Should I go for an extended tummy tuck or fleur-de-lis? Bariatric surgery done 13 years ago (photos)

Question

I’m a bit confused as to which procedure to go for. Currently, I am 77 kg, and hoping to lose more weight by May. My highest was 124 kg before bariatric surgery in 2009. I’m 162.5 cm. Could I get away with an extended TT and 360 instead of F-D-L TT?

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding if you need an extended tummy tuck or fleur-de-lis. By examining your photos, it looks like you might benefit from a 360 circumferential lower body lift. This would address your buttocks, hips, abdomen, and mons region.  If your buttocks don’t bother you, maybe consider an extended tummy tuck with vertical torsoplasty to address back fat and give you an hourglass figure. An essential part of your tummy tuck will be the muscle plication (which will bring your abdomen in by 4-6 inches). Muscle plication should be included in your tummy tuck.

Thank you for your question regarding if you need an extended tummy tuck or fleur-de-lis. I wish you the best of luck.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Naynay899,
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

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Congratulations on your weight loss!  It is best to get to your goal weight before considering surgery.  It appears you have excess skin on the upper portion of the abdomen.  This will be best addressed by FDL.  If you choose to have an extended tuck you will definitely have improvement, but you may be left with loose skin on the upper portion of the abdomen.  I've included a video about plastic surgery after major weight loss that I hope you find helpful.

Cagil Meric Erenoglu, MD · Answer

Hi, Naynay899! Thank you for your question and photos.
Regarding your photos, you have skin excess in both horizontal and vertical vectors.
Having an extended TT will help with horizontal skin excess, but will not help with vertical excess, which will be bothering you especially in sitting position. 
On the other hand, an FDL will help you better with more skin excision, better circulation of the flaps, and a narrower waist. The disadvantage is the vertical scar, but the gain is much more.
So my recommendation is a circumferential (360 degree) tummy tuck plus a vertical skin excision

Peter Andolina, DO · Answer

Based on your photos and my experience, I think you would benefit more from a Fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty. FDL tummy tucks really help to take up vertical slack in the loose skin that you cant get just with an extended tummy tuck.

Should I go for an extended tummy tuck or fleur-de-lis? Bariatric surgery done 13 years ago (photos)

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Should I go for an extended tummy tuck or fleur-de-lis? Bariatric surgery done 13 years ago (photos)

Answers (9)

Answer: Surgical options for your situation.

Answer: Surgical options for your situation.

Answer: Tummy tuck options

Answer: Tummy tuck options

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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.