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Flank liposuction is a surgical procedure that aims to contour and sculpt the flanks, also commonly referred to as the "love handles." The flanks are the areas located on the sides of the waist and can be a source of frustration for many individuals due to stubborn pockets of fat that are resistant to diet and exercise.

Here at The Clinic for Plastic Surgery, our goal is to provide exceptional care and deliver natural-looking results to our patients. Houston plastic surgeons, Dr. Sam Sukkar and Dr. Edgar Bedolla, are renowned surgeons with extensive experience in performing our Houston flank liposuction procedures. Schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Sukkar or Dr. Bedolla to discuss your concerns and goals, and discover how he can help you achieve your desired physique. If you are interested in learning more about how flank liposuction can help you achieve your desired body shape, we encourage you to contact The Clinic for Plastic Surgery by calling (281) 940-1535.

About Liposuction

Liposuction is one of the most popular body contouring procedures in the United States. In 2021 alone, over 491,000 procedures were performed. ⁽¹⁾ It involves the use of medical suction through a long, thin tube called a cannula to remove stubborn pockets of fat that are resistant to diet and exercise.

This treatment can help individuals achieve a more sculpted and contoured physique. Flank liposuction is particularly beneficial for those who are struggling to eliminate stubborn fat pockets in the waist and hip region, despite maintaining a healthy lifestyle. There are various techniques and approaches available, depending on your unique needs and goals. Dr. Sukkar or Dr. Bedolla will evaluate your individual case during your personal consultation to determine the most suitable type of flank liposuction for you. Some common types of liposuction techniques include:

Tumescent Liposuction: In this approach, a specialized solution is injected into the treatment area to numb the area, minimize bleeding, and facilitate the fat removal process.
SmartLipo: SmartLipo is an innovative technique that uses laser-assisted technology to precisely target and remove unwanted fat cells while simultaneously promoting natural skin tightening.
VASER Hi-Def: VASER Hi-Def is specifically designed to sculpt and create a highly defined and chiseled physique. This ultrasound-assisted procedure goes beyond traditional liposuction, allowing for precise muscle definition and targeted fat reduction, resulting in a sculpted physique.
PowerX: PowerX liposuction is an advanced liposuction technique that utilizes the patented PowerX technology of a rotating cannula to deliver superior outcomes in targeted fat removal and body contouring treatment.

If you want to achieve a coveted "hourglass" figure, flank liposuction may be right for you!

flank liposuction patient model leaning against a wall in a lacey white bikini

Benefits of Flank Liposuction

Intro

Improved Body Contour: Flank liposuction effectively eliminates excess fat deposits from the flanks, resulting in improved body contouring. It helps create a more defined waistline and a sleeker silhouette.
Enhanced Proportions: Flank liposuction can bring balance and proportion to your overall physique by removing localized pockets of fat. This can be especially beneficial for patients whose flanks have been resistant to diet and exercise.
Increased Clothing Options: Getting rid of love handles through flank liposuction opens up a wider range of clothing options. You can confidently wear form-fitting clothes, swimwear, or dresses without feeling self-conscious about your flanks.
Boosted Self-Confidence: When you are unhappy with the appearance of your flanks, it can affect your self-esteem. Flank liposuction can help you regain confidence by achieving a more desirable body shape.
Long-Lasting Results: Properly maintained healthy habits, such as regular exercise and a balanced diet, can help ensure the longevity of your results.
Minimally Invasive Procedure: Flank liposuction is a minimally invasive procedure, which means it typically involves shorter recovery times and reduced scarring compared to more extensive surgical procedures.

Candidates

Ideal candidates for flank liposuction are individuals who:

Have excess fat deposits in the flanks or love handles.
Are within a stable weight range and close to their ideal body weight. ⁽²⁾
Have good skin elasticity, as this plays a role in achieving optimal results.
Are in generally good health and have realistic expectations.
Have tried diet and exercise to target their flanks without achieving the desired results.

It is important to note that flank liposuction is not a weight-loss solution or treatment for obesity. Instead, it is intended to contour and sculpt the flanks by removing stubborn fat deposits resistant to traditional weight loss methods. Pregnant women and individuals with certain medical conditions may not be suitable candidates for flank liposuction. Dr. Sukkar or Dr. Bedolla evaluate your candidacy during a personal consultation to ensure that this procedure aligns with your goals and overall health profile.

flank liposuction patient model in a white bra and panties

Personal Consultation

Dr. Sukkar and Dr. Bedolla believe in open and honest communication with their patients. They will take the time to listen attentively to your concerns and answer any questions you may have about the procedure, recovery, and potential risks. During your consultation for flank liposuction Houston plastic surgeons at The Clinic for Plastic Surgery will help you determine if flank liposuction is the right choice for you. They will also tell you about related procedures such as abdominal liposuction and abdominoplasty (tummy tuck).

To schedule your personal consultation, call The Clinic for Plastic Surgery in Houston at (281) 940-1535. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff are ready to assist you in beginning your transformational journey.

Preparation

Proper preparation before undergoing flank liposuction can help ensure a smooth procedure and recovery. Based on your individual case, Dr. Sukkar or Dr. Bedolla will provide you with specific preoperative instructions. Here are some general guidelines to follow:

Avoid taking blood-thinning medications, such as aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), as they can increase the risk of bleeding during surgery.
Disclose any existing medical conditions or allergies to your surgeon.
Quit smoking and avoid nicotine products for at least four weeks before the surgery, as smoking can impair the healing process and increase complications.
Refrain from eating or drinking anything for a predetermined period before the procedure, as directed by your surgeon.
Arrange for a trusted friend or family member to drive you to and from the surgery, as well as stay with you for the first 24 hours after the procedure.
Fill any prescribed medications beforehand so you have them readily available during your recovery period.

By carefully following these instructions, you can optimize your safety, comfort, and overall satisfaction throughout the flank liposuction process.

Liposuction Procedure

Flank liposuction typically follows these steps:

Anesthesia: Before initiating the procedure, we will administer anesthesia to ensure your comfort.
Incision Placement: Your surgeon will strategically place incisions discreetly in inconspicuous areas within the flanks. The precise location and number of incisions will depend on factors such as the amount of fat to be removed and the chosen liposuction technique.
Tumescent Solution Injection: Before fat removal, a tumescent solution will be injected into the targeted treatment area. This solution helps numb the area, minimize bleeding, and facilitate the removal of fat.
Fat Removal: Using a thin cannula (a small, hollow tube), excess fat is gently suctioned out. Your surgeon will utilize advanced techniques to ensure optimal fat removal while maintaining smooth contours.
Incision Closure: Once the desired contour and symmetry have been achieved, the incisions are carefully closed with sutures or adhesive strips. It may be necessary to wear compression garments after surgery to help reduce swelling and promote healing.

The specifics of the procedure will vary depending on factors such as the extent of fat removal, your unique anatomy, and the technique chosen by Dr. Sukkar or Dr. Bedolla. Your surgeon will thoroughly discuss the details of your individualized approach during your personal consultation.

Recovery

Recovery after flank liposuction varies from patient to patient, but it is common to experience some swelling, bruising, and discomfort for the first few days following the procedure. Medication can help manage any discomfort experienced during this time.

To ensure a smoother recovery and optimize your results, it is essential to follow these guidelines:

Wear compression garments as instructed: These garments promote proper healing, minimize swelling, and aid in obtaining the desired contoured results.
Take prescribed medications: If your surgeon has prescribed any medications such as pain relievers or antibiotics, take them as directed.
Rest and limit physical activities: Engaging in vigorous activities or heavy lifting should be avoided for a few weeks following the procedure. Light walking is encouraged to promote circulation and reduce the risk of blood clots.
Attend follow-up appointments: Your surgeon will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your progress, remove any sutures if necessary, and ensure that your recovery is on track.

The majority of patients can return to work within a week after surgery, though it may take several weeks for the final results to become fully apparent as the swelling subsides. Taking care of yourself during the recovery phase plays a vital role in achieving optimal outcomes.

flank liposuction patient model in a white sports bra and yoga pants leaning against a wall holding a water bottle

Results

Flank liposuction provides long-lasting results as the fat cells removed during the procedure do not grow back. However, maintaining a stable weight and leading a healthy lifestyle through diet and exercise is key to preserving your new shape. Patients who choose flank liposuction at The Clinic for Plastic Surgery in Houston can expect noticeable improvements in their body contour, enhanced self-confidence, and a rejuvenated overall appearance.

Cost of Flank Liposuction in Houston

The cost of flank liposuction can vary depending on various factors, including the extent of fat removal, the chosen technique, and the complexity of your case. Dr. Sam Sukkar, Dr. Edgar Bedolla, and their team will provide you with a detailed cost estimate during your personal consultation.

At The Clinic for Plastic Surgery, we understand that financial considerations are an important part of your decision-making process. Our team will assist you in exploring various financing options to help make this transformative procedure more affordable for you. To receive personalized information about the cost of flank liposuction and discuss available financing options, contact our office at (281) 940-1535.

References

“Liposuction Complications in the Outpatient Setting: A National Analysis of 246,119 Cases in Accredited Ambulatory Surgery Facilities.” Aesthetic Surgery Journal. Open Forum, vol. 6, 28 Nov. 2023, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10860384/#:~:text=Suction%20lipectomy%20(liposuction)%20is%20one, https://doi.org/10.1093/asjof/ojad107.
American Society of Plastic Surgeons. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons ® Procedural Statistics Data Insights Partners: 2022 ASPS Procedural Statistics Release.; 2023.https://www.plasticsurgery.org/documents/News/Statistics/2022/plastic-surgery-statistics-report-2022.pdf
Taha AA, Tahseen H. Liposuction. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery – Global Open. 2020;8(4):e2783. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/gox.0000000000002783
Mittal B. Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue & Visceral Adipose Tissue. Indian Journal of Medical Research. 2019;149(5):571. doi:https://doi.org/10.4103/ijmr.ijmr_1910_18

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*THE CONTENT/IMAGES ON THIS WEBSITE ARE NOT A GUARANTEE OF INDIVIDUAL RESULTS. INDIVIDUAL RESULTS MAY VARY. THE INFORMATION PROVIDED ON THIS SITE IS FOR GENERAL INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND DOES NOT REPLACE THE NEED FOR A FORMAL CONSULTATION WITH A PLASTIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGEON BEFORE UNDERGOING A SURGICAL PROCEDURE OR SKINCARE TREATMENT. THE LOGOS LISTED ABOVE REFLECT DR. SUKKAR'S CERTIFICATIONS ONLY.

Flank Liposuction in Houston, TX