Fleur de Lis vs. Standard Tummy Tuck?

Question

I am looking to compare the differences between these two procedures. What would make one preferred over the other? Do the surgery time and recovery time differ? Are the fees similar? I tend to carry most of my weight in my lower half, would a fleur de lis give me a curvier silhouette? I have already had lipo on my outer thighs so I am hoping for one final lift procedure to smooth everything out. My thanks in advance for any advice!

William Bruno, MD · Answer

A fleur de lis tummy tuck is good for removing excess skin from the upper/middle portion of the abdomen, usually performed in patients who have had significant weight loss. It involves a vertical scar down the midline along with the horizontal scar. Consult with a few plastic surgeons in person to be sure.Best wishes,Dr.Bruno

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

A fleur de lis tummy tuck is reserved for those patients that have significant excess skin along the midline that a standard tummy tuck could not adequately address.  It is most commonly used for those considering a tummy tuck after major weight loss.  A standard tummy tuck is most common as it fits most patients' needs.  I'll include a video on the different options for you to review.  Visit with a board certified plastic surgeon near you for a consultation to find out which is recommended for you.

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

should be catered to your anatomy and expectations.  Anchor or FDL tucks are for those with a lot of loose skin and for those that may want to improve their waist a little more BUT you have the scar that goes up the midline with gathered skin at the top that will prevent you from wearing a bikini in public.  If you skin laxity is not excessive, then most would choose the traditional hip to hip scar so more clothing options are available.

Johnson C. Lee, MD · Answer

A fleur de lis incision is the same as a standard tummy tuck but adds a vertical incision that goes up from your pubic area up towards your sternum. A fleur de lis tummy tuck is most useful in patients after massive weight loss where they have a lot of extra skin that they can pinch horizontally (up and down) and vertically (side to side pinch). A fleur de lis is longer than a standard tummy tuck and therefore costs may be expected to be greater. Also it has a more significant visible scar that cannot be hidden in underwear alone unlike a standard tummy tuck. It is best to have an in-office examination to determine if you would gain any benefit with a fleur de lis incision. Johnson C. Lee, MD
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
IG: @drjohnsonlee

Tim Sayed, MD, MBA, FACS · Answer

Great question.The main differences are these:1. A standard tummy tuck (even if extended farther out to the sides to take care of more loose skin/dogears) corrects vertical tissue excess better than horizontal excess, whereas a Fleur-de-lys of the less commonly performed "open book" approach address horizontal AND vertical excess2. The Fleur-de-lys includes the standard tuck scars and a vertical midline scar usually from the bottom of the breastbone to the top of the pubic area3. The combination of horizontal and vertical correction can bring in the waist and avoid bunching skin in certain positions when applied to properly selected patients4. The Fleur-de-lys takes longer because there is almost (not quite) twice as much suturing to do and therefore will cost more in time for anesthesia, facility and surgeon effort5. The Fleur-de-lys is usually best applied for patients with massive weight loss, post-bariatric surgery, or who otherwise have a "Christmas-tree" shaped torso with multiple rolls that could benefit from the correction of the horizontal excess.6. Recovery time is about the same as the only functional difference to recovery is the additional incision that will heal in about the same amount of time as the other incision7. The vertical scar is a very real consideration as it is not concealable in two-piece bathing suits the way the horizontal one is, so it is only recommended in certain patients based on exam findingsHope this helps!

Ronald V. DeMars, MD (Retired) · Answer

The Fleur de Lis procedure gets you tighter from side to side but leaves a scar down the middle of the abdomen from breasts to pubis and many patients do not want that. In most cases we can get a very nice result with the more standard scar pattern. But what is best for you can only be determined after an examination.

Fleur de Lis vs. Standard Tummy Tuck?

Answers (6)

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