LBL, TT, or Fleur-de-lis Given 8" Horizontal Scar 3" Above Belly Button?

asked 1 year ago by Lisey in Milwaukee, WI
Latest answer by J. Timothy Katzen, MD
Question viewed 658 times
Tags: abdomen, after weight loss, options

Had 1st consult. I had planned on LBL or extended TT, but surgeon concerned with vascularization of tissue above my belly button & below an 8" horizontal scar about 3 inches above my belly button. I had a WLS 19 months ago & lost 160lb. Vascularization concern due to lifting of skin b/w these areas, thus can't pull down my upper roll of excess skin where this 8" scar is at the bottom of it. After some discussion/options, decided fleur-de-lys best -my back area is not bad 4 excess skin.

6 answers to LBL, TT, or Fleur-de-lis Given 8" Horizontal Scar 3" Above Belly Button?

Horiontal scars from previous surgery and abdominal contouring

Previous incisions, especially horizontal incisions can affect the blood supply to abdomen. Your surgeon needs to carefully plan your operation as a result. The concern is the area that will lie between the previous scar and the incision made for the tummy tuck. In my practice, I do not undermine the tissue near one of these horizontal scars if a patient has one due to the concern of damaging the blood supply to skin beneath the old scar. A fleur-de-lis incision or vertical incision, may... more

Joseph Michaels, MD
Bethesda Plastic Surgeon

Considering a bodylift with prior abdominal scars

Hi Lisey, I would suggest a 360 bodylift. I would suggest this type surgery because it would remove the concern of vascularity. This procedure removes skin and fat from the central torso and should result in a flat abdomen and tighter lateral thighs. I would place the incision high on the pubic region to be sure to completely eliminate the 8 inch scar you describe. I believe your scar may have been from a gall bladder removal. Best wishes... more

J. Timothy Katzen, MD
Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

Fleur-di-lis excision is a thoughtful and good surgical option for this situation!

I have performed many tummy tucks and lower body lifts in patients with various abdominal scars that give rise to concern about circulation. The length of the scar, the location of the scar, and the length of time since that surgery was performed all play a role in deciding if the circulation may not be enough to prevent healing issues (dead skin). Your surgeon is wise to not only consider this, but also to recommend an excision pattern that will help to reduce these vascularity concerns,... more

Richard H. Tholen, MD, FACS
Minneapolis Plastic Surgeon

Lower body lift

You look like you have severe skin laxity in all dimensions and would probably benefit from a fleur-de-lis with a circumferential component.

Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Abdominal Wall Vascualtiy

Lisey, A fleur-de-lis is a fine option for you because of the horizontal laxity that you have across your upper abdomen. It can definately be done as part of a lower body lift. There are also options for staging your procedure to increase the vascularity. Congratulations on your weight loss and good luck with your surgery. You should have a beautiful result.

Bernard Shuster, MD
Hollywood Plastic Surgeon

Application of fleur-de-lis incision in abdominoplasty

Based on the picture you submitted, a fleur-de-lis (inverted T) incision may be a good choice, particularly if the 8 inch horizontal scar can be excised within the vertical incision. This would eliminate the problem of poor blood flow below the 8 inch scar. To minimize wound healing problems, it would be better if the skin of the abdomen is not widely undermined.

Karol A. Gutowski, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

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