The Fleur-De-Lis Tummy Tuck

What Is a Fleur-De-Lis Tummy Tuck?

A fleur-de-lis tummy tuck offers much the same result as the full tummy tuck, however, the technique used is specifically designed to remove large amounts of loose skin from the front portion of the abdomen. This technique tightens skin both horizontally and vertically and leaves a scar similar to the french flower for which it is named. During a fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty, the surgeon not only makes a horizontal incision directly above the public area (the same as in a full tummy tuck) but also makes an additional incision that runs vertically down the middle of the abdomen.

Types of tummy tucks: full, mini, extended, 360-degree, Fleur-de-lis
Types of tummy tucks: full, mini, extended, 360-degree, Fleur-de-lis

How Does A Fleur-De-Lis Surgery Compare To Other Tummy Tucks?

There are several techniques to perform abdominoplasty surgery. Based on your needs and unique body anatomy, your board-certified cosmetic surgeon will recommend a specific type of tummy tuck.

1. Fleur-De-Lis Tummy Tuck vs Full Tummy Tuck

A full tummy tuck addresses the upper and lower portions of the abdomen to remove a moderate amount of loose skin and repair all the underlying abdominal muscles. The full tummy tuck generally uses one incision that runs just under the bikini line and runs from the inside of one hip to the other.

2. Fleur-De-Lis Tummy Tuck vs Extended Tummy Tuck

The is a marked difference between an extended tummy tuck and a fleur-de-lis tummy tuck although some use these terms interchangeably. The extended tummy tuck uses a longer incision that goes past the hips so the surgeon can remove excess skin from the sides of the torso (flanks or love handles).

A fleur-de-lis tummy tuck is a technique used to remove a large amount of unwanted loose skin that is concentrated in the center of the abdomen. The fleur-de-lis tummy tuck uses two incisions: one that runs horizontally above the pubic bone exactly like in a full tummy tuck and the other runs vertically down the center of the abdomen. The strategic placement of the incisions allows the surgeon to remove all of the extra saggy skin to provide optimal results.

Would A Fleur-De-Lis or Extended Tummy Tuck The Best Option?

A fleur-de-lis tummy tuck is often the best option for a man or woman who has a large concentration of loose skin located in their front abdominal region. The vertical and horizontal incisions allow the surgeon better access to repair the abdominal muscles and also to remove large amounts of loose skin. This can also be combined with an extended horizontal incision for patients who have loose skin on their flanks as well.

If a patient has lost a tremendous amount of weight through weight loss surgery, they may be a good candidate for a circular tummy tuck vs fleur-de-lis tummy tuck. A circular tummy tuck, also known as a 360-degree tummy tuck, utilizes an incision that goes all around the torso like a belt and can address massive amounts of loose skin from the flanks and lower back in addition to the areas included in a full tummy tuck.

Who Is A Candidate For A Fleur-De-Lis Abdominoplasty?

  • Women who have experienced a pregnancy that has left a concentration of loose skin on their belly;
  • Individuals who have lost a significant amount of weight;
  • Individuals in general good health;
  • Non-smoking patients;
  • Individuals who have realistic expectations of the surgery and the possible results. You can ask your surgeon for some fleur-de-lis tummy tuck before and after pictures and patient testimonials.

Who Would Not Be A Candidate For A Fleur-De-Lis Abdominoplasty?

  • Men or women who have loose skin all over their torso may be better served by a circular tummy tuck vs extended tummy tuck or fleur-de-lis tuck;
  • Patients who are still undergoing weight loss and are not close to their goal weight;
  • Patients who are not done having children and plan to become pregnant in the future.

How Is A Fleur-De-Lis Tummy Tuck Performed?

  1. General anesthesia is administered to the patient and they are asleep during the surgery;
  2. Often Vaser liposuction is done to help reduce excess fat and loosen skin that is to be removed. This type of liposuction also helps curtail bleeding during the surgery.
  3. A small incision is made to free the belly button so the surgeon can work to remove loose skin while maintaining a “natural look”.
  4. An incision that runs vertically is made down the center of the abdomen and the loose skin is removed, abdominal muscles may be tightened during this time in the surgery and then the incision is closed. The vertical scar that results from the fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty is one of the most visible but the horizontal scar will be concealed under most underwear and bathing suit bottoms.
  5. The surgeon then creates an additional incision similar to that of a full tummy tuck that runs horizontally right above the pubic area between the hips.
  6. The loose skin is then cut away and the remainder pulled taut and stitched in place. For patients with stretch marks, the good news is that these are normally cut away during this skin removal. Next, the surgeon usually repositions or creates a new belly button so that it looks natural.
  7. Surgical drains may be used in the incision site to help mitigate swelling and then the incisions are covered with surgical dressings.
  8. Next, a compression garment will be put on the patient to help minimize bruising, swelling, and fluid buildup and to help train your body to its new shape.
  9. Usually, the patient stays 1-3 nights before being discharged to fully recover at home.

Recovery After A Fleur-De-Lis Abdominoplasty

A full recovery from a fleur-de-lis tummy tuck can take between 8 and 10 weeks depending on the extent of the surgery, the patient’s overall health, etc.

A detailed plan for after-care will be provided to patients to help them as they recover at home. Information will be provided on incision site care and post-surgical drain care if any. The surgeon will also provide guidance on when you can drive, the best way to sleep, how best to walk around, and increasing activity levels during recovery.

Usually, the surgeon will provide a prescription for antibiotics to mitigate the risk of infection and pain medication to help ease discomfort.

Most patients who have a fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty will experience normal bruising and swelling that can last several months. Typically most feel good enough to begin performing light activities after about 4 weeks, but before returning to any strenuous activity the surgeon should be consulted.

How Much Does A Fleur-De-Lis Tummy Tuck Cost?

The cost of a fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty can differ due to the extent of the surgery and other factors but the cost of a fleur-de-lis tummy tuck typically starts at around $12,700.

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