Fleur de Lis Tummy Tuck London UK
Achieve a beautifully sculpted abdomen and eliminate excess skin with our transformative Fleur-de-Lis abdominoplasty, tailored to address your unique aesthetic goals and provide long-lasting results
Fleur de Lis tummy tuck, also known as an FDL tummy tuck, is a major skin reduction surgery when compared with a traditional abdominoplasty. A traditional tummy tuck is designed to remove excess skin from the lower part of the abdomen. A Fleur de Lis tummy tuck is designed to tighten the skin of the entire abdominal area. A full tummy tuck removes excess skin in a horizontal vector. A Fleur de Lis procedure is ideal for removing excess skin affecting both horizontal and vertical directions. The name ‘Fleur de Lis’ is used to describe the shape of the abdominal region that the surgeon will tighten.
An FDL tummy tuck is an excellent procedure for patients who have developed sagging skin affecting the upper part of the abdomen, which extends into the sides in addition to skin laxity affecting the lower abdomen. A Fleur de Lis tummy tuck is also known as a vertical abdominoplasty and can achieve a sculpted and tighter abdominal appearance compared with traditional tummy tuck surgery.
What Is Fleur de Lis Tummy Tuck?
The Fleur de Lis tummy tuck, scientifically known as Fleur de Lis abdominoplasty, is a type of cosmetic surgical procedure specifically designed to invigorate the abdominal region by eliminating excess sagging skin and fat. This innovative approach is a robust solution for those seeking a more aesthetically pleasing and tighter stomach area.
In contrast to the conventional abdominoplasty, popularly known as a tummy tuck, the Fleur de Lis surgery boasts a more extensive scope of action. It incorporates an additional level of tightening and facilitates the removal of a larger volume of redundant skin and fat. This results in a more pronounced tightening effect on the abdomen, especially in the lateral and upper sections of the body.
Like the traditional tummy tuck, the Fleur de Lis procedure entails making a significant horizontal incision along the bikini line, stretching from one side to the other. This incision is a standard part of most tummy tucks and allows for the removal of excess skin and fat and the tightening of the abdominal muscles. However, what sets the Fleur de Lis surgery apart is the inclusion of an extra vertical incision.
The additional incision in the Fleur de Lis procedure extends upwards from the pubic region, passes through the umbilicus, or belly button, and stops short of the ribcage. This distinctive feature of the Fleur de Lis surgery is instrumental in addressing the issue of excess skin stretching horizontally or from side to side. The vertical incision not only allows for further tightening but also aids in removing additional skin and fat from the sides and the upper abdomen.
This particular incision serves as an enhancement to the vertical tightening achieved through the traditional horizontal incision, contributing significantly to the overall reshaping and revitalisation of the abdomen.
Should You Get Fleur de Lis or Traditional Tummy Tuck?
Deciding between a Fleur de Lis and a traditional tummy tuck depends on your unique needs and circumstances. The Fleur de Lis abdominoplasty offers a more comprehensive approach to abdominal tightening and fat removal, making it an ideal choice for individuals with specific needs. Here are some conditions under which you should contemplate undergoing a Fleur de Lis surgery:
Significant weight loss
If you’ve experienced considerable weight reduction, you might have excess, sagging skin around your abdomen that a traditional tummy tuck might not fully address.
Multiple pregnancies
Having undergone multiple pregnancies can cause the skin and muscles in your abdominal region to become excessively stretched, resulting in a need for more substantial tightening and fat removal.
Extremely lax abdominal skin
If your stomach skin is exceptionally loose or saggy, the Fleur de Lis might be the more suitable surgical option.
Prominent belly fat and ‘mummy pooch’
If you have a substantial protruding belly or persistent belly fat that hasn’t responded to diet or exercise, Fleur de Lis abdominoplasty could provide the desired results.
Overhanging abdominal skin
Extensive skin overhang in the abdominal region can be effectively addressed with this more extensive surgical procedure.
Fat and skin excess in the central and lateral abdomen
If you have excessive fat and skin that hangs over the middle and sides of your abdomen, the Fleur de Lis technique can offer a more comprehensive removal and tightening.
Need for belly button reconstruction.
If your belly button requires reconstruction due to significant skin laxity or prior surgeries, the Fleur de Lis procedure would be ideal.
Limited improvements from a traditional tummy tuck
If a conventional tummy tuck is predicted to yield suboptimal results, the Fleur de Lis could provide the necessary enhanced tightening and contouring.
The presence of skin rolls and fat flaps on the middle and sides of the abdomen
The Fleur de Lis procedure is well-equipped to handle such issues, providing a smoother, firmer appearance.
Fleur de Lis before and after photos
When you have your face-to-face consultation, your surgeon can show you a range of before and after Fleur de lis tummy tuck photos, which can give you an idea of the results that can be achieved with FDL surgery. It is important to bear in mind that actual results will vary depending on each patient.
What are the Benefits of Fleur de Lis surgery?
Fleur de lis abdominoplasty, also known as a vertical tummy tuck, is designed to improve the contours of the abdomen by getting rid of saggy and loose skin. The desired result is a more contoured and flatter abdomen with tighter skin. This procedure can also tighten the waist and hips in both horizontal and vertical directions. Fleur de Lis surgery is specifically designed to tighten the skin over the entire abdomen and hips.
Many people may be affected by excess loose skin on a daily basis. Saggy skin can cause localised skin irritation, which may be a source of discomfort. Patients often wear baggy clothing to conceal any loose skin. Fleur de Lis tummy tuck surgery can remove excess skin permanently and relieve disabling symptoms, including skin rashes, infections, and discomfort. Patients can wear an unrestricted range of clothing, including tight figure-hugging clothes.
Am I Suitable for Fleur de Lis abdominoplasty?
Patients who may be suitable for an FDL tummy tuck include those who have experienced significant weight loss due to bariatric surgery or natural weight loss with diet and exercise. Women who have given birth multiple times may also require the procedure due to the development of extensive skin laxity affecting the entire abdomen. People who have surgeries on the abdomen for other reasons may also develop sagging skin and require a Fleur de Lis procedure.
Compared with non-invasive and minimally invasive skin tightening treatments, the results achievable with a Fleur de Lis tummy tuck exceed those of less invasive procedures. Diet and exercise alone will not be able to tighten loose skin.
Patients can develop a significant loss of self-confidence due to the presence of sagging skin and loss of abdominal contour.
Patients may find it affects their ability to form intimate relationships due to feeling increasingly self-conscious about how they look. If this is something which you have been experiencing, you may wish to consider a vertical abdominoplasty as the ideal treatment to address your cosmetic concerns.
The best way to determine your suitability for Fleur de Lis abdominoplasty is to have a face-to-face consultation. During the consultation, your surgeon will assess your general state of health, encompassing both your physical and mental health. They will also determine whether an FDL abdominoplasty is the right procedure for you or if another type of body contouring surgery will achieve excellent results without the surgical invasiveness of a Fleur de Lis procedure. Fleur de Lis surgery involves certain risks and potential complications, and these must be understood before making an informed decision for Surgery.
Generally, the best candidates for Fleur de Lis tummy tuck are those who are unhappy with how the abdomen looks and have developed a loss of self-confidence due to the presence of saggy and hanging excess skin. Fleur de Lis surgery is designed to get rid of excess skin in the upper and lower part of the abdomen extending into the sides. Traditional tummy tuck surgery is designed to get rid of loose skin affecting the lower abdomen.
Optimal healing and recovery depend on avoiding certain medicines that could affect your incision site. It is important to have realistic expectations of what an FDL tummy tuck can achieve. Smokers will be encouraged to stop smoking before surgery as smoking increases the risk of wound complications. Once you are familiar with the potential risks and complications of a vertical abdominoplasty, your surgeon will be in a better position to recommend an FDL procedure to achieve your aesthetic goals.
What does a Fleur de Lis tummy tuck involve?
FDL tummy tuck surgery is significantly more invasive than a standard one. Unlike traditional tummy tuck surgery, an FDL abdominoplasty focuses on removing loose skin in horizontal and vertical vectors. This means an extra vertical incision is needed to remove excess loose skin adequately.
All types of FDL procedures involve two incisions. The main incision is in the area commonly associated with tummy tuck surgery, which runs in a horizontal direction in the lower part of the abdomen. The additional vertical incision runs from the midpoint of the horizontal incision and extends upwards. The length of the vertical incision will vary depending on the amount of skin laxity present. Patients with extensive amounts of saggy and loose skin may require a vertical incision to extend as far upwards as the upper abdomen. The vertical incision aims to ensure your surgeon can tighten the skin, extending outward to the sides and the upper and lower part of the abdomen.
Although an FDL tummy tuck results in additional scarring, our skilled plastic surgeons are experts in ensuring your resulting scars will fade gradually over time so that they are barely visible six months later. Here at Centre for Surgery, we are renowned for our expertise in scar management to ensure your scars look as faint as possible. FDL Surgery allows the removal of extensive amounts of saggy skin and loose tissue in the abdomen’s central part, extending upwards and sideways.
As with any type of surgery, Fleur de Lis abdominoplasty involves certain risks. By choosing Centre for Surgery to perform your FDL surgery, you can be assured of receiving the highest standards of care by fully accredited consultant plastic surgeons to minimise the risk of complications.
Recovery after Fleur de Lis Abdominoplasty
Fleur de Lis, tummy tuck recovery, will vary depending on the extent of surgical correction required to achieve a tighter-looking abdomen. As with any excess skin removal surgery, a vertical tummy tuck is customised to the needs of the individual patient.
Every patient will, therefore, have a different length of recovery. Most patients can expect to experience mild to moderate degrees of pain and discomfort. These can be easily controlled with painkiller medication prescribed to you by your surgeon. It is expected to experience bruising and swelling for the first few weeks after FDL surgery. You should wear your compression garment as recommended to accelerate the resolution of swelling and bruising.
RELATED: Bruising after Fleur De Lis Surgery – Causes & Solutions
Complex FDL Surgery will require you to take it easy for the first few days after surgery. Avoid lifting heavy objects or children for the first few weeks after surgery. FDL tummy tucks are carried out as a day case at Centre for Surgery, which means you can go home the same day once you are medically fit for discharge. Full recovery after FDL surgery depends on the extent of the procedure and your body’s ability to heal. This can be improved by eating a healthy and nutritious diet and by keeping well-hydrated.
After approximately three weeks, it should be possible to carry out many light activities of daily living. Most patients can return to work after two weeks, although you should check with our postoperative nursing team before doing so. Those who carry out more strenuous types of work may need a longer period off. Strenuous activities, including going to the gym, should be avoided for at least six weeks after surgery.
Fleur de Lis Surgery Cost London- Prices & Fees - How much does Fleur de Lis surgery cost in London UK?
The cost of an FDL tummy tuck will depend on the extent of surgical correction required to remove loose and saggy skin. Your state of health, including whether you smoke, will also be considered when determining the cost of the FDL surgery. Once you have had a face-to-face consultation with an expert surgeon, you will be seen by your dedicated patient coordinator to give you a price for FDL surgery with a cost breakdown. Your FDL abdominoplasty includes your surgeon’s fee, anaesthetist fee, nursing fees and facility fee. Postoperative wound care appointments are included in the cost of your procedure.
Which procedures can be combined with a Fleur de Lis tummy tuck?
Fluid in this abdominoplasty is designed to remove excess skin from both the lower and upper abdomen using three incisions. Many patients choose to combine their FDL procedures with other procedures to enhance the results of surgery.
Liposuction
Liposuction is a minimally invasive procedure designed to remove excess fat from the abdomen. It can remove both smaller and larger quantities of fat, although it should not be considered a replacement for weight loss. When liposuction is performed as part of an FDL tummy tuck, it is usually performed first before the skin removal part of the procedure. Combining a Fleur de Lis tummy tuck with liposuction can help to achieve significantly enhanced results that an FDL procedure alone may not achieve.
Back lift
A backlift procedure involves removing excess skin and fat from the lower and upper back. This helps to achieve a smoother and tighter-looking back with better contours. Patients may develop excess folds of skin after dramatic weight loss. Back lift surgery is commonly combined with an FDL abdominoplasty to achieve dramatic results and significantly improve the aesthetics of the abdomen and back.
Is a Fleur de Lis tummy tuck worth it?
Fleur de Lis surgery is an excellent treatment for patients with significant amounts of excess skin that may result in hanging skin folds from the abdomen. Although an FDL tummy tuck results in a vertical midline scar, most patients who choose to have FDL surgery are extremely pleased with the results and are not concerned about having a midline scar.
Fleur de Lis tummy tuck surgery is designed to dramatically improve the appearance of the abdomen. Patients report a significant boost in self-confidence and the ability to wear an unrestricted range of clothing, including tight-fitting clothes. The surgery results are immediately noticeable after the procedure and continue to improve over the next few months. Patients who have Fleur de Lis tummy tuck at Centre for Surgery report very high satisfaction levels, and the procedure is worth it.
Fleur De Lis Tummy Tuck at Centre for Surgery
Don’t delay your journey towards a more confident and comfortable you. With more than two decades of professional experience, the highly skilled surgeons at the Centre for Surgery in London are committed to utilising various surgical techniques to achieve optimal outcomes tailored to your unique needs.
Our surgeons take great pride in the exceptional level of care and attention they provide to each individual, and that commitment begins from the very first consultation. They stand by their promise to guide you through your transformative journey with the utmost professionalism and care, ensuring that you feel supported at every step.
Become a part of our satisfied community of patients. Schedule your consultation with the Centre for Surgery at the earliest possible time that suits your schedule. This is your opportunity to discuss your needs, concerns, and goals with our expert team and start on your path to physical rejuvenation.
Your next step is simple – reach out to us by filling the enquiry form provided below or give us a call on 0207 993 4849. We look forward to accompanying you on this exciting journey to a revitalised you.
FAQs
-
What is Fleur de Lis surgery?The Fleur de Lis surgery, also known as Fleur de Lis abdominoplasty, is a specific type of tummy tuck cosmetic procedure. The primary purpose of this surgery is to remove excess skin and fat from the abdomen and to tighten the stomach muscles, thus enhancing the overall appearance of the abdominal region.
The name 'Fleur de Lis' originates from the French term for 'lily flower', which is used to describe the shape of the incisions made during this procedure. Unlike a traditional tummy tuck which involves a singular horizontal incision along the bikini line, the Fleur de Lis surgery includes an additional vertical incision. This additional incision extends from the pubic area, moves upwards through the belly button, and stops just short of the rib cage.
The dual incisions in the Fleur de Lis procedure allow surgeons to remove excess skin and fat from both the vertical and horizontal dimensions of the abdomen. This results in a more extensive tightening effect, especially in the upper and lateral sections of the body.
The Fleur de Lis tummy tuck provides the opportunity to reshape and reposition the belly button, and to tighten the abdominal muscles. This procedure is particularly beneficial for individuals who have undergone significant weight loss or multiple pregnancies and are left with sagging skin or stubborn fat deposits that a conventional tummy tuck might not fully address. -
What's the Difference Between a Tummy Tuck and Liposuction?The key difference is in what each procedure targets. Liposuction is focused solely on removing excess fat. On the other hand, a tummy tuck removes excess skin and reshapes underlying muscles. Liposuction doesn't tighten skin, and a tummy tuck isn't meant for weight loss. Often, these two procedures are combined to remove both fat and excess skin.
-
Who needs a Fleur De Lis tummy tuck?A Fleur-de-Lis tummy tuck, also known as an inverted T abdominoplasty, is typically recommended for individuals who have undergone significant weight loss, resulting in excess loose skin and tissue in the abdominal area. This procedure is also suitable for individuals with significant skin laxity and vertical excess, which cannot be adequately addressed with a traditional tummy tuck.
Candidates for a Fleur-de-Lis tummy tuck often include:
Bariatric surgery patients: Individuals who have undergone weight loss surgery and have loose abdominal skin as a result.
Post-pregnancy patients: Women who have experienced multiple pregnancies and have excess abdominal skin and weakened abdominal muscles.
Individuals with massive weight loss: Those who have lost a significant amount of weight through diet and exercise or other means and are left with excess skin and tissue.
Aging individuals: Older individuals who have experienced natural aging and skin laxity in the abdominal area. -
What Age is Suitable for a Fleur De Lis Abdominoplasty?Legal adults, typically aged between 18 and 65, can opt for this surgery, assuming they don't have any age-related health concerns. The procedure is available to adults who meet the necessary health criteria.
-
Is a Fleur De Lis Tummy Tuck an Alternative to Weight Loss?No, the Fleur De Lis tummy tuck isn't a method for losing weight. It's mainly used to remove extra skin after someone has lost a lot of weight. While it might include taking out some fat, its primary purpose isn't to help you lose weight. Instead, it's meant to shape and define your figure, rather than make it smaller.
-
Is there an age limit that determines the right candidate for vertical abdominoplasty?There is no specific age limit that determines the right candidate for a vertical abdominoplasty. The suitability for the procedure is based on individual factors such as overall health, medical history, and aesthetic goals rather than age alone. Vertical abdominoplasty, also known as a Fleur-de-Lis abdominoplasty, is typically recommended for individuals who have excess skin and tissue in the abdominal area, often as a result of significant weight loss or multiple pregnancies.
-
What is an abdominal apron?An abdominal apron, also known as a pannus or a "panniculus," refers to a large fold of excess skin and fat that hangs down over the lower abdomen. It is commonly seen in individuals who have experienced significant weight loss or have gone through pregnancy. The abdominal apron can vary in size and shape but typically extends from the pubic area to the lower abdomen. It can cause functional and aesthetic concerns, such as hygiene issues, skin irritation, discomfort, and difficulties with mobility and clothing. Surgical procedures like an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) or lower body lift are often performed to remove the abdominal apron, resulting in a flatter and more contoured abdominal area.
-
How Does a Fleur De Lis Abdominoplasty Differ from a Standard Tummy Tuck?The main difference lies in how and where the skin is removed. A standard tummy tuck removes skin just from the lower abdomen and leaves one horizontal scar. In contrast, the Fleur De Lis tummy tuck removes skin from both the upper and lower abdomen, tightening it in both the horizontal and vertical planes. This procedure results in two scars: one vertical in the middle of the abdomen and another horizontal along the bikini line.
-
How do I decide between a full tummy tuck or an FDL tummy tuck?A full tummy tuck is designed to address loose skin affecting the lower part of the abdomen. An FDL tummy tuck is designed to get rid of loose skin affecting both the lower and upper part of the abdomen and tighten the waist all in one procedure.
-
Can I have FDL surgery if I am significantly overweight or obese?Patients with a body mass index above 30 are not considered suitable for the procedure. Patients who are significantly overweight have an increased risk of developing complications both during and after the surgery, including delayed healing, wound breakdown and wound infection.
-
How long does it take to heal from a Fleur de Lis tummy tuck?Recovery time after a Fleur de Lis (FDL) abdominoplasty can vary significantly based on the individual's overall health, their body's natural healing abilities, and how closely they follow post-operative care instructions.
Generally, patients are able to return to non-strenuous daily activities within two to three weeks after surgery. Full recovery, however, can take several weeks to a few months. Here's a general timeline:
First few days post-surgery: Patients may experience discomfort, swelling, and bruising, which can be managed with prescribed pain medications. It's crucial during this period to rest and refrain from any strenuous activity.
One to two weeks post-surgery: Most patients can return to light daily activities, but should still avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise. The surgeon will typically remove any drains or sutures at this stage, and you may start to see the initial results of the surgery.
Four to six weeks post-surgery: Most of the major swelling should have subsided by this time, and patients can usually resume most of their normal activities, including moderate exercise. However, the abdominal muscles might still be healing, so activities that strain these muscles should still be avoided.
Three to six months post-surgery: By this time, the body should be mostly healed, and the final results of the surgery will start to become apparent. Scars will begin to fade, though they may not fully disappear. -
Can you sleep on your side after an FDL?After undergoing a Fleur-de-Lis abdominoplasty (FDL), it is recommended to avoid sleeping on your side immediately following the procedure. Instead, it is advised to sleep on your back with the abdomen flexed for approximately 1 to 2 weeks. It is beneficial to practice sleeping on your back prior to the surgery to ensure comfort and preparedness for the post-operative period. After the initial 1-2 week recovery period, you can gradually transition to sleeping in any position that feels comfortable to you.
-
When Can I Drive After a Fleur De Lis Tummy Tuck?You can generally start driving again about two weeks after the surgery. However, it's advised not to go on long drives. It's best to wait until you've stopped taking any pain medication before you start driving again.
-
When Can I Resume Exercising After a Fleur De Lis Tummy Tuck?Light exercise can be resumed around three to four weeks after the surgery. You should be able to return to more vigorous exercise about six weeks post-operation. To aid in recovery and reduce the recovery time, it's advisable to avoid strenuous activities for a few weeks following the procedure.
-
What Do the Scars from a Fleur De Lis Tummy Tuck Look Like?After a Fleur De Lis tummy tuck, you can expect an upside-down 'T' shaped scar. This comes from two incisions: a horizontal one above the pubic bone and a vertical one down the mid-abdomen. Each scar is typically 15-25 cm long. While the horizontal scar can usually be hidden easily, the vertical one might be more visible. Despite this, many patients are satisfied with their results and accept the additional scarring.
-
Is Fleur De Lis tummy tuck a permanent solution for weight loss?Fleur de Lis tummy tuck surgery is not a procedure to achieve significant weight loss. Weight loss surgery in the form of a gastric bypass or gastric sleeve is designed to reduce stomach volume and make people feel fuller with smaller quantities of food.
An FDL tummy tuck is designed to surgically remove excess skin after significant weight loss. Most patients who have an FDL tummy tuck have either had prior weight loss surgery or lost weight of a natural means such as diet and exercise.
What To Expect
The consultation
The consultation is designed to give you the opportunity to discuss your ideas, concerns and expectations about FDL surgery. Your surgeon will inform you about all the potential risks and complications associated with a Fleur de Lis abdominoplasty. Your surgeon will perform a detailed medical assessment to determine your suitability for a vertical tummy tuck. As part of the physical examination, the amount of excess skin you have as well as the extent of hanging skin, will be determined. The strength of your abdominal muscles will also be assessed, and if these are weakened, you may need to have abdominal muscle repair as part of the FDL procedure
On the day of surgery
Once you have been admitted for the procedure, you'll be taken through to the operating room, where anaesthesia will be administered. Once you are asleep, the surgeon will commence the procedure by removing excess tissue and hanging skin. Once any loose skin has been removed, the site of the incisions will be closed with dissolvable stitches. You will then be taken to our dedicated recovery suite until you are ready for discharge.
The recovery period after FDL tummy tuck
You will be given detailed post-operative care instructions on how to look after yourself and your incision site after surgery.
You should ensure to follow your surgeon's postoperative care instructions in full to minimise the risk of complications occurring. Your healing should be straightforward and smooth, and this will ensure you get the best possible results. You will have a post-operative appointment with our nursing team one week after surgery to review the site of Surgery and to see how you have been managing. Practical tips for recovery will be given at this stage. You will be reviewed by your surgeon six weeks after surgery to assess the results of your FDL tummy tuck procedure.