Fleur de lis tummy tuck is a type of abdominoplasty that targets both the upper and the lower abdomen along with the pubic mound (mons pubis) to make the entire abdominal area flatter and smoother. However, fleur de lis is not the same as a traditional tummy tuck, and not everyone is a suitable candidate for it.
Furthermore, knowing the location of the post-operative scars is another crucial factor to consider prior to opting for this procedure, given the specific areas where the incisions are made. In this guide, you’ll learn more about what fleur de lis tummy tuck is, how it’s performed, its cost and what you can expect during recovery.
What Is Fleur De Lis Tummy Tuck?
Fleur de lis is a type of tummy tuck which involves removing excess skin and fat from the abdomen through horizontal and vertical incisions. In French, the term “fleur de lis” translates to flower (fleur) of the lily (lis) and the reason why this procedure is so-called is that the pattern of skin incisions resembles that of the flower.
More commonly, this procedure is considered suitable for those who’ve experienced extensive weight loss either following bariatric surgery or lifestyle changes. Also, women who have excess, hanging skin following multiple childbirths can consider fleur de lis.
Your surgeon may advise you to fleur de lis over a traditional tummy tuck if you have a large amount of skin in both your upper and lower abdominal regions that need removal. As a result, you can have more dramatic, homogeneous and satisfactory results with a narrower waist and an elevated mons pubis. Keep in mind both men and women can undergo this procedure.
What Is The Procedure Of Fleur De Lis Tummy Tuck?
For your fleur de lis tummy tuck, general anaesthesia will be administered so you won’t be awake during the procedure. Following that, your surgeon will make both horizontal and vertical incisions to get rid of the excess skin and fat. The skin around the belly button will also be cut to free it and lift the excess skin.
If needed, your abdominal muscles will also be tightened during the surgery with the help of sutures. Once the patches of skin have been removed (also resembling a flower when put together), your skin will be stitched back up, and you’ll have a scar in the shape of an inverted T on your abdomen.
While this type of tummy tuck leaves more scars, it also removes more skin, which is why it’s considered suitable for those with a significant amount of excess skin. The procedure may also be combined with liposuction if you have stubborn fat pockets that need to be removed.
How Long Does A Fleur De Lis Tummy Tuck Take?
Fleur de lis tummy tuck procedure may take 4-6 hours. However, the total time taken to perform the surgery can vary depending on the extent of the work required and any additional procedures that you might be undergoing.
This surgery may be inpatient, meaning you might have to stay in the hospital instead of going back to your home or hotel after the procedure. It’s a good idea to ask your surgeon about all of this so you can come prepared.
How Long Is The Recovery Of Fleur De Lis Tummy Tuck?
Recovery from fleur de lis tummy tuck might take 2 months or so. It may be sooner, but you must talk to your surgeon about this. Aftercare instructions for when you can get back to work can differ depending on the nature of your job.
For about a month or more after your surgery, you will be advised to wear a compression garment. Physical activity is something that you’ll have to ease into. It might be 3 months before there are no restrictions on your physical activity (again, you must ask your surgeon).
Post-op side effects like swelling, numbness, and pain should get better with time. Your surgeon will likely prescribe you medications to manage them. However, if you feel like something’s not right and your side effects are getting worse, contact your doctor.
Since fleur de lis tummy tuck is a surgery, and that too an invasive one, it comes with certain risks. According to a 2021 study published in the Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery, the most common complications in fleur de lis tummy tuck are:
- Seroma formation
- Hematoma
- Skin necrosis (death)
- Infection
- Wound dehiscence (reopening of a wound)
However, there can be others as well such as bad scarring, which is why it’s best to talk about all the possible complications with the medical team beforehand.
How Much Is Fleur De Lis Tummy Tuck?
In the UK, a fleur de lis tummy tuck might cost you anywhere between £5,000 to £20,000. The prices can vary depending on the location of the clinic, the experience and qualification of your surgeon, and any other procedures that you’re undergoing.
Fleur De Lis vs Traditional Tummy Tuck: What’s The Difference?
One big difference between a traditional and fleur de lis tummy tuck is the incisions. In a traditional tummy tuck, a horizontal incision is made above your pubic area (around the belly too for a full tummy tuck).
But in a fleur de lis tummy tuck, a vertical incision is made, nearing the chest area, along with the horizontal one. This allows fleur de lis to get rid of more excess skin and fat. Here’s a summary of the differences between the two procedures:
| Traditional Tummy Tuck | Fleur de lis tummy tuck | |
| Procedure | Horizontal incisions are made above the pubic area. One is also made around the belly button for a full tummy tuck. | Horizontal and vertical incisions are made in the abdominal area. |
| Target area(s) | Mainly lower abdomen | Both upper and lower abdomen |
| Anaesthesia | General | General |
| Suitable candidates | Stretched, loose skin in the lower abdominal area with separated tummy muscles | Relatively more loose and hanging skin in both horizontal and vertical directions, such as after extensive weight loss |
| Surgical time | 2-5 hours (can vary) | 4-6 hours (can vary) |
| Cost | £5,000 to £10,000 in UK | £5,000 to £20,000 in UK |
Conclusion
Fleur de lis tummy tuck is not just a fancy name for a traditional tummy tuck. The technique involved in this procedure is different as its target area is wider and extends to the upper abdomen, including the lower one. It might be particularly suitable for those who have excess skin and fat in both these areas.
However, if you’re thinking of getting this surgery, first talk to a qualified and board-certified doctor who has experience in performing fleur de lis tummy tuck. Discuss your desired goals with them and ask them if this will be the right treatment for you.
Reviewed and approved by Prof Dr Fuat Yuksel
FAQ
Is fleur de lis tummy tuck worth it?
Fleur de lis can effectively get rid of excess skin and fat from your upper and lower abdomen and re-contour it for a more defined abdominal area. Therefore, it can be worth it.
How painful is a fleur de lis tummy tuck?
During the fleur de lis tummy tuck surgery, you’ll be under anaesthesia, so you won’t feel pain. You can experience pain afterwards, but it should get better, and your doctor will probably prescribe you painkillers for relief.
How do you know if you need a fleur de lis tummy tuck?
It’s best to consult a surgeon to determine whether or not you need a fleur de lis tummy tuck. For one, a surgeon will have to examine and assess the amount of excess skin you have to prepare your treatment plan, so you should seek the advice of a professional.
