High Lateral-Tension Abdominoplasty
in Seattle, WA
Many people want to have a smooth, flat, and defined abdomen. This is often seen as the ideal beauty standard and is a goal many people strive for while dieting and exercising. Yet, this aesthetic is not always achievable through these methods. It can be challenging to sculpt your stomach into your ideal aesthetic through diet and exercise, especially if you’ve already lost the bulk of your excess stomach fat and are left with excess skin. Additionally, pregnancy or significant weight gain can cause the abdominal muscles to separate, and the only way to tighten them is through surgery.
Tummy tuck surgery can be an excellent option to help address abdominal concerns such as stubborn fat, excess skin, and loose abdominal muscles. However, many people are unfamiliar with the high lateral-tension abdominoplasty technique, which significantly elevates tummy tuck results to the next level. Dr. Alexander Gougoutas performs high lateral-tension abdominoplasty in Seattle, WA, to assist patients with abdominal concerns and rebuild their confidence.
Get In TouchTable of Contents
- What Is a High Lateral-Tension Abdominoplasty?
- What Are the Benefits of High Lateral-Tension Abdominoplasty?
- Am I a Candidate for a High Lateral-Tension Abdominoplasty?
- How Is a High Lateral-Tension Abdominoplasty Performed?
- What Is High Lateral-Tension Abdominoplasty Recovery Like?
- What Can I Expect From High Lateral-Tension Abdominoplasty Results?
- Want to Learn More About High Lateral-Tension Tummy Tuck Surgery in Seattle, WA?
See Results From Actual Patients: High Lateral-Tension Abdominoplasty Before & After Pictures
This 56 year-old patient had a high lateral tension abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) as part of a mommy makeover procedure. Unlike a traditional tummy tuck, the HLTA allows aggressive liposuction contouring of the upper abdomen, a lower scar that is easier to hide and a mini lateral thigh lift.
This patient had a high lateral tension abdominoplasty (tummy tuck). Unlike a traditional tummy tuck, the HLTA allows aggressive liposuction contouring of the upper abdomen, a lower scar that is easier to hide and a mini lateral thigh lift.
What Is a High Lateral-Tension Abdominoplasty?
Many people are familiar with tummy tuck surgery, yet may not be aware of the various options and techniques that are used to perform the procedure. Not all tummy tuck techniques are created equally, and each one creates different results.
The high lateral-tension abdominoplasty (HLTA) is a specialized technique that few surgeons know how to perform. It is a highly advanced and technical operation that uses a “cut as you go” approach for abdominal contouring. This approach lets Dr. Gougoutas work with your abdomen’s natural skin tension lines and apply maximum tension laterally over the thighs as opposed to the stomach’s midline. The result is a lower tummy tuck scar that’s easily concealable, increased opportunity for liposuction of the waist, no distortion to the mons pubis, and a mini outer lateral thigh lift.
What Are the Benefits of High Lateral-Tension Abdominoplasty?
Some of the key benefits of this advanced tummy tuck technique include:
- Follows natural skin tension lines
- Places maximum tension on the thighs (providing outer lateral thigh lift benefits)
- Allows for more extensive liposuction contouring in the waist region
- Protects the mons pubis from distortion
- Creates a low, discreet tummy tuck scar
Am I a Candidate for a High Lateral-Tension Abdominoplasty?
Candidates for high lateral-tension abdominoplasty are typically people who:
- Are generally healthy
- Have maintained a stable weight for at least six months
- Have excess abdominal skin due to weight loss, pregnancy, or aging
- Have a lower belly pooch due to weakened abdominal muscles
- Want to repair diastasis recti (separation of the abdominal muscles)
- Want to contour the stomach and create a smoother, flatter appearance
- Have reasonable goals for tummy tuck surgery
Schedule your consultation with Dr. Gougoutas in Seattle to learn more about the high lateral-tension tummy tuck and whether it’s a good fit for your aesthetic goals.
How Is a High Lateral-Tension Abdominoplasty Performed?
Prior to your surgery, you’ll receive anesthesia to ensure comfort and safety throughout the procedure. Dr. Gougoutas will mark the areas around the abdomen where incisions will be created.
The tummy tuck incision will be created as Dr. Gougoutas makes alterations to the stomach, following the “cut as you go” method. The incision will follow the skin’s natural tension lines and will be placed low on the abdomen, where the stomach meets the pubic area. The flanks and upper abdominal area will be treated with liposuction if necessary to remove stubborn fat. The lateral tension placed over the thighs will give the outer thighs a mini lift.
Once all adjustments have been made, Dr. Gougoutas will close the incisions and wrap the abdomen in bandages. A compression garment may be placed over the bandages to help support the healing process.
What Is High Lateral-Tension Abdominoplasty Recovery Like?
High lateral-tension abdominoplasty has virtually the same recovery process as any other tummy tuck. You’ll need to sleep with your upper body elevated and wear a compression garment day and night to help reduce swelling. It will be a few weeks before you’re able to stand up fully straight due to the abdominal muscle repair.
Dr. Gougoutas will inform you of aftercare instructions, including how to care for your incisions, when to empty drains, and which physical activities need to be put on hold for the time being.
What Can I Expect From High Lateral-Tension Abdominoplasty Results?
After a high lateral-tension tummy tuck, patients can expect a smoother, slimmer waist and tightened abdominal muscles. This specialized technique produces optimal tummy tuck results by allowing for increased liposuction contouring in the upper stomach and flanks, creating a lower scar, and providing outer lateral thigh lift results.
By following postoperative instructions and maintaining a stable weight, many patients are able to enjoy their results for ten to fifteen years or more. While the natural aging process cannot be stopped, many patients enjoy their HLTA results for many years.
Want to Learn More About High Lateral-Tension Tummy Tuck Surgery in Seattle, WA?
Are you searching for the perfect solution to excess skin, stubborn fat, and separated abdominal muscles? If insecurities about the way your stomach looks interfere with your wardrobe choices and comfort in your own body, or if excess skin causes uncomfortable irritation, then you may be a great candidate for tummy tuck surgery.
Learn more about your tummy tuck options and if the high lateral-tension abdominoplasty technique is right for you during a consultation with expert tummy tuck surgeon, Dr. Alexander Gougoutas. He is a board-certified reconstructive and plastic surgeon known for his precision, artistry, and advanced skills in performing tummy tucks.
To schedule a consultation at Dr. Gougoutas’s office, call (206) 320-6138 or fill out our online contact form today.