You may know almost nothing about the Fleur-de-Lis tummy tuck yet, or the opposite may be true and you know that this is the type of tummy tuck that suits your body. In either case, you're in the right place in this article! We give you a handy overview of everything you need to know about the Fleur-de-Lis tummy tuck. We do this as clearly and concretely as possible, so that after reading this article you know the ins & outs about this procedure.
What is a Fleur-de-Lis tummy tuck?
A Fleur-de-Lis tummy tuck is a type of abdominoplasty performed to remove excess skin and fatty tissue, usually after significant weight loss. You then notice on your abdomen that you have a lot of excess skin. A Fleur-de-Lis tummy tuck is then the final step in your transformation to a slimmer and tighter body. The crowning glory of all your efforts after losing weight and dieting.
Abdominoplasty Fleur-de-Lis meaning
The Fleur-de-Lis abdominoplasty is also known as the Fleur-de-Lis tummy tuck and Fleur-de-Lis abdominoplasty. We also see the term Fleur-de-Lis surgery passing by, which is the same as a Fleur-de-Lis tummy tuck.
When to choose a Fleur-de-Lis tummy tuck?
In a nutshell, you choose a Fleur-de-Lis tummy tuck when a traditional tummy tuck is not enough to achieve the desired contours. Here, we are talking about losing dozens of kilos, causing excess skin. It can also occur, for example, after a stomach reduction (gastric bypass or gastric sleeve) or after injections of Ozempic or other slimming medication. The skin, after slimming down, is stretched to such an extent that it does not return to its original shape. And at the Fleur-de-Lis tummy tuck, this excess skin is then removed.
TIP: During a no-obligation consultation at Wellness Kliniek, you will hear whether a Fleur-de-Lis tummy tuck or a (mini) tummy tuck is best suited to your body.
Reasons to opt for Fleur-de-Lis surgery
- Sagging skin, loose skin, on your belly: in people who have lost a lot of weight, especially after bariatric surgery (such as gastric bypass), through slimming injections such as Ozempic or after dieting.
- Improving waist contour: instead of only having skin removed horizontally, Fleur-de-Lis surgery also makes it possible to tighten and better define the sides and middle of the abdomen. This comes in handy if you have a sagging lower abdomen as well as a sagging midriff and flanks.
- Restoration of body shape after multiple pregnancies: often the skin stretches back (mostly) after pregnancy, but in some women or with multiple or multiple pregnancies, the abdominal muscles and skin may be stretched to the point that a Fleur-de-Lis surgery will bring your body back into shape.
- Lack of symmetry: if you notice that your body is out of balance because your abdomen and excess skin are asymmetrical, you can opt for a tummy tuck.
- Insufficient results with traditional tummy tuck: have you had a total tummy tuck done elsewhere but still suffer from excess skin? Then the Fleur-de-Lis operation can still offer a solution. At Wellness Kliniek, by the way, you will get immediate advice on which type of tummy tuck is best for you!
What are the main features of a Fleur-de-Lis tummy tuck?
The difference between a Fleur-de-Lis tummy tuck and a standard tummy tuck is mainly in the way the incisions are made.
- Scar pattern: The standard tummy tuck has a horizontal scar, while the Fleur-de-Lis correction has both a horizontal and a vertical scar.
- Skin correction: The standard tummy tuck mainly removes skin from the lower abdomen, while the Fleur-de-Lis technique corrects both the upper abdomen and the sides more.
- Complexity and indication: The Fleur-de-Lis tummy tuck is a more extensive procedure, intended for patients with significant excess skin, usually after significant weight loss.
With a Fleur-de-Lis tummy tuck, abdominal muscles can be better tightened in multiple directions. A Fleur-de-Lis tummy tuck is customised, but below we tell you more about the general features and differences.
Key features of and differences between Fleur-de-Lis and total abdominoplasty
- Double incision: In addition to the horizontal incision made in a total abdominoplasty (just above the pubic bone, from hip to hip), the surgeon also makes a vertical incision from the bottom of the chest downwards. This creates a kind of inverted T-shape, which is effective in removing excess skin in both horizontal and vertical directions.
- Suitable for patients with significant weight loss: This operation is especially useful for people who have a lot of excess skin on both the top and bottom of the abdomen after bariatric surgery or other major weight loss.
- Improved contours: The vertical incision allows surgeons to shape the abdomen and waistline more accurately, resulting in a tighter and better-proportioned abdomen.
- Scarring: It results in a larger scar than with traditional abdominoplasty, due to the vertical and horizontal incisions. These scars can be visible, especially in clothes that reveal the midriff. If you wear “normal clothes” without a bare abdomen, the Fleur-de-Lis scar is not visible, by the way.
- Recovery: Recovery is often longer than with a regular tummy tuck due to the more extensive procedure and the additional vertical wound.
How does a Fleur-de-Lis operation work?
A Fleur-de-Lis surgery begins by making a horizontal incision, from hip to hip, above the pubic bone and a vertical incision from the sternum downwards (inverted T-shape). The surgeon then removes excess skin and fatty tissue in both the vertical and horizontal direction. The abdominal muscles are tightened to further contour the abdomen.
After removing the excess skin, the cut edges are carefully sutured, creating a tighter abdomen. The surgery usually ends with the application of drains to drain excess fluid and a bandage to support the healing process.
Abdominoplasty Fleur-de-Lis surgery recovery: what can I expect?
After a Fleur-de-Lis tummy tuck, you can expect recovery to take several weeks, experiencing pain and swelling mainly in the first few days. Most people can resume daily activities within 4 to 6 weeks, including returning to work, depending on the nature of their job. Heavy activities, intense sports and lifting should be avoided for longer while you slowly rebuild your daily activities. Full recovery can take 3 to 6 months, with scars fading and the final result visible after 6 to 18 months.
Possible complaints Fleur-de-Lis tummy tuck in the first few weeks after surgery
- Pain and discomfort: especially at the incisions, which may require painkillers.
- Swelling and bruising: around the abdominal area and surrounding areas.
- Fatigue: getting tired faster because the body is recovering.
- Impaired mobility: difficulty standing upright, bending and walking.
- Numbness or tingling: in the skin around the incisions.
- Shoots of pain: in the skin or around the scar, due to the cutting or displacement of nerve fibres.
- Dog ears: small folds of skin created at the ends of a surgical incision by excess skin.
- Necrosis: the death of body tissue caused by lack of blood supply, infection or injury, which can lead to loss of skin and potentially serious complications if left untreated.
- Infection: infection at the wound is characterised by redness, warmth, pain, pus formation or fever.
- Blood extravasation (haematoma): Accumulation of blood may develop and may need to be surgically drained.
- Seroma (fluid accumulation): drains offer relief if you suffer from this.
- Itching or tension at the scars: normal part of healing process.
It is important to discuss complaints with your doctor in good time to avoid complications.
Fleur-de-Lis surgery before and after: what's the result?
Before surgery, you can expect to have excess skin in both the vertical and horizontal direction of your abdomen, often resulting in a saggy and less fit appearance. After Fleur-de-Lis surgery, you will have a tighter and better-shaped abdomen with improved contours. Final results will be visible after about 6 months (although the scar will continue to fade for about 18 months after Fleur-de-Lis surgery).
Fleur-de-Lis surgery experiences
On forums, social media and in the Wellness Kliniek Social Club and at our reviews, you can read Fleur-de-Lis tummy tuck experiences from previous patients. Here you can pay attention to results, recovery as well as the feeling other patients had after the procedure. Many are glad they took the plunge! Reading other people's experiences helps you get a better idea of a clinic and the recovery process.
Also, be sure to check out the Fleur-de-Lis before and after photos at Wellness Kliniek to see the differences of the abdomen before and after Fleur-de-Lis surgery!
Where does the name Fleur-de-Lis tummy tuck come from?
The Fleur-de-Lis operation differs from a traditional tummy tuck in that it requires both a horizontal and vertical incision. The shape of the incision resembles a French lily, or Fleur-de-Lis. After the incision is sutured, the scar resembles an inverted letter “T”. Incidentally, it is good to know that the scar after Fleur-de-Lis surgery fades considerably over time if proper aftercare is applied.
Fleur-de-Lis meaning: The Fleur-de-Lis (French lily) is a French symbol often associated with the French monarchy. It represents purity and royal dignity and we saw it featured on the armour of knights, for example.
Fleur-de-Lis scar
Good to know is that the name of Fleur-de-Lis tummy tuck is a reference to the shape of the incision made by the surgeon, but of course you won't actually get the shape of a French lily on your belly. The plastic surgeons at Wellness Kliniek choose the scar based on the type of surgery, trying to place incisions in natural skin folds or less visible areas for an aesthetic result. They also take into account skin tension and the amount of excess skin to minimise scarring. In addition, the patient's preferences are considered in the decision.
How do I know if a Fleur-de-Lis tummy tuck is for me?
Perhaps you are unsure whether a tummy tuck is right for you, or you have already decided and don't know which type of tummy tuck is the right choice for you. In either case, getting information is the most important starting point in your choice of surgery. You have already taken a good step by reading this page. Before you actually tie the knot, it is important to book a no-obligation consultation. You will then get personalised advice based on your body. You don't have to make the choice for a Fleur-de-Lis or alternative tummy tuck yourself: the specialised doctor will give you advice based on your body!
Book a non-binding consultation!
At Wellness Kliniek, transparency of information is of paramount importance and we definitely recommend you to get personal advice from a specialist. Take a look at our Fleur-de-Lis tummy tuck prices or book your appointment now. The consultation will also reveal whether you can get a Medical Indication, which means you do not have to pay VAT on the procedure. Make your appointment now and take the step towards a tighter body, so you feel great in your skin and enjoy a body that suits you!
