Love Handle Liposuction

Medically reviewed by John Bergeron, MD

Liposuction can treat unwanted fat in many areas of the body, and one of the most popular is the love handles, or flanks. Love handles are one of the toughest areas to manage and create the unflattering look of a “muffin top.” They are difficult to slim through diet or exercise alone, and even after losing weight, this stubborn area often remains — making you look heavier than you are.

The flanks, or love handles, are the area between your ribs and hips. Fat stores here for a variety of reasons, with some of the most common being aging, genetics, and pregnancy. Hormonal changes can play a large role as well, and can be triggered by factors such as stress or blood sugar.

For others, love handles appear from consuming more calories than they burn, with the excess stored around the midsection; alcohol can contribute too. In men, additional factors can include low testosterone, insulin resistance, and a sedentary lifestyle.

What Is Love Handle Liposuction?

Love handle liposuction removes stubborn fat from the flanks — the area between the ribs and hips — to slim the waistline and eliminate the “muffin top” that resists diet and exercise. At Houston Liposuction Center, it is performed awake under local (tumescent) anesthesia, so general anesthesia is never required. Because the flanks typically have good skin elasticity, the skin tends to tighten nicely to your newly contoured shape.

Benefits of Love Handle Liposuction

• A slimmer waistline and elimination of the “muffin top”
• Smoother lines and a better fit in your clothes
• Good skin retraction, thanks to the flanks’ natural elasticity
• Performed awake under local anesthesia — no general anesthesia
• Often combined with the abdomen or waist for a fully sculpted midsection
• Long-lasting results, since the removed fat cells do not return

Am I a Candidate for Love Handle Liposuction?

Good candidates are men and women in good overall health with stubborn flank fat that persists despite diet and exercise, and who have realistic expectations. The flanks are frequently treated together with the abdomen or the waist and hips for a fully balanced midsection. Dr. Bergeron will tailor a plan to your goals at your consultation, which is always free at our Houston Heights, Katy, and Webster locations. Virtual consultations are available for out-of-town patients.

The Love Handle Liposuction Procedure

The flanks are an excellent area for liposuction because of their ideal skin elasticity, which allows the skin to tighten to your newly contoured figure. Slimming the love handles reveals more muscle definition and a trimmer waist. Most patients need only one treatment, and each area takes roughly an hour. You remain awake throughout, since local anesthesia is used — and because the cannula is so small, most patients feel only light pressure, if anything at all.

Love Handle Liposuction Recovery & Downtime

After the procedure, wearing an abdominal binder for 2 weeks provides support and helps reduce swelling. Rest is recommended for the first 48 hours, after which normal activities can gradually resume. Low-impact exercise can begin after 48 hours as tolerated, while high-impact exercise (running or jumping) should be avoided for about 2 weeks. Downtime is extraordinarily short — most patients return to work within 48 hours. Any soreness is comparable to that after a hard workout and won’t hold you back from your normal routine.

Love Handle Liposuction Before & After Photos

See All Love Handle Before & After Photos »

Love Handle Liposuction Cost – $4,500 – $5,500 (All Inclusive)

At the time of discharge, all patients are given a prescription for pain medication. If they choose to fill it, they will do so at their own pharmacy. Some patients also choose to buy a second compression garment at their own expense.

Financing for Love Handle Liposuction

To learn about liposuction pricing for other body areas, please visit our liposuction cost page.

We accept financing through CareCredit and Cherry starting as low as $79/month. Apply online at CareCredit.com or Cherry Financing.