What is a Fleur-de-Lis Tummy Tuck?

Fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty is a specialized technique used after weight loss to tighten the abdominal area. Another name for this procedure is a Fleur-de-lis tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty in medical terms.

Why opt in for a Fleur-de-lis Tummy Tuck After Massive Weight Loss?

This method reduces excess skin in both horizontal and vertical directions with both vertical and horizontal incisions. It creates two different scars: one across the lower abdomen and another along the middle. In this way, we can remove the maximum amount of excess skin.

We will inform you of the technique used after your tummy tuck consultation with our certified patient care agents. These horizontal and vertical scars form an upside-down “T” shape.

“Fleur-de-lis” means “flower of the lily” in French. Important in French monarchy and New Orleans culture, like the emblem on the New Orleans Saints’ helmets. The name of this tummy tuck comes from the incision pattern, which looks like a partially closed three-petal iris flower.

We typically perform a Fleur-de-Lis surgery under general anaesthesia. This ensures that the patient is completely unconscious and pain-free during the surgery. General anesthesia helps the surgical team work safely and efficiently while the patient stays asleep and comfortable.

What are we aiming by suggesting you get a Fleur-de-lis procedure?

The fleur-de-lis technique aims to tighten loose skin in both horizontal and vertical directions. It also helps to narrow the waistline, resulting in a more attractive outcome for the patient.

This procedure is for people who have lost a lot of weight after gastric bypass surgery. For both men and women who have lost over 6 stones or 100 pounds and have extra skin in their stomach area. Regular horizontal incisions in tummy tuck surgery don’t effectively fix loose skin in the midsection and waist. This can result in a wider stomach and a square-shaped appearance.

We aim for a toned midsection, a narrower waist and a maximum amount of skin removal.

How to Choose Between Traditional vs. Fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty?

Compared to traditional abdominoplasty, the fleur-de-lis technique offers several key advantages. It is particularly beneficial for patients with pre-existing midline abdominal scars or upper abdominal subcostal scars resulting from bariatric surgery. Combining the fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty with a 360 lower body lift or belt lipectomy can be advantageous.

Patients with upper midline abdominal scars from previous bariatric surgery or gallbladder removal may experience interrupted blood supply to adjacent skin areas. The fleur-de-lis technique removes extra skin safely, preventing skin issues from traditional tummy tucks.

After weight loss surgery, patients often have extra skin and tissue in areas like the sides, back, and buttocks. In these cases, we use the fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty technique to remove a complete block of tissue from the body. It involves making a scar that goes all the way around the body and may include liposuction.

What are the Various Types of Abdominoplasty?

Abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck surgery, is among the most frequently performed procedures in cosmetic plastic surgery. The type of abdominoplasty procedure chosen depends on various factors. These factors include loose skin, fat distribution, stretch marks, previous scars, and muscle separation. The reason for considering these factors is that each patient has a different anatomy.

You can choose between different types of tummy tucks, including standard, mini, umbilical float, and fleur-de-lis. The fleur-de-lis pattern is popular for abdominoplasty in patients who have lost a lot of weight.

At Klinik Europe, Fleur-de-Lis abdominoplasty removes excess skin from the abdomen to improve body shape. This surgery removes extra skin, and may also remove fat and tighten muscles, like a regular tummy tuck.

Fleur de lis incision

Compared to traditional abdominoplasty, the key difference lies in the incision. The Fleur-de-Lis abdominoplasty procedure involves making a vertical incision from one hip bone to the other. Additionally, we place a horizontal incision starting from the bottom of the ribs to the pubic area.

These two incisions intersect with each other. This longer cut lets us remove loose skin on the sides of the belly, which yields better results than the traditional tummy tuck methods.

The amount of extra skin determines the type of tummy tuck required. The more skin there is, the more intense the procedure will be.

How long does a Fleur de Lis tummy tuck take

The duration of a Fleur-de-Lis tummy tuck varies depending on several factors. On average, we typically complete a Fleur-de-Lis tummy tuck in approximately in 3 hours.

We perform a series of procedures to improve the appearance of the belly. These procedures include cutting the skin and fat, tightening muscles if necessary, and relocating the belly button. Klinik Europe’s surgical team then carefully closes the incisions and applies dressings to facilitate the healing process.

Cost of a Fleur de Lis tummy tuck

These factors include the extent of the surgery and travel and aftercare package selected. On average, a Fleur-de-Lis tummy tuck may cost anywhere from £7,000 to £10,000 in the UK. Average price indexes estimate that a Fleur de Lis tummy tuck in the US costs between $10,000 and $15,000 or even more. The price varies based on factors like where it’s done, the doctor, and the clinic.

At Klinik Europe, the cost of a basic fleur de lis package is around £4500 including everything. A basic fleur de lis package includes surgeon fees, hotel stays, transfers, meals, and amazing aftercare.

FDL Tummy Tuck Recovery

Patients typically experience mild levels of pain and discomfort right after the surgery. Our medical team prescribes pain medication to manage this. After surgery, bruising and swelling are normal. Wearing a compression garment can lessen these symptoms.

We remove your drains either on day 2 or day 4 post-op, depending on how much you’re draining. After that, our medical team gives you a lymphatic drainage massage, which will make you feel a lot better.

After complex Fleur de Lis surgeries, we kindly ask our patients to rest and take it easy for a few days.

Recovery time varies based on surgery and the body’s healing ability. Eating well and staying hydrated can help speed up healing.

Around three weeks post-surgery, patients can gradually resume light daily activities. Patients can usually go back to work after two weeks, but they should check with the post-operative nursing team first. Those with more physically demanding jobs may require a longer recovery period. You should avoid strenuous activities, including gym workouts, for at least six weeks following surgery.

Contact Klinik Europe patient care assistants to get your treatment plan and quotes for your Fleur de lis tummy tuck with Klinik Europe.