Lost over 165lbs - what kind of tummy tuck & would fleur de lis ruin my sternum tattoo? (Photos)

Question

I am currently 214 pounds, i've lost over 165 pounds and I was wondering what kind of tummy tuck would you recommend? I've heard of a Fleur De Lis but would it ruin my sternum tattoo?

Tek Przylecki, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,First, congratulations on your weight loss! Such an achievement is no small feat! With regards to skin reduction surgery, a fleur-de-lis procedure consists of a horizontal (lower abdominal) component and a midline vertical component. To get the best result and contour, your upper abdominal tattoo would likely be in the zone of excision and would be impacted by the surgery. Certainly the option to leave the tattoo and not extend the skin excision that high is possible but that would leave you with a less favorable contour. I hope this answers your question. As always, I recommend consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon as evaluation based on photos is not always accurate.Best of luck on your journey!

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello localette813,

Thank you for your question and congratulations on your impressive weight loss of over 165 pounds! That is an incredible achievement.

Based on your significant weight loss, I believe a Fleur de Lis tummy tuck would provide you with excellent results. This procedure addresses excess skin on both the horizontal and vertical planes, which is often necessary for patients who have experienced massive weight loss.

Regarding your concern about your sternum tattoo, it’s important to note that a Fleur de Lis tummy tuck will result in a vertical scar that could intercept your tattoo. While this might impact the appearance of your tattoo, I recommend prioritizing your overall results and body contour. The benefits of a Fleur de Lis in terms of tightening and contouring your abdomen might outweigh the impact on your tattoo.

If your hips and buttocks also bother you, you might want to consider a body lift. This procedure addresses excess skin and fat around the entire midsection, including the lower back, buttocks, and hips, providing a more comprehensive contour improvement.

I wish you the best in your upcoming skin removal surgery and continued success on your journey.

Sincerely,

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FASMBS, FICS

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear localette813,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. Based on your photos, it looks like you have a lot of loose skin so you will probably need fleur de lis incision. 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, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

I would begin with your breasts using The Bellesoma Method. This will reshape your breast tissue creating upper pole fullness without implants, elevate them higher on the chest wall and more medial to increase your cleavage. Vertical scars are avoided, nipple sensation (in 95%) and the ability to breast feed are maintained. This will also pull up the upper abdominal skin and may make it easier to perform a conventional tummy tuck without the vertical extension of the fleur de list.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Ajaya Kashyap, MD · Answer

Congratulations on your weight loss! I would recommend a Fleur-de-lis kind of tummy tuck to give you maximum improvement. The surgeon can take care  of the tattoo. Please find an experienced board certified Plastic surgeon who can examine you and help you with all your concerns. All the best!

Guler Gamze Eren, MD · Answer

Hi from Istanbul.Thank you for your question. Regarding your photos you have excess skin in vertical and horizontal direction on your stomach.Fleur de lis abdominoplasty will help you to get a flat tummy and the tattoo will be distrupted with a vertical scar. If you get only a classic tummy tuck, horizontal skin excess will not be addressed. I also recommend you upper back lifting surgery to remove the excess fat on your back.
Dr. Gamze

Joel Patrick Maier, MD · Answer

A vertical extension will no doubt help with removing loose skin, but it will affect you upper tummy tattoo. Parts of it will be left and sewn together so you wouls need a touch up tattoo to help with appearance. I’d left alone, then you will benefit with loss of your panned, but the skin will be ripple and loose. Thank you.

Harry T. Haramis, MD, FACS · Answer

Unfortunately, after large weight loss, abdominal skin and fat can stubbornly remain.

In my experience, since you have excess skin up and down as well as around your waist, a fleur de lis would give best results.

This is more effective than a T - it will alter the upper tattoo. Many of my similar patients have modified their tattoos after healing.

An exam and consultation with a plastic surgeon who performs these procedures (not all do) is recommended to confirm you are a candidate as well as discuss your options and expectations.

William Andrade, MD · Answer

Hello, for people who've experienced major weight loss and have very loose skin on the upper and lower abdomen, I find that a flour-de-lys tummy tuck provides more skin tightening than an typical tummy tuck.   However, there are additional costs, risks, scars and possibly a longer recovery time.  The tattoo on your upper abdomen would likely be altered.  All of these issues would need to be discussed in-person with a plastic surgeon to determine which operation would be best for you.

Manuel Diaz, MD · Answer

Congratulations on your personal achievement of losing weight. This also helps a lot to make the results of your plastic surgery better. Fleur de lis surgery is probably the best option, and also with a breast lift with the Bellesoma method. Your tattoo will go away with some of the skin during surgery, but you can restore it later.

Be sure to visit a qualified and certified plastic surgeon and get a physical or at least virtual consultation. to receive an accurate evaluation based on your personal goals and test results.

I  am Doctor  Manuel Díaz, Plastic Surgeon.  I would love to help you. I perform surgeries at  CECIP Plastic Surgery Clinic, Located in the Dominican Republic.