FDL Tummy Tuck

What is FDL Tummy Tuck?

A Fleur de Lis Tummy Tuck surgery is a Body Aesthetic Surgery that aims to create a better looking abdomen through the removal of excess loose skin. Fleur de Lis, FDL, procedure enhances the natural contours of the abdomen while also tightening the skin to give it a more toned and sculpted look.

Why is FDL Tummy Tuck performed?

Excess sagging skin in the abdomen can be due to aging, excess weight loss, and childbirth. Like the other Tummy Tuck surgeries, FDL Tummy Tuck surgery is a good option to remove the sagging skin on the abdomen. During this FDL surgery, some form of fat removal and muscle tightening may also take place if needed, but that is more in line with other Tummy Tuck variations. For large amounts of excess skin removal, this is the most effective option to flatten the abdomen and unlike other Tummy Tuck Variations, FDL Tummy Tuck addresses both the vertical and horizontal stretching that occurred and reforms a flat abdomen.

What are the conditions for FDL Tummy Tuck?

Conditions for a FDL Tummy Tuck surgery include:

• The patient should be eligible to undergo general anesthesia.
• The patient should have excess skin sagging and excess fatty tissue in the abdominal tissue, both on the lower and upper abdomen.
• Patient’s Body Mass Index, BMI, should be below 30.

What Are The Things To Be Considered Before FDL Tummy Tuck?

Before a FDL Tummy Tuck Surgery, the patient should:

• Be at the hospital a day before their surgery for the pre operative tests to be performed.
• Stop smoking and consuming alcohol at least 2 weeks before the surgery to alleviate the risk of a blood clot.
• Avoid medication containing aspirin or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) for two weeks before and after surgery. These medications may increase the risk of internal bleeding. Patients should confirm each medication and supplement they wish to take with their Patient Coordinator.
• Stop taking Multivitamin supplements 7 days prior to the surgery, and if it contains vitamin K should not be used for 30 days following the surgery.
• Stop taking oral contraceptives 30 days before the surgery.

Also, the patient's body will be examined and measured, and the surgeon might have photographs taken so that the patient can compare the appearance before and after the FDL Tummy Tuck surgery.

How is the FDL Tummy Tuck performed?

General anesthesia is administered at the beginning of the surgery. Two large incisions are made: one across the lower abdomen, extending from hip to hip, and the other extending upward going upward at the middle of the breastbone.

The excess abdominal skin and tissue are removed through the incisions, and the remaining skin is pulled and tightened into the center, downward to the pelvis. The stretched skin is held in place by sealing the incisions with sutures.

While the scarring from Fleur-De-Lis Tummy Tuck is more noticeable than other Tummy Tuck surgeries, it might be the only option to achieve a firm abdomen for patients who have lost extensive weight. For many patients, it is a worthwhile side effect in comparison to what the surgery achieves.

What are The Things To Be Considered After FDL Tummy Tuck?

After the procedure, the abdominal area will be covered with surgical dressings. In most cases, thin, small drain tubes might be placed around the incision area to prevent the accumulation of blood and other body fluids. The patients are recommended to:

• Wear an abdominal binder and garments that are provided after surgery for at least 6 weeks following surgery.
• Have a healthy diet as it will make the healing process faster.
• Take their prescribed medication as instructed by their doctor.
• Wear loose-fitting comfortable clothes.
• Avoid strenuous exercises, putting pressure on the lower abdomen, and walking with a straight back.
• Avoid hot baths.

What Are The Risks of FDL Tummy Tuck?

Like any major surgery, FDL Tummy Tuck surgery has certain risks associated with it. These risks include, but are not limited to:

• Fluid accumulation near the skin, Seroma
• Infection
• Swelling
• Poor wound healing
• Scarring
• Changes in skin sensation
• Adverse reaction to anesthesia