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Fleur-de-lis Tummy Tuck Sarasota

Fleur-de-lis Tummy Tuck Sarasota

Tummy tucks are not a one-size-fits-all operation. Much like people, they come in all shapes and sizes. From the mini tummy tuck to the extended tummy tuck, there are various options that Dr. Sessa may recommend based on a patient’s body type. Among the most extensive tummy tuck often recommended to those who have undergone massive weight loss, is the fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty. Dr. Alberico Sessa at Sarasota Surgical Arts provides the best fleur-de-lis tummy tuck Sarasota offers.

Overview: What Is A Fleur-de-lis Tummy Tuck?

A fleur-de-lis tummy tuck is a form of abdominoplasty surgery that removes loose skin on both vertical and horizontal planes. To achieve this, it uses both the traditional hip-to-hip tummy tuck incision as well as a vertical incision up the abdomen to the waist. This may seem unnecessary. However, for people who have lost hundreds of pounds and have extra skin on both the lower and upper abdomen, the only way to get their ideal contour is via a fleur-de-lis tummy tuck.

Other than the shape of the incisions, a fleur-de-lis tummy tuck will look similar to a regular tummy tuck. It removes extra skin, stubborn fat, and tightens the abdominal muscles. The fleur-de-lis method is often considered the tummy tuck that provides the most dramatic results. Both men and women can successfully under a fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty.

Candidates

The best candidates for a Sarasota fleur-de-lis tummy tuck are people who have lost a massive amount of weight. In many cases, they have lax skin across the abdomen. A standard tummy tuck–while it may provide an improved result–may not provide the ideal result based on the patient’s goals.

Otherwise, patients should be in relatively good health and be adequately treating any major health conditions. A BMI under 40 is preferable. Dr. Sessa will want to know about your medical history to ensure you have an overall low or average risk. It is important that you can withstand the procedure and recover without major complications to your health or results.

Benefits

For qualified patients, a fleur-de-lis tummy tuck there are many benefits. While the major drawback of the procedure is the vertical incision, many find it worthwhile when considering the benefits. Among the advantages and benefits of a fleur-de-lis tummy tuck procedure include:

  • Removal of extra skin
  • Slimmer figure
  • More proportional body
  • Tightening of abdominal muscles and skin
  • Flatter tummy
  • Corrects on two planes
  • Wear better fitting clothes and go down multiple sizes
  • Exercising may be easier or more accessible
  • Improved hip-to-waist ratio
  • Outpatient procedure
  • Similar risk and recovery to a standard tummy tuck
  • Can improve back pain or incontinence issues caused by excess skin or weight

Fleur-de-lis vs. Standard Abdominoplasty

The traditional tummy tuck is the most commonly performed since it can address most people’s needs. Many candidates for a fleur-de-lis tummy tuck could get by with a standard tummy tuck if they do not desire a totally flat stomach. However, it is also important to know the differences between the two types of abdominoplasty. The table below discusses some of the differences between a fleur-de-lis and a standard tummy tuck.

Fleur-de-lisStandard
  • Vertical and horizontal incision
  • Removes extra skin on two planes
  • Corrects the waist area
  • Less commonly performed
  • Incisions not fully hidden with undergarments
  • Often recommended to people after bariatric surgery
  • Only horizontal incision
  • Removes extra skin on one plane
  • Limited correction to the waist
  • Most common tummy tuck
  • Incisions usually fully hidden with undergarments
  • Often recommended after pregnancy

Along with their differences, both types of tummy tuck may correct diastasis recti and tighten the abdominal muscles. They come with a similar recovery time frame and instructions. Dr. Sessa will examine your anatomy and recommend the type of tummy tuck he thinks will provide the best results based on your goals.

Before & After
A Tummy Tuck Before & After Photo by Dr. Alberico Sessa in Sarasota
Before & After
A Tummy Tuck Before & After Photo by Dr. Alberico Sessa in Sarasota

The Fleur-de-lis Tummy Tuck From Start To Finish

Consultation

The first step in your Sarasota tummy tuck journey is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Alberico Sessa. During your consultation at Sarasota Surgical Arts, he will ask about your aesthetic goals and medical history. This will help him determine the right tummy tuck technique for you. Following this, he will examine your abdomen where he can identify the amount of extra skin present, if you have diastasis recti, and how much correction you may need.

Once Dr. Sessa concludes that you are a good surgical candidate, he will determine if a fleur-de-lis tummy tuck is right for you. If it is, he will describe the procedure and what you can expect from your results. Before leaving the office, you will receive a personalized price quote and financing information.

Surgery

Your surgery will take place at Sarasota Surgical Arts’ Florida Board of Medicine accredited surgical suite. Once you arrive and change, you will undergo basic vitals and testing, and surgical markings with Dr. Sessa. A licensed anesthesia provider will then place you under general anesthesia.

Dr. Sessa will start the surgery with the traditional tummy tuck incision from hip to hip. He will then create the vertical incision up the body. The exact length of the vertical incision will depend on the amount of correction necessary. It can extend up to the edge of the chest or breasts.

Through these incisions, Dr. Sessa will then remove extra skin and fat. If diastasis recti is present, he will tighten the abdominal muscles. Occasionally, Dr. Sessa may also perform liposuction during a fleur-de-lis tummy tuck in Sarasota. Once he achieves the ideal contours, he will stitch the incisions and you will slowly begin to wake up.

Recovery

Following a fleur-de-lis tummy tuck, the recovery will look similar to a traditional abdominoplasty surgery. Though there are some slight differences, many of the instructions you receive will be the same. Among the post-operative instructions, you receive include:

  • Refrain from strenuous exercise for four to six weeks, some light exercise may begin at two to four weeks
  • Stay hunched over for a week to two weeks to reduce stress on the horizontal incision
  • Wear compression garments if recommended
  • Take prescribed medications as directed/needed
  • Attend all post-operative appointments
  • Do not go back to work until cleared by Dr. Sessa
  • Keep incisions dry
  • Avoid smoking and drinking during recovery

Dr. Sessa will provide you with individualized instructions based on your medical history and specific procedure. The recovery period is typically longer than that of a traditional tummy tuck.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WILL THE SCARS FADE?

Understandably, scarring is the biggest concern for many fleur-de-lis patients. Since they often want to show off their new abdomen, the vertical scar can get in the way of that. While healing varies widely based on a patient’s medical history, skin, age, and several other factors, surgical scars do fade with time.

Thankfully, the horizontal scar can easily be hidden underneath most undergarments and swimsuits. Additionally, patients still lose several sizes and can wear clothing that was once inaccessible to them. The vertical scar can be treated if it is not healing as the patient wants. Healthy patients with good skin quality tend to see their scars fade over time.

WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF A FLEUR-DE-LIS TUMMY TUCK?

All surgical procedures come with some degree of risk. A fleur-de-lis tummy tuck carries basic risks, but it may also be riskier for certain individuals. Dr. Sessa will evaluate your risk during a consultation. Some of the risks include:

  • Infection
  • Hematoma
  • Seroma
  • Unexpected or unsightly scarring
  • Nerve damage
  • Asymmetry
  • Unideal belly button healing or placement
  • Nerve damage
  • Necrosis
  • Reactions to anesthesia

Before recommended surgery for you, Dr. Sessa will ensure you have an overall low or average risk. He also takes precautions to minimize risks during and after surgery.

DOES A REGULAR TUMMY TUCK PROVIDE THE SAME RESULTS?

Most patients who are candidates for a fleur-de-lis tummy tuck could often benefit from a more traditional tummy tuck. However, a regular tummy tuck will only address some of the extra skin. Almost always there will be some skin leftover. If a patient is okay with some extra skin or not getting a flat stomach, then Dr. Sessa may perform a traditional tummy tuck.

WHY IS MY STOMACH NOT FLAT AFTER A TUMMY TUCK?

Following any tummy tuck surgery, a patient may notice that their stomach does not look totally flat. Normally, this is due to swelling. Swelling can persist for months after surgery, though visible or intense swelling should subside after one to three months. However, this is usually the culprit for why a patient’s stomach may not be totally flat after a tummy tuck.

HOW MUCH IS A FLEUR-DE-LIS TUMMY TUCK IN SARASOTA?

Since fleur-de-lis tummy tucks are highly customizable and different for each patient, the exact cost is best given following a consultation with Dr. Sessa. After he examines your anatomy and understands your goals, he can give an accurate estimate. You can view our starting prices for tummy tucks on our price list and also find financing information.

DOES A FLEUR-DE-LIS TUMMY TUCK REMOVE THE BELLY BUTTON?

In most cases, yes. Like with a standard or extended tummy tuck, the belly button is repositioned during surgery. However, due to the incision above the belly button, this is not always necessary. Dr. Sessa will discuss whether your belly button will be repositioned or not at your consultation.

The Best Sarasota Fleur-de-lis Tummy Tuck In Sarasota

Sarasota Surgical Arts is a luxury cosmetic surgery practice in Sarasota, Florida. With a facility located steps from Siesta Key Beach and unique amenities available, Sarasota Surgical Arts is the top choice for tummy tuck surgery in Florida. Along with tummy tucks, they also offer high-end breast augmentation, Brazilian butt lift, and facelift surgery.

Dr. Alberico Sessa is a cosmetic surgeon with over a decade of experience. He has performed hundreds of cosmetic procedures including those of the face, body, breasts, and extremities to help patients look and feel their best. As one of Florida’s foremost cosmetic surgeons, he performs the best fleur-de-lis tummy tuck Sarasota offers.

To learn more and schedule a consultation, call us at 941-923-1736. You can also reach out online using chat, contact form, or Price Simulator.