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Fleur-De-Lis Abdominoplasty

What Is a Fleur-De-Lis Abdominoplasty?

The fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty, also known as the fleur-de-lis tummy tuck, is a more advanced version of the traditional tummy tuck. This technique involves additional contouring of the upper abdomen by creating a vertical incision to remove excess skin and tissue higher up. Our board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Neil Zemmel, is well-versed in this specialized tummy tuck procedure, helping patients achieve a more defined waist after substantial weight loss.

 

Fleur-De-Lis Abdominoplasty vs. Regular Tummy Tuck

While the traditional tummy tuck targets excess tissue between the pubic area and the belly button, the fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty goes a step further by removing and tightening excess skin in the upper abdomen as well. The tummy tuck procedure is often recommended for patients with excess tissue due to major weight loss or pregnancy. For those with massive excess skin and fat in their upper abdomen, however, a fleur-de-lis approach can produce a more contoured appearance as it also addresses the flanks and lateral tissue. This advanced technique is often ideal for patients who have lost upwards of 100 lbs, such as from gastric bypass surgery, which can leave behind major skin laxity and redundant tissue.

What Does the Fleur-De-Lis Abdominoplasty Technique Involve?

The fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty is performed similarly to a traditional tummy tuck, with the addition of extra skin and fat removal above the belly button. An incision is placed above the pubic area, as low as possible to allow for it to be concealed well under clothing. Another incision is made vertically from the bottom of the sternum (breastbone) down to meet the horizontal incision. Excess skin is removed and fat can also be removed at this time via liposuction. The abdominal muscles may be repaired, and the remaining skin and fatty tissue are tightened to create the more sculpted shape. The entire fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty can be completed within about three to four hours, depending on the extent of the patient’s needs.

What Can I Expect in My Fleur-De-Lis Abdominoplasty Recovery?

The majority of your recovery from the fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty should take place in the first two weeks after surgery. It is normal to experience some degree of swelling, stiffness, and discomfort, especially in the first couple days. Our surgeon will prescribe you pain medication to help you stay comfortable during the healing process. You will return for follow-up visits so your surgeon can monitor your healing.

Light exercise can be resumed after about two to three weeks, but more strenuous activities should be avoided for at least four to six weeks. You should start to see your final results around six weeks when most of the swelling should have subsided. However, residual swelling can last from six months to a year.

Where Will My Fleur-De-Lis Abdominoplasty Scars Be?

In addition to the horizontal incision made from hip to hip, a fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty involves a vertical incision made from the lower breastbone down to the top of the pubic bone. This creates a scar that looks like an upside-down T, which resembles the fleur-de-lis symbol and gives the procedure its name.

Although scarring can be a concern for many patients, the extra incision line allows for a more significant removal of excess skin and better contouring results in the long run. It helps eliminate an otherwise “boxy” torso caused by excess tissue in the upper abdomen. Over the course of the first year, your scars should flatten and fade in color for a more subtle appearance.

How Much Does a Fleur-De-Lis Abdominoplasty Cost?

A fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty procedure costs approximately $12,000 to $15,000 at our Richmond plastic surgery practice. This includes the surgeon’s fees, facility costs, post-operative garments, anesthesia, and other associated fees. During your consultation, our team can provide you with a personalized quote to help you budget for your procedure

Schedule Your Fleur-De-Lis Abdominoplasty Consultation

Want to learn more about the fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty? Contact Richmond Aesthetic Surgery to schedule a consultation with our experienced plastic surgeon.