Fleur De Lis Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

The degree and extent of abdominal wall reconstruction required will dictate what form of abdominoplasty is best. When the amount of excess skin extends beyond the abdominal wall and to the sides, a standard abdominoplasty will not be able to address this excess. Therefore, an additional amount of excess skin along the midline must be removed to ‘pull the sides in’ and maximally contour the torso. The cost of this is more scarring, with an additional vertical scar that runs from the horizontal scar (standard abdominoplasty scar) up to the lower chest.

It is almost impossible to determine which type of Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) procedure would be best suited for your body type without an in-person consultation with Dr Dona. Typically, a Fleur De Lis Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) is best suited for patients that have undergone extensive weight loss and are experiencing a large amount of overhanging skin. During the initial consultation, Dr Dona will be able to assess your body and your outcomes from a Tummy Tuck procedure. From here, Dr Dona will be able to recommend to you which type of Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) procedure will be most suitable for you.

The Fleur De Lis procedure leaves an additional scar to the standard Tummy Tuck procedure. In addition to a small incision around the navel and a scar across the lower abdominal wall, there is a vertical scar that runs along the entire midline of the abdomen up to the lower chest.

Scars take approximately 12 – 24 months to mature. Initially, they will be red and raised. Over time, they become paler and flatter. You must avoid the sun during this maturation stage, as UV rays can darken and worsen the scar’s appearance.

Tummy Tuck scars never disappear entirely, although there are things you can do to minimise their appearance, such as having PRP treatment, LED light therapy, skin needling and using various creams.

Occasionally, a scar heals in a way that is not ideal. In these cases, revision surgery may be necessary; however, this should be recommended only as a last resort.

Your recovery after Fleur De Lis Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) will be quite similar to the recovery of a traditional tummy tuck. A Fleur De Lis Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) is a significantly more invasive procedure than a traditional Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty), due to the vertical incision and additional excess skin removal that is required for this type of abdominal wall reconstruction. During your initial consultation, Dr Dona will advise you of when you will be able to return to your normal routines after surgery.

However, all other aspect of your surgery, recovery and potential complications are as per a standard Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty).

Before being discharged from the hospital, you can take a quick shower with assistance from the nursing team.

The time required before you return to work will depend on many factors and the type of work you do. As an approximate guide, you can follow the instructions below:

• First 2 weeks: No driving for two weeks.
• After 2 weeks: You can sit at your home computer to perform work from home office activities.
• After 3 weeks: You can consider returning to work in an office environment.
• After 4 weeks: It may be possible to perform light hospitality work.
• After 6 weeks: You can attempt normal strenuous activities. However, expect to feel sore and not entirely ‘back to normal’. Be guided by your common sense and comfort during this time, and let your body determine your activities.

If your job involves strenuous lifting or straining, you must stay away for at least six weeks. Be prepared not to feel 100% for up to six months.

It’s essential to resume exercising after your Fleur De Lis Tummy Tuck, although you must be mindful that you’ve had major surgery and have considerable external wounds. Your muscles have also been tightened, and there is a significant internal stitching wound that must have time to heal.

Consequently, you should treat your wounds with care and give them adequate time to heal.

Respect your recovery process so as not to compromise your final results.

Below are a few guidelines for recommencing exercise after your Fleur De Lis Tummy Tuck.

The day after surgery: You’ll be encouraged to get on your feet and take small, careful steps around the room.

The first 2 weeks: Once at home, regularly get up and gently walk around the house.

After 2 weeks: You should be able to stand upright and increase your walking distance. Listen to your body, though and do NOT return to power walking or running.

The first 6 weeks: Avoid activities that strain or activate your core muscles.

After 6 weeks:

• You can slowly return to your regular exercise and gym activities. Recommence slowly, though, as your body will not be in the condition it was before surgery. Expect to experience some pain and discomfort while you exercise.
• You can ride a stationary exercise bike.
• Try some light jogging, starting slowly and gradually building up the distance until you feel normal.
• Start lifting light weights, slowly building up each week until you return to pre-surgery levels.

Consider the first six weeks as your recovery phase. After this period, you commence your rehabilitation phase, slowly improving weekly until you finally return to your usual self.

The cost of a Fleur De Lis Tummy Tuck varies, depending on several factors, such as:

Time – Some surgeries are more extensive and complicated. While one procedure may take two hours, another may take five.

Medicare Cover – If a Medicare item number applies to you, you will receive a small rebate from Medicare.

Private Health Insurance – If you have Private Health Insurance, and a Medicare item number is applicable for your surgery, your health fund may cover all your hospital fees.

Hospital stay – The number of nights required in hospital can significantly change the cost of your procedure. This is especially important if you do not have any Private Health Insurance or if it does not cover your hospital costs.

Additional surgeries – Are you having any other procedures while undergoing abdominoplasty?

The only way to determine the cost of your procedure is to have an Initial Consultation with Dr Dona. During this time, you can discuss your concerns and ask any questions. Dr Dona will then conduct a thorough physical examination and asses whether you are a good candidate for Fleur De Lis surgery. He and his team will then give you a surgical plan with all expenses itemised. Dr Dona will also explain your recovery process and any possible risks or complications to be aware of so you can make an informed decision.

If your procedure is to be performed for functional reasons, you may be entitled to a Medicare rebate, provided you meet specific criteria. Functional issues include diastasis recti, a fatty apron, skin rashes, hygiene issues and sweat rash.

An Initial Consultation with Dr Dona is the only way to determine your Medicare eligibility.