Fleur De Lis Abdominoplasty in Melbourne, Victoria by Dr Carmen

Dr Carmen Munteanu is a caring and experienced female specialist plastic surgeon who performs fleur de lis surgery for patients with significant amounts of excess abdominal skin.

Guide Excess Skin Reduction
Guide Excess Skin Reduction

Download Dr Carmen’s Guide to
Excess Skin Reduction

What is a Fleur De Lis Surgery?

Fleur de Lis surgery, also referred to as vertical abdominoplasty or corset lipectomy, is an abdominal procedure that may be considered for individuals who have experienced significant weight loss and are left with excess skin on both the upper and lower abdomen.

Unlike a traditional abdominoplasty, which primarily addresses excess skin in the lower stomach using a horizontal incision, Fleur de Lis surgery involves both a horizontal and a vertical incision. This approach allows for the removal of skin in two directions, making it more appropriate in cases where excess skin affects the middle and upper abdomen, as well as the lower abdomen and flanks.

The name “Fleur de Lis” is derived from the pattern made by the incisions, which resemble the three-lobed shape of the French symbol.

Fleur de Lis surgery may be considered when excess abdominal skin causes functional issues or interferes with daily activities, and where a standard/traditional abdominoplasty wont adequately address concerns. During your consultation, Dr Carmen will assess whether this procedure is a suitable option based on your anatomy, goals, and overall health.

Am I A Suitable Candidate For FDL Abdominoplasty Surgery?

Candidates for FDL or vertical abdominoplasty are people with excess tissue, especially after multiple pregnancies, significant weight loss due to gastric sleeve, gastric bypass or diet and exercise, but also those who suffer from excess upper stomach skin due to age or other abdominal surgeries.

Overall, you might make a suitable candidate for Fleur de Lis surgery if you:

  • Are in good general health and do not suffer from serious illnesses or medical conditions
  • Have achieved a stable weight and have a suitable BMI
  • Do not use medications that could jeopardise the procedure and recovery
  • Have realistic expectations of surgery
  • Are not a smoker, or you are a smoker who is willing to quit smoking well before surgery
  • Understand all the possible potential risks and complications of surgery
  • Suffer from significant excess skin on your upper and lower abdomen.

Potential Benefits of Fleur De Lis Surgery

Potential benefits may include:

  • Removal of Excess Skin: This procedure can address skin redundancy across both the vertical and horizontal planes of the abdomen.
  • Clothing Fit: Reducing excess skin may help clothing sit more comfortably on the body.
  • Relief from Skin Irritation: In some cases, excess skin can cause chafing or rashes, surgery can alleviate some of this discomfort.
  • Personal Hygiene: With fewer skin folds, some individuals may find it easier to maintain skin hygiene, particularly in previously hard-to-reach areas.
  • Increased Mobility and Comfort: Some individuals may experience increased physical comfort or ease of movement when redundant skin is removed.
  • Increased Motivation/Physical Activity: For certain individuals, removing excess skin may contribute to a more active lifestyle.
  • Tailored Surgical Approach: The Fleur de Lis technique allows for a more extensive adjustment compared to standard abdominoplasty in certain cases, especially when upper abdominal skin is also a concern.

Every individual is unique, and results will vary. Dr Carmen will assess your goals and overall health to determine whether Fleur de Lis surgery is appropriate for you.

Fleur De Lis Abdominoplasty Surgery Before And After Photos

Disclaimer: All before and after photos on this website feature actual patients who have undergone procedures performed by Dr. Carmen Munteanu, with their written consent for use. These images represent individual outcomes and may not reflect the results other patients will achieve. Factors such as genetics, overall health, and adherence to post-operative care can influence individual results. While these images provide a visual representation of potential results, they do not guarantee similar outcomes for all patients.

Visit the clinic to see the real patient photo gallery of Before and After Fleur de Lis surgery

The Fleur De Lis Surgical Procedure

Fleur de Lis surgery is a complex surgical procedure that focuses on removing excess abdominal skin both vertically and horizontally. It is performed in an accredited hospital under general anaesthetic. Although each procedure will be tailored to the individual, the steps are generally as follows;

The procedure begins with the administration of general anaesthetic. The abdominal area is then prepared and marked, highlighting where skin and tissue will be removed.

Dr Carmen will make two main incisions: one horizontal (similar to a traditional abdominoplasty) and a second vertical incision that extends from the lower abdomen up toward the chest. These incisions allow her to access and remove significant amounts of tissue located along the central zone of the anterior abdominal wall.

If abdominal muscle separation (diastasis recti) is present, Dr Carmen may also bring the abdominal muscles closer together using sutures to provide added support to the abdominal wall.

The remaining skin is then brought together and carefully sutured to reduce tension. In most cases, the belly button is also repositioned at this time.

The incisions are closed with layered sutures and dressings or bandages are applied. Small surgical drains may be placed to help prevent fluid accumulation during the early recovery phase.

Risks and Complications of Fleur De Lis Abdominoplasty Surgery

Like all surgical procedures, Fleur de Lis surgery carries risks and potential complications. Dr Carmen will discuss these with you in detail during your consultation to make sure you understand the possible outcomes and can make an informed decision. Some risks and complications may include:

  • Infection at the incision sites
  • Bleeding during or after surgery
  • Poor wound healing or delayed healing
  • Poor scarring, which may be more noticeable due to the vertical and horizontal incisions
  • Seroma (fluid accumulation under the skin)
  • Hematoma (collection of blood under the skin)
  • Asymmetry or uneven appearance
  • Numbness or changes in skin sensation in the treated area
  • Blood clots, such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
  • Anaesthetic risks, including reactions to medications
  • Revision surgery, which may be required in some cases

Each person’s response to surgery is unique. Dr Carmen will assess your health, discuss your goals, and advise whether this procedure is suitable for you. Following pre- and post-operative instructions carefully can help reduce the likelihood of complications.

Please visit the risks of surgery page for more information.

Recovery After FDL

Fleur de Lis surgery typically involves a longer recovery period than standard abdominoplasty due to the extent of skin and tissue removal and the incisions. Your care plan will include detailed post-operative instructions and scheduled follow-up appointments to monitor your healing.

Recovery varies between individuals and depends on the complexity of the procedure. You will experience discomfort, swelling, bruising, and redness in the initial days following surgery. These effects are expected and can be managed with medications prescribed by Dr Carmen, as well as by wearing the recommended compression garment.

Most patients need to stay in hospital for at least a few days after the procedure for monitoring. Once discharged, it is important to rest and follow all post-operative guidelines to support healing and reduce the risk of complications.

In most cases, light activities can be resumed after three weeks, with a return to work depending on the physicality of your job and your personal recovery rate. It is essential to avoid strenuous activities and exercise for at least 6 weeks, or as advised by Dr Carmen.

How much is Fleur De Lis Surgery in Melbourne? – Cost and Prices

The cost of Fleur de Lis (FDL) surgery in Melbourne can vary based on several factors, including the complexity of the procedure, the surgeon’s experience, hospital fees, and whether additional treatments like liposuction are involved. You will be given a price quote after your first consultation.

If you want to get more information about costs, payment methods, and options, you can visit our price guide.

Further Reading – Medical References

FAQs about FDL