Fleur-de-lis Tummy Tuck Seattle

Tummy tuck surgery is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures performed around the world. However, there are several different variations of the surgery that patients may better benefit a patient versus a traditional tummy tuck. Additionally, Dr. Sajan customizes all tummy tucks to the individual patient including components such as the length of the incision and the decision to modify the surgical technique. The most extensive type of tummy tuck is a fleur-de-lis tummy tuck which involves horizontal and vertical incisions. Allure Esthetic Plastic Surgery provides patients with the best fleur-de-lis tummy tuck Seattle offers.

A fleur-de-lis tummy tuck is a type of abdominoplasty or tummy tuck that removes extra skin from two planes. The traditional abdominoplasty involves one horizontal incision placed low on the abdomen. A fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty uses an additional vertical incision stretching upward from the lower incision's center. The exact length of the vertical incision will depend on the patient’s needs. For some, it may stretch up to or just above the belly button. However, more commonly, it will reach up to the waist and just below the breasts or chest.

This procedure is normally performed only on specific surgical candidates who need a large amount of excess skin removal. Patients may find themselves in need of this form of body contouring following massive weight loss, bariatric surgery, or multiple pregnancies. Patients who qualify—while possibly weary of the scarring—will likely see the scarring as a fair trade-off for body contours that better represent the true shape of their body.

Candidates

As previously mentioned, the candidates for a fleur-de-lis tummy tuck tend to have specific backgrounds and concerns. If extra skin is present along the entire abdomen and not all of it can be adequately removed with a more traditional technique, patients may qualify for the fleur-de-lis procedure. Furthermore, patients must be in overall good health and any existing major medical conditions under control.

Additionally, since visible scarring is inevitable with a fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty, patients need to understand what to expect and be okay with the potential scarring. Patients known to develop raised scars or particularly bad scarring should discuss this with Dr. Sajan.

Benefits & Risks

A Seattle fleur-de-lis tummy tuck comes with specific benefits and risks that patients must consider before opting for the procedure. Dr. Sajan will review these with you during a consultation.

Possible benefits of a fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty include:

• Flatter abdomen
• Removes extra and loose skin
• Dramatic enhancement of body contours
• Reveal of patient’s true contours after massive weight loss
• Smaller waistline
• Correction of separated abdominal muscles (diastasis recti)
• Tighter abdomen
• Skin removal after gastric bypass or other weight loss surgery
• Ability to wear smaller clothing
• Addresses entire abdomen
• Enhanced hip-to-waist ratio
• Combinable with other procedures
• Provides among the most dramatic results of all body contouring procedures
• Safe and effective for the right patient
• Performed by one of the best Seattle plastic surgeons

Like all surgeries, fleur-de-lis tummy tucks with potential risks such as:

• Complications associated with general anesthesia
• Infection
• Skin necrosis
• Nerve damage
• Asymmetry
• Raised or unsightly scarring
• Fluid collection
• Prolonged or severe side effects such as swelling and bruising

A fleur-de-lis tummy tuck and body are both extensive skin removal procedures that are performed on people who have experienced massive weight loss or multiple pregnancies. However, they are two distinct procedures and in rare cases could even be combined. Dr. Sajan can evaluate whether a patient may be a better fit for one surgery over the other.

The primary difference is seen in the incisions. A fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty involves a vertical incision on the front of the body. In contrast, a body lift follows the same path as a traditional tummy tuck incision, except that it circles the entire body. This is ideal for patients who do not necessarily have extra skin on the upper abdomen but do present with excess skin in multiple areas such as the abdomen, back, and flanks.

Otherwise, the two procedures are fairly similar. Dr. Sajan removes large amounts of extra skin and both could include liposuction. Body lift scarring is easier to conceal than that of a fleur-de-lis tummy tuck. Dr. Sajan can discuss which procedure may be best for you during a consultation at Allure Esthetic Plastic Surgery.

When Dr. Sajan performs a fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty, he will start by making the characteristic incision. Starting with the horizontal hip-to-hip incision, he will then make another perpendicular incision that runs through the belly button and up the abdomen. This allows Dr. Sajan the best access to removing such large amounts of skin. It also gives him ample ability to correct diastasis recti.

The procedure usually takes several hours. On average, patients can expect to be under general anesthesia between five and seven hours depending on the specifics of their procedure. Additional procedures such as liposuction, breast lift, or thigh lift will add extra time if able to be performed at the same time. A fleur-de-lis tummy tuck could be part of a mommy makeover.

Recovery

Dr. Sajan will provide patients with customized post-operative instructions for their recovery and comfort. Possible recovery directions following a fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty may include:

• Wear a compression garment
• Sleep on your back
• Rest elevated and/or in a recliner
• Eat regularly as soon as possible
• Undergo ultrasound massages
• Take prescription medications to prevent infection and severe pain
• Discontinue prescription pain medication as soon as possible
• Attend post-operative appointments
• Do not take full baths or showers until okayed by Dr. Sajan
• Refrain from strenuous exercise and activity for at least four to six weeks
• Take ample time off work, school, and other normal obligations
• Stay in contact with Dr. Sajan

How Painful is A Fleur-de-lis Tummy Tuck?

During surgery, patients are placed under general anesthesia. Thus, they should not feel any pain or pressure. After surgery, some post-operative pain is expected. The worst pain usually presents within the first one to three days. Tightness and general pain are normal. Dr. Sajan will prescribe pain medication to help you manage the pain for the first one to two weeks. Patients should discontinue prescription pain medication within one to two weeks.

What Can I Expect From Scarring? How Can I Minimize It?

Scarring from a fleur-de-lis tummy tuck is more extensive than many other cosmetic surgeries. The vertical incision cannot be hidden beneath most undergarments or two-piece bathing suits. With that said, the scars should fade and become less noticeable over time. Most patients who undergo a fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty feel the scarring is a fair trade-off for the results it can provide.

Dr. Sajan advises patients on how to minimize their scars. His first recommendation is to use his proprietary Scar Protocol which promotes ideal healing of surgical scars specifically. Based on the patient’s history of scarring, he may also recommend treatments such as microneedling or laser resurfacing after about a year of healing. Dr. Sajan’s scar care recommendations vary widely between patients.

When During The Weight Loss Process Should I Consider A Tummy Tuck Surgery?

In most cases, cosmetic surgeons like Dr. Sajan prefer that patients are within about twenty pounds of their goal weight. They should also have maintained a stable weight for at least three months. However, there are exceptions to this and every patient’s case is different. A tummy tuck—regardless of the type—is not a weight loss surgery and should only be considered after an adequate amount of weight loss occurs.

What Happens If I Lose More Weight After A Tummy Tuck?

Losing more weight after a tummy tuck generally does not cause too many issues. If a patient loses more than twenty to thirty pounds though, there is a risk that the patient may need another tummy tuck procedure to address more loose skin. This is why patients are advised to wait until they are close to their goal weight.

How Much Is A Fleur-de-lis Tummy Tuck?

The cost of a fleur-de-lis tummy tuck depends on the extent of the procedure. After Dr. Sajan evaluates you, you will receive a customized price quote. Patients can view our starting prices on our price list or through Price Simulator.

Outside financing is available through Care Credit, United Medical Credit, and Alphaeon. Patients can learn more about financing and payment options on our financing page.