You may have noticed that, despite diet and exercise, the fat on your flanks doesn't disappear easily. This accumulation of fat and skin in the hip and lower back area can significantly alter your silhouette, making your waist less defined and your buttocks appear less lifted.
Flankplasty is a cosmetic body contouring surgery designed to reshape this area by removing excess skin and accumulated fat. In many cases, it can also naturally enhance the shape of the buttocks. If you're looking for a more defined and harmonious figure, this guide explains everything you need to know about this procedure.
What is flancoplasty and what is it used for?
Flankplasty, also known as trunkplasty, is a cosmetic surgery aimed at removing excess skin and fat located in the flanks, that is, on the sides of the waist and in the lumbosacral region or lower back.
This procedure allows you to:
- Reduce localized fat in the hip and lower back area.
- Eliminate sagging caused by aging, pregnancy or weight loss.
- Improve waist definition.
- Achieve a more balanced and streamlined silhouette.
- Promote a slight lifting of the buttocks by tightening the skin in the area.
If you're interested in waist reshaping, you might also find it helpful to read about wasp waist.
Difference between flankplasty and liposuction
Although both procedures can treat the flank area, they are not the same.
La flankplasty It is indicated when, in addition to localized fat, there is excess skin or sagging. Its objective is not only to reduce volume, but also to tighten the area and redefine the body contour. Therefore, it is often recommended for postpartum patients or those who have experienced significant weight loss.
La liposuctionIn contrast, it focuses on removing localized fat. It's a good option when the skin retains adequate elasticity and there's no significant excess skin. It allows for volume reduction, but doesn't offer the same firming effect as flank lifts.
If you want to see real-world examples, you can check out our case studies. liposuction before and after.
How is a flankplasty performed?
Preoperative
Before the procedure, a complete medical evaluation is performed, including medical history, physical examination, tests, and surgical planning. Photographs and measurements are also typically taken to design the treatment based on each patient's anatomy. In addition, it is common to recommend quitting smoking and avoiding certain medications before surgery.
During surgery
The procedure is performed under general or epidural anesthesia, depending on the case. The incisions are usually placed along the bikini line or in the lower back to be as discreet as possible. Through these incisions, excess skin and fat are removed, the area is tightened, and the waist is redefined. In some cases, this tightening also helps to slightly lift the buttocks.
The duration depends on the complexity of the case and whether it is combined with other procedures, such as a tummy tuck.
Combined techniques
Flankplasty can be combined with other body contouring procedures. The most common combinations include:
- Abdominoflancoplasty: flankplasty plus abdominal surgery to improve the entire midsection.
- Cruroflancoplasty: combination with thigh lift.
- BBL: fat grafting to the buttocks to increase volume and projection, known as Brazilian Butt Lift.
Flankplasty and BBL: an increasingly popular combination
Many patients combine flank lifts with a Brazilian butt lift (BBL) to achieve a more complete body contouring transformation. In these cases, the fat extracted from the flanks can be purified and used to add volume and shape to the buttocks.
This combination allows you to work on two objectives simultaneously: slimming the waist and improving the projection of the buttocks. The result is usually a more harmonious figure, with a smoother transition between waist, hips, and buttocks.
If you are interested in this area, you can also find more information about increasing of buttocks.
How do I know if I am a candidate for the procedure?
Flankplasty can be a good option for men and women who have sagging skin and fat accumulation in the flank area, especially if this situation appears after pregnancy or after significant weight loss.
Good candidates are usually those who:
- They have excess skin and fat on their hips or lower back.
- They maintain a relatively stable weight.
- They enjoy good general health.
- They have realistic expectations about the surgery and recovery.
It is not usually recommended for active smokers, people with uncontrolled obesity, or those planning a short-term pregnancy.
Aesthetic results: before and after
Before surgery, it is common for the patient to notice prominent flanks, an undefined waist, sagging skin, and, in some cases, less gluteal projection.
After the procedure, the goal is to achieve a more defined waist, a slimmer lower back, and a more proportionate silhouette. When combined with buttock augmentation techniques, the result can be even more harmonious.
You can see examples of results in our galleries of waist reduction before and after y buttock augmentation before and after.
Recovery and postoperative care
First week
During the first few days, it is usually necessary to wear a compression garment continuously and maintain relative rest. Gentle walking may also be recommended to promote circulation and reduce postoperative risks. In some cases, lymphatic drainage is indicated to help control swelling.
2 to 3 weeks
In this phase, the patient is usually able to gradually return to daily activities and work, provided it does not involve intense physical effort.
From 1 to 2 months
As the inflammation subsides, gentle exercise can be gradually resumed. Scars begin to heal, and specific products may be recommended to improve their appearance.
Benefits of the procedure
More stylized figure
One of the main benefits is achieving a more defined waist and a more proportionate silhouette.
Removal of excess skin and fat
Flanchoplasty allows treatment not only of localized fat, but also of sagging skin that does not improve with diet or exercise.
Improvement of self-esteem
By improving body contour, many patients experience greater confidence when wearing tight clothing or swimsuits.
Possible risks and complications
Bruises or infections
As with any surgery, complications such as bruising or infections can occur, although with good medical follow-up they are infrequent.
Visible scars
Flankplasty leaves scars, but they are planned in discreet areas and their appearance usually improves over time.
Loss of sensitivity
Some patients may notice temporary changes in sensation in the treated area.
FAQ
How painful is flank surgery?
The discomfort is usually moderate and is generally controlled with the prescribed medication during the postoperative period.
Does flankplasty leave scars?
Yes, but the incisions are strategically placed so that they are hidden in the bikini line or in discreet areas of the lower back.
How long does it take to see the final result?
Results begin to be seen when the inflammation subsides, but the final result is usually assessed several months later.
What are the results like when combining flankplasty with BBL?
When properly indicated, this combination can offer a very harmonious figure, with a more defined waist and buttocks with better shape and projection.
Can I have a flank lift after losing a lot of weight?
Yes, provided that the weight is stable and the patient has completed their weight loss process.
Is there an age limit for this surgery?
There is no exact age, but it is important to have good general health and a suitable indication.
Redefine your waist with flancoplasty and enhance your buttocks with the BBL method at Cirumed Clinic.
Flankplasty is a key procedure in body contouring treatments, especially for patients who desire a more defined and slender waist. In many cases, the fat obtained can also be used to perform other procedures. BBL in Marbellaallowing for a more complete redefinition of the silhouette.
En Cirumed, Plastic Surgery Clinic in MarbellaWe work with advanced body contouring techniques aimed at achieving harmonious and natural results. Under the direction of Dr. Alexander Aslani, Plastic surgeon in MarbellaEach case is studied individually to plan the most appropriate combination.
If you're looking for a slimmer waist and more proportionate buttocks, flankplasty can be an excellent option within a comprehensive body contouring plan.
Conclusion
Flankplasty is an effective solution for those who wish to eliminate fat and sagging skin on their flanks and improve waist definition. In certain cases, it can also be combined with other techniques such as the BBL (Brazilian Butt Lift) to achieve a more complete body transformation.
If you are considering this procedure, the most important thing is to consult with a qualified plastic surgeon who can study your case and recommend the best option to achieve a more harmonious and balanced silhouette.
