Love Handle Liposuction (Flank Lipo): Procedure, Benefits, and Before & After Photos 2024

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    Love handle liposuction is a minimally-invasive procedure that targets stubborn fat deposits around your waist that resist diet and exercise. The result? A smoother, more contoured silhouette. It's no wonder liposuction topped the list of cosmetic surgeries in 2023, and its popularity continues to rise. 

    If you’re considering love handle liposuction, you likely have questions. In this guide, we'll discuss the procedure’s basics, benefits, and what to expect during recovery so you can make an informed decision.

    What is love handle liposuction? (commonly referred to as flank lipo)

    Love handle liposuction is a surgery that removes unwanted fat from the sides of your waist, which makes it look slimmer and smoother. Surgeons use tools including suction devices, thin tubes, and lasers to remove fat cells from these areas.

    There are two main types of flank lipo:

    1. Traditional liposuction: The surgeon uses a thin tube to remove fat after liquefying it with an injected solution.

    2. Laser liposuction: A laser melts the fat before removal. This can make it easier to remove the fat and may tighten the skin.

    Both ways can work well, but your surgeon will help you pick the best one for your body and goals.

    Purpose and outcome

    Love handle liposuction aims to:

    1. Remove pockets of fat that diet and exercise can't get rid of

    2. Make your waist smaller and your body shape more even

    3. Help clothes fit better around the waist

    4. Improve how your body looks overall

    After liposuction surgery, men and women feel more confident about their body shape and how they look in clothes. 

    Who would be a good candidate for love handle liposuction?

    You may be a good candidate for love handle lipo if you:

    • Have bulges on your sides that won't go away with diet and exercise

    • Want to improve how your waist looks

    • Don't have major health complications

    • Have realistic expectations about the surgery

    • Want smoother waistlines and less side fat

    • Have achieved or are near your target weight

    Note: Love handle liposuction isn't a way to lose weight. It's meant to shape your body and remove small amounts of stubborn fat.

    Both men and women can get this surgery. Many men choose it to look more toned and get a more masculine V-shape for their upper body.

    Most common areas for love handle liposuction

    Love handle liposuction focuses on three main areas:

    • Flanks (love handles): The sides of your waist, often extending from the lower ribs to the hip bone

    • Lower back: Just above your buttocks, which can add to the look of love handles

    • Upper hips: Where your waist meets your hips

    Treating these areas allows surgeons to create a more defined waistline and improve your overall body shape.

    The benefits of love handle liposuction

    Love handle liposuction offers several benefits:

    Precision fat removal

    Surgeons remove fat from specific spots on your body. They use thin tubes to target specific areas of fat, allowing them to shape your body with precision. This level of targeted fat removal is something that diet and exercise alone can't achieve.

    Improved body contours

    This surgery can reduce your waist size and even out your body shape. Removing fat from the love handle area creates a more defined transition between your midsection and hips. Many people find their clothes fit better after surgery. Some even say it makes them look taller or more in shape.

    Minimal downtime

    Typically, patients are back to their usual routine in about a week. Swelling and bruising usually go away quickly. This short recovery time makes love handle liposuction a good choice for people with busy lives.

    Less invasive

    The surgery involves small cuts, often just millimeters long. This means less scarring and a lower risk of problems. Patients typically get local anesthesia instead of general anesthesia before a love handle liposuction procedure. This makes the surgery safer overall and helps you recover faster.

    Boost in self-confidence

    Many patients report improved body image after surgery. They often feel more comfortable in tight clothes or swimsuits. This confidence boost can affect many parts of life, from how you feel at work to how you act in social situations.

    How much does love handle liposuction cost?

    Love handle liposuction usually costs between $3,000 to $8,000 per session.

    This price typically includes:

    • The surgeon's fee

    • Anesthesia costs

    • Facility fees

    • Pre and post-operative appointments

    Your exact lipo cost depends on several factors:

    • How much fat needs to be removed

    • Which technique is used (regular or laser-assisted)

    • How experienced the surgeon is

    • Where the clinic is located

    • If you're combining this with other treatments

    Remember: The cheapest option isn't always the best. Select a board-certified surgeon who can safely give you your desired results. 

    General risks of love handle liposuction

    Love handle liposuction is generally safe but as with all surgeries, it comes with some risks:

    • Infection: There's a small chance of infection where the cuts were made.

    • Bleeding: Some bleeding is normal, but too much can be problematic.

    • Uneven results: Sometimes, the fat removal might not be perfectly even on both sides.

    • Scarring: While the cuts are small, there's always a chance of visible scars.

    • Bad reactions to anesthesia: Some people might have problems with the anesthesia.

    • Blood clots: There's a small risk of developing blood clots after surgery.

    • Nerve damage: In rare cases, nerves in the treated area might be hurt.

    • Fluid buildup: Sometimes, fluid can collect under the skin after surgery.

    • Fat entering the bloodstream: In rare cases, pieces of fat can enter the bloodstream.

    • Organ damage: There's a small risk of damage to internal organs.

    • Bumpy or wavy skin: The skin might be bumpy, wavy, or discolored after surgery.

    • Long-lasting swelling and bruising: While most swelling decreases quickly, some may last longer.

    • Allergic reactions: Some people might be allergic to medicines or materials used.

    • Problems from other health conditions: Existing health issues can increase risks.

    • Slow healing: Some people may take longer than average to heal.

    Serious problems are rare when a qualified doctor performs the surgery. Your surgeon will discuss these risks and explain how they’ll minimize them.

    The love handle liposuction procedure explained

    Here's what happens during love handle liposuction:

    Step 1: Initial consultation

    You'll talk with your plastic surgeon about your goals. The surgeon will examine your flank areas and explain what results you can expect. This is your chance to ask questions and share concerns. The surgeon will also check your medical history to ensure you're a good candidate for the procedure.

    Step 2: Pre-procedure assessment

    Before surgery, you'll have a health check. This might include a physical exam and blood tests. Your surgeon will give you instructions before the surgery, such as which medicines to avoid and what to eat or drink.

    Step 3: Anesthesia

    On surgery day, you'll get local anesthesia. This means you'll be awake, but the treated area will be numb. You might also get medicine to help you relax.

    Step 4: The procedure

    The surgeon makes small cuts in your skin and inserts a thin tube (cannula). They move the cannula to break up and remove fat cells. For laser-assisted liposuction, they first melt the fat with a laser. Expect one to three hours for the procedure.

    Step 5: Immediate aftercare

    After fat removal, the surgeon closes the incisions. You'll wear a compression garment to reduce swelling and help your skin fit your new shape. The team will give you recovery instructions.

    The first week aftercare: Recovery expectations

    It’s normal to experience pain, swelling, and bruising during the first few days. Your surgeon will give you pain medicine and care instructions.

    Weeks 2-4: Continuing recovery

    Expect to feel better after the first week. Keep wearing your compression garment and avoid strenuous exercise. Depending on your job, you may be able to return to work.

    By weeks two to four, you'll start to see your new waist shape because most swelling and bruising will be gone.

    Managing minor discomfort

    To alleviate minor discomfort:

    • Keep wearing your compression garment as instructed by your surgeon

    • Use cold packs to help with any swelling

    • Stay hydrated and eat nutritious food

    • Use over-the-counter pain relievers 

    Monitoring for complications

    Call your surgeon if you notice complications such as:

    • More pain or swelling

    • Redness or warmth in the treated areas

    • Fever or chills

    • Unusual fluid coming from the incision sites

    • Numbness or tingling that doesn't go away

    Long-term maintenance and follow-up

    Love handle liposuction results can last long if you maintain a healthy lifestyle. The removed fat cells are permanently gone. But you must maintain a healthy weight to prevent remaining fat cells from growing.

    To keep your results long-term:

    • Maintain a stable weight

    • Eat a balanced diet

    • Exercise regularly

    • Attend follow-up appointments with your surgeon

    Talk to your surgeon if you notice changes or want to treat other areas. They can advise you on whether additional treatments might be helpful.

    Returning to normal activities

    Most people can start light exercise two to three weeks after surgery. More intense exercise is usually okay after four to six weeks.

    When you can return to work depends on your job type:

    • Desk jobs: Often within one week

    • More physically demanding jobs: May require two to three weeks away

    Pay attention to your body and follow your surgeon's guidance. Pushing too hard too soon can affect your results or cause complications.

    You'll see the final results about three to six months after surgery. By then, most swelling should be gone and your new shape will be set.

    Real patient experiences: Before and after photos - men and women

    Everyone responds differently to love handle liposuction. Some see quick changes, while others need more time for swelling to go down and final results to show.

    These photos show real patients before and after their love handle liposuction procedures:

    woman posing before and after liposuction  love handle areawoman posing before and after liposuction  love handle area

    Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

    How long does it take to recover from liposuction?

    Most people return to work within a week, but full recovery takes about four to six weeks. You can expect to see the final results appear after three to six months.

    How long do the results of love handle liposuction last?

    Results can be long-lasting if you keep a stable weight. The removed fat cells won't reappear. But if you gain weight, the remaining fat cells may still grow.

    Is love handle liposuction painful?

    Anesthesia will prevent you from feeling pain. After surgery, you might feel sore for a few days. Your surgeon will give you pain medicine to help manage discomfort.

    Is love handle liposuction permanent?

    The fat removal is permanent, but keeping results depends on your lifestyle. A healthy diet and regular exercise help maintain your new shape. If you gain a lot of weight, your body might store fat in other areas, which could change your overall shape.

    Choosing the right practitioner for your love handle liposuction

    Going to the right surgeon is imperative for successful results.

    Look for a surgeon who:

    • Is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons website or American Osteopathic Board of Surgery in the plastic surgery discipline

    • Has extensive experience with love handle liposuction

    • Shows before and after photos of past patients

    • Has strong patient testimonials on sites such as Healthgrades and Google

    • Makes you feel comfortable and answers your questions

    • Works in a well-equipped, accredited surgical facility

    • Provides a comprehensive care plan, including detailed pre-and post-operative instructions

    Visit Roham Plastic Surgery for love handle liposuction

    Love handle liposuction offers precise fat removal, improved body shape, and increased confidence. A board-certified surgeon will give you the best results.

    If you're in Southern California, Dr. Ali Roham is an excellent choice for love handle liposuction. He has extensive training in plastic surgery and focuses on patient satisfaction. Dr. Roham's team is known for providing personalized care and achieving natural-looking results in body contouring procedures including flank liposuction.

    If you're considering flank liposuction, call Roham Plastic Surgery at 949-248-1900 to book a consultation.