An example of abdominal surgery is Fleur de Lis surgery, often known as FDL abdominoplasty. It is lengthier and more involved than customary stomach surgeries.
In this guide, we review the Pros and cons of fleur de lis tummy tuck, fleur de lis tummy tuck complications, average cost of fleur de lis abdominoplasty, and fleur de lis tummy tuck recovery time.
A Fleur de Lis operation tries to provide a “tighter” appearance throughout the WHOLE abdominal area, as opposed to a standard “tummy tuck,” which removes extra skin from the lower abdomen.
Corset lipectomy and vertical abdominoplasty are two other terms for FDL surgery. Patients who have lost a lot of weight should be candidates for this type of abdominoplasty treatment.
The name “Fleur de Lis” was given to the treatment since it accurately represents the area that the expert surgeon will operate on. The Fleur de Lis procedure is preferable when it’s essential to remove extra skin in both the vertical and horizontal directions, as opposed to a typical abdominoplasty, which only removes excess skin in a horizontal direction.
Pros and cons of fleur de lis tummy tuck
Apparent sagging may occur in the abdomen due to sudden weight loss or a similar situation. There are different types of tummy tuck procedure that stretches the abdominal region by eliminating this sagging. Fleur de Lis tummy tuck is one of them.
If you want to have the abdominal region of your dreams and the traditional method does not meet your expectations, fleur de lis tummy tuck may be just for you.
What is Fleur De Lis Tummy Tuck?
Fleur de lis, which means lily flower in French, is a special post-bariatric surgical operation. The reason why the procedure is called lily flower is that the piece of tissue removed from the abdomen looks almost like a flower.
During periods of weight loss, sagging may be experienced on the skin. However, in sudden weight loss, this looseness usually occurs horizontally not vertically. The standard tummy tuck, back stretching, and belt lipectomy can give effective results for vertical skin looseness. However, these procedures may not give the desired result in horizontal sagging. Patients have an appearance that is flat, but thick and without a waist curve.
Eligible Candidates
The fleur de lis tummy tuck is suitable for men and women with a large amount of skin on the abdomen. It has been developed for situations where there is too much loose skin in the upper abdomen after a major weight loss.
To benefit from the procedure, the candidates must be in good general health. There should be no health problems that would pose a risk to the surgery or the recovery process. Besides, for best results, patients should adopt a healthy lifestyle before and after the surgery.
Candidates’ expectations should be realistic before the procedure. Apart from these, it should not be forgotten that diet and exercise are of great importance for permanent FDL tummy tuck results.
Fleur De Lis Tummy Tuck vs. Regular
There are distinct differences between regular and fleur de lis tummy tuck. In the traditional method, excess skin in both the upper and lower abdominal region is removed. The upper and lower parts of the belly button are targeted. In addition to this, excessive fat tissue can be removed through an incision that can be hidden under the bikini line and the abdominal muscles can be tightened. However, it should be noted that this procedure does not replace exercise, and it cannot fix the chaps.
In the full tummy tuck procedure, a horizontal incision is formed between the groin and the belly button. The shape and length of the incision may differ depending on how much skin there is. After the excess skin is removed, the weakened abdominal muscles are also restored. A second incision can be formed in the related area to remove excess skin in the upper abdomen.
Fleur de lis tummy tuck has been developed for those who experience excessive skin sagging after bariatric surgery and extreme weight loss. Candidates’ abdomen is much larger than their buttocks. In this procedure, excess skin and fat are removed. Besides, the abdominal muscles are restored through a vertical incision in the middle of the abdomen.
An FDL tummy tuck provides horizontal skin tightening on top of vertical skin tightening. Two different incisions are made in the procedure. The first of these is the horizontal incision as in the standard tummy tuck. The other is the vertical incision formed in the middle of the abdomen. The size of the vertical incision varies depending on how much skin looseness is. Thanks to the vertical incision, the skin can be tightened from above and below as well as from the sides. Thus, the appearance of the abdomen is significantly improved.
FDL Tummy Tuck Cost
The cost of an FDL tummy tuck varies depending on the complexity of the operation and the location where the operation is performed. Besides, it should not be forgotten that there will be additional costs other than the surgery cost. Some of the additional costs incurred in the operation are as follows:
The cost of the surgery is influenced by the expertise, experience, and reputation of the preferred surgeon. Preferring a surgeon expert in his field will result in higher costs. Apart from these, the location of the clinic where the procedure will be performed is also of great importance. The country and the city where the clinic is located will also be one of the factors affecting the cost.
Although it varies depending on many criteria, generally the cost of fdl tummy tuck is on average as follows for the countries.
Schedule a Consultation
If you are experiencing excessive sagging on your upper abdomen, you can schedule a free consultation for the fleur de lis tummy tuck. During the consultation, our surgeons will first assess your general condition and see if you need this procedure. You will also be given detailed information about the procedure and all your questions will be answered.
A large number of patients come to COSMETICIUM every year for this procedure. Patients coming from different parts of the world almost start a new life after the procedure. Their lives change positively and their life quality increases. If you want to experience these positive changes and get more detailed information about the subject, you can contact us immediately.
fleur de lis tummy tuck complications
What To Expect During Your Consultation?
The success of the consultation depends on your openness and honesty in relation to what troubles you and your expectations of surgery. You will be asked questions about your health, desires and lifestyle. Different operations can be tailored to your needs and the potential outcomes and the risks and complications will be discussed with you. The operation removes excess tissue from the upper and lower abdominal area and needs to be tailored to the individual. It also helps to marrow the waist and addressed the excess tissue in the flanks. A fleur de lis abdominoplasty can be tailored to each individual and can be combined with liposuction and other rejuvenation procedures such as breast rejuvenation. It involves abdominal skin removal and tightening of the abdominal muscles. A consultation regarding the risks and limitations of surgery will help you to choose a procedure that will meet with your expectations.
Preparing For Fleur De Lis Abdominoplasty Surgery
This is a procedure that is performed under general anaesthetic. Your health is a prime importance and any cosmetic surgery should be postponed if you are unwell for any reason. It is important that if anything changes with your health that you make contact with us. You should ideally stop smoking 6 weeks prior to surgery and stop taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements before surgery. You may need preoperative tests prior to surgery, which we will arrange if required.
You will generally experience abdominal discomfort following the surgery and should aim to be off work for at least 2 weeks depending on the type of work you do. Often it can take 4 weeks to recover from a fleur de lis abdominoplasty and occasionally there can be healing issues at the join of the vertical and horizontal scar.
The Surgery
A fleur de lis abdominoplasty takes between 2-3 hours. Usually an incision is made just above the pubic region. The longer the scar the more tissue can be removed and you will need to discuss the length of your scar at a consultation. A vertical line is drawn down the middle of the abdomen and skin is excised on either side of this in a triangle. The skin is separated from the underlying tissue from the pubic region upwards. The extent of dissection will vary from patient to patient. The abdominal wall is tightened and the tummy button relocated. Excess fat and skin is removed. The incisions are closed with dissolvable stitches and the skin is repositioned. It is unusual to require drains and a compressive dressing is almost always required.
After Surgery
You will usually return to the ward within an hour following surgery and you will be encouraged to mobilize. You will not have a catheter in place and it is unusual to require drains. You will be able to eat / drink and and mobilize as soon as the anaesthetic wears off. You will feel swollen and have abdominal discomfort that will usually require analgesia. You will be able to go home the next day and should keep the wounds dry for the next week. You should arrange for someone to pick you up following surgery and have some support at home on discharge. You will be reviewed in clinic and the wounds checked at a week. You should avoid excessive straining in the first week and should continue to wear a support garment for 4-6 weeks after surgery. You will be able to resume light exercises after a week and normal exercise by 3-4 weeks. You should begin massage to the scar once healed. The healing from a fleur de lis can be longer than a standard tummy tuck and frequently the point that has the most problems is the join of the vertical and horizontal scar. This ladies preops and 1 week images can be compared to 4 weeks where there is a healing issue at the join. This does heal but can take a few weeks. Her longer term scar is shown for comparison.
Risks And Complications
The vast majority of patients are delighted with the procedure although common complaints include numbness, bruising, swelling especially around the scar line and often there is a slight difference between the two sides of the abdomen. Uncommon complications include infection, haematoma, delayed healing/skin necrosis/skin loss, seroma formation and thickened scar. There are uncommon risks of general anaesthesia such as respiratory / cardiac compromise and deep vein thrombosis.
Sensation usually changes following a fleur de lis abdominoplasty. Although permanent numbness is uncommon, sensation can take a number of months to return. The scars following a mini tummy tuck can be red for a number of weeks / months after surgery and it can take some time before the scars start turning purple / pink and then start fading into a white line. It is unusual to develop abnormal scars and unusual to have irregularities requiring scar revision. Any revisions to the scars should not be considered for at least a year following surgery. The scar is often not symmetrical and the scar can move slightly with time. The abdomen can become lax with time and the result can fluctuate with fluctuations in weight.
average cost of fleur de lis abdominoplasty
A fleur-de-lis tummy tuck, also known as fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty, is a cosmetic surgical procedure that reshapes your abdomen.
The surgeon uses a combination of vertical and horizontal incisions to remove significant excess skin for a slimmer, more toned tummy.
The incisions form a pattern that resembles the three petals of a stylized lily called a fleur-de-lis, hence the procedure’s name.
The highest point of this fleur-de-lis pattern is near the breastbone, while the farthest points on either side end are at the hip bone.
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As with a standard tummy tuck, your surgeon may perform liposuction on your belly to remove unwanted fat. And if needed, repair weakened or separated muscles to achieve the desired look.
What Is the Difference Between a Fleur-de-Lis Tummy Tuck vs. a Regular Tummy Tuck
A regular or standard tummy tuck removes excess skin from the upper and lower abdomen and tightens the underlying muscles. It also repositions the navel.
The surgery uses two incisions. One runs from hip to hip in the lower abdomen, just above the pubic area. And the other is made around the belly button.
A fleur-de-lis tummy tuck also targets the entire midsection. It’s performed on patients with excessive redundant abdominal skin, usually caused by massive weight loss.
The procedure uses a horizontal incision similar to the one used in a standard tummy tuck and a vertical incision made along the middle of the stomach.
Going by the placement of the incisions, both procedures allow for horizontal skin tightening.
But a fleur-de-lis tummy tuck also allows the plastic surgeon to tighten your skin from side to side. Therefore, drastically improving your abdominal contours.
Good Candidate for a Fleur-de-Lis Tummy Tuck
Whether or not a fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty is right for you is determined during your initial consultation with a plastic surgeon. But generally, you’re a good candidate for the procedure if:
Fleur De Lis Tummy Tuck Cost
The average cost of a tummy tuck is $8,325, according to RealSelf. While the price range is $3,175 – $13,400.
In 2020, the average cost for the procedure was $6,154, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).
The more complex the tummy tuck technique used, the more you’re going to pay. A fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty is more extensive than other types of tummy tucks, hence more expensive.
Additional factors that determine the cost of a fleur-de-lis tummy tuck include:
The total cost of your procedure will include three basic fees: surgeon’s fee, anesthesia fee, and facility fee.
However, there are other expenses to consider, including the cost of prescriptions, lab tests, and compression garments.
Health insurance plans typically do not cover cosmetic surgery, and a fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty is no exception.
But there are other ways to fund your tummy tuck, including health care financing like CareCredit and payment plans offered by your plastic surgeon. So be sure to enquire about accepted payment options during your consultation.
If you want to know more about tummy tuck costs and other related fees, then see our complete guide on how much does a tummy tuck cost?
Risks of a Fleur-de-Lis Tummy Tuck
A fleur-de-lis tummy tuck requires the addition of a vertical incision, making it a more complex surgical procedure than a traditional abdominoplasty.
But when performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon, the surgery is generally safe, not to say that there are no risks.
A 2010 comparative study found that fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty had similar rates of complications as transverse-only tummy tuck techniques.
However, patients who underwent the procedure had a higher wound infection rate. Among the risk factors for abdominal wound complications were high BMI and male sex.
fleur de lis tummy tuck recovery time
A fleur-de-lis tummy tuck is a specific method of abdominoplasty that aims to remove loose excess skin after extreme weight loss, usually as a result of bariatric surgery such as gastric bypass.
Abdominoplasty, commonly known as a tummy tuck, creates a flatter stomach through the removal of excess skin and tissue in the abdominal area and tightening of abdominal muscles.
There are different methods of performing a tummy tuck for each body type to ensure the most satisfaction from the surgery.
Benefits of a Fleur de Lis Tummy Tuck
The fleur-de-lis method allows for larger incisions to be made, which results in the removal of more excess skin than a standard tummy tuck would allow.
This is particularly useful for patients who have experienced extreme weight loss and are left with significant excess skin as a result. This makes the results significantly more life-changing than a regular tummy tuck.
The results of the surgery are permanent and can allow patients to reap the full benefits of their lifestyle change.
Fleur de Lis Tummy Tuck Cost
In general, the cost of a fleur-de-lis tummy tuck at the CREO Clinic starts at £17,900. Upon consultation with head surgeon Dr Omar Tillo, the exact cost of the surgery will be determined alongside a tailored treatment plan for your unique requirements.
Fleur de Lis Tummy Tuck Procedure
To complete a fleur-de-lis tummy tuck, the anaesthetist will administer general anaesthesia before making an incision along the entire bikini line as well as from the rib cage to the midline of the abdomen.
Excess skin is removed vertically, and the loose skin is tightened and contoured. If there is any muscle separation during the process, it will be repaired by the surgeon. Finally, the incisions are closed with dissolvable stitches.
Recovery
Due to the extent of the incisions and the amount of excess skin that is generally removed from fleur-de-lis tummy tuck, the recovery time can be longer than from standard abdominoplasty. You will experience swelling and discomfort in the affected area, which will decline in a few days.
Patients can usually resume daily activities and return to work 2-3 weeks after the surgery and engage in light exercise after 3-4 weeks. However, patients must wait at least 6-8 weeks before engaging in strenuous exercise in order to fully heal and avoid any post-surgery complications.
Successful recovery can be aided by taking the surgeon’s aftercare advice and also following our tummy tuck survival guide.
Results
Immediately after the surgery, patients will be able to notice that their stomach is considerably tighter and flatter due to the removal of excess skin. However, it can take up to 6-12 months for post-surgery swelling, after which the full results of the fleur-de-lis tummy tuck will be seen. After this, you will be able to enjoy your noticeably more toned, contoured, and slender midriff.
Fleur de Lis Tummy Tuck vs. Traditional Tummy Tuck
Though the traditional tummy tuck has the same aim as the fleur-de-lis tummy tuck, there are significant differences in which one might be right for you. These differences are outlined in the table below:
Fleur de Lis Tummy Tuck FAQ
Who is a good candidate for a Fleur de Lis tummy tuck?
The fleur-de-lis tummy tuck is ideal for patients who have considerable excess skin due to extreme weight loss, including from bariatric surgery. Patients should be of overall good health, including a suitable BMI, to avoid complications during surgery.
How long does a Fleur de Lis tummy tuck take?
Typically, a fleur-de-lis tummy tuck is usually completed in 4 hours. The length of the surgery depends on how much skin needs to be removed. The surgeon will ensure that the patient’s desires are met and will complete the procedure with artistic surgical precision to help the patient achieve their ideal figure.
How much is a Fleur de Lis tummy tuck?
The cost of a standard tummy tuck in London typically starts at £10,900, but in comparison, due to the surgical complexity and length of the procedure, a fleur-de-lis tummy tuck starts at £17,900.
Is a Fleur de Lis tummy tuck permanent?
Yes, the results from a fleur-de-lis tummy tuck are generally permanent for the removal of excess, loose skin. A healthy diet and exercise routine is recommended to maintain a flat and slender stomach and avoid putting on weight after the surgery.