T-incision Tummy Tuck?

I'm 58, and according to the surgeon, in good shape with an hour glass figure. My plastic surgeon says I need a T-incision Tummy Tuck to address excess fat above the belly button, but I can't find where anyone else has had it done that way. Do I really need this? I'm not sure why a T-incision below the belly button would be helpful in removing fat above it.

Sort: Date | Helpful
19 answers to “T-incision Tummy Tuck?”

A: Do I need a T-incision (Fleur de Lis) Tummy Tuck?

Peter A. Aldea, MD

The Fleur de Lis (French for Lilly Flower, the symbol of the French monarchy from its earliest days) is a fanciful way to describe a inverted T scar patterned abdominoplasty. By removing skin and fat both inferiorly and centrally, this operation can better contour the trunk in cases of extreme skin laxity... more

A: Fleur-de-lis tummy tuck

Michael A. Bogdan, MD

 The Fleur-de-lis tummy tuck is a well know operation, but it has limited indications.  Most patients will get an excellent result with one of the "standard" horizontal scar abdominoplasty, and they will not have a visible scar across their abdomen.  Because the ribcage margin is an... more

A: Many options in abdominoplasty: Fleur de lis or Inverted T

Otto Joseph Placik, MD

As you can see from the detailed responses left by my qualified colleages, there are many options for abodminoplasty. Fleur de lis (or French Lily) or Inverted T is called that because of its appearance. Please understand that what is above your belly button now will not necessarily be thiere after a tummy... more

A: A 'T' incision can be used in multiple instances...

Sanjay Grover, MD

A 'T' incision may be used in several instances.  One is in the massive weight loss patient in which there is too much skin laxity in both the vertical and horizontal dimensions.  Another instance where a 'T' incision may be indicated is in the thin patient with some skin excess (too much for a... more

A: There are two situations in which a T is needed

Richard P. Rand, MD

If a patient already has a vertical scar on the abdomen, it might as well be used to get more skin off in a tummy tuck along with the horizontal scar in the lower abdomen. This is often the case after "open" gastric bypass surgeries followed by massive weight loss. There are also some rare patients who have a... more

A: T pattern Abdominoplasty: Massive Weight Loss and Choosing a Tummy Tuck Procedure. Fleur de Lis

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD

Massive weight loss patients have excessive skin after they reach their weight plateau.  In some patients, a typical lower incision abdominoplasty would not tighten the waistline so an alternative procedure can be performed in experienced hands.  The surgery is named after the French Fleur de Lis, or... more

A: Many options now in tummy tucks

Brent Moelleken, MD

A few years ago, the only common options for patients were a mini tuck or a full tummy tuck. Now, there are options for almost every anatomy and every problem. The "T" tummy tuck is a lesser tummy tuck than a full tummy tuck, and is usually used for patients who want to have a low incision but... more

A: T-Incision or Anchor Pattern Tummy Tuck

Michael Law, MD

T-Incision or Anchor Pagtter Tummy Tucks A few patients have severe post-pregnancy skin and soft tissue excess that cannot be adequately corrected by means of a horizontal, suprapubic incision alone. In select patients, a vertical midline incision can be added to allow removal of skin excess in a horizontal as... more

A: A T incision may be used if there is a lot of laxity requiring excision in two dimensions.

Susan E. Downey, MD

A T - incision may be used when there is a lot of laxity such as in patients who have lost extreme amounts of weight ( generally over 100 lbs)  to remove skin both in the vertical and the horizontal direction.  In these cases the horizontal incision goes from hip bone to hip bone along the lower... more

A: T-Incision may describe someone on the verge

Robert M. Freund, MD

In my practice, I will evaluate the excess skin both above and below the belly button to decide what is the most appropriate treatment. When there is excess skin below the belly button, but not above it, I will suggest a mini-tummy tuck. When there is a large amount of skin above and below the belly button I... more

Post your question

Tummy tuck before & after photos

Post your question
IMPORTANT: As noted in our Terms of Service, the information found on RealSelf.com, including that provided by professionals in the Questions & Answers area, is a general educational aid. The Questions and Answers contain opinions and views created by community members. RealSelf.com is not responsible for the accuracy of any information posted by community members. Do not rely on this information as a substitute for personal medical or healthcare advice, or for diagnosis or treatment purposes.