Fleur-de-Lis Tummy Tuck: Scars, Risks and Recovery
A fleur-de-lis (FDL) tummy tuck removes selected excess abdominal skin through a horizontal incision and an additional vertical incision. It may be considered after major weight loss or when looseness extends across both vertical and horizontal directions. The trade-off is a longer, more visible scar than a standard tummy tuck.
How it differs from other tummy tucks
A standard abdominoplasty mainly removes lower abdominal skin through a horizontal scar. An extended procedure reaches farther around the flanks. An FDL pattern adds vertical skin removal. Muscle repair and liposuction are separate decisions based on anatomy and risk; they are not automatic parts of every operation.
Assessment
Consultation should review weight stability, nutrition, previous bariatric or abdominal surgery, scars, hernias, pregnancies, smoking, medicines, clot risk, health and goals. Surgery is not a weight-loss treatment, and pregnancy or major weight change can alter a result.
Risks and recovery
Risks include bleeding, infection, fluid collection, wound separation, delayed healing, skin loss, prominent or widened scars, altered sensation, asymmetry, blood clots, anaesthetic complications and further surgery. Recovery, drains, garments, work and exercise restrictions depend on the individual plan; a fixed timetable cannot be promised.
Questions before booking
- Why is an FDL pattern preferred over a standard or extended tummy tuck?
- Where will the vertical and horizontal scars lie?
- Is muscle repair or liposuction proposed, and why?
- Who is the named contracted surgeon and hospital?
- How will wounds, complications and follow-up be managed after travel?
See Revitalize’s fleur-de-lis tummy tuck page and assessment route. An individual examination and consent discussion are required.
General information only.
