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Advances in high definition liposuction are many and include several surgical maneuvers intended to improve body contouring results. Traditionally, body contouring efforts have involved improving the contour of the front and back. Others section include high definition liposuction of the flanks.
Specifically, improvements in the abdominal region and the back and buttocks have been the focus of most surgeons. However, recent interest in providing 360 degrees of contouring has peaked surgeons’ interest in contouring the sides and flanks.
As a result, we have embarked on a mission to define the evaluation and management of the flanks and moreover the sides. When it comes to high definition liposuction of the sides, several factors must be considered.
When is High Definition Liposuction of the Flanks Needed?
The most important consideration is gender-specific differences in the flank region. The flank region extends from the front to the back and includes two regions one above the iliac crest, called the external oblique region, and then below the iliac crest, called the V to the P. In the males, the external oblique is sculpted conservatively since we want to demonstrate the bulky external obliques.
In contrast, the V to the P is cored out to create the desired V to the P concavity. In the females, we core out the external oblique because it results in maximal waistline narrowing but leave the V to the P more generous as it provides for the smooth transition from the more generous buttocks and lower back contour.
When performing high definition liposuction with VASER of the flanks and the sides, this region can be contoured from both the front and back. When performing liposculpture of the flanks, it becomes apparent that this region can be approached from both the front and back.
However, until recently, there have been no guidelines on how much contouring should be attempted from each of these areas. Our Surgical Team has defined the vertical axillary line to help guide the limits of high definition liposuction of the flanks from each side.
This line is drawn from the midaxillary line vertically down to the mid-thigh level and helps providers safely apply ultrasound energy and subsequent fat removal. By utilizing the Our Surgical Team vertical axillary line, surgeons can avoid overreaching from the front and/or back so that injury to the sides does not happen as it does all too often.
Injury to the sides and/or flanks may occur when applying the ultrasound energy to the sides as observed by point burns. Point burns are only temporary but a nuisance until complete healing is achieved. If you are interested in having high definition liposuction of the flanks, we recommend completing a consultation with Our Surgical Team to evaluate your specific desires.
This is a 44-year-old female who underwent high definition liposuction of the flanks, abdomen, back and a BBL.
