Surgeon recommended a fleur-de-lis tummy tuck, but I don't like the scarring. What are my other options? (photos)

You are certainly not alone in this feeling. Many women feel like the scarring from a fleur de lis abdominoplasty is a lot to undertake. However, there is no better procedure to maximize the contour of the anterior abdomen. The vertical scar allows the surgeon to most appropriately contour the skin above the belly button so that the abdomen is as "flat" as it can be when viewed from the side. Although this does leave a visible scar when not wearing clothes or when wearing a two piece bathing suit, it will greatly improve your contour in clothes, which is the main goal of most women undergoing this procedure.

The fleur de lis approach is used for patients who have significant loose skin above the belly button. It allows the surgeon to remove skin both horizontally and vertically. With an extended tummy tuck the incision will extend at least hip to hip. Much of the loose skin will be removed, but some looseness of the upper abdomen may remain. I encourage you to visit with a few board certified plastic surgeons to hear varying opinions. This may help you understand more what approach is best for you.

Hi Helpful 446097,
Your photos show that you have vertical/up and down excess and also have horizontal/right to left excess. Your surgeon suggested an FDL tummy tuck to deal with each--the vertical scar allows your surgeon to excise tissue in the right to left direction.
A 360 tummy tuck with liposuction might be an alternate solution--it would allow waist narrowing with liposuction, and the face-down approach first would allow the lateral excess to be chased into the back incision.
Hope this helps.
Best,Christopher Pannucci MD MSBoard Certified Plastic SurgeonPlastic Surgery NorthwestSpokane, Washington