Flank Lifts

Q:Dr. Eppley, I am interested in flank liposuction. I had a tummy tuck ten years ago and have had these muffin tops since. I probably had them before but they have become more pronounced since the tummy tuck surgery. I’m otherwise very active and exercise regularly but these muffin tops are unrelenting and simply won’t go away. I hope that Smartlipo can get rid of them. I have attached some pictures for your review and recommendations.

A: Thank you for sending your pictures. The reality is that a significant portion of your muffin tops is caused by excess skin and not fat. While you can undergo liposuction that is very likely going to lead to a disappointing result as there is simply too much skin. No form of liposuction can shrink 10 to 12 cms of excess skin width. The only really effective procedure is going to be flank lifts where a wide excision of the skin rolls is done. You probably originally should have had an extended tummy tuck to address these rolls at the time off your original tummy tuck but either weren’t prepared to accept the extended scars or your surgeon never offered that as a tummy tuck option. 

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana