Medically reviewed by Dr Kam Singh Bsc(Hons), MRCGP, MBCAM
Medical Advisory Committee for London Private Hospital
Last Reviewed May 26th 2026
Stubborn fat around the sides of the waist can be frustrating, especially when it does not improve despite regular exercise, healthy eating and weight management. This area is commonly known as the “love handles”, while medically it is often referred to as the flanks.
For some people, love handles can affect the way clothing fits, reduce waist definition, or make the body look less balanced from the front, side or back. Love handle liposuction is a body contouring procedure designed to remove localised fat from the flank area and help create a smoother, more defined waistline.
At London Private Hospital in London, love handle liposuction is planned around your body shape, skin quality, goals and overall suitability. The aim is not dramatic weight loss, but a more refined and natural-looking contour.
Love handles are pockets of fat that sit around the sides of the waist and lower back. They can appear above trousers, skirts or underwear and may be visible from both the front and back.
This area can be stubborn because the body often stores fat differently from person to person. Even someone who is generally fit or close to their ideal weight may still have localised fat around the flanks.
Common areas linked to love handles include:
Love handles can be influenced by genetics, weight changes, ageing, lifestyle, hormones and natural fat distribution. For some patients, this fat is resistant to diet and exercise, which is why they may consider liposuction.
Love handle liposuction is a cosmetic body contouring procedure that removes stubborn fat from the flanks. It is designed to improve waist definition and create a smoother transition between the waist, hips and lower back.
During the procedure, small incisions are made near the treatment area. A thin tube called a cannula is then used to remove unwanted fat and shape the area carefully. The exact technique used will depend on your anatomy, treatment goals and your surgeon’s recommendation.
Love handle liposuction may be performed as a standalone procedure or combined with other areas, such as the abdomen, lower back or hips, where suitable.
It is important to understand that liposuction is not a weight-loss treatment. It is most suitable for people who are close to a stable weight but struggle with specific areas of stubborn fat.
Love handle liposuction may be suitable for men and women who have localised fat around the waist or flank area that does not respond well to lifestyle changes.
You may be a suitable candidate if you:
A consultation is the best way to confirm whether love handle liposuction is right for you. Your surgeon will assess the amount of fat, your skin quality, your medical history and whether liposuction can achieve the result you are hoping for.
Love handle liposuction may not be suitable for everyone. You may need different advice if your concern is mainly loose skin rather than fat, or if you are looking for a major reduction in body weight.
You may not be suitable if:
If loose skin is the main concern, your surgeon may discuss alternative or additional treatment options.
Love handle liposuction is designed to improve the contour of the waist and flanks. It can help reduce stubborn bulges and create a more balanced body shape.
It may help improve:
The goal is not to change your entire body shape, but to refine the areas that feel out of proportion. A good result should look natural for your frame and help your waistline appear smoother and more balanced.
Love handles can affect both men and women, although the reasons for treatment may differ.
Women may choose love handle liposuction to improve waist definition, smooth the sides of the body, and create a more balanced shape around the hips and lower back. It may be considered by patients who feel their waistline looks less defined due to stubborn fat around the flanks.
For some women, treating the love handles can also help improve the way dresses, jeans, skirts and fitted tops sit on the body.
Men may choose love handle liposuction to reduce stubborn side fat and create a more streamlined torso. Some men find that even with regular gym training, the flank area remains difficult to shift.
For suitable male patients, flank liposuction can help improve the appearance of the waist, lower back and upper body proportions.
Many patients use different terms to describe fat around the waist and lower body. During your consultation, your surgeon will assess exactly where the fat is located so the correct treatment area can be planned.
| Concern | Common Area | Possible Treatment Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Love handles | Sides of the waist | Flank liposuction |
| Lower back fat | Back above the waistline | Lower back liposuction |
| Hip fat | Outer hip area | Hip contouring or liposuction |
| Waist fat | Abdomen and waistline | Abdominal and flank liposuction |
This is important because treating only one area may not always create the most balanced result. Some patients may benefit from treating the flanks and abdomen together, while others may only need love handle fat removal.
Love handle liposuction begins with a consultation and medical assessment. Your surgeon will discuss your goals, examine the flank area and decide whether liposuction is suitable for your body.
On the day of surgery, the treatment area is usually marked while you are standing, so the surgeon can plan the contour carefully. Small incision points are then made in discreet areas where possible. A cannula is used to remove fat from the flanks and shape the waistline evenly.
The aim is to create a smoother contour without over-removing fat or creating an unnatural appearance. Once the procedure is complete, you may be advised to wear a compression garment to support the treated area during recovery.
Your aftercare plan will be explained clearly before you leave the clinic.
Some patients may be suitable for Vaser liposuction for love handles. Vaser liposuction uses ultrasound energy to help break down fat before it is removed from the body. This can be useful for selected patients who want more precise body contouring.
Vaser liposuction may be used to treat localised fat around the waist and flanks, depending on your anatomy and treatment goals. It is not suitable for everyone, and your surgeon will advise whether standard liposuction or Vaser liposuction is more appropriate.
Suitability depends on factors such as:
Yes, love handle liposuction can often be combined with other treatment areas if it is safe and suitable to do so. This can help create a more balanced result, especially when fat is present around more than one part of the torso.
Common combinations may include:
For example, treating the abdomen without treating the flanks may leave the waistline looking less balanced. Similarly, some patients may need lower back contouring alongside love handle liposuction to achieve a smoother result from behind.
Your surgeon will recommend a treatment plan based on your body shape and what can be achieved safely.
Love handle liposuction can help reduce localised fat around the flanks and improve waist definition. However, results vary between patients.
You may notice some improvement as swelling begins to settle, but final results take time to develop. The treated area may feel swollen, firm or tender during the early healing period. Over time, the waistline should gradually look smoother and more defined.
Your results will depend on:
Liposuction removes fat cells from the treated area, but it does not stop future weight gain. If you gain weight after surgery, remaining fat cells can still enlarge and affect your results. Maintaining a stable weight is important for long-term outcomes.
To better understand the type of contour changes that may be possible, you can view our love handle liposuction before and after photos, which show examples of patient results from the flank and waist area.
These images can help you compare different starting points and outcomes, but results vary between patients and should be discussed during your consultation.
Recovery after love handle liposuction varies depending on the size of the treatment area, the amount of fat removed and whether other areas were treated at the same time.
Swelling, bruising, tenderness and tightness are common after liposuction. These usually improve gradually as the body heals. A compression garment may be recommended to support the treated area and help manage swelling.
You may be encouraged to take light walks soon after surgery to support circulation, but strenuous exercise and heavy lifting are usually avoided during the early recovery period. Your surgeon will advise when it is safe to return to work, driving, gym activity and normal routines.
Following your aftercare instructions and attending follow-up appointments can help support a smoother recovery.
The cost of love handle liposuction in London can vary depending on your individual treatment plan. Because every patient has different needs, a fixed price can only be confirmed after consultation.
Factors that may affect the cost include:
At London Private Hospital in London, you will receive a personalised quote after your consultation. This allows your treatment cost to be based on your body, goals and the procedure recommended for you.
Choosing where to have liposuction is an important decision. At London Private Hospital, patients receive personalised advice, careful treatment planning and supportive aftercare.
Patients choose LPH for:
The aim is to help you make an informed decision with realistic expectations and a clear understanding of what treatment can and cannot achieve.
If you are considering love handle liposuction in London, a private consultation at London Private Hospital can help you understand your options.
Our team will assess your waist and flank area, discuss your goals, and explain whether liposuction may be suitable for you. You will receive clear advice, realistic expectations and a personalised treatment plan based on your body.
Book your consultation today to speak with our patient care team and take the next step towards a smoother, more defined waistline.
Love handle liposuction is a cosmetic procedure that removes stubborn fat from the sides of the waist, also known as the flanks. It is designed to improve waist definition and body contour.
Yes, love handles are commonly referred to as the flanks in surgical terms. Love handle liposuction and flank liposuction usually describe treatment of the same area.
Liposuction removes fat cells from the treated area, and those removed fat cells do not usually return. However, future weight gain can still affect remaining fat cells, so maintaining a stable weight is important.
You may be suitable if you have stubborn fat around the flanks, are close to a stable weight, have realistic expectations and are in good general health. A consultation is needed to confirm suitability.
Liposuction removes fat but does not significantly tighten loose skin. If loose skin is the main concern, your surgeon may discuss other treatment options.
Recovery varies between patients. Swelling, bruising and tenderness are common in the early stages. Your surgeon will provide guidance on work, exercise and compression garment use based on your procedure.
Many patients are advised to wear a compression garment after liposuction. This helps support the treated area and may help manage swelling during recovery.
Yes, suitable patients may combine love handle and stomach liposuction to improve overall waist and abdominal contour. Your surgeon will advise whether this is safe and appropriate for you.
The cost depends on the size of the area, the amount of fat to be removed, the technique used and whether other areas are treated. A personalised quote is provided after consultation.
Liposuction uses small incisions, so there may be small scars. These are usually placed as discreetly as possible and often fade over time, although they may not disappear completely.
