FLEUR DE LIS TUMMY TUCK
Procedures
Shreveport Fleur De Lis Tummy Tuck
What is a Fleur De Lis Tummy Tuck?
A fleur de lis tummy tuck, also known as a fleur de lis abdominoplasty, is designed to remove the excess skin from the patient’s entire midsection.
The fleur de lis tummy tuck is similar to the traditional tummy tuck in that it begins with our board certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Forrest Wall, making a horizontal incision, as well as a vertical incision that runs in the middle of the patient’s abdomen. This “fleur de lis technique” allows Dr. Wall to have better access to the patient’s abdominal muscles. It also provides the opportunity to remove more excess skin.
The term “fleur de lis” translates in French to “the lily flower” and is still a well-recognized French symbol in New Orleans culture. So, the procedure’s name is derived from the fleur de lis symbol, as it describes the incision pattern once the incisions have been partially closed.
The fleur de lis abdominoplasty is similar to the extended tummy tuck procedure in that Dr. Wall is able to remove a large amount of loose skin. The difference between the two procedures, however, is that the extended tummy tuck technique typically addresses the skin laxity that spans to the flanks. In contrast, the fleur de lis technique focuses on removing larger amounts of loose skin in the center of the stomach, just over the abdominal muscles.
This specific tummy tuck procedure allows our massive weight loss patients to be able to reveal their smaller waistlines that were once hidden by large amounts of excess skin.
Benefits of The Fleur De Lis Tummy Tuck
The goal of the fleur de lis abdominoplasty procedure is to create a tighter appearance in the midsection.
Here’s what you can also expect from the fleur de lis procedure:
- more self confidence
- eliminated stretch marks
- improved mobility with less stress on the back
- better posture
- increased clothing options
- enhanced body symmetry
Who is a Good Candidate for the Fleur De Lis Abdominoplasty?
Men and women who have achieved significant weight loss but who still have a large amount of excess skin are considered an ideal candidate for a fleur de lis abdominoplasty. This body contouring procedure is meant for those who have lost the excess fat but still have so much skin in their upper abdomen area that it hides their true shape.
The most ideal candidates for this surgical procedure include:
- patients who have reached a healthy weight
- women who are not planning to get pregnant
- patients who live a healthy lifestyle
- nonsmokers or those who are willing to temporarily stop smoking
- patients who prefer more body contouring over the scar visibility
- patients who are in generally good health and can undergo general anesthesia
- patients with realistic goals
It’s important to understand that the fleur de lis abdominoplasty is not meant to be a substitute for weight loss, as it is not a weight loss surgery. Patients who are still in the process of losing weight should come back once they’ve achieved their goal weight.
The Fleur De Lis Tummy Tuck Procedure Process
Many of our patients who are interested in the fleur de lis tummy tuck want to know exactly what the process will look like, start to finish.
Personal Consultation with a Shreveport Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Forrest Wall is an award-winning, board certified plastic surgeon. He offers his plastic surgery patients beautiful results using the most recent techniques and state-of-the-art technology.
A personal consultation with our physician allows our team to learn about your aesthetic goals. We want to understand what you’re looking to gain from any procedure we perform.
After we’ve talked about your dramatic weight loss journey and your aesthetic goals, we’ll examine your abdomen, as well as your skin laxity. Doing so allows our staff to create a personalized treatment plan and estimate your recovery time after the tummy tuck procedure.
Once we’ve developed your personal treatment plan, we’ll walk you through the steps of the tummy tuck procedure. We’ll explain how the skin removal will help you achieve the sleeker profile you’ve been wanting, while still remembering your personal circumstances and physical anatomy.
Lastly, we’ll go over how you should prepare for the treatment.
Before the Fleur De Lis Tummy Tuck Procedure
After your initial consultation, you’ll receive a list of instructions that you’ll need to complete before your tummy tuck procedure.
All of our patients are asked to:
- Change their medicine intake: We advise patients to avoid certain medications, such as aspirin, herbal supplements, and anti-inflammatory drugs, because these medicines are known to increase bleeding. We may also ask some patients to temporarily pause immunosuppressants. In either case, we’ll work with your primary care physician to ensure your safety.
- Stop smoking: Since tobacco is known to constrict blood flow and prolong the healing process, we advise patients to discontinue tobacco use a few weeks prior to their fleur de lis tummy tuck.
- Plan for transportation: Patients will need to arrange for a ride after their skin reduction surgery, as the continued effects of anesthesia will make it unsafe for you to drive.
- Maintain a stable weight: Anyone who wishes to undergo skin reduction surgery must be willing to commit to a healthy lifestyle in order to maintain their desired results.
- Find a caregiver: Patients will need to have a dedicated caregiver for the first 48 hours after their surgery. They will also need to have a little help a few days after, as well. Your caregiver should be able to help administer medication, monitor your recovery process, and be able to communicate with our office.
- Prepare for after surgery recovery: Dr. Wall will release you to return back to your normal activity 6 weeks after your fleur de lis surgery. Before then, you shouldn’t lift anything over 5 pounds. This is a huge consideration for moms of small children or those with physically demanding occupations.
The Fleur De Lis Abdominoplasty Procedure
The fleur de lis tummy tuck is performed under general anesthesia, meaning that you won’t be awake for any of the skin removal.
Dr. Wall will begin the surgery by making two incisions that reach the deep fascia. The first incision is made horizontally near your pubic area, extending from hip to hip, while the additional incision is made vertically near the middle of your abdominal area, extending just below the horizontal incision.
Then, Dr. Wall will remove a portion of the tissue from each side of the vertical incision to help narrow your waistline and lower abdomen area. He will then excise the excess skin surrounding the horizontal incision.
Once he’s removed all of the necessary tissue, he will rejoin the remaining skin and tighten it from the hip bone up, using monofilament and dissolvable sutures.
The entire process takes anywhere from 3 to 6 hours.
Fleur De Lis Tummy Tuck Recovery
Dr. Wall will give you a compression garment to wear for several weeks to better maintain your results. He will also place surgical drains in the treated area to prevent an excess of blood and fluid during the initial phase of your functional recovery.
Patients may notice discoloration, mild bruising, and discomfort for the first several days following the surgery but should dissipate with the prescribed pain medications. After two weeks, patients may return to sedentary work.
Fleur De Lis Surgery Results
While patients are instructed to wear a compression garment for several weeks, many notice a more taut, leaner body with a significant amount of skin removed immediately following the surgery. But, the best is yet to come! After the swelling and bruising subsides, the actual results should start to show. When Dr. Wall is able to remove skin that’s no longer needed, his patients show more visible abs and an overall enhanced appearance. These results will last for decades when paired with a healthy diet and active lifestyle.
Corresponding and Complementary Plastic Surgery Procedures
In addition to fleur de lis surgery, Dr. Forrest Wall provides an array of corresponding and complementary procedures. We can discuss the following during your initial consultation:
Our office accepts Care Credit and works with various insurance providers for procedures that are covered under your insurance policy.
