I met with 4 surgeons that all have GREAT reviews and expected to be able to easily make a decision from there but became even more confused after they each had very different opinions. 1 said 360 TT, that I did not need the FDL. 2 others said only an extended TT, that I would be very happy with my results without the vertical scar. The 4th said that I would not be happy without the FDL, that I would still have quite a bit of loose skin at the top if I did not do the FDL. Thoughts?
February 5, 2018
Answer: Tummy tuck with Fleur de Lis component Judging from your pics, you have the appearance of someone who has undergone massive weight loss with gastric bypass surgery. Usually in this scenario there is significantly more loose redundant abdominal skin to have to deal with than our typical tummy tuck patient. Most traditional tummy tuck patients have redundant skin along vertical axis, and hence the traditional tummy tuck with the low transverse abdominal scar (bikini line) is sufficient to eliminate this excess with just that scar. Massive weight loss patients usually also have excess loose skin along the horizontal axis as well, which cannot be addressed adequately with just the transverse scar. Hence the vertical mid- line abdominal scar can be utilized to remove skin along the horizontal axis (to tighten the skin more circumferentialy arond the waistline to give you tighter skin and accentuate your hourglass figure). The FDL scar is a lot more visible and there is greater risks for wound healing issues and numbness so that is the downside but it might be worth it if you desire maximal skin tightening and contouring of your waistline. I would ask to see your surgeons' before and after pics of their traditional vs. FDL tummy tucks to see how the results differ and how the patients looked like before surgery that would require the FDL component. Best wishes.
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February 5, 2018
Answer: Tummy tuck with Fleur de Lis component Judging from your pics, you have the appearance of someone who has undergone massive weight loss with gastric bypass surgery. Usually in this scenario there is significantly more loose redundant abdominal skin to have to deal with than our typical tummy tuck patient. Most traditional tummy tuck patients have redundant skin along vertical axis, and hence the traditional tummy tuck with the low transverse abdominal scar (bikini line) is sufficient to eliminate this excess with just that scar. Massive weight loss patients usually also have excess loose skin along the horizontal axis as well, which cannot be addressed adequately with just the transverse scar. Hence the vertical mid- line abdominal scar can be utilized to remove skin along the horizontal axis (to tighten the skin more circumferentialy arond the waistline to give you tighter skin and accentuate your hourglass figure). The FDL scar is a lot more visible and there is greater risks for wound healing issues and numbness so that is the downside but it might be worth it if you desire maximal skin tightening and contouring of your waistline. I would ask to see your surgeons' before and after pics of their traditional vs. FDL tummy tucks to see how the results differ and how the patients looked like before surgery that would require the FDL component. Best wishes.
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February 4, 2018
Answer: Add the FDL? Thanks for sharing your experience.I see horizontal and vertical excess of skin in your tummy photos. I would say that adding an FDL to your tummy tuck would be highly beneficial. Speak with your plastic surgeon about the risks before making a decision. See my video link below.
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February 4, 2018
Answer: Add the FDL? Thanks for sharing your experience.I see horizontal and vertical excess of skin in your tummy photos. I would say that adding an FDL to your tummy tuck would be highly beneficial. Speak with your plastic surgeon about the risks before making a decision. See my video link below.
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