Is there such thing as a mini fleur de lis tummy tuck?

A mini TT involves removal of a small amount of skin and fat below the belly button that addresses only the lower portion of the abdomen.  This procedure applies to very few patients and is appropriate only for patients who have loose skin at the inferior aspect, or bottom, of the abdomen.  If patients have loose skin above the belly button or a muscle laxity, a short scar or full TT would be more appropriate. A physical exam would be necessary to determine what procedure is most appropriate for you to achieve the results you are seeking. You do have to decide whether the vertical and horizontal scar of a fleur de lis TT is worth having the procedure.

Thanks for your question. What you have seen relates to a variation in scar pattern that enables patients undergoing full abdominoplasty, with a tight abdominal closure, to keep the horizontal component of the scar low and hidden beneath underwear (the additional short vertical component allows repositioning of the umbilicus if the upper incision cannot be made above it). It also enables the surgeon to address skin laxity around the umbilicus in patients who would otherwise be candidates for a mini tummy tuck. I would recommend consulting a plastic surgeon with a specialist interest in body contouring.

The incision pattern for a tummy tuck depends on the patient's needs. A fleur de lis incision is needed when there is too much skin laxity on the upper abdomen to be addressed through the lower incisions. If you have significant laxity here then a lower vertical incision will not correct it. I encourage you to visit with a board certified plastic surgeon near you for a consultation. Here you will learn about the various approaches and what is recommended for you based on an examination and discussion of your goals.

Dear stonebuster1,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination or at least tummy tuck. If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to 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

Hello and thank you for your question. Please post your question and submit photos if you can. I have not heard of a vertical scar limited only to below the belly button. Fleu-de-lis abdominoplasty aims at removing the excess skin in vertical dimension, and typically has a long vertical scar.  I would seek consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon
for a full evaluation and advice. Best,
Pejman Aflaki, M.D.                                            
Johns
Hopkins-trained double board-certified plastic surgeon