Should I Get a Fleur De Lis? (photo)

Question

I am a very physically active, single 29 y/o who has lost 80 lbs (and maintained for 5 years) thanks to exercise and proper diet, however I have not been able to lose the very lax skin (partially due to excessive stretch marks) around my mid-section which has been very frustrating. My surgeon has recommended a fleur-de-lis especially due to the lose skin on upper abdomen. I don't have kids yet, but I would like this for my present quality of life. Any suggestions/comments?

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

One of the goals in a standard tummy tuck procedure is to keep the scar as low as possible so you are able to cover the scar with your underwear or bikini.  The vertical scar in a Fleur de lis abdominoplasty obviously can't be covered.  Usually this procedure is reserved for patient who have significant laxity.  With a standard abdominoplasty you may still have some laxity in the horizontal direction but most patients accept some laxity and would prefer not to have a very noticeable scar.  You can have that procedure done secondarily for example after you've had your children.

Ali Adibfar, MD, DDS · Answer

Hello Congratulations on your weight loss!Judging from your photos you may have reasonable results with just  a well performed high lateral tension abdominoplasty combined with liposuction of the upper , lower back and flanks.  Thank you

Richard A. Bartlett, MD · Answer

The Fleur De Lis technique does have value in patients with massive amounts of excess skin and severe skin laxity.  That doesn't seem to be the case for you although it is hard to tell just from a photo.  With a standard tummy tuck with liposuction you would most likely have a nice improvement although you will still have skin laxity on your flanks and back.  If you don't care about scars then consider the Fleur De Lis.  If you do care then maybe the more conservative procedure,(standard tummy tuck), would be best.  Discuss the pros and cons with your surgeon.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

I think that a tummy tuck with liposuction of the sides and back will give a very nice result in the right hands without the need for vertical scar or body lift.  Find a plastic surgeon with ELITE credentials who performs hundreds of tummy tuck procedures each year.  Then look at the plastic surgeon's website before and after photo galleries to get a sense of who can deliver the results.	Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

Thomas Trevisani, MD · Answer

The use of a vertical incision along with the standard low transverse incision for abdominoplasty does not have universal support. There is no definitive evidence that a vertical component adds significantly to your type of need.Based on your picture -- I do not recommend it.I recommend the standard low transverse slightly curved incision.

Should I Get a Fleur De Lis? (photo)

Answers (9)

Answer: Should I Get a Fleur De Lis?

Answer: Should I Get a Fleur De Lis?

Answer: Fleur de lis

Answer: Fleur de lis

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Should I Get a Fleur De Lis? (photo)

Answers (9)

Answer: Should I Get a Fleur De Lis?

Answer: Should I Get a Fleur De Lis?

Answer: Fleur de lis

Answer: Fleur de lis

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.