If Lockwood Procedure is Better, Why Don't More Doctors Do It?

There are a number of improvements that have taken place over the years in how tummy tucks are done. The key is to use the best of these techniques in different combinations so that they can be customized to each patient. Lockwood's emphasis was on using the superficial fascia, a connective tissue layer in the fat between the skin and muscle, and that is done fairly routinely. He also talked about high lateral tension, which is helpful in some cases but not all and requires a longer scar than many would like. Tumescent is also helpful for a lipoabdominoplasty procedure, popular in South America, but again not ideal for each case. My preference is for the progressive tension suture technique because drains can come out much earlier, the flap can be shaped nicely, and the scar is good because the tension isn't all on the skin. But "cookie cutter" surgery, using the exact same approach in every case, isn't really a very sophisticated solution.

Sometimes a simpler procedure will suffice. Excuse the poor analogy but sometimes "Fix-a-Flat" is preferred to the exhausting procedure of changing a tire even though it is not the ideal solution to the problem. Smaller and less extensive procedures than the Lockwood procedure may accomplish 75% of the result with 50% of the effort, risk and cost. The choice is up to the patient.

Just like no shoe fits every foot, hat every head or dress every figure, the key to great resits in Plastic Surgery rest on customizing the operation to the needs of each patient.

Not all patients need a Lockwood Tummy Tuck. But those who do, SHOULD get it instead of a Mini Tummy Tuck as so often happens.

Pick  surgeon who does much than one type of Tummy Tuck and who you like and you will do great!

It is a procedure that works for certain types of problems. It is not for everyone, Also no procedure is appropriate for everyone -- you should go to a doctor who tailors the surgery to your problem.

What is "better" is always a matter of opinion. There are many different techniques out there for all procedures. Some work better in some hands others work better for others. The best way to decide on a surgeon is by looking at their results. If you like their results, then you like their technique and that would be a reasonable surgeon to use. If someone tells you that they use the Lockwood technique, but they also turn out to be a sloppy surgeon and don't provide a good result, then they aren't someone that I would want to go to. It's safety and results that count.

In my experience, I prefer my technique. I get more exposure and more repair of the diastasis recti and more skin removal. Also, the scar is much more acceptable. See my video.

As you can see, most doctors don't routinely do the Lockwood procedure.  It isn't appropriate for the majority of cases and generally carries with it a longer, higher lateral scar that can be difficult to hide.  For what little benefit this may give, most patients would rather not have more scar than they need.

The late Ted Lockwood of the Kansas City area introduced the "Lockwood procedure" several years ago.  It is extremely useful for patients who have undergone massive weight loss or who otherwise have a lot of excess skin in the buttocks and lateral thigh areas.  In most patients, I agree, a standard tummy tuck is an adequate and much simpler procedure with less morbidity.

Hi.

The surgical details must be individualized for each tummy tummy tuck based on your individual anatomy.  But we use the concepts that you bring up.  They increase safety by improving the skin circulation. and they narrow the waist.

I don't know why more platic surgeons don't use them.  There is a learning curve for all innovations.