely remove unwanted fat deposits. The flanks are located right above the hip bones, an area where many patients collect excess adipose tissue. It is often difficult to sculpt this part of the body with diet and exercise alone. Flank liposuction permanently removes fat cells from the sides to improve a patient’s abdominal contour and overall shape.

What is Liposuction?

Liposuction, or lipo, separates and removes fatty tissue from the body using thin, hollow tubes called cannulas. Surgeons first infiltrate the treatment area with tumescent fluid, a mixture of saline and anesthetic that numbs the area and helps to separate fat cells from surrounding tissue. ⁽¹⁾ Every modern method of lipo uses this solution to keep the procedure safe and provide patients with comprehensive results. By breaking up the semi-solid fat deposits before using suction, surgeons can control the removal of tissue with more precision. ⁽²⁾

Dr. Andan may implement ultrasonic energy to better contour the flanks. VASER technology stands for “vibration amplification of sound energy at resonance.” This type of liposuction requires a special probe that emits high-frequency sound waves into the targeted fat to emulsify the tissue. VASER employs energy waves that vibrate at a similar frequency to fat cells, ultimately leaving the other internal tissues of the body unaffected. After liquifying the fat, Dr. Andan can easily remove it with suction.

360-degree liposuction, or circumferential lipo, is a specialized technique that addresses the abdomen in its entirety. This technique typically utilizes traditional tumescent techniques. During this procedure, Dr. Andan eliminates fatty tissue from the abdomen, flanks, and back to slim the midsection. If a patient struggles with love handles, this procedure can reduce the adipose tissue on the sides while narrowing the surrounding areas for a more streamlined result.

Benefits of Flank Liposuction

This procedure benefits patients by providing:

Ideal Candidates

The ideal candidates for flank liposuction typically have an uneven distribution of fat deposits around their sides and above their hips. They may find the excess tissue distressing or seek a slimmer, uninterrupted torso outline. To qualify, they should be in good health with no serious underlying medical issues. For optimal results, they should also achieve a stable weight before surgery. Those who smoke tobacco and nicotine products should quit at least 4 weeks before liposuction as these can negatively impact the healing process. They should also have reasonable expectations and a positive outlook about future results.

Personal Consultation with Dr. Andan

New York Surgical Arts offers each patient a private consultation to discuss their cosmetic desires. This appointment will give you time to ask questions about the surgery and to express your aesthetic concerns. Dr. Andan will meet with you and go over the procedure steps after performing a comprehensive physical examination of the treatment area. During this meeting, you will also inform him about your medical history and current medications. He will then explain flank liposuction and the techniques he will use to improve your midsection contour. Depending on your procedure plan, he may suggest additional treatments to achieve your goals. Please be candid with Dr. Andan about your health and outlook during this consultation. This is the first and most important step towards a comfortable and ideal surgical experience.

Preparation

To prepare for surgery, you should:

Flank Liposuction Procedure

To start the procedure, Dr. Andan administers a local anesthetic and oral sedation to keep you comfortable. He makes small incisions around the flanks and inserts the cannula just beneath the skin. He then infiltrates the abdomen with tumescent fluid to loosen the fatty tissue. Using the preferred liposuction method, he then begins to remove the stubborn deposits with suction. He follows a specific pattern to create an aesthetically pleasing torso contour and to smooth your areas of concern. Dr. Andan follows and honors your anatomy to provide optimal results with a customized approach. After achieving your preferred shape, he removes the cannula and places a compression garment around the waist and hips. Flank liposuction procedures usually take around 2 hours to complete, depending on the treatment plan.

Recovery & Results

Patients generally require around a week of downtime after liposuction. Drink plenty of water and rest as much as possible during the first postoperative week. Patients should avoid strenuous exercise or activities for 4 to 6 weeks to ensure a quick recovery. It can take up to 3 months to completely heal after flank lipo.

This procedure reduces love handles and contours the waist, slimming a patient’s sides and back. After the swelling subsides, they enjoy a smoother torso contour. Liposuction permanently removes fat cells, meaning the results are long-lasting. To maintain the new contour, please implement a healthy diet and exercise routine.

Liposuction & Renuvion

To tighten loose or excess skin after liposuction, Dr. Andan uses Renuvion treatments. This device utilizes helium plasma and radiofrequency to tighten the skin from the inside out. ⁽³⁾ He inserts it through existing lipo incisions, and the plasma energy delivers controlled heat to the tissue. This stimulates the collagen and elastin fibers production necessary to tighten the skin and improve its elasticity. He often combines Renuvion treatments with VASER lipo to enhance contouring.

Cost of Flank Liposuction in New York City

At New York Surgical Arts, Dr. Andan creates specialized procedure plans for each individual patient. To learn more about pricing and the surgery process, please schedule a consultation with him by calling (516) 746-0155.

You may also visit our location closest to you in Manhattan or Garden City, NY or fill out this form to take the first steps toward your ideal contour.

FAQ

References

1. Chang E, Mello K, Paskal S, Dill M, Miner LA. The Development and Implementation of an Evidence-Based Tumescent Liposuction Protocol, Online Educational Course for Perioperative Staff, and Discharge Instructions: a Quality Improvement Project. Journal of periAnesthesia nursing/Journal of Perianesthesia Nursing. 2024;39(1):24-31. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jopan.2023.06.094
2. Yi Xin Zhang, Lazzeri D, Grassetti L, et al. Three-dimensional Superficial Liposculpture of the Hips, Flank, and Thighs. Plastic and Reconstructive surgery Global Open. 2015;3(1):e291-e291. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/gox.0000000000000241
3. Gentile RD. Renuvion RF-Helium Plasma for Subdermal Skin Tightening, Facial Contouring and Skin Rejuvenation of the Face and Neck. Facial Plastic Surgery & Aesthetic Medicine. 2020;22(4). doi:https://doi.org/10.1089/fpsam.2020.0070