Fleur-De-Lis Abdominoplasty

A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure for women who have lost abdominal tone following a pregnancy or significant weight loss.

About Fleur-De-Lis Abdominoplasty

The purpose of a tummy tuck is to remove excess fat and skin from the abdominal region, and restore abdominal strength in muscles that have weakened or separated. The outcome is a smooth and firm abdomen. For some patients that have lost a significant amount of weight resulting in massive skin excess, removal of skin needs to take place not only in the vertical dimension, but also in the horizontal dimension, and this is the Fleur-De-Lis (or FDL) Abdominoplasty. The namesake for the fleur de lis technique is taken from the shape drawn on the mid-section in preparation for abdominoplasty surgery, which resembles a fleur de lis symbol. This method is considered the most extensive tummy tuck procedure because it includes the removal of excess fat and loose skin from the lower abdomen, center abdomen, and around the ribs and pubic area. Ideally, this procedure is suited for trimming both vertical and horizontal excess skin on the abdominal wall.

Note that with all tummy tucks, the Fleur-De-Lis Abdominoplasty is not a weight loss surgery. It is designed for patients who have undergone significant weight loss and have maintained their weight for at least six months.

Procedure

A Fleur-De-Lis Abdominoplasty is typically an outpatient surgery that takes between three to six hours. Patients will receive general anesthesia for this procedure. Prior to the surgery, you and your plastic surgeon will review how long the incision will be based on the amount of skin and tissue that needs to be removed. To begin the surgery, an incision is made above the pubic bone. The excess skin below the umbilicus is then removed using this incision. In addition, a vertical incision is made down the middle of the abdomen, and skin is removed on either side of this incision as well. This results in the excision of skin both horizontally and vertically, in the shape of an upside-down “T” or fleur-de-lis. The skin layer is separated from the muscle layer and the excess skin is removed. The abdominal muscles are pulled together and tightened, sculpting the abdomen. The belly button is moved to its final position, and the last step is the repositioning of the skin and the closing of the incisions.

Who is a Good Candidate for a Fleur-De-Lis Abdominoplasty?

An abdominoplasty can vary significantly based on the desired outcome of the patient. You may be a good candidate for the Fleur-De-Lis Abdominoplasty if:

Your weight has been stable for a minimum of six months. Once you’ve reached a consistent weight, this will give the surgeon a general idea of how much excess skin needs to be removed or tightened.
You are unhappy with the appearance of your midsection. You have loose skin or excess fat on your abdomen that you want to be removed and tightened.
You don’t smoke. If you smoke, most plastic surgeons will ask that you stop smoking entirely, or six weeks prior to your procedure at a minimum, as well as six weeks post-operation.

If you believe you are a good candidate based on the qualifications outlined above, we suggest you schedule a consultation with Dr. Buchanan to discuss the possibility of abdominoplasty and the added benefits it could bring to your appearance.

Risks

An Fleur-De-Lis Abdominoplasty is considered a very safe procedure, but all medical procedures come with risks and potential for side effects. The side effects of a tummy tuck can include, but are not limited to:

Adverse reaction to anesthesia
Excessive bruising
Numbness
Prolonged wound healing
Scarring
Excessive bleeding
Skin discoloration
Dramatic fluid buildup in the extremities or abdomen (seroma)
Fat necrosis
Nerve damage
Recurrent looseness of skin
Infection
Uneven skin across the abdomen, or asymmetry

How Much Does a Fleur-De-Lis Abdominoplasty Cost? Prices starting at $15,000

The cost of a Fleur-De-Lis Abdominoplasty can vary significantly based on the complexity of your unique case and the geographical location where the surgery is performed. At VIVIFY, the starting cost of the procedure is $15,000. It's important to note that the mentioned procedure cost may include additional expenses associated with the surgery, such as:

Anesthesia fees
Operating room costs

Additional costs may include:

Blood or further medical testing
Compression garments for post-surgery
Prescriptions

Moreover, the overall cost of the procedure can be influenced by the following factors:

The level of experience and overall reputation of your surgeon. Surgeons with extensive years of experience or those highly regarded in the field may generally have higher fees.
The specific techniques the surgeon utilizes and the complexity of your case.
The location of your surgeon's practice. Typically, larger cities with higher operational costs may result in higher prices.

If you have contemplated undergoing this procedure but have concerns about financial constraints, we encourage you to discuss financing options with Dr. Buchanan or the dedicated VIVIFY staff. We strive to work with each patient by offering financing plans tailored to help them achieve their surgical goals.

Will Insurance Cover My Fleur-De-Lis Abdominoplasty?

Generally, health insurance companies do not cover the cost of this surgery as it is considered a cosmetic enhancement procedure. However, it is advisable to conduct thorough research and consult with your health insurance provider to obtain clarity regarding your financial responsibility before proceeding with the surgery.

Finding the Right Plastic Surgeon

During your search for a suitable plastic surgeon, it is crucial to consider only those who possess board certification from the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). Board-certified surgeons undergo comprehensive training for at least 6-8 years after medical school, ensuring their expertise in aesthetic and reconstructive plastic surgery.