Fleur De Lis Abdominoplasty is one of the most suitable surgical options available for tummy tuck (Abdominoplasty) patients who have had major weight loss. It may also help you reduce stomach ptosis in your abdomen and allow for a firmer abdomen. If you had a pregnancy in the past and want to get rid of stretched and excess skin, this procedure may offer the most suitable surgical solution for you.
A Fleur-De-Lis is a complex surgery that best removes excess fat and loose skin from the lower abdomen, centre abdomen, and around the ribs and pubic area. Ideally, this procedure is suited for trimming both vertical and horizontal excess skin on the abdominal wall. Note that Fleur-De-Lis Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) surgery is not a weight loss surgery. It is performed for patients who have undergone significant weight loss and have maintained their weight for at least six months.
Am I A Suitable Candidate For Fleur de Lis Surgery?
You may be a suitable candidate for this treatment if you have the following concerns:
- You have excess skin on the lower and upper abdomen;
- You have completed your family;
- You prefer to have a firmer abdomen;
- You don’t smoke;
- You do not suffer from serious diseases.
Benefits of Fleur-De-Lis
Surgeons may recommend a Fleur De Lis (tummy tuck) for the removal of excess skin. Benefits may include:
- A firmer stomach.
- Excess fat and skin removal.
- Increased tightness of the skin on your abdomen.
- Increased firmness of your belly button.
The Journey of Fleur De Lis Surgery
This surgery gets its name from the triangular incisions used. This treatment allows horizontal and vertical skin tightening compared with the traditional techniques, which tighten vertical skin only. These operations are generally most noticeable below the umbilicus in the belly and pubic areas. If you have loose skin above and around the umbilicus, you may be recommended a Fleur De Lis procedure.
Preparation For The Surgery (Pre-OP)
It is recommended to have a consultation with Dr Doyle to learn more about the risk factors and complications. You must restrict your smoking and shift to a healthy lifestyle before the surgery. You may need to change your postures, so try and practise sleeping in altered positions before the surgery.
Steps for the Procedure
General anesthesia is used with all patients.
This treatment generally involves two incisions: A horizontal incision in the pubic area and a vertical scar in the midline of the abdomen extending from the ribs vertically down to the pubic area. The vertical scar allows more skin to be removed from the abdomen in comparison to a standard tummy tuck (Abdominoplasty). Dr Doyle will be able to show you the approximate length of the scar during your consultation.
The surgery normally takes 2 to 3 hours to complete and patients will usually spend one night in the hospital.
Post-Operative Care and Follow-Up (Post-Op)
Following your surgery:
- When you leave the hospital, you will be wearing a pressure garment covering your abdomen. You will have two drains connected to small plastic bags and a pain pump. The pain pump automatically delivers pain relief medication under the abdominal skin and is important in minimising pain following the procedure.
- Cleanliness is the key to a swift recovery. Clean wounds have less chance of infection. Try not to touch your wounds with bare hands wherever possible.
- Pain and antibiotic medications may be prescribed to reduce discomfort and protect you from bacterial infections.
- You will need compressive garments for 6 weeks following your surgery to help your body maintain structure and minimise swelling.
- It is vital to have a healthy diet and avoid smoking throughout your surgical phase.
Please note, that this treatment can cause discomfort during sleeping positions, and you may have a bloated stomach. This resolves quite quickly.
Side effects of Fleur-De-Lis
Fleur-De-Lis surgery risks can be minimised by following the post-surgery care instructions, but all medical procedures come with risks and potential for side effects. The side effects of fleur de Lis Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) can include, but are not limited to:
- Reactions to anaesthesia
- Excessive bruising
- Numbness
- Longer time for wound healing particularly in smokers
- Poor scar formation
- Excessive bleeding
- Skin discolouration
- Fluid buildup in the abdomen
- Fat necrosis
- Recurrent looseness of skin
- Infection
- Blood clots in the legs or veins in the pelvis
- Blood clots in the lungs
Cost of Fleur-De-Lis Abdominoplasty
The cost of a Fleur-De-Lis varies significantly depending on the time taken to do the procedure. You will need to pay for surgeon fees, anaesthetic fees, hospital fees, tests and medications. You may also need to pay for compressive garments to wear after surgery.
In selected cases, Medicare and private medical insurance will pay a portion of the costs. This will be discussed with you at your consultation with Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr Mark Doyle.
You can access our list of pricing resources to find out more about the cost of Fleur De Lis (Tummy tuck) surgery:
Why Choose Dr Mark Doyle
Dr Doyle is an experienced specialist plastic surgeon with over 30 years of experience and has performed thousands of surgical procedures for patients with significant weight loss including abdominoplasty surgery and upper and lower body lifts, belt lipectomies, inner thigh lift and upper arm lifts.
Book a consultation today with Dr Doyle to find out more about Fleur De Lis.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Is Suitable For A Fleur De Lis (Tummy Tuck)?
Both men and women are suitable for this treatment who have extra loose skin on the abdomen. This treatment is recommended when someone has already lost a significant amount of weight but still has some excess skin on the stomach.
Is There An Age Limit That Determines The Right Candidate For Vertical Abdominoplasty?
FDL (Fleur De Lis) surgery is a procedure that can be performed on all adult patients who meet the criteria and the prerequisites to be a suitable candidate for FDL surgery.
How Long Does It Take To Heal From A Fleur De Lis (Tummy Tuck)?
It can typically take up to 6 weeks to heal from a Fleur De Lis (tummy tuck). Depending on the type of occupation you do, you may need to take up to 6 weeks off work.
What Is The difference Between an Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) and a Fleur De Lis?
An abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) assists in tightening and smoothing a patient’s abdominal skin above and below the belly button and repairs separated abdominal muscles using a horizontal scar in the groin and a circular scar around the belly button.
FDL (Fleur De Lis) has two incisions: Similar incisions as the abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) – i.e. a horizontal scar in the groin and a circular scar around the belly button with an additional vertical scar running from the pubic area to the sternum (ribs).
Can I Undergo Fleur De Lis If I am Obese?
People who suffer from overweight disorders (morbid obesity) are generally not suitable candidates for this procedure. This is an operation to remove loose skin after weight loss and is not an operation to assist people in losing weight.
Can You Sleep On Your Side After an FDL?
No, you can’t sleep on your side immediately after an FDL abdominoplasty. It is suggested to sleep on your back to keep the abdomen flexed for usually the first 1 to 2 weeks. It is recommended to practice sleeping on your back before the surgery to be prepared for sleep following the procedure. After 1 – 2 weeks following the surgery, you can sleep in any position where you are comfortable.
Can This Procedure Be Combined With Other Surgeries?
Fleur De Lis abdominoplasty can be combined with liposuction or thigh lift if you have loose skin or excess fat deposits in your thighs.
Book a Consultation
To discuss Fleur De Lis abdominoplasty in more detail, book a consultation today with Dr Mark Doyle on the Gold Coast.
Further Reading – Fleur De Lis Abdominoplasty – Medical References
- Medicare Benefits Schedule – MBS Online
- Body contouring surgery following massive weight loss | The PMFA Journal
About Dr Mark Doyle FRACS (Plas) – Queensland Plastic Surgeon
Servicing patients in Gold Coast, Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Cairns and New South Wales NSW – Northern Rivers, Byron Bay, Ballina, Lismore and more.
Dr Mark Doyle is a fully qualified Specialist Plastic Surgeon with over 30 years of experience performing breast, body, face and nose surgery. He has completed all required training and only carries out approved surgical practices. There are NO undertrained doctors or cosmetic doctors acting as surgeons at Gold Coast Plastic Surgery.
