about the male hips liposculpture procedure
The area of the body above the pelvis at the sides of the torso may have stubborn deposits of fat which may be difficult to reduce with diet and exercise alone. This area is often called the flanks or “love handles”.
Dr Meaghan Heckenberg is a liposculpture proceduralist who uses the tumescent local anaesthetic technique. She performs liposculpture of the “love handles” in men, as a day-only procedure at hospitals.
Male flanks (hips / 'love handles') liposuction
The male hips are a localised accumulation of fat that bulges over the belt line and extends across the back. The equivalent area in a woman is the waist. It is mostly visible from behind. Male hips liposuction is the most effective way of reducing fat in this area and changing shape.
Who is suitable hip liposculpture for men?
Some men with accumulations of fat at or just above the level of the belt line.
If you can pinch a roll of fat between your fingers here or see a bulge at this level in the mirror, you may be a candidate for hip Liposculpture.
Is it Permanent?
Diet and exercise are necessary to maintain results. Remaining fat cells may get bigger if diet is not maintained. New fat cells are unlikely to grow or develop. Ageing also may lead to future fat deposition.
Are there any scars?
There are usually 3-5 small 3-5mm incisions per side. Scars may develop over the incision sites (3-5mm) or become darker or lighter in colour or become enlarged but generally they tend to become less obvious with time. Sutures are not required for most incisions and the incision sites act as drainage points post operatively to allow the excess anaesthetic fluid to drain out.
What support garments are required?
Special lycra bodysuit compressive garments are used for about two weeks after the procedure. Double suits for the first week and a single suit for the second week. It’s important not to wear jeans or belts for 4 weeks post procedure in order to prevent indentations in the skin.
How long does the procedure take?
The Liposculpture procedure for the male hips (“love handles”) takes approximately 3 hours.
How much time will I need off?
You should plan on taking approximately 1 week off work. It would be about 3 weeks before normal gym activities or jogging should be restarted.
Please take note
Liposculpture isn’t suitable for everyone. Only patients with a Body Mass Index of under 35 will be considered but only after they have been properly assessed during the consultation. Your BMI can be checked using the following online calculator:
Smoking increases the level of carbon monoxide in the blood, which deprives tissues of oxygen. Blood supply is a major concern during any surgical procedure. Combining smoking and cosmetic surgery can categorically result in increased pain, loss of skin, infections, death of tissue or fat cells, delayed healing, thick scarring, permanent vessel damage, or blood clots. Smokers should cease smoking 6 weeks prior to the procedure or consider to not have the procedure at all.
Patients with body dysmorphia disorder (BDD) are inappropriate for liposuction / liposculpture or any type of cosmetic surgery or procedure. Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a mental illness. People who have this illness constantly worry about the way they look. They may believe an inconspicuous or non-existent physical attribute is a serious defect. They respond to this by performing repetitive acts such as mirror checking or comparing their appearance with others. The severity of BDD varies. For example, some people know their feelings and / or perceptions aren’t rational or justified, while others are almost delusional in their conviction. BDD causes severe emotional distress. It is not just vanity and is not something a person can just ‘forget about’ or ‘get over’.
The preoccupation of their appearances can be so extreme that the affected person has trouble functioning at work, school or in social situations. People who suffer from BDD can target any part of the body. They may seek out numerous cosmetic procedures to try to “fix” their perceived flaw. Afterward, they may feel temporary satisfaction or a reduction in their distress, but often the anxiety returns and the search for other flaws may resume, along with ways to “fix” them. Treatment of BDD may include cognitive behavioural therapy and medication after an assessment by a Psychiatrist.