Will a Fleur de lis tummy tuck resolve the excess skin issue on my back as well as my tummy?

Question

49 year old female. lost 120lbs through diet & exercise alone. weight stabilized at 140 - 145lbs since May 2016. I stand 5'1" body fat is 18%. I have been told that a traditional abdominoplasty will not resolve the excess skin on my back, but I met a woman recently who had a Fleur de lis tummy tuck & her back looks amazing! (she had gastric bypass & is about 15 years younger than I) Will a Fleur de lis tummy tuck resolve both my abdomen & back excess skin problem?

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Tummy tuck of any type without any extension to the back will not significantly impact the back.Kenneth Hughes, MDLos Angeles, CA

David Tauber, MD · Answer

A typical full abdominoplasty is a powerful procedure that can flatten and remove excess skin and fat from both above and below the belly button and tighten the abdominal muscles. For fuller figured patients or for patients after massive weight loss, the bikini line incision is often extended over the hips and towards the back to as an extended abdominoplasty. In some cases the incision is carried all the way around the back to take up excess tissue around the entire waist (a belt lipectomy / body lift).
For massive weight loss patients with excess upper flank and back skin, an additional procedure is often needed to remove this tissue through an incision hidden in the bra line. Sometimes liposuction is added to for better contouring.
  See the link below for more information.A detailed examination will help delineate the best surgical option. Consultation with a surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery would be the next best step.

Robert Frank, MD · Answer

No tummy tuck (traditional or fleur de lis) will do anything for your back. Typically patients who have lost as much weight as you, need a belt lipectomy which is a 360 degree tummy tuck. That procedure does improve the appearance of your back. Good luck.

Brian Coan, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you  for your awesome question! Your bio is very helpful, however without the benefit of knowing your full health history and an in person exam it's impossible to say for certain. 
  I would recommend you have an in person consultation with a plastic surgeon with these credentials: *Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery -- The gold star symbol*A member of the ASPS (American Society of Plastic Surgeons) -- The circle symbol*A member of the ASAPS (American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons) -- the Queen Nefertitti symbol with a Triangle  *On faculty at local plastic surgery teaching program -- in our office we are affiliated with both Duke and UNC schools of plastic surgery.    Feel free to contact our office, it would be our pleasure to answer your questions in person. I hope this is helpful and wish you all the best in your journey.  My sincere best, Brian S. Coan, MD, FACS

Millicent Odunze Geers, MD, MPH · Answer

Pictures are always helpful for an assessment otherwise we are speaking in generalities. A tummy tuck, whether traditional or fleur-de-lis, will not take care of the back area. An in-person examination will give the best personalized advice, but it is likely you will need a body lift. You may also need an upper body lift/bra line back lift to take care of the skin of the upper back. Don't expect to turn out like your friend who is 15 years younger than you and may not have lost the same amount of weight and may not have the same skin elasticity properties, or you may be sorely disappointed with the result that is excellent, but not like your friend's. You're only looking to be a better version of yourself not to look like someone else. Best of luck.

Robert L. Kraft, MD, FACS · Answer

An abdominoplasty will not address the excess skin on your back.  You cannot compare yourself to another person whose starting point may have been quite different from yours. See a board certified plastic surgeon who can discuss your options.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

A fleur-de-lis wil help draw skin from the sides inward to give the central abdomen a narrower appearance. It will treat the lower ones if a circumferential procedure is performed. It does not treat the upper back rolls, that requires an upper body lift.

Will a Fleur de lis tummy tuck resolve the excess skin issue on my back as well as my tummy?

Answers (7)

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