Ageing, pregnancy, or rapid weight loss can all cause a buildup of excess skin around the stomach that is difficult to remedy. A tummy tuck is a surgical procedure that works to remove this loose skin to produce a flatter, more statically pleasing stomach. But you have different options of tummy tucks to choose from.

Many patients find they are unsure whether to opt for a Fleur de Lis tummy tuck or a traditional tummy tuck (regular tummy tuck) — both are extremely effective procedures for treating excess skin, but they employ slightly different techniques and have slightly different capabilities. This article explores the various differences between Fleur de Lis and regular tummy tucks in detail, so you can decide which procedure is right for you.

To enjoy the many transformative benefits of a tummy tuck, book a consultation with Dr. Omar Tillo, the CREO Clinic’s expert body contouring surgeon in London. Dr. Tillo has performed countless successful tummy tucks throughout his career, and his depth of experience will allow him to understand exactly what you need to achieve your unique body goals.

What is a Traditional Tummy Tuck?

Like most tummy tuck types, a traditional tummy tuck is performed under general anaesthetic. Once you are sedated, your surgeon makes an incision along the bikini line and around the navel, then removes any excess skin from your lower abdomen.

At this stage your surgeon tightens up the stomach muscles, addressing any bulging that may be symptomatic of diastasis recti, if necessary. Your belly button can also be repositioned so that it sits in a natural-looking position. Finally, your incisions are closed using dissolvable sutures.

What is a Fleur de Lis Tummy Tuck?

A more extensive procedure than a traditional abdominoplasty, a fleur-de-lis tummy tuck requires incisions from the rib cage down along the midline of the abdomen, as well as a single incision along the bikini line.

These incisions allow your surgeon to access the inelastic skin and remove it, tightening up the appearance of your abdomen. Just as with a traditional tummy tuck, muscle separation can be repaired. Your incisions are then sealed with dissolvable sutures.

How to Decide Which Tummy Tuck to Get?

Choosing between a Fleur de Lis and a traditional (regular) tummy tuck is an important decision, as each type of tummy tuck can address different concerns. The appropriate tummy tuck can create a considerable improvement in your quality of life. As such, it is worthy of careful consideration.

For example, a Fleur de Lis tummy tuck may be most appropriate for people with a high degree of vertical and horizontal skin laxity, whereas a traditional tummy tuck can be most effective at dealing with horizontal laxity.

One of the best ways to decide which tummy tuck is right for you is to speak with an experienced surgeon to understand your needs and to match them up with the appropriate tummy tuck procedure. A responsible surgeon should not perform a Fleur de Lis tummy tuck if you require a traditional tummy tuck, or vice versa. It is always best to follow the recommendations of your surgeon regarding your clinical needs.

A knowledgeable tummy tuck surgeon will also be able to answer any questions you may have beforehand and decide which treatments are best suited to addressing your concerns.

Pros and Cons of a Fleur de Lis Tummy Tuck

Pros

Removes large amounts of excess skin – A Fleur de Lis tummy tuck is capable of removing significant quantities of inelastic skin.
Treats vertical skin laxity – The procedure can remove large quantities of excess skin that hangs vertically, i.e. from your upper abdomen downwards.
Makes dramatic aesthetic changes – The dramatic improvements the procedure can make can be transformative for the appearance of your stomach.
Repairs stomach muscle separation – If you are experiencing the discomfort caused by muscle separation, a Fleur de Lis tummy tuck can bring together the separated stomach muscle and reinforce the strength of your core.

Cons

More extensive scars – Due to the increased complexity of the Fleur de Lis tummy tuck surgery, you are likely to experience more extensive scarring than is the case for a mini tummy tuck or traditional tummy tuck.
Slightly longer surgery – A Fleur de Lis tummy tuck is more extensive and this can mean an hour longer surgery period than a traditional tummy tuck.
More expensive – As a longer, more complex procedure, a Fleur de Lis tummy tuck costs more than its traditional counterpart.

Summary of Differences Between FDL and Regular Tummy Tuck

	Fleur de Lis Tummy Tuck	Regular Tummy Tuck
Results	Removal of extreme vertical skin excess, flatter and tighter stomach, muscle repair if needed	Removal of moderate to severe excess skin, muscle repair if necessary
Ideal candidate	For patients with significant excess skin after extreme weight loss	For patients with moderate-to-severe skin laxity
Anaesthetic	General	General/Sedation (for milder cases)
Scarring	Entire bikini line and along midline of abdomen from ribcage	Along bikini line and around belly button
Full recovery	Up to 8 weeks	Up to 8 weeks
Longevity	Permanent	Permanent
Cost in London	From £17,900	From £9,900

Not Sure Which to Get? Contact CREO Clinic

To enjoy the full benefits of either a Fleur de Lis or traditional tummy tuck, book a consultation with Dr. Omar Tillo, the CREO Clinic’s double board certified cosmetic surgeon in London.

Dr. Tillo is a skilled and highly experienced body contouring expert who will create a personalised treatment plan designed specifically to help resolve your aesthetic concerns. He will work tirelessly to ensure you see transformative changes to your physique, sculpting a flatter, more contoured stomach.