Has anyone gotten a fleur de lis lower body lift and regretted it? (Photo)

Question

My surgeon has recommended a lower body lift, mons lift and lipo to the lateral thighs. I met with him today to ask about the Fleur-de-lis. He thinks it’s not needed since the top of my abdomen is smooth - he doesn’t like the scar and pucker you end up with at the top. I feel like this is my one shot to get this area of my body as best as it can be. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Joseph Michaels, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. It is difficult to tell from pics. In general, a lower body lift can decrease your need for a fleur-de-lis, but if you want maximum tightness, it may be needed. It is a real scar so you have to decide if it's worth it to you. It is something you can add in the future, so you are not burning any bridges if you decide not to do it.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question and for sharing your history and photos. Based on the information you've provided, it sounds like your plastic surgeon’s recommendation is well-founded. If your upper abdomen is already smooth and doesn’t have significant laxity, a Fleur-de-Lis procedure, which adds a vertical incision, may not be necessary in your case.

The Fleur-de-Lis is typically reserved for patients who need more dramatic tightening in both the horizontal and vertical planes. However, the trade-off is a visible vertical scar that can extend up the middle of the abdomen. This scar often puckers at the top and can leave excess skin or “dog ears” near the chest, which can be aesthetically undesirable.

Your surgeon’s recommendation of a lower body lift with a mons lift and liposuction to the lateral thighs sounds like a good plan for achieving excellent contouring results while avoiding unnecessary scarring. If the lower body lift is performed effectively, it should address any remaining laxity in the abdomen and thighs without requiring the vertical component.

If your goal is to get the best possible result with minimal scarring, it seems your surgeon’s approach will likely give you the outcome you’re hoping for without the risks of additional scarring from a Fleur-de-Lis procedure.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Carmina Cardenas, MD · Answer

You must know that is very difficult to evaluate quality of tissues in a photo. So based on your photos you are a great candidate for a Lower Body Lift (360) and in my humble opinion not need of a Fleur de Lis but if you have developed a significant degree of saggy skin on the width of your abdomen, then you will be candidate for FDL. Dr. Cardenas

Carmen C. Munteanu, MD, FRACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for the question!
I appreciate the fact that you are considering all your options and wanting your best result and i am sorry you are concerned.
It's difficult to assess the tissues and the tissue shift in photos, a surgeon with experience would be able to plan and foresee the possible outcome better after a consultation.
Fleur de lis is rarely needed, and the trade off it's the big scar which would be visible in bathers.
It's useful to discuss with the surgeon and understand the benefits versus downsides of each procedure.
Good luck and take care!

Has anyone gotten a fleur de lis lower body lift and regretted it? (Photo)

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Has anyone gotten a fleur de lis lower body lift and regretted it? (Photo)

Answers (4)

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