What Is a Fleur-De-Lis Tummy Tuck?
The fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty, also known as a fleur-de-lis tummy tuck, is a modified version of a traditional tummy tuck that addresses major skin and tissue laxity across the entire abdomen. A fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty technique creates an extended midline vertical incision to meet the incision made in the lower abdomen placed for the regular tummy tuck, resulting in an upside-down T-shaped scar. Fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty can be an effective body contouring option for bariatric surgery patients after substantial weight loss, especially for those that have lost upwards of 100 pounds, to remove a significant amount of hanging, excess skin and redundant tissue.
Our board-certified plastic surgeon in Richmond, Dr. Neil Zemmel, is experienced in this specialized abdominoplasty procedure to help patients achieve a tighter, firmer, more defined upper and lower abdominal appearance.
- Fleur-De-Lis Tummy Tuck Procedure
- Fleur-De-Lis Tummy Tuck Complications
- Fleur-De-Lis Tummy Tuck Scars
- Fleur-De-Lis Tummy Tuck Cost
What Does a Fleur-De-Lis Tummy Tuck Entail?
The “fleur-de-lis” naming of the surgery comes from the French meaning for “flower of the lily,” in which the shape of the panel of skin removed by the surgeon is formed by strategically placed incisions resembling the flower’s three petals. To create the fleur-de-lis shape, a horizontal incision is placed as low as possible in the pubic area from hip to hip along with a vertical incision created from the bottom of the sternum (breastbone) down to meet the horizontal incision on the lower abdomen. After removing the panel of excess skin, the surgeon is able to eliminate a substantial amount of tissue (above and below the belly button) while tightening the lateral abdomen and flanks, removing pockets of fatty tissue via liposuction, and repairing overstretched abdominal muscles.
The comprehensive reshaping achieved through the fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty technique is designed to sculpt the entire midsection, which cannot be achieved with a traditional tummy tuck. Depending on each individual’s aesthetic goals and unique complexities, the fleur-de-lis tummy tuck procedure can usually be completed within about three to four hours.
What Complications Are Associated with a Fleur-De-Lis Tummy Tuck?
When performed by a highly trained, board-certified surgeon, abdominoplasty is considered a safe procedure. As with any surgery, however, certain complications are possible with both fleur-de-lis and regular tummy tuck procedures, such as bleeding, swelling, pain, seroma, and infection. Although rare, the additional incisions utilized in a fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty may present an increased risk of wound healing problems and reduced amount of blood supply to the lower central abdomen. However, plastic surgeons with extensive experience, such as Dr. Zemmel, performing abdominoplasties in a fully accredited operating facility have the qualifications and resources to properly address complications should they arise.
Prior to surgery, our team will explain all of the risks associated with surgery and your specific tummy tuck procedure, as well as provide detailed post-operative care instructions to aid in a safe, successful recovery and optimal outcome.
What Will My Scar Look Like After My Fleur-De-Lis Tummy Tuck?
The fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty provides patients with a more significant removal of excess skin and tissues, allowing for the improvement of a larger abdominal area. As such, the residual scarring left behind may be more noticeable than traditional tummy tuck scarring that is usually concealed by undergarments and swimwear. In addition to the horizontal incision created in the lower abdomen from hip to hip, a fleur-de-lis tummy tuck will also require a vertical incision made from the lower breastbone down to the top of the pubic bone. Once the incisions are closed and healed, the scar resembles an inverted “T” shape.
How Much Does a Fleur-De-Lis Tummy Tuck Cost?
At Richmond Aesthetic Surgery, a fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty procedure ranges between $12,000 to $15,000. This estimate includes the surgeon’s fees, facility costs, post-operative garments, anesthesia, and other associated fees; however, the total cost will vary per person based on their customized treatment plan.
In most cases, health insurance providers do not cover any type of abdominoplasty regardless of the incision (including fleur-de-lis) as it is considered a cosmetic enhancement procedure. Rest assured, our practice offers financing options through the reputable financing company CareCredit® for qualified applicants to make affordable payments so they may budget for their chosen procedures.
Schedule Your Fleur-De-Lis Abdominoplasty Consultation
If you would like more information about the fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty procedure, or if you would like to schedule a confidential consultation at Richmond Aesthetic Surgery, please contact us today.