High tension abdominoplasty 2.0.

Traditionally, the primary goal of any abdominoplasty has always been to excise the central lower abdominal excess skin or pannus and plicate the abdominal fascia through a suprapubic incision. Unfortunately, this traditional abdominoplasty may often fall short of this goal: a scar that may ride too high; persistent skin and lipodystrophy at the pubis, thighs, flanks, and hips; and unfortunately a consistent incidence of midline skin necrosis or wound dehiscence. High lateral tension abdominoplasty addresses these shortfalls. It may be defined as a more complete treatment of the lower trunk aesthetic unit from the abdomen to the pubis, hips, and thighs, with a greater overall aesthetic result and margin of vascular safety. This article outlines the techniques and tools to accomplish these superior results safely and consistently.