How Does a Fleur de Lis Tummy Tuck Differ from a Regular Tummy Tuck?

Not sure whether to get a Fleur de Lis tummy tuck or a traditional one? Both will make your tummy flatter and firmer, but they are done in slightly different ways and leave different kinds of scars. Your choice will also depend on how much loose skin you have – if it is a lot, especially if you have lost a great deal of weight, then the Fleur de Lis technique could be best for you. But what are other points that set them apart? Let's explore how these procedures compare and what makes them different.

table of contents

What Is a Traditional Tummy Tuck?

Recovery and Aftercare: What to Expect

What Is a Fleur de Lis Tummy Tuck?

Are the Results Permanent?

Key Differences Between Fleur de Lis and Regular Tummy Tucks

Conclusion

What Is a Traditional Tummy Tuck?

A standard or traditional tummy tuck or abdominoplasty is a type of surgery performed to remove loose skin and fat in the lower abdominal area and tighten muscles beneath. The operation is most appropriate for women with average looseness of skin in the lower abdomen, with little to no excess in the upper abdomen. It can happen as a result of pregnancy, age, or minimal weight changes.

During a traditional tummy tuck:

A horizontal incision is made in the lower abdomen, just above the pubic area.
Significant excess skin is removed, and the underlying muscles are tightened to produce a firmer and smoother abdomen.
The loose skin is pulled down and sutured to form a smooth contour.
The belly button can be repositioned if necessary.

A standard abdominoplasty deals mainly with surplus skin vertically by pulling it down to make the stomach area flatter. But vertical tightening alone won’t fully correct horizontal skin laxity – a problem solved by the Fleur-de-Lis technique.

What Is a Fleur de Lis Tummy Tuck?

A Fleur de Lis tummy tuck is a more invasive type of surgery employed when patients have extreme looseness of skin and lax abdominal muscles after a substantial weight loss. This tummy tuck technique is so called because of the look of the cut made in this process, as it is like that of the French symbol of Fleur de Lis. In a traditional tummy tuck, skin is removed vertically. In a Fleur de Lis technique, it is removed both vertically and horizontally.

During a Fleur de Lis tummy tuck procedure:

A horizontal cut is made across the bottom of the abdomen, similar to a traditional tummy tuck.
A vertical incision is made down through the middle of the abdomen from the sternum to the pubic area.
The surgeon excises redundant skin and tightens up the underlying muscles.
The remaining skin is pulled inwards (horizontally) and downwards (vertically) for a greater tightening effect.
The navel is relocated so that it will appear natural.

This method of removing excess skin from two planes at once allows for greater improvements in contouring for patients with a lot of redundant skin. That’s why it’s the best option for those who have had bariatric surgery and want to get rid of sagging skin due to significant weight loss.

Key Differences Between Fleur de Lis and Regular Tummy Tucks

Although both procedures have the common goal of producing a firmer, more sculpted abdomen, there are some distinct differences:

In a traditional tummy tuck, surgeons make just one cut along the lower abdomen. But in a Fleur de Lis tummy tuck, patients end up with two: an extra incision running down the middle of their abdomen, intersecting the first line at a 90-degree angle.

The amount of skin removed varies as well. In contrast to a traditional tummy tuck that solely eliminates surplus skin in an up-and-down manner, a Fleur de Lis tummy tuck also takes away skin horizontally and vertically. This dual-action technique means it is better suited for patients who have very loose skin – sometimes referred to as having extreme laxity.

Every operation has its perfect candidate. If you have minor skin looseness – say from pregnancy or losing a little weight – then the traditional tummy tuck is for you. But when there’s lots of extra skin that needs removing, a Fleur De Lis could be more appropriate after major weight loss like bariatric surgery.

Scarring is an important aspect worth thinking about. With a traditional tummy tuck, you will have just one scar: a horizontal line that can be hidden beneath your underwear or swimsuit. After a Fleur de Lis tummy tuck, along with such a horizontal scar, there will also be a vertical scar running down your midline. It might show more than the other type of abdominal lift alone, such as a traditional or mini tummy tuck.

Both methods result in a firmer abdomen that is flatter and has better muscle tone. But the Fleur de Lis tummy tuck can be more effective when it comes to tightening skin – something that many patients need if they have lots of loose skin after losing weight, for example.

Recovery and Aftercare: What to Expect

Both types of tummy tucks require downtime after surgery. However, those who have the Fleur de Lis technique may need a little longer to heal because they have had one additional incision. Let’s compare:

Most patients who have a traditional tummy tuck can go back to work in two to four weeks – though how long it takes will depend on how they heal. Two weeks after the operation, any swelling and bruising should have reduced a lot. So should any discomfort. After around six weeks, it’s usually okay to do lots of exercise again.

The Fleur de Lis abdominoplasty might necessitate an extended recovery duration because of more extensive incisions and greater tissue removal. Typically, patients take between 2-4 weeks off work following surgery, gradually returning to normal physical activity levels within 6-8 weeks. Additional incisions could also mean additional wound care and scar treatment are needed.

Are the Results Permanent?

Both the traditional tummy tuck and the Fleur de Lis variation can deliver enduring outcomes. However, it is essential to sustain a stable weight. Major fluctuations in weight have the ability to stretch the skin and put results at risk. With healthy living, the perks of this cosmetic surgery may be enjoyed for life.

Cost Differences

The Fleur de Lis tummy tuck is usually more expensive than a traditional one due to its complexity and longer duration. Prices are influenced by various factors, such as where patients choose to have surgery performed or how skilled the doctor is. They will also depend on things like whether excess fat needs to be removed (skin only) plus any costs related to being sedated during an operation. Patients should consult with their surgeon for a personalized quote. It usually ranges from approximately $9,000 to $15,000 for the Fleur de Lis tummy tuck, compared to $6,000-$10,000 for traditional abdominoplasty.

Which Procedure Is Right for You?

The appropriate procedure for you will depend on your individual needs and body type.

If you would like a smoother stomach and mild skin laxity, then a standard tummy tuck might be best.
For patients who have lost a lot of weight and are left with lots of excess skin, however, a Fleur De Lis procedure could be more suitable as it offers more radical results.

To decide which option is going to be most effective, your surgeon will look at how stretchy your skin is, what your body shape is like, and what you are hoping to achieve from the operation.

Conclusion

If you want to change how your belly looks by getting rid of extra skin and making the muscles tighter, there are two procedures that can help: the Fleur de Lis and the traditional tummy tuck. Which one is best? It depends on how much extra skin you have and what you want to look like post-op.

Patients with way too much loose skin should opt for the Fleur de Lis. But if there’s a moderate amount of slackness, a traditional tummy tuck may be sufficient. To figure out which operation would work better for you and ensure top-notch results, schedule a consult with a certified plastic surgeon and get the body of your dreams.

Before & after

Dr. LaBarbera

JAN 14, 2025