Can Tummy Tuck Surgery Help Get Rid of Flank Fat?

Despite their name, most people aren’t in love with their “love handles.” This area – more commonly known as the flanks – is notorious for holding on to stubborn fat, often as a result of age, pregnancy, or hormone changes. Even with a healthy diet and a commitment to regular exercise, flank fat can be exceedingly difficult to get rid of on your own – leading many men and women to wonder if cosmetic surgery, and the tummy tuck specifically, may be the love handle fix they’ve been searching for. You may be asking yourself the same thing, and the answer may surprise you. At Magnolia Plastic Surgery and MedSpa in New Orleans, LA, NOLA native and plastic surgeon Dr. Heath Charvet performs a full range of body contouring procedures, including tummy tuck surgery, to help patients achieve their ideal silhouette. Review the information in this blog to better understand if tummy tuck surgery can address your love handles.

What happens during a tummy tuck?

The tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is among the most popular body contouring procedures performed across the country today. With tummy tuck surgery, countless patients have reversed the negative consequences of aging, weight loss, and pregnancy – restoring a slimmer and more desirable midsection they can feel confident about. Common concerns that can be addressed and often corrected with tummy tuck surgery include:

• Loose skin on stomach
• Abdominal stretch marks
• Hanging skin folds
• Stretched out tummy
• Diet- and exercise-resistant fat
• “Mommy pooch”
• Muffin top
• Diastasis recti

During tummy tuck surgery at Magnolia Plastic Surgery and MedSpa, Dr. Charvet will create a transverse (horizontal) incision on the patient’s lower abdomen. The length of a tummy tuck incision varies based on how much excess skin and fat needs to be removed. Through this incision, Dr. Charvet can perform liposuction (if needed) to remove pockets of stubborn fat. Abdominal muscle separation, or diastasis recti, can also be repaired during tummy tuck surgery, as can certain types of hernias. Finally, excess skin will be trimmed away. To conclude the case, Dr. Charvet will pull the skin taut and close the incision with sutures. The belly button is often repositioned during a tummy tuck for a more natural and pleasing look. Dr. Charvet is proud to perform tummy tuck surgery using the sought-after Cali-Tuck™ technique, which offers patients a drainless tummy tuck recovery experience.

Does a tummy tuck include love handles?

In a traditional tummy tuck, the front of the patient’s midsection is typically the focus of the procedure. However, an extended tummy tuck can include the patient’s sides – or flanks – for a more complete transformation, particularly for men and women with stubborn love handles. In some cases, Dr. Charvet may also recommend pairing an extended tummy tuck with a lower body lift to ensure patients can enjoy their newly enhanced physique from every angle.

Say goodbye to love handles with tummy tuck surgery in New Orleans, LA

While a traditional tummy tuck may not include flank fat removal, experienced NOLA plastic surgeon Dr. Heath Charvet custom tailors each body contouring procedure to help meet the patient’s unique needs and individual goals. With an extended tummy tuck using the Cali-Tuck drainless abdominoplasty technique, patients can get a flatter tummy and slimmer waistline all at once. To schedule your consultation for a New Orleans tummy tuck, just call Magnolia Plastic Surgery and MedSpa to speak with one of our knowledgeable team members today.