High Lateral Tension Tummy Tuck

Conveniently located to serve the areas of Lake Oswego, Portland, OR and Woodburn, OR

Lateral Tension Tummy Tuck

After significant weight loss, your abdomen, flanks, and upper thighs may struggle to contour to your new form. Excess skin in these areas can be a source of discomfort – both physically and emotionally. Maybe you had daydreams of flaunting your slimmer body in new clothes or a new swimsuit at the beach. Instead, you now hide your midsection behind strategically placed hands, accessories, and oversized shirts – reminiscent of your pre-weight loss days. 

You may consider undergoing a tummy tuck to get rid of the flab on your belly for good. But what about sagging occurring around your sides and in your hips? A traditional tummy tuck can only go so far. 

Dr. Lopez, MD is a board certified cosmetic surgeon serving the Portland, Oregon area. She is well-versed in the nuances of body contouring. A traditional tummy tuck by Dr. Lopez can definitely shape your midsection, but a high lateral tension tummy tuck can revitalize your silhouette! If you are interested in learning how this procedure can help you gain the confidence in your appearance that you have been looking for, do not hesitate to reach out to Aesthetic Laser Center today!

Before and After Photos

Tummy Tuck Before & After Patient #414
Tummy Tuck Before & After Patient #414
Liposuction Before & After Patient #8648
Liposuction Before & After Patient #8648
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What is a high lateral tension tummy tuck?

A high lateral tension tummy tuck (or abdominoplasty) is a surgical, mid and lower body lifting procedure that addresses lax, excess skin in the abdominal area, flanks, and upper thighs developed by Dr. Ted Lockwood. This can be considered not only an extended approach to the traditional tummy tuck, but also a more refined technique. The high lateral tension tummy tuck creates increased “pull” towards the outer edges of the incision – a simultaneous horizontal and vertical pull. This is in contrast to the traditional abdominoplasty where there is more tension in the middle of the abdomen, causing a tighter pull on the navel and pubic region – a vertical only pull. This technique helps to eliminate the much avoided occurrence of “dog ears” when the incision has healed, creating smoother flanks and upper thighs. 

Benefits of High Lateral Tension Abdominoplasty

The benefits of a high lateral tension tummy tuck go further than a traditional abdominoplasty. In addition to flattening the belly, it creates a slimmer and more toned profile in the sides of the torso and smooths the upper thighs. This reduces the appearance of cellulite and excess tissue in the thigh. This comprehensive body contouring solution can effectively cinch the waist, providing women with a more hourglass shape and men with a more toned, athletic look. 

Benefits of High Lateral Tension Abdominoplasty

Many patients report increased confidence and enhanced comfort with their slimmer figures. Dr. Lopez does not cut any corners when it comes to her patients’ satisfaction! Take some time and read through her glowing reviews about the immense care and commitment Dr. Lopez and the team at Aesthetic Laser Center give to each patient. Also, Aesthetic Laser Center blog is an excellent source of information about the different procedures offered by Dr. Lopez and her dedication to the field.

Ready to experience the benefits of a high lateral tension tummy tuck for yourself? Contact Aesthetic Laser Center today to schedule a private consultation.

High Lateral Tension Tummy Tuck Candidates

Ideal candidates for a high lateral tension tummy tuck are healthy men and women who desire to put the finishing touches on their weight loss or post-partum journey. They are within a few pounds of their target weight, but have excess skin and fat hanging from their midsections. They wish to get rid of this extra tissue in order to don the body they worked so hard to achieve. 

If you are a candidate for a high lateral tension abdominoplasty in Portland, Oregon, give Dr. Lopez’s office a call at 503-353-0888. One of her knowledgeable staff members will be happy to help you schedule a personal consultation!

Consultation in Portland, Oregon

During a one-on-one consultation with Dr. Lopez, you will be able to share your goals and expectations of the procedure. Dr. Lopez will inquire about your health and describe the procedure in detail. This is your opportunity to ask all of your questions pertaining to the high lateral tension tummy tuck. Dr. Lopez will perform a physical examination of your abdomen. Using this thorough assessment, she will determine your candidacy for surgery. She will work with you to create a customized treatment plan based on your individualized needs, goals, and anatomy. 

Schedule your consultation with Dr. Lopez today! Learn more about how a high lateral tension abdominoplasty can help you achieve your aesthetic goals.

Preparing for your High Lateral Tension Tummy Tuck

Preparing for your High Lateral Tension Tummy Tuck

Dr. Lopez wants you to have a safe and successful operation and recovery. She will provide you with specific instructions to follow prior to your abdominoplasty during your consultation and pre-operative appointment. While every patient may require different preparation, in general, you can expect the doctor to direct you to stop smoking for some time before surgery. You will also need to stop taking certain blood-thinning medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and herbal supplements. These substances and medications can cause complications during surgery and the recovery period. You should also appoint a trusted adult to drive you home after your procedure and stay with you for at least 24 hours. Any medications prescribed by Dr. Lopez should be filled prior to surgery. If you have any questions regarding your high lateral tension tummy tuck preparation, do not hesitate to contact the staff at Aesthetic Laser Center. 

High Lateral Tension Tummy Tuck Procedure

On the day of your procedure, Dr. Lopez will meet with you prior to surgery. She will review your treatment plan with you and make sure you are comfortable with your decision to undergo surgery at this time. She will mark your abdomen with a surgical marker. These markings will indicate the incision sites and anatomical landmarks, such as the midline. 

Once you are in the operating room, you will be administered general anesthesia to keep you comfortable during the procedure.

If indicated in your treatment plan, Dr. Lopez will perform liposuction to remove any stubborn fat deposits from your abdomen and flanks. She will then follow her markings to create the appropriate incisions from hip to hip. Once the skin on the abdomen is raised, Dr. Lopez will tighten the abdominal muscles if you have experienced diastasis recti due to pregnancy. 

Afterward, the excess skin will be carefully removed. The remaining tissue will be redraped on the abdomen. Dr. Lopez will pull the skin taut in a more diagonal fashion, as opposed to a totally vertical manner. This allows for greater contouring of the flanks and a tightening of the upper thighs. 

Recovery

tummy tuck recovery

After your high lateral tension tummy tuck, you can expect your abdomen to be tender following surgery. You will need to wear a compression garment to help shape the area and also further control swelling. While it may take 4 to 6 weeks for any initial swelling, bruising and significant discomfort to subside, you may return to work after about 1 month, post-op. Any residual swelling or feeling of tugging and pulling in your abdomen may persist for several months, but is well-tolerated.

High Lateral Tension Abdominoplasty Results

The results of your high lateral tension tummy tuck may be immediately noticeable as your belly will be flatter. Once your abdomen has healed, you will be able to enjoy your body contouring results for years to come! Barring any significant weight gain or pregnancy after your procedure, your results will be long-lasting! You may feel more comfortable in your skin and your self-esteem may soar as you will be able to wear more flattering clothes. You may also be able to show off your new curves and contours in the gym or at the beach. 

A slimmer, shapelier you is within your reach after a high lateral tension tummy tuck. If you desire to look your best with the help of Dr. Lopez, contact Aesthetic Laser Center now to book your private consultation.

High Lateral Tension Pricing in Oregon

The final cost for a high lateral tension tummy tuck is dependent on a number of various factors. Because of this, pricing will be unique to each patient. The only way to obtain an accurate price quote is to attend a personal consultation with Dr. Lopez. Dr. Lopez wants to help make your aesthetic goals a reality. To assist with this, Aesthetic Laser Center is proud to offer healthcare financing for those who qualify through our partner, CareCredit. To have your payment and financing questions answered, reach out to our office today to learn more about your options.

FAQ

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A HIGH LATERAL TENSION TUMMY TUCK AND A TRADITIONAL TUMMY TUCK?

With a traditional tummy tuck, the incision may stretch from just inside the hips. After your surgeon gently removes excess skin on your abdomen, the remaining skin is sutured closed in a strictly vertical manner. This applies plenty of tension in the middle of the incision, above the pubic region. The amount of tension then decreases as you move outwards towards the hips. This lack of “pull” towards the ends of the incision causes a lack of shaping in the waist and no adjustment to the thighs. It is also thought that this “slack” is what is responsible for the development of “dog ears” at the ends of the incision. “Dog ears” are an occurrence where the skin puckers at the edges of an incision, causing the skin to create a flap resembling a dog’s ears. 
A high lateral tension tummy tuck allows your surgeon to place increased tension not only in the middle of the wound, but also towards the ends. The initial incision may not be perfectly horizontal and can extend well beyond the hips. The ends of the incision may turn upward, allowing greater tension to be placed over the thighs and hips once the incision is closed. In essence, the remaining skin is pulled in a diagonal manner, opposed to strictly vertically. This helps create a taut waistline, smoother thighs, and if the incision wraps closer towards the back, the buttocks may be lifted as well.
Dr. Lopez will discuss what can be expected from each procedure during your consultation. Ultimately, the approach to your tummy tuck will depend on your goals and personal anatomy. If Dr. Lopez does not believe you will benefit from a high lateral tension tummy tuck, she will let you know and provide you with her medical opinion on alternative procedures. 

Additional Resources

  1. Teitelbaum, S. (2009). High lateral tension abdominoplasty. In  J. L. Walden, D. Steinbrech, & S. Aston (Eds.), Aesthetic cosmetic surgery with dvd – expert consult: online and print (pp. 823-836). Elsevier Health Sciences.
  2. King Rosenfield, L. (2010). High Tension Abdominoplasty 2.0. Clinics in Plastic Surgery, 37(23), 441–465. doi:10.1016/j.cps.2010.03.005