Fleur de lis or body lift? (Photo)

Question

I had a gastric sleevel in 2016 and lost 100 lbs. My BMI is 28 and I am looking to tighten my skin post surgery. I have a pear shaped body with large love handles and hips. Some surgeons recommended a FDL and some recommended a 360 bodylift. I am looking for advice on what would be more appropriate in my case based on the photos.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding whether you need a Fleur-de-lis or a body lift. From your history and your pictures, I would strongly suggest a 360 circumferential lower body lift. The 360 circumferential lower body lift addresses multiple areas. It achieves a flat stomach by removing excess skin and fat from the abdomen, as well as tightening the abdominal muscles. It also lifts and reduces the pubic region. In addition, the 360 circumferential lower body lift eliminates excess skin and fat from the lateral hips, lifts and reduces the buttocks, and removes the love handles.

The Fleur-de-lis, on the other hand, does not significantly reduce the love handles or the hips. Another downside of the Fleur-de-lis is the high risk for wound breakdown at the intersection of the 'T'. In addition, the Fleur-de-lis does not offer much pubic reduction. Another downside of the Fleur-de-lis incision is the vertical incision and the scar in the midline.

Therefore, I would highly suggest a 360 lower body lift over the Fleur-de-lis because it would more comprehensively address the buttocks and hips. I hope I've answered your question regarding the best surgery for you.

Sincerely, Dr. Katzen

Derek Fletcher, MD · Answer

Congratulations on an impressive accomplishment! I tend to favor a circumferential body lift over FDL. A well placed lower body lift scar is cosmetically superior to an FDL in my opinion. An in person exam is necessary to assess the degree, location and direction of skin excess to accurately determine which operation is best for you.

Carmina Cardenas, MD · Answer

Wonderful achievement!!
You have developed severe saggy tissues not only skin. So it is imperative to remove the excess of saggy skin on your abdomen and lovehandles but also very importantly to lift (below incision) the mons pubic area, lift the front and outer thighs and do a remarkable buttocks lift. If your goal  is to create a more masculine appearance, then removal of the volume of the hips and reduce the volume/width/length of the buttocks preserving an attractive shape. 
I am not sure of Fleur the Lis is necessary until the in-person evaluation. 
Be encouraged. 
Dr. Cárdenas

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

After loosing 100 lbs. you have significant skin redundancy. Procedure I would suggest to start with would be a belt lipectomy or circumferential body lift, which will address laxity in waist area. Additional procedures such as breast reduction, possibly tigh lift, may be considered later on. Hope this helps. Good luck.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Wrangler1979,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Ahmad H. Ahmadi, MD · Answer

You have excess skin of the abdomen, hips, and buttock areas.  A lower body lift would address the excess skin.  FDL should be reserved for those who have many stretch marks of the skin above the belly button.  I also recommend liposuction of the torso for better contouring, like in a lipotuck.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Congratulations on your impressive weight loss!  When considering the correct procedure(s) you will want to consider your goals for surgery and the area you want addressed.  If you are concerned with the abdomen only the tummy tuck with liposuction should help, but the back will essentially remain as it is.  If you are wanting to address the front and the back, the circumferential tummy tuck is more appropriate.

Fleur de lis or body lift? (Photo)

Answers (7)

More Body Lift Questions

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS

Answers (7)

More Body Lift Questions

Doctor said I won’t have drains because it's an old method - does this sound right? (photos)

Post body lift surgery, not happy with results. How to fix it? (photos)

How safe are body contouring surgeries for removal of excess skin after weight loss?

I need help & advice sorting my body after losing 8 stone post gastric sleeve (Photos)

Will a coronary artery disease prevent me from being a candidate for belt lipectomy? Healthy 54 y/o. (photo)

Belt lipectomy back crease - any recommendations to fix this? (Photo)

WE SEND PRETTY EMAILS

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS