Fleur-De-Lis Tummy Tuck vs Traditional Tummy Tuck

A tummy tuck, also known as an abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to remove excess skin and fat from the abdomen while also tightening the abdominal muscles. With a tummy tuck, there’s a variety of different techniques to achieve optimal results, one of which is the Fleur-De-Lis tummy tuck or hour-glass tummy tuck.

If you’re unhappy with the appearance of your stomach due to stubborn excess skin that doesn’t respond to exercise or a healthy diet, a tummy tuck might be an option to consider. 

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What is a Fleur-de-Lis Tummy Tuck?

The Fleur-De-Lis tummy tuck gets its name from the incision pattern, which looks like the three-pronged Fleur-De-Lis symbol. This technique includes a horizontal incision, similar to a traditional tummy tuck, along with a vertical incision running down the middle of the abdomen.

This approach gives the surgeon more access to the abdominal muscles and allows for the removal of a a lot larger amount of skin and fat from both the upper and lower abdomen, resulting in a more defined waistline. Additionally, it allows for both horizontal and vertical skin tightening, often leading to dramatic, life-changing results.

The Fleur-De-Lis tummy tuck can be performed on its own or often combined with a breast procedure, depending on your specific needs.

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Fleur-de-Lis Before and Afters

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Fleur-de-lis Tummy Tuck Versus Body Lift

Both the Fleur-De-Lis tummy tuck and a body lift are surgical procedures designed to remove excess skin and improve body contours, often after significant weight loss. 

A body lift addresses sagging skin around the abdomen, flanks, back, and buttocks, providing a more comprehensive contouring of the lower body. In contrast, the Fleur-De-Lis technique focuses specifically on the abdomen, offering excellent contouring to the front of the stomach and waistline from the breast level down to the hips.

The Fleur-De-Lis tummy tuck is ideal for those wanting to enhance the front of the abdomen, as it does not address the back. On the other hand, a body lift, while leaving some laxity in the front, allows for more significant tightening of the sides and back. This makes it the preferred option for those wanting full lower body contouring.

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Fleur-De-Lis Tummy Tuck Versus Traditional Tummy Tuck

A Fleur-De-Lis tummy tuck is often recommended after massive weight loss because it addresses the unique challenges that significant weight loss can leave behind. 

When a person loses a large amount of weight, they may be left with an excess of loose, sagging skin in both horizontal and vertical directions on the stomach. Traditional tummy tucks typically focus on tightening the skin horizontally, which might not be sufficient for patients with extensive skin laxity after massive weight loss.

What is safer? A Fleur-de-lis tummy tuck or traditional tummy tuck?

A Fleur-de-lis tummy tuck and a traditional tummy tuck each carry their own risks and benefits, with safety largely depending on the patient’s health and surgical needs.

Generally, a traditional tummy tuck involves less extensive scarring, while a Fleur-de-lis is better suited for those needing substantial skin removal.

Fleur-de-lis is a safer alternative to traditional abdominoplasty for major weight loss patients.

Who is a Good Candidate for Fleur De Lis?

The ideal candidate for a traditional tummy tuck is someone who has a stable weight but continues to struggle with excess skin and fat in the abdominal area.

• Significant Weight Loss: The procedure is particularly suitable for those who have experienced massive weight loss, whether through bariatric surgery or diet and exercise, and are left with extensive loose skin around the abdomen.
• Excess Skin in Multiple Directions: Unlike a traditional tummy tuck, which primarily tightens horizontally, the Fleur-De-Lis technique is ideal for those with excess skin both horizontally (side to side) and vertically (up and down). This method allows for a more comprehensive removal of skin, resulting in a tighter and more contoured midsection.
• Stable Weight: Candidates should be in good physical health, without medical conditions that could impair healing or increase the risks of surgery. This includes having a stable weight for at least 6-12 months before the procedure.
• No Plans for Future Pregnancy: Future pregnancies can stretch the skin and abdominal muscles again, potentially reversing the results of the surgery. Therefore, candidates should ideally not have plans for future pregnancies.

The resulting vertical scar is a mark of the extensive skin removal and reshaping from this procedure.

Who is a Good Candidate for Traditional Tummy Tucks?

This is more for patients with excess skin and fat localized more below the belly button. The incision runs hip to hip, which can be hidden under underwear lines. This means it is preferred if you don’t have the excess fat above. 

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Tummy Tuck Recovery Time and Post-Operative Care 

Recovering from a Fleur-De-Lis tummy tuck involves a more intensive aftercare routine. Swelling and discomfort are common in the first few weeks, and patients will need plenty of rest and limited movement during this initial phase.

The fleur-de-lis tummy tuck requires a commitment to recovery, with patients typically resuming normal activity within a few weeks, albeit with caution.

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Potential Complications and Risks

All tummy tuck procedures come with risks, which should be discussed with your surgeon before. The type of tummy tuck can affect the level of risk, with potential complications including infection, bleeding, and adverse reactions to anesthesia. More extensive surgeries, such as a full tummy tuck, may have a higher risk compared to less invasive options like a mini-tuck.

Choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon is essential to minimize these risks, as they have the training and expertise to manage potential complications during and after the procedure. Additionally, following all pre- and post-operative instructions is crucial for reducing the likelihood of adverse effects and ensuring a smoother recovery.

In a Fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty, scarring is more significant with the vertical incision. There is a higher risk for wound healing issues given the complexity of the incision. There is increased risk, but that can be mitigated if you find a surgeon who is well-versed in tummy tucks. 

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