Are you considering a fleur de lis tummy tuck and want to know how it can transform your body?
This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding this specialized procedure, which is frequently performed for patients who have undergone significant weight loss and need to address extensive excess skin.
We’ll cover what makes the fleur de lis tummy tuck unique, the potential benefits and risks, and what you can expect throughout the process.
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What to Know: Key Points
- The fleur de lis tummy tuck is a specialized tummy tuck that adds an additional vertical incision, in addition to the traditional horizontal incision. This provides comprehensive skin removal and waistline reshaping, particularly beneficial for those with significant skin excess post-weight loss.
- Ideal candidates for the procedure are individuals who have lost over 80-100 pounds and possess realistic expectations about the results, while being committed to a healthy lifestyle post-surgery.
- Patients must consider the potential risks and be prepared for a post-operative recovery period of 4-6 weeks.
Understanding the Fleur de Lis Tummy Tuck
The fleur de lis tummy tuck is a specialized version of a tummy tuck aimed at achieving a firmer, flatter abdomen and improved body contouring.
This procedure is particularly beneficial for individuals who have experienced extreme weight loss and are left with significant excess skin that needs addressing.
Unlike traditional tummy tucks, which primarily involve a horizontal incision placed in the lower abdomen, the fleur de lis technique includes both a vertical and horizontal incision, forming an upside-down T-shaped scar.
For most weight loss patients, a traditional tummy tuck surgery or even extended tummy tuck will result in substantial improvements in the shape and appearance of the abdomen.
It will appear flatter and smoother.
However, without the addition of the vertical incision, some patients may be dissatisfied with the excess skin that remains in the central portion of the upper abdomen.
The unique incision pattern of the fleur de lis abdominoplasty allows for comprehensive skin removal and reshaping of the midsection, addressing both the vertical and horizontal skin laxity.
Similar to a traditional tummy tuck, the fleur de lis tummy tuck also includes tightening of the abdominal muscles to enhance core stability and overall appearance.
Liposuction is also frequently utilized for further contouring.
The result is a smoother, more contoured abdomen that can significantly improve the patient’s body image and confidence.
Patients considering this surgery should consult with their care team to determine if this approach aligns with their aesthetic goals.
Benefits of the Fleur de Lis Technique
The fleur de lis technique offers several unique benefits that make it a preferred choice for many patients.
Here are some of the primary advantages:
- It aggressively removes more excess skin from the front of the abdomen
- It enhances abdominal tightness, which is particularly beneficial for individuals who have undergone significant weight loss.
- It addresses substantial skin laxity that traditional tummy tucks cannot adequately manage.
These benefits make the fleur de lis technique a valuable option for those seeking body contouring solutions.
Patients who opt for this procedure often report high satisfaction due to the dramatic contouring results achieved through the fleur de lis incision design.
The additional vertical incision allows for comprehensive skin removal, which is crucial for patients with extensive excess skin.
This comprehensive approach leads to a more aesthetically pleasing and balanced body contour, providing results that are both visually and functionally superior.
Ideal Candidates for Fleur de Lis Abdominoplasty
Ideal candidates for a fleur de lis abdominoplasty are typically individuals who have experienced significant weight loss, typically over 80-100 pounds.
These patients are left with a considerable amount of excess skin that cannot be addressed by the standard horizontal incision of a traditional tummy tuck.
Candidates should not have any underlying health issues that could impede a safe tummy tuck recovery.
It is also important for candidates to have realistic expectations regarding the results of the surgery and to be dedicated to maintaining a healthy lifestyle post-surgery.
To determine if one is an ideal candidate for this body surgery procedure, it is recommended to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon with experience in body contouring surgery.
This consultation will help ensure that the patient’s unique goals and medical history are considered, leading to a personalized treatment plan.
The Surgical Process of a Fleur de Lis Tummy Tuck
A fleur de lis tummy is performed under general anesthesia.
The surgery is typically initiated with liposuction of the back, abdomen and flanks (360 liposuction).
Not all patients require liposuction, but for those that do, the liposuction provides substantial body contouring benefits.
After the liposuction, vertical and horizontal incisions are made to remove the excess skin.
The horizontal incision is placed in the lower abdomen and extends from hip to hip.
The vertical incision extends from the top of the abdomen all of the way down to the horizontal incision.
The abdominal wall muscles are then tightened and repaired with sutures.
This enhances core stability and supports the new abdominal profile.
Long acting pain medications are injected into the abdomen for prolonged post-operative pain control
Drains are placed and the incisions are closed in multiple layers using absorbable sutures.
The closure of the incisions is performed meticulously to minimize the appearance of scars, although the upside-down T-shaped scar is a distinctive feature of this tummy tuck surgery technique.
Finally, the belly button is repositioned to ensure it aligns with the new abdominal wall shape, providing a natural and aesthetically pleasing appearance.
Due to the extensive nature of the procedure, surgery can take anywhere from 5-6 hours.
The surgery itself can be done in either a hospital or outpatient surgery setting.
If done in the hospital, patients are required to stay overnight in the hospital for one night.
If done in an outpatient surgery setting, patients are required to spend one night in an aftercare facility.
Recovery Timeline and Tips
After spending 1-2 nights in the hospital or aftercare facility, patients are sent home for the remainder of their recovery.
Drains are placed to manage the fluid that accumulates after surgery.
Depending on how extensive the surgery was, drains can stay in place for 1-2 weeks, sometimes longer depending on the amount of output.
During this time, it is critically important that patients avoid excess activity.
Excess movement and activity generate fluid, which makes it harder to remove the drains in a timely fashion.
Patients should walk around the house for about 5-10 minutes every 2-3 hours.
However, they should avoid prolonged walking, errands, and household chores.
These restrictions will be in place until the drains are removed.
Once the drains are removed, patients may return to more normal activities of daily living, but avoid lifting anything more than 5-10 pounds for 6 weeks.
For the first week, patients will need to sleep in a reclined position (beach chair position) and walk slightly bent over.
These limitations decrease the amount of strain and tension on the incisions.
After a week, patients may start to stand up straight and may sleep in any position they prefer.
Most patients can return to in-person work once the drains are removed.
Remote or virtual work may be resumed earlier, depending on patient comfort.
For patients with physically demanding jobs, a full 6 weeks off from work is advised, unless they can return with modified light duty.
Scar management is typically initiated after 2-3 weeks.
This involves multiple scar modalities, including silicone scar therapies, sun precautions, microneedling and laser treatments.
Compression garments should be worn for most of the day and night during the first 6 weeks.
As swelling decreases, it’s not uncommon to purchase a smaller sized compression garment.
Benefits from compression garments can be seen with additional use up to 3 months.
Swelling will start to improve after the first week and continue to improve over time.
By 6 weeks, most patients will see resolution of about 80-90% of their swelling.
Swelling is fully resolved by 3-6 months.
Post-operative lymphatic massages are strongly recommended and may be initiated within the first week of surgery.
These massages will help the swelling to resolve faster and will limit the amount of scarring and fibrosis that may occur in the soft tissues.
These guidelines support a smooth and successful recovery process.
Scarring and Scar Management
The fleur de lis tummy tuck creates two long scars: one horizontal and one vertical, forming an inverted ‘T’ shape.
Effective scar management is essential to minimize visible scarring and promote optimal healing.
Scar management begins 2-3 weeks after surgery, once the incisions are fully closed.
Your board certified plastic surgeon will inform you when it is time to start scar therapies.
Scar management typically begins with the use of silicone gels or sheets.
These help to flatten and soften scars.
As the scars heal, they will initially appear red.
This indicates increased blood flow to the area of healing.
Over the next 6 months, the redness will start to fade. By one year, the scars typically become more white and less visible.
Avoiding sun exposure to the scarred areas is important to prevent permanent discoloration.
In some cases, laser treatments, microneedling or steroid injections may be recommended to further improve the appearance of scars.
In-office scar revisions are sometimes required.
Consistent and diligent care is crucial for achieving the best possible results.
Potential Risks and Complications
The fleur de lis tummy tuck is a surgical procedure.
As with any surgery, it comes with inherent risks.
These risks are linked to the extensive nature of the procedure and include infection, bleeding, pain, seroma formation, and wound healing issues.
Factors such as high body mass index, and previous abdominal scars can increase the likelihood of complications.
Wound breakdown occurs more frequently in patients undergoing the fleur-de-lis technique compared to traditional methods.
This traditionally happens in the area where the vertical incision meets the horizontal incision (the “T-junction”).
In the event of wound breakdown, topical therapies and occasionally oral antibiotics are prescribed.
Most of these wounds heal without further intervention over the course of several weeks.
Fluid accumulations (seromas) can occur after the drains are removed.
These are treated with in-office aspirations, and sometimes a drain replacement.
Blood clots are another serious risk that can arise following a circumferential tummy tuck.
Patients are encouraged to move around as soon as possible after surgery to promote circulation and reduce the risk of clotting.
Other potential complications include asymmetrical healing, numbness or changes in sensation in the abdominal area.
Choosing a qualified and board-certified surgeon for the fleur de lis procedure helps mitigate these risks.
Patients should follow pre-operative instructions carefully.
Doing so can help mitigate adverse effects after surgery.
Do you have a question about the fleur-de-lis technique?
Dr. Rovelo is an expert tummy tuck surgeon in Beverly Hills, if you have any further questions contact her team today.
Cost Considerations
The cost of a fleur-de-lis tummy tuck varies depending on several factors, including geographic location and the surgeon’s expertise.
In addition, higher costs are associated with fleur de lis tummy tucks that require more extensive amounts of liposuction and/or skin removal.
Patients may choose from different payment methods.
These include cash, major credit cards, and medical financing.
Patients should consider these costs in the context of their financial situation and discuss payment options with the office staff at the time of the consultation.
Understanding the total cost upfront can help patients make informed decisions and plan accordingly.
Combining Procedures
Combining the fleur de lis tummy tuck with other cosmetic procedures can enhance overall results.
Liposuction is commonly combined with this procedure to improve body contouring, removing excess fat that cannot be addressed by skin removal alone.
A breast lift can also be combined with fleur de lis abdominoplasty for better upper body balance after significant weight loss. This may also include the addition of breast implants.
For a comprehensive lower body transformation, the fleur de lis tummy tuck can be paired with a lower body lift or circumferential abdominoplasty.
Combining procedures can save time by allowing patients to undergo a single recovery period and achieve multiple aesthetic goals simultaneously.
Long-Term Results and Maintenance
Maintaining the results of a fleur de lis tummy tuck requires a commitment to a healthy lifestyle.
This includes following a balanced diet rich in nutrients to enhance healing and help manage weight after surgery.
Regular exercise is important for recovery and should focus on gradually strengthening the abdominal muscles.
Staying hydrated is crucial as it supports skin health and aids in the healing process following surgery.
Maintaining a stable weight is essential since fluctuations can affect surgical outcomes.
Weight gain may alter the aesthetic outcomes and weight loss may result in additional excess skin that requires a surgical revision.
Long-term success also involves attending follow-up appointments to monitor progress and address any concerns promptly.
Final Summary on the Fleur-De-Lis Tummy Tuck
The fleur de lis tummy tuck offers a comprehensive solution for those seeking dramatic body contouring results after significant weight loss.
By understanding the procedure, benefits, ideal candidates, and recovery process, patients can make informed decisions and achieve their aesthetic goals.
Committing to a healthy lifestyle and proper scar management will ensure long-lasting results and improved confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is an ideal candidate for a fleur de lis tummy tuck?
An ideal candidate for a fleur de lis tummy tuck is someone who has undergone significant weight loss and has excess skin that would not be fully addressed with a traditional tummy tuck. This procedure is particularly suited for individuals seeking to address pronounced skin laxity and achieve a more contoured abdominal appearance.
What are the unique benefits of the fleur de lis technique?
The fleur de lis technique uniquely provides extensive skin removal and reshaping, resulting in significant contouring and improved abdominal tightness. These benefits lead to a more aesthetically pleasing appearance for patients.
What can I expect during the recovery process?
You can expect the initial recovery period to last from 4 to 6 weeks, during which it is crucial to avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activities. Engaging in proper post-operative care, such as wearing compression garments and incorporating gentle movement, will aid in your recovery.
Why should I choose a board-certified plastic surgeon?
Choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon is essential as they have undergone extensive training and adhere to strict ethical standards, ensuring both safety and high-quality results. This certification reflects their commitment to ongoing education and patient care excellence.
Can the fleur de lis tummy tuck be combined with other procedures?
Yes, the fleur de lis tummy tuck can be effectively combined with procedures such as liposuction, breast lifts, breast augmentation, upper body lift, and a lower body lift to enhance overall results. This approach allows for achieving multiple aesthetic goals simultaneously.
