If you have lost a significant amount of weight, or your abdomen has changed after pregnancy, you may have heard the term "fleur de lis tummy tuck" during your research. It is a more extensive version of a standard tummy tuck, designed for people who have loose skin running both vertically and horizontally across the abdomen.
In this guide, our team at Kat & Co in Edgbaston, Birmingham, explains what a fleur de lis tummy tuck is, who it may suit, what recovery involves and the questions to ask at your consultation.
A fleur de lis tummy tuck (also called a fleur de lis abdominoplasty) is a type of tummy tuck that removes excess skin and tissue in two directions. As well as the low horizontal incision used in a standard tummy tuck, the surgeon makes a vertical incision down the centre of the abdomen. When the two incisions are closed, the scar forms an inverted "T" shape, which resembles the fleur de lis symbol and gives the procedure its name.
A standard tummy tuck tightens the abdomen from top to bottom. The additional vertical incision in a fleur de lis procedure allows the surgeon to also tighten the abdomen from side to side, which can help when there is a lot of loose skin around the waist.
A fleur de lis tummy tuck is usually considered for people who have significant loose skin that a standard tummy tuck would not fully address. This often includes:
It is generally advisable to be at a stable weight before having this type of surgery, as further weight changes can affect your outcome. You should also be in good general health, be a non-smoker or willing to stop well before surgery, and have realistic expectations about what surgery can and cannot achieve.
There are several types of tummy tuck, and the right choice depends on how much loose skin you have and where it sits:
Your surgeon will examine you and talk through which approach is most appropriate, and whether any other procedure, such as liposuction, might be recommended alongside it.
A fleur de lis tummy tuck is major surgery and, as with any operation, it carries risks. Because it involves two incisions, there are some extra considerations to be aware of. Risks can include:
The main trade-off is the vertical scar. For many people with a lot of loose skin, the improvement in contour is worth it, but this is a personal decision and one you should take time over.
Recovery from a fleur de lis tummy tuck is usually a little longer than after a standard tummy tuck. Everyone heals differently, but in general you can expect:
Many people need several weeks away from work, depending on their job. Your surgeon will give you a personalised recovery plan and arrange follow-up appointments to check your healing.
At Kat & Co, body surgery is carried out by consultant plastic surgeons, including our Clinic Director, Mr Andrej Salibi (MD MRCS MSc (AesthPlastSurg) FRCS (Plast), GMC Specialist Register, BAAPS). Your surgeon will take the time to understand your goals and explain your options honestly, with no pressure to proceed.
Book a consultation at Kat & Co in Edgbaston, Birmingham.
