The purpose of this paper is to describe a new approach of correcting two difficult problems seen following massive weight loss. The first problem is the residual transverse abdominal laxity that is not addressed by either abdominoplasties or circumferential lipectomies and the second is the lateral decent of the breast mound and IMF, which is not well addressed by traditional mastopexies.

We present a case report of a procedure that we believe corrects both of these anatomical changes simultaneously. We have named it the Lateral ThoracoAbdominoplasty, L-TAP. This procedure is intended for patients who have undergone minimally invasive bariatric surgery or lost weight by diet and exercise and thus lack an existing midline incision. We advocate resecting the redundant tissue from the lateral aspect of the trunk, instead of the traditional approach, which utilizes a midline abdominal incision. The anterior abdomen is left unblemished and the scars are concealed along the mid-axillary line from axilla to iliac crest.

Our patient is extremely satisfied and has had no complications at greater than one year follow up.

The L-TAP utilizes a concealed mid-axillary approach to effectively correct the vertical abdominal laxity and lateral breast decent seen after massive weight loss.