What Is A Fleur-de-Lis Tummy Tuck And Who Is It For?
A Fleur-de-lis tummy tuck is a specialized surgical technique designed to help individuals who have experienced significant weight loss and are struggling with excess skin, especially around the abdomen. It is a more advanced form of the traditional tummy tuck, addressing both horizontal and vertical skin excess, and can have a life-changing impact on body contours. But what exactly is a Fleur-de-lis tummy tuck, and who is it best suited for? In this post, we’ll cover the procedure, its benefits, who should consider it, and what the typical Fleur-de-lis tummy tuck cost may be.
What is a Fleur-de-lis Tummy Tuck?
A Fleur-de-lis tummy tuck is a form of abdominoplasty designed to remove excess skin and fat both vertically and horizontally. Unlike the traditional tummy tuck, which typically removes skin only from the lower part of the abdomen, the Fleur-de-lis technique also addresses excess skin above the belly button. This results in a unique incision pattern that resembles an inverted "T" or a fleur-de-lis symbol, which is a traditional French symbol that translates to "flower of the lily." The incision creates one horizontal line along the lower region of the abdomen and one vertical line that runs along the midline of the stomach.
This procedure is particularly beneficial for patients who have undergone significant weight loss, such as after bariatric surgery, and have developed massive skin excess around the abdomen. For patients with skin that sags and hangs down, traditional tummy tuck techniques may not be effective in addressing the fullness around the sides and the midsection. The Fleur-de-lis tummy tuck offers a more comprehensive approach, allowing the surgeon to create a more refined and contoured waistline by removing both horizontal and vertical skin redundancies.
If you're wondering about the specifics of this surgery, you can learn more about it on our Fleur de Lis Tummy Tuck page.
Who Is a Good Candidate for A Fleur-de-lis Tummy Tuck?
The Fleur-de-lis tummy tuck is often the best choice for those who have shed a large amount of weight, either through diet, exercise, or bariatric surgery. These patients often experience significant skin laxity, especially around the stomach, hips, and lower back. The procedure is ideal for individuals who:
Have experienced weight loss of 100 pounds or more, often following bariatric surgery.
Struggle with excess skin and fat that doesn’t respond to diet or exercise.
Have developed a "boxy" appearance due to excess skin around the waist and abdomen.
Have existing scars from previous surgeries, such as gastric bypass or gallbladder removal, which can benefit from the Fleur-de-lis technique for scar revision.
This tummy tuck procedure is highly effective for those who want a more contoured waistline and smoother stomach area. It is also particularly beneficial for patients with pre-existing abdominal scars from previous procedures or surgeries, as the Fleur-de-lis technique can reposition and improve the appearance of those scars.
Benefits of a Fleur-de-lis Tummy Tuck
A Fleur-de-lis tummy tuck offers several advantages over traditional tummy tuck procedures. The most significant benefit is its ability to remove skin excess both horizontally and vertically, allowing for better contouring of the body. This is especially important for patients who have experienced substantial weight loss and need to address skin that sags both around the stomach and the sides of the abdomen.
The procedure also helps narrow the waistline, creating a more sculpted and youthful appearance. Because of the extra incisions, the Fleur-de-lis tummy tuck is an ideal choice for individuals with circumferential skin laxity, which is common in post-bariatric patients.
Additionally, this procedure can significantly improve the appearance of the belly button. For some patients, the tummy tuck surgery can reposition the belly button to a more natural location and change its shape from an "outie" to an "innie."
Another major benefit is that the Fleur-de-lis tummy tuck can remove stretch marks located below the belly button. While it’s unlikely to remove all stretch marks, this procedure can improve their appearance, making them much less noticeable.
When to Choose a Fleur-de-lis Tummy Tuck Over a Traditional Tummy Tuck
While both traditional and Fleur-de-lis tummy tucks are effective options for patients with excess abdominal skin, the Fleur-de-lis tummy tuck is typically the better choice for those with more severe skin laxity. If the excess skin is only present in the lower portion of the abdomen, a traditional tummy tuck might be sufficient. However, if there is skin redundancy both below and above the belly button, the Fleur-de-lis technique will deliver better results.
This method is also preferable for patients with upper abdominal scars or previous surgeries in the abdominal area. If you have scars from past bariatric procedures or gallbladder removal, the Fleur-de-lis tummy tuck offers an opportunity to improve the appearance of those scars, while also addressing additional skin that traditional tummy tuck procedures cannot.
Moreover, if a patient presents with excess skin not just in the abdomen but also around the flanks, back, and rear, the Fleur-de-lis technique, especially when combined with liposuction, can offer a more comprehensive solution by addressing excess skin at all sides.
Fleur-de-lis Tummy Tuck Cost
The Fleur-de-lis tummy tuck cost can vary depending on factors such as the surgeon’s expertise, the complexity of the surgery, the geographic location of the practice, and whether additional procedures (such as liposuction or body lifts) are performed at the same time. On average, the cost of a Fleur-de-lis tummy tuck can range from $8,000 to $15,000 or more.
It's important to consider that this procedure is often performed on individuals who have lost significant weight, which means the surgery is sometimes a part of a full-body makeover. This can increase the overall cost but also provides comprehensive body contouring results that address multiple areas of concern. At Texas Aesthetics & Bariatrics, we work with our patients to create personalized financing plans, ensuring that they receive the care they need while staying within their budget.
If you're considering this surgery and want a detailed cost breakdown, feel free to reach out to our team for a personalized consultation.
Why Choose Us for Your Fleur-de-lis Tummy Tuck?
At Texas Aesthetics & Bariatrics, we understand the transformative impact of the Fleur-de-lis tummy tuck on patients who have experienced massive weight loss. Led by Dr. Bonnor, a double board-certified surgeon, our team offers expertise in advanced body contouring procedures, including the Fleur-de-lis tummy tuck. With a focus on providing natural, lasting results, we work with each patient to understand their goals and tailor a surgical plan that meets their needs.
Contact us today at 281 -579 -5638 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Bonnor and learn how the Fleur-de-lis tummy tuck can help you achieve the body you’ve always desired.
