Will a FDL tummy tuck give me the results I want? (Photo)

Dear Marie625,
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, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

In the absence of massive weight loss, a traditional tummy tuck will usually suffice in taking care of upper tummy laxity. We usually reserve Fleur-de-Lis style for extensive, wrinkled and excessive skin in the upper tummy. In your case, you would have a potentially unnecessary long mid-line scar. Additionally, it looks like your muscles are flat and tight so a traditional tummy tuck may be overkill. There are skin-only techniques that can focus the treatment to the skin only with much less down-time, no drains, local anesthesia and significantly less risk across the board.

It is very unusual for me to perform an FDL. There is simply too much scarring. The vertical scar is unnecessary. Yes, a regular tummy tuck is best for you. Experienced surgeons know how to keep the scar low and avoid a vertical scar. FDL is only for patients after massive weight loss.

Thank you for your question regarding the type of tummy tuck that would best suit your goals. By looking at your photo, I believe you do not need a Fleur-de-Lis (FDL) tummy tuck. A traditional tummy tuck should give you excellent results, especially since your excess skin seems to be mainly around the lower abdomen and above the belly button. Many patients with a similar "before" body type have achieved outstanding results with a traditional tummy tuck, avoiding the additional vertical scar of an FDL procedure.

If you’re seeking a more defined, hourglass shape, combining a traditional tummy tuck with liposuction of the flanks and possibly the lower back would be beneficial. This approach will allow for enhanced contouring and can contribute to the shape you're hoping to achieve.

I’d recommend consulting with a board-certified plastic surgeon comfortable with this approach. I’m confident that a traditional tummy tuck, with optional lipo for further contouring, will provide the results you’re looking for.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

A full, regular tummy tuck should help to smooth the excess skin of your upper abdomen. This incision line is hidden very well, low on your abdomen, and is hidden by underwear and bathing suits. Another option, as you feel most of your excess skin is above your bellybutton, is a reverse abdominoplasty where the incision lines are hidden in the folds underneath your breasts with a small amount of the incision visible crossing between your breasts. This approach addresses specifically the skin above the belly button. A FDL abdominoplasty creates a long midline scar on your abdomen from just between your breasts all the way down to above your pubic area. In my opinion, judging from your photos, this would not be necessary.

Thanks for your question! It would be helpful to see a wish pic. From this pic alone, I do not think a FDL is necessary and seems like overkill. Good luck!

The limited information gleaned from the photo and your history suggest that a standard abdominoplasty will be the best choice. Please be careful though: Most surgeons will want to place the long transverse scar too high on your lower abdomen, which at best you will never fully feel satisfied with. This is because of the lack of skin excess in your upper abdomen. Do not accept their reasoning that it's the only way. It is not. You can and should get a very low scar that will eventually be inconspicuous to your eyes, even when naked. The price paid for that low scar would be an equally inconspicuous, short, vertical scar in the lower abdomen. You can see what I mean by going to my 1n5t^gr^m

It would be better to have photographs without the abdomen being compressed. Also, it would better if we can see your breasts. There is a breast lift technique called 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 technique also lifts the upper abdomen and may eliminate the need for a tummy tuck, certainly not a fleur de lis.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

You do not state the results we want, but from your photograph, I do not believe you are a candidate for a fleur-de-lis tummy tuck. This is a rather drastic procedure with often ugly scars including the bellybutton, and is reserved for a patient with much more loose skin the and you appear to have.

Thank you for posting your question here My answer will based on the limited information and pictures provided for a more detailed and bespoke plan please consult with your plastic surgeon in person .
Though the images are limited, but from the one provided you do not appear to have much skin laxity in the horizontal direction to merit a FDL abdominoplasty. Honestly you do not appear to have much skin laxity under your umbilicus so if after examining you, your surgeons does not find diastasis of your muscles and does not find a need for plication you might be one one of the few candidates that might meet the criteria for a reverse tummy tuck . Otherwise I would opt for a traditional tummy tuck.
I hope this helps , best of luck!