Flankplasty

Flankplasty is a body contouring surgical procedure that targets the flanks (known as love handles). It aims to reduce excess fat and loose skin and sculpt the flanks for a more toned and proportionate silhouette. 

• Improves the contour and definition of the waistline 
• Removes stubborn fat deposits resistant to diet and exercise 
• Tightens loose skin following major weight loss or pregnancy 

• Can help clothing to fit better 
• Can boost self-confidence  
• Can improve the balance between the upper and lower body 
• Can be combined with other body contouring procedures 
• Has long lasting results if patients maintain a stable body weight 

• Has minimal scarring  

• Infection 
• Swelling 

• Bleeding 
• Scarring 
• Haematoma (blood pooling under the skin) 
• Seroma (build-up of fluid) 

You’ll be given general anaesthetic before your flankplasty is carried out, which means you’ll be asleep throughout.   

To begin the flankplasty, your surgeon will make an incision along the flank tissue between the hips and lower back, extending to the twelfth rib. Any incisions are often hidden in the bikini line or lower back, so they’re as inconspicuous as possible, though some scarring is still possible. 

The surgeon removes excess fat and tissue through the incision and tightens the remaining skin. In some cases, liposuction may also be used to remove additional fat. They’ll then close the incisions using sutures.  

Undergoing a flankplasty procedure can help if you would like to shape and slim the flank region – the area between your hips and ribcage – to give definition to the waistline. It’s popular for correcting changes which have occurred in the flank area after major weight loss or pregnancy. The loose skin and protruding flanks are tightened. 

Flankplasty can be performed in conjunction with procedures like abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) or a lower body lift, as well as an isolated procedure. 

To be a suitable candidate for this procedure, you should have a fairly consistent weight and a regular exercise regime, as well as eating healthily.  

It’s important that you arrange for someone to drive you home when you’re discharged from hospital following your flankplasty, as you won’t be well enough to drive yourself.  

In the first few days of recovery, you should get as much rest as possible before moving on to gentle exercise, which will help to reduce swelling and lower your chance of blood clots. The initial couple of weeks will involve the most limitations to your life, and you’re likely to have some discomfort or pain, which can be managed by painkillers.  

Any bruising and swelling will subside over 6-8 weeks, and you’ll need to wear a compression garment for this period. Don’t sleep on your side for 4 weeks.  Avoid heavy lifting for 6 weeks, although you should be able to return to work after approximately 2-3 weeks.