What is Flankplasty?
A flankplasty is a surgical procedure to enhance the appearance of the lower body, specifically the hips and lower back, extending towards the flanks (sides). The flanks can be a difficult area for many to tone, even with the right diet and exercise. With a flankplasty, patients can improve their body contour by getting rid of excess skin and fat on the lower back, flank, and hips. The procedure can be combined with liposuction for optimal results.
Who is a Good Candidate?
Candidates for a flankplasty are those who experience stubborn fat, excess skin, or loose tissue on the lower body, located on the hips, lower back, and sides. These issues often become present after pregnancy or a dramatic weight loss. Those that are in good health and within their healthy weight range, but want to improve their contour, can benefit from a flankplasty. The flankplasty can be combined with liposuction, a tummy tuck, a thigh lift, and an upper body lift if needed.
Procedure Overview
The flankplasty procedure will be performed under general anesthesia to ensure patient comfort. Liposuction techniques may be used first to remove pockets of stubborn fat. Body lifting techniques will be used through an incision made along the flank tissue between the lower back and hips. Loose tissue can then be tightened and excess skin can be removed to achieve a toned contour. At the end of the surgery, all incisions are closed with absorbable sutures in multiple layers and covered with a dressing.
Recovery and Results
Patients can expect 2-4 weeks of recovery following a flankplasty procedure. The 2 weeks should be spent at home, so patients should prepare to take this time off work. During this time, swelling, bruising, and general discomfort can be expected but managed with prescription pain medication. Antibiotics will also be prescribed. Exercise should be avoided for about 4-6 weeks. All post-op care instructions should be followed carefully to ensure successful results. As swelling continues to diminish, patients can enjoy their improved body contour around 3 months after surgery.
What is the cost of Flankplasty?
The cost of flankplasty, a procedure to contour and remove excess skin and fat from the flank area, varies based on the complexity of the surgery, the surgeon’s experience, geographic location, and additional costs like anesthesia and facility fees. Discuss all these factors during your consultation to get a comprehensive overview of the expenses.