Liposuction of the flanks
Love handles — the fat deposits on the flanks — are among the most stubborn problem areas of all. They make the waist look straight and show above every waistband. Targeted liposuction removes them permanently and gives the silhouette its waist back.
- Duration depends on the extent
- Twilight sedation
- Waist shaped all round
- €4,600 to €7,900
A personal consultation with Dr. Saalabian or Dr. Arafat, without obligation.
- 11consecutive Patients’ Choice Awards
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- 3in-house operating theatres
- 1,800 m²of aesthetic medicine under one roof
What flank liposuction achieves
Flank liposuction permanently removes the fat deposits on the sides above the hips and reshapes the waist — usually as an outpatient procedure, under twilight sedation and through access points just a few millimetres in size.
The flanks determine how the waist looks from the front, the side and behind. Even a little fat here makes the upper body look straight and boxy. Once it is removed, the transition from waist to hips is redefined — the typical curve in women, a clean, slim line in men.
Because the body no longer forms new fat cells after puberty, the result lasts as long as your weight stays stable. The yo-yo effect that ruins so many diets no longer affects the treated zone.
Why the flanks resist training
Genetics, hormones and lifestyle decide where the body stores fat. On the flanks it is particularly persistent for many people — targeted abdominal training does not change this, because the body does not burn fat where the muscle is working.
At the first consultation we feel the fat layer, check the skin and discuss whether the flanks should be treated alone or together with the abdomen and back. Only the whole picture creates a harmonious waist.
Who flank liposuction is suitable for
Suitable candidates are women and men with a stable body weight whose fat gathers at the sides and who no longer see any change from exercise and diet. Liposuction is not a substitute for weight loss but targeted body contouring.
Flank liposuction at a glance
- Duration of surgeryDepending on the extent
- AnaesthesiaTwilight sedation or local
- StayUsually outpatient
- Socially presentableAfter about 2 days
- Desk workAfter 2 to 4 days
- Compression2 to 6 weeks
- ExerciseFrom 2 weeks, depending on the area
- Final resultAfter 3 to 6 months
- Price€4,600 – 7,900
Guide values from the Kuzbari Centre. What applies to you depends on the amount of fat, skin quality and the areas treated at the same time.
Flanks alone or 360° all round?
The flanks are rarely treated on their own: the most attractive waist usually results when the abdomen, flanks and lower back are shaped all round in one procedure.
If only the flanks are treated, the abdomen may afterwards look fuller by comparison. That is why we plan the waist in three dimensions — from the front, the side and behind. Preparation, anaesthesia and aftercare are needed only once for a combination, so a package costs less than the individual areas added together.
| Feature | Flanks | 360° abdomen + flanks | Torso 360° |
|---|---|---|---|
| Treats | Fat at the sides | Abdomen and flanks all round | Abdomen, flanks and back |
| Typical for | Love handles with a flat abdomen | Missing waist from the front and side | Straight silhouette, bra roll, lower back |
| Price | €4,600 – 7,900 | €6,800 – 10,800 | €9,500 – 14,300 |
We clarify this at your first consultation — looking at your whole silhouette.
Liposuction of the flanks and abdomen: the waist is redefined all round.
- Procedure
- Liposuction
- Area
- Flanks and abdomen
- Surgeon
- Dr. Ali Saalabian
Drag the slider to compare before and after. Photos published with consent; every result is individual and cannot be transferred.
Flanks before and after
Every case is a patient of Dr. Ali Saalabian. The photos show what was possible in a particular starting situation, not what is possible for you.
- Case 31473
before 
after 
The patient felt her figure was too straight, with too little waist. Liposuction of the flanks, abdomen and thighs, combined with Renuvion.
- Case 9210
before 
after 
Stubborn deposits on the hips, flanks, abdomen and thighs that did not respond to exercise and diet. 360° body contouring with fat transfer.
- Case 15915
before 
after 
Excess fat on the flanks, the so-called love handles. Liposuction.
- Case 22536
before 
after 
Her abdomen and flanks had always bothered the patient, the flanks most of all. Liposuction of both areas.
- Case 39409
before 
after 
The patient was bothered by her abdomen and flanks. Both were treated with liposuction, combined with VASER and Renuvion.
Photos of patients who consented to publication. Every body heals differently; a result shown cannot be transferred to anyone else.
Flanks, waist, love handles
Dr. Ali Saalabian shows what he can achieve on the flanks with liposuction and HD body contouring.
Dr. Saalabian took the time needed to explain the procedure to me clearly. He went into all my questions. I felt very well looked after by him and at the practice.
Who operates
At the Kuzbari Centre, liposuction and body contouring are in the hands of two specialists in plastic surgery. The surgeon who advises you also operates on you and sees you again at your check-ups.
At the Kuzbari Centre since 2015, focusing exclusively on body contouring: liposuction, VASER, Renuvion, SAFE BBL and lifts. More than 2,000 liposuction procedures; he trains surgeons in his own academy. DocFinder 5.0 from 873 reviews.
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At the Kuzbari Centre since 2024, focusing on body contouring and facial surgery. On the body he performs liposuction and lifts. DocFinder 4.9 from 142 reviews.
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Liposuction may not get you to your ideal weight, but it can get you your ideal figure — and that is what really matters.
The process in five steps
Consultation, preparation, surgery and aftercare all take place in the same building. If you wish, surgery can usually take place just a few weeks after the consultation.
- First consultation
Analysis of the problem areas, assessment of skin and connective tissue, treatment plan and written quote.
- Pre-op talk and safety check
Surgical plan, instructions, anaesthesia consultation and blood test. The results form the basis for clearance for surgery.
- Marking and surgery
Around ten minutes of marking while standing, then surgery in our own theatre suite – for as long as it takes to get the result right.
- Going home and recovering
Usually home the same day, one night with us after larger procedures. Showering from day one, desk work after two to four days.
- Compression, check-ups, result
Compression garment for two to six weeks, exercise from two weeks, depending on the area. The final result shows after three to six months.
Planning is done standing up
On the day of surgery your surgeon marks the zones while you stand, because only then does it show where the fat really sits and how the waist should run. This takes around ten minutes, during which you go over the procedure again.
After the procedure you wear a compression garment. It helps the skin settle onto the new contour and reduces swelling.
- Wear the compression garment day and night for two to six weeks.
- Shower from the first day, no bath for three weeks.
- Walks from the start, exercise from two weeks, depending on the area.
- Lymphatic drainage helps swelling go down faster.
- Keep your weight stable — then the new waist lasts.
How much does flank liposuction cost?
Flank liposuction at the Kuzbari Centre costs €4,600 – 7,900; abdomen and flanks all round €6,800 – 10,800, and abdomen, flanks and back as torso 360° €9,500 – 14,300.
Where your price falls within the range depends on the amount of fat, the technique and the areas treated at the same time. You receive the fixed price in writing after the first consultation. The first consultation takes around 40 minutes and costs €90; if you decide to go ahead with surgery, the amount is credited in full.
- Liposuction 360°, abdomen + flanks€6,800 – 10,800
- Torso 360° · abdomen, flanks and back€9,500 – 14,300
- Surgery, anaesthesia, theatre teamincluded
- VASER and Renuvion where usefulincluded
- Two compression garmentsincluded
- All follow-up appointmentsincluded
Read on
- All about liposuction
- Liposuction of the abdomen
- Buttock shaping with the SAFE BBL
- Before and after photos
- LIPO-Score: test your suitability
Frequently asked questions about flank liposuction
What are love handles?
Love handles are fat deposits on the flanks, at the sides above the hips. They show above the waistband and make the waist look straight. They are among the deposits that respond least to exercise and diet.
Is flank liposuction painful?
The procedure is performed under twilight sedation or local anaesthesia and is painless. Afterwards the flanks feel like strong muscle soreness for a few days.
How long does the operation take?
That depends on whether only the flanks or also the abdomen and back are treated. There is no fixed time: we operate until the result is right.
Do I have to stay overnight?
Usually not, liposuction is an outpatient procedure. For larger amounts, from around four litres, we recommend a night with us.
When can I go back to work?
Desk work is usually possible after two to four days, and most people feel socially presentable after about two days.
When can I exercise again?
Walks are encouraged from the start. You can begin exercising from two weeks, depending on the area and build up gradually.
How long does the result last?
The fat cells that are removed do not come back. With a stable weight, the new waist lasts; with major weight gain the remaining cells can grow.
Should the abdomen be treated as well?
Often yes: if only the flanks are treated, the abdomen may look fuller by comparison afterwards. We clarify at the first consultation whether a 360° treatment makes sense.
How much does flank liposuction cost?
Flank liposuction costs €4,600 to €7,900, abdomen and flanks all round €6,800 to €10,800. You receive the fixed price after the first consultation; payment in instalments over up to 60 months is possible.
Your liposuction consultation
An analysis of your problem areas, a treatment plan and a written quote. The first consultation takes around 40 minutes and costs €90; if you decide to go ahead with surgery, the amount is credited in full.
Monday to Friday, 8 am to 6 pm · Seitzergasse 2-4, 1010 Vienna
01 358 28 01
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