For patients in South Africa

Fleur-de-Lis Tummy Tuck in Turkey from South Africa: for loose skin after major weight loss

A fleur-de-lis (FDL) tummy tuck adds a vertical incision down the middle of the abdomen to the usual low horizontal one. That lets the surgeon remove loose skin across the width of the abdomen as well as from top to bottom. It is mainly for people who have lost a great deal of weight. For tummy tucks in general, start with our tummy tuck guide for South African patients.

How it differs from a standard tummy tuck

• Area treated: the upper and lower abdomen
• Incisions: horizontal, as in a standard tummy tuck, plus a vertical one along the midline
• What it adds: much greater skin reduction and better waist definition, especially when the upper abdomen and flanks are loose
• Recovery: initial recovery of around two to three weeks, slightly more extensive than a standard tummy tuck

If your loose skin is confined to the lower abdomen, a standard tummy tuck is usually more appropriate. If it is mainly above the belly button, a reverse tummy tuck may do; if it reaches the hips rather than the upper abdomen, an extended tummy tuck. The FDL technique is described on the FDL tummy tuck treatment page.

Who it suits

• People left with significant loose skin after major weight loss
• People whose upper and lower abdomen are both loose
• People who accept scars on both a horizontal and a vertical line
• People at a stable weight, in good health, and non-smokers or able to stop

After major weight loss, loose skin is rarely limited to the abdomen. If your back or thighs concern you too, read about the body lift; for all options, see our body contouring guide for South African patients.

Planning the trip from South Africa

• Flights: direct flights from Johannesburg and Cape Town to Istanbul take around ten hours, followed by a short domestic flight to İzmir
• Visa: South Africans apply for an e-Visa online before travelling; see the e-Visa guide
• Where you stay: usually one or two nights in hospital, then recovery at Mandarin Grove near İzmir, where drains, if used, come out in the first week
• Fitness to fly: most patients are cleared after five to seven days, but the surgeon decides, and may ask you to stay longer before a ten-hour flight; book a return ticket you can change
• Time difference: İzmir is one hour ahead of South Africa

Abdominal surgery followed by a long-haul flight raises the risk of blood clots (DVT). The surgeon tells you when it is safe to fly and which precautions to take, in general your compression garment, walking regularly and drinking water. Tell us early about any history of clots.

Recovery and follow-up at home

Because more skin is removed, expect the first days to be a little harder than after a standard tummy tuck, and accept help with luggage on the way home. Initial recovery takes around two to three weeks. Heavy lifting and core exercise wait until the surgeon clears you, and the abdomen keeps settling over three to six months while the scars fade. Ask the team for your operation notes and give them to your GP.

The same team follows up by photograph, message and video call. Under our treatment guarantee, medical complications and clinically necessary revisions within one year are treated in İzmir at no charge for the treatment; flights and accommodation remain your own cost. See also our clinic facts and complaints process.

What we will not do

We will not recommend an FDL tummy tuck when a smaller operation would do, we will not confirm a plan before a board-certified surgeon has reviewed your photographs, and we will not operate if your weight is still changing or your health makes it unsafe. A long journey is not a reason to add more procedures than the surgeon judges safe.

Frequently asked questions

What does fleur-de-lis mean in a tummy tuck?

It refers to the shape of the incisions: a vertical one along the middle of the abdomen as well as the horizontal one used in a standard tummy tuck. Together they let the surgeon remove loose skin in both directions.

Who needs an FDL tummy tuck rather than a standard one?

It is mainly for people with significant loose skin after major weight loss, on both the upper and lower abdomen. If the loose skin is limited to the lower abdomen, a standard tummy tuck is usually more appropriate.

Will the vertical scar be visible?

Yes. An FDL tummy tuck leaves a visible vertical scar as well as the horizontal one. Scars fade over the following months but do not disappear.

How long after an FDL tummy tuck can I fly home to South Africa?

Most patients are cleared to fly after five to seven days, but the surgeon decides. Because the flight home takes around ten hours, keep your return date flexible.

Will my medical aid cover an FDL tummy tuck abroad?

South African medical schemes generally do not cover elective surgery abroad, and standard travel insurance usually excludes planned treatment. Ask both specifically.

Start with a free online consultation. Planning the trip? Read the guide for South African patients and the e-Visa guide.