Fleur De Lis Tummy Tuck
Conveniently located to serve the areas of Lake Oswego, Portland, OR and Woodburn, OR
A Fleur de Lis tummy tuck, also known as a Fleur de Lis abdominoplasty, is a surgical cosmetic procedure that removes excess skin and fat around the waistline while tightening the abdominal muscles to create a more contoured appearance. It is similar to a traditional tummy tuck but involves an extra incision. Loose skin, excess fat, and weakened abdominal muscles can have a variety of causes, including significant weight loss, pregnancy, or simply as a result of the natural aging process. While diet and exercise can improve these symptoms, some people still struggle with excess skin, fat, and weakened abdominal muscles despite living a healthy lifestyle. If you are suffering from this issue, you can rest assured that there are treatment options available, such as the Fleur de Lis tummy tuck. Unlike traditional tummy tuck procedures, which do not always properly address contour deformities in weight loss patients, the Fleur de Lis tummy tuck utilizes an extra incision which allows for a safe, more comprehensive approach to redefining the abdomen area. (1)
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Before and After Photos
Dr. Quita Lopez and her team at Aesthetic Laser Center are the finest Oregon has to offer when it comes to cosmetic procedures, offering innovative treatment methods and consistently producing satisfactory results for their patients. If you have recently undergone a period of noticeable weight loss or are simply looking to redefine your abdomen area, Dr. Lopez can help you achieve your goals.
To schedule a personal consultation, contact our office or call to learn how you can transform your abdomen at one of our locations:
About Fleur de Lis Tummy Tuck Procedures
The Fleur de Lis tummy tuck, or Fleur de Lis abdominoplasty, is a unique version of the popular tummy tuck procedure and is designed to address excess skin and improve the contour of the abdomen, especially for patients following a period of noticeable weight loss. Unlike traditional tummy tuck methods, which typically involve one horizontal incision, this procedure involves an additional vertical incision. This dual-incision approach allows for the removal of excess skin in both the vertical and horizontal planes, making it an ideal choice for patients with extensive skin laxity. By using a unique incision pattern, the Fleur de Lis technique allows for more comprehensive results, creating a more contoured midsection.
This procedure largely appeals to individuals who have undergone significant weight loss, such as people coming off weight loss surgery. After a period of major weight loss, especially in a short period, a person’s skin elasticity is often unable to adapt to the body’s new, smaller proportions, leaving behind excess skin. The Fleur de Lis tummy tuck not only removes this excess tissue but also tightens the underlying abdominal muscles to create a more aesthetically pleasing appearance. The extra incision allows Dr. Lopez to be more precise with her abdominal muscle-tightening techniques.
Benefits
The Fleur de Lis tummy tuck offers numerous benefits that extend beyond having a more defined abdominal area. Patients often experience a significant improvement in their overall quality of life as a result of this transformative procedure. The benefits of a Fleur de Lis tummy tuck procedure can include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Smoother, flatter abdomen
- Enhanced self-confidence and body image
- Tighter abdominal muscles
The benefits of a Fleur de Lis tummy tuck are also mental. Having a smoother, more athletic midsection can improve your confidence and your quality of life. Contact our office to schedule an appointment at our Lake Oswego or Woodburn locations.
Ideal Candidates
Whether or not you are an ideal candidate for a Fleur de Lis tummy tuck depends on several factors. In general, candidates for a Fleur de Lis tummy tuck tend to be:
- Patients who have lost a significant amount of weight through bariatric surgery or diet and exercise
- Individuals with loose skin extending horizontally and vertically.
- Women whose abdominal contours have changed drastically after multiple pregnancies.
People seeking this procedure should be in good overall health and have realistic expectations about what they can achieve with this procedure. Patients should also be non-smokers or willing to quit smoking, as nicotine usage is associated with higher complication rates when performing the Fleur de Lis tummy tuck. (2) Ultimately, your eligibility for a Fleur de Lis tummy tuck procedure will be determined by Dr. Lopez during your consultation.
Personal Consultation
The first step toward achieving the abdomen you have been dreaming about is to schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Lopez. During this consultation, Dr. Lopez will take the time to get to know you, your medical history, and what your goals are with cosmetic procedures. She will assess your overall health and degree of excess skin to determine whether you are an ideal candidate for a Fleur de Lis tummy tuck or perhaps another procedure offered by Dr. Lopez and her staff. Once Dr. Lopez feels that she has enough information, she will create a personalized treatment plan designed to help you with your aesthetic goals.
While this consultation is largely intended for Dr. Lopez to gather the necessary information about her patients to ensure a successful treatment process, it is ultimately your consultation and is meant to be informative. This consultation serves as more of a personal one-on-one conversation with Dr. Lopez than a formal meeting. Your consultation will allow you to ask any questions or address any concerns you might have regarding cosmetic procedures. Dr. Lopez will provide detailed information about the procedure and the entire process leading up to and following it to ensure you have a clear understanding of what to expect and feel confident going in.
Contact our office to schedule an appointment at our Lake Oswego or Woodburn locations.
Preparation
The preparation process is an essential part of every smooth and successful Fleur de Lis tummy tuck procedure. Dr. Lopez will provide you with a detailed list of preoperative instructions based on your treatment plan. These guidelines often advise patients to quit using nicotine, refrain from using blood thinners, and avoid certain medications that might interfere with the procedure or healing process. Because this is a surgical procedure, you will need to make arrangements for transportation home following the procedure as well as postoperative care during the initial recovery phase.
Procedure
The Fleur de Lis tummy tuck is a comprehensive and individualized procedure, meaning the details of every procedure will look slightly different. In general, this procedure begins with the administration of general anesthesia to ensure patient comfort. Once the patient is deemed ready, Dr. Lopez will make a horizontal incision above the pubic area and a vertical incision along the midline of the abdomen. Following these incisions, she will remove excess skin and fat in both the vertical and horizontal planes, providing a more extensive correction than a traditional tummy tuck.
After removing the excess tissue, Dr. Lopez tightens the underlying abdominal muscles to create a firmer and more toned appearance. She carefully closes the incisions with sutures to minimize visible scarring. This procedure will vary depending on the patient and whether or not any additional treatments are performed, but most patients can expect their operation to last several hours.
Recovery
Like the preparation process, recovery from a Fleur de Lis tummy tuck will look different for each patient and ultimately requires careful adherence to instructions given to you by Dr. Lopez to ensure a successful recovery. Some patients might be asked to stay overnight for a few days before returning home. Most patients can expect to return to day-to-day activities within one to two weeks but refrain from engaging in strenuous activities for several weeks until otherwise notified by Dr. Lopez.
Bruising, swelling, and scarring are to be expected but will gradually fade with time. Dr. Lopez and her team will be there to guide you, assess your progress, and answer any questions you might have during the recovery process.
Results
Dr. Lopez and the Aesthetic Laser Center team are well-known for producing satisfactory results. Those who receive a Fleur de Lis tummy tuck from Dr. Lopez can expect to see a more defined abdomen and improved body proportions as they heal.
Cost of Fleur de Lis Tummy Tuck Procedures in Oregon
The cost of a Fleur de Lis tummy tuck varies depending on multiple factors, such as the extent of correction needed and whether additional procedures are performed. A detailed estimate of the cost of your procedure will be given during your consultation. Aesthetic Laser Center does offer financing options to those who qualify. Contact our office or call to learn more:
References
- Friedman T, Coon D, Michaels J, et al. Fleur-de-Lis Abdominoplasty: A Safe Alternative to Traditional Abdominoplasty for the Massive Weight Loss Patient. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 2010;125(5):1525-1535. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/prs.0b013e3181d6e7e0
- Bunting H, Lu KB, Shang Z, Kenkel J. Vertical Abdominoplasty Technique and the Impact of Preoperative Comorbidities on Outcomes. Aesthetic Surgery Journal Open Forum. 2020;3(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.1093/asjof/ojaa043