Reasons For A Fleur De Lis Incision

A fleur de lis incision is used when optimal results require correction vertically as well as horizontally. For example, while a standard tummy tuck will provide some correction to the mid and upper abdomen if large amounts of extra skin are present there, a fleur de lis may be necessary. 

A procedure known as a reverse tummy tuck can correct extra skin on the upper abdomen. However, if significant extra or loose skin exists in both the upper and lower stomach, a fleur de lis will likely provide the best and most dramatic results. Dr. Jonov will talk out your options with you during a consultation at Seattle Plastic Surgery.

As far as what can cause the loose and extra skin that a fleur de lis tummy tuck corrects, there are multiple factors. Usually, a patient has lost and gained weight rapidly, underwent weight loss surgery, or seen major changes in weight (normally more than a fifty pounds difference). Some of the factors that can contribute to the need for this type of tummy tuck include:

• Aging
• Pregnancy
• Weight fluctuation
• Previous abdominal surgery
• Bariatric surgery
• Some medications
• Medical conditions
• Hernias

Benefits

For patients with large amounts of loose, excess skin, a fleur de lis tummy tuck can absolutely change their life. It offers patients many benefits and likely will improve their overall quality of life. Some of the benefits and advantages of a fleur de lis abdominoplasty may include:

• Flatter, slimmer tummy
• Extra, loose skin removed
• Tighter abdominal muscles
• Exercise may become easier
• Reduce clothing size and body measurements
• Reveal body’s true form
• May lessen the frequency of rashes or pain caused by extra skin
• Often provides more dramatic results than comparable procedures
• Corrects entire abdomen including waist and flanks if necessary
• Procedure personalized for your anatomy and goals
• Recovery time similar to traditional tummy tuck
• Correction of diastasis recti
• Will likely remove other abdominal scars (such as C-section scars)
• Can correct hernias at the same time

CANDIDATES FOR FLEUR DE LIS ABDOMINOPLASTY

The best candidates for a fleur de lis tummy tuck have a few qualities. First, they have the qualifying anatomy. Patients who would benefit from a fleur de lis surgery are those with large amounts of excess skin across the abdomen, not only in the lower portion. Additionally, patients should be at or near their goal weight. While Dr. Jonov does not have specific BMI requirements, surgery must be advisable and successful. Related to this, patients should be managing any current health conditions and be all around healthy.

Second, patients need to have a good understanding of the procedure. The surgery does involve extensive incisions that a patient needs to know about and become comfortable with. They also need to understand the scope, including the necessary recovery time. A patient should have realistic expectations concerning the results and surgery. Dr. Jonov will describe what you can expect from the procedure during a consultation.

Finally, the best candidates for a fleur de lis abdominoplasty, often are previous bariatric or weight loss patients. This is because they often have the right anatomy and successfully undergone surgical procedures in the past.

FLEUR DE LIS TUMMY TUCK SURGERY: FROM START TO FINISH

Consultation

Dr. Craig Jonov of Seattle Plastic Surgery can determine if you are a candidate for a Seattle fleur de lis tummy tuck at a consultation. To decide this, he will discuss your reasons for seeking the surgery as well as your goals. Dr. Jonov will then review your medical history. Finally, he will perform a brief physical exam. 

Towards the end of your appointment, Dr. Jonov will determine whether you are a viable candidate or not. If you are, he will go on to describe the procedure, how it could help you, and the results you can expect. If you are not a candidate for a fleur de lis, Dr. Jonov will tell you why and provide alternatives to achieve your results.

Before the end of your consultation appointment, you will receive a customized price quote and financing information. You will also receive any required medical clearances or information that you will need to obtain. At this point, patients can schedule surgery within 90 days.

Preparation

Preparing for surgery will look slightly different for every patient. In some cases, patients may need to get medical clearances or make travel plans if coming from far away. Most importantly, patients will also need to arrange the financing for their procedure because the procedure must be paid for by their pre-operative appointment.

Other arrangements patients may need to make in advance of their surgery may include:

• Time off work
• Childcare
• Caretaker
• Transportation to and from surgery
• Stock up on groceries and prepare the household

These practical preparations are often overlooked before surgery. Beyond this, your pre-operative coordinator will give you instructions for the days and weeks leading up to surgery. This will include when you can last eat and drink before surgery, what to wear or not wear, any medications to cease or start, and other similar directions.

Surgery

After a licensed anesthesia provider places you under general anesthesia, Dr. Jonov will begin surgery. First, he will make a horizontal incision along the lower abdomen and below the pubic bone. This can sometimes extend past the hips or to the flanks depending on the amount of correction needed. He will then make the vertical incision. Again, the length of this incision varies based on your anatomy.

Through these incisions, Dr. Jonov will remove extra skin and fat. He may also repair the abdominal muscle if they are separated. After he does away with the unneeded skin and fat, Dr. Jonov will pull the remaining skin tight over your new figure. He will then stitch the incisions. All in all, the surgery usually takes anywhere from three to six hours.

Recovery

One of the major advantages of a fleur de lis tummy tuck is that the recovery is not much longer or more involved than that of a standard tummy tuck. While you will have an extra, vertical incision, this usually does not significantly impact recovery time or instructions. 

Patients usually take around two to three weeks off work. Physical jobs may necessitate more time off. Additionally, you will need to avoid strenuous exercise for at least four to six weeks. Only walking and basic household duties should be performed during the initial recovery period.

You will receive recovery instructions customized to your procedure. Some common directions include:

• Remain hunched at a 90-degree angle until directed otherwise
• Sleep sitting up or in a recliner
• Take your prescribed medications
• Attend all post-operative appointments
• Do not return to activities until okayed by Dr. Jonov

Results

Fleur de lis tummy tuck results will take around one year to finalize and come in. The body needs time to heal and the skin to settle over your new contours. You will likely see a satisfactory result before the one year mark. However, results are not considered final until one year.

A fleur de lis tummy tuck in Seattle often provides the most dramatic results of all tummy tucks since it removes the most skin and tissue. The results can lead to life changing results that impact the rest of a patient’s life.