High Lateral Tension Tummy Tuck

About the High Lateral Tension Tummy Tuck

There are a few different techniques that can be used when performing a tummy tuck. The traditional tummy tuck is the method that is often associated with the general term “tummy tuck.” The primary purposes of a tummy tuck are to remove excess skin from the abdomen as well as tighten the abdominal muscles. Skin can become lax and stretched when there are large amounts of fat in the belly or a woman becomes pregnant. The problem with this is that once the fat has been reduced or the woman gives birth, the skin often does not form to the body’s new contour, in turn, leaving unsightly, drooping skin on the stomach. Although the excess skin can be removed, it may not provide the sleek or contoured shape that the patient desires. For this reason, Dr. Hamawy has adopted the high lateral tension technique into his practice.

Why is High Lateral Tension Different?

The high lateral tension tummy tuck is similar to the traditional procedure in that it tightens the abdominal muscles and removes excess skin. However, this technique differs in a few different aspects; for one, high lateral tension tummy tucks provide noticeably more contour. Traditional tummy tucks focus on pulling the tension only below the navel to flatten the stomach, but this does not slim down the sides of the waistline or address the thighs. The high lateral tummy tuck pulls horizontally as well as vertically, allowing Dr. Hamawy the ability to regulate the tension on the entire abdomen as well as lift loose skin on the thighs. This technique also differs from the traditional tummy tuck by repairing the abdomen on three levels rather than two. A high lateral tummy tuck tightens the skin and abdominal muscles, as well as tightening the skin that lies just below the breasts on the upper abdomen.

The high lateral tension tummy tuck is performed very similarly to the tradition tummy tuck. The first incision is placed along the midline, spanning from hip to hip. Through this, Dr. Hamawy will lift the skin and tighten the abdominal muscles, rejoining them if separation has occurred. He will then redrape the skin and remove any excess. This is done in such a way that loose skin on the thighs is pulled taut. The opening of the navel is repositioned to a more symmetrical position. Lastly, high lateral tension is achieved by pulling the skin under the breasts tight and causing the necessary tension between the chest and navel to provide the firm, contoured results. The skin from the navel and below will be pulled with low tension to join the skin and close the midline incision.

This procedure not only removes excess skin but it also cinches the waist slightly to provide a slimmer figure. This is Dr. Hamawy’s favorite tummy tuck to perform because of the comprehensive treatment it provides. Adding liposuction is always an option if the patient has localized fat deposits.