A new reconstructive cosmetic surgery technique has been developed for women who have suffered from breast cancer.

Surgeons at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Maryland researched the operation, which offers an alternative method of treatment for slim and athletic women.

For reconstructive breast surgery, fat is usually removed from the stomach. However, when this is not possible, surgeons have previously had to take fat from the buttocks, often leaving an obvious dent in a woman's shape.

This new technique claims to be "less complicated" and allows surgeons to remove excess tissue from a woman's love handles.

Ariel Rad, an assistant professor of cosmetic surgery and plastic and reconstructive surgery at the medical school, commented: "Thin, athletic women don't have enough tissue there [their stomachs].

"But even they often have some excess fatty tissue in that space between the hip and waist. For them, using those love handles is a new option."