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 Tampa fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty can vary depending on the complexity of your case. It's important to note that health insurance companies do not cover abdominoplasty because it is considered a cosmetic enhancement procedure.

Several factors can affect the cost, such as the amount of experience and the overall reputation of your surgeon. Surgeons with many years of experience or a high reputation may typically cost more. The surgeon's techniques for the procedure and the case's complexity can also affect the cost. Additionally, where your surgeon's practice is located may affect the cost, as larger cities typically have higher operational costs and are more expensive. The total cost of the procedure may include:

Anesthesia fees
Operating room costs
Compression garments for post-surgery
Surgeon fees

However, there may be other miscellaneous fees that are not included in the cost, such as:

Blood tests or other pre-operative testing
Medical clearance exams
Prescription medications

If you are interested in a fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty but feel limited financially, you can speak to Dr. Buchanan or one of the VIVIFY staff members about financing options. We strive to work with each patient by offering financing plans to help you achieve your 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 in Tampa, 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.