- (972) 378-3870
- 5880 Ashmill Drive, Ste 200
Fleur-De-Lis Tummy Tuck
Fleur-de-Lis Tummy Tuck (FDL) in Plano: Contouring After 100+ Pound Weight Loss
Achieving massive weight loss is a monumental success. However, the resulting excess skin can feel like a frustrating reminder of the past. For many in Plano and Dallas who have lost over 100 pounds, a standard tummy tuck falls short. It cannot address the severe vertical and horizontal skin laxity that wraps around the entire torso. The Fleur-de-Lis tummy tuck, often called an FDL tummy tuck, is the specialized fleur de lis surgery designed for this exact challenge. At Renaissance Plastic Surgery, Dr. Jeff Angobaldo utilizes this advanced technique to remove a comprehensive section of tissue, dramatically narrowing the waist and creating a proportional, natural contour that finally reflects your incredible achievement.
Contact US
Is a Fleur-de-lis right for me?
What is a Fleur-de-Lis Tummy Tuck (FDL Abdominoplasty)?
A Fleur-de-Lis tummy tuck is an advanced post-bariatric body contouring procedure. While a traditional abdominoplasty removes skin primarily in a horizontal direction, an FDL abdominoplasty adds a vertical incision. This unique two-directional approach allows Dr. Angobaldo to remove a pie-shaped section of skin and fat from the central abdomen. The resulting scar pattern, once healed, resembles the namesake lily flower or an inverted T. This design is not merely about scars; it is the key to eliminating the “apron” of skin and achieving meaningful waistline narrowing that a standard procedure cannot provide.
Who Needs a Fleur-de-Lis Tummy Tuck After Massive Weight Loss?
This fleur de lis surgery is specifically designed for patients who have undergone significant weight loss, typically through bariatric surgery or extreme lifestyle changes, and are left with:
Circumferential skin excess that creates a wide, boxy torso.
Severe skin laxity both above and below the navel.
Weakened or separated abdominal muscles.
Existing midline abdominal scars from previous surgeries.
For these individuals, a traditional tummy tuck in Plano is inadequate. The FDL tummy tuck is necessary to correct the full extent of skin redundancy.
Who is the Ideal Candidate for FDL Surgery?
The ideal candidate for a Fleur-de-Lis abdominoplasty is:
A person who has maintained a stable weight for at least 6-12 months after massive weight loss (often 100+ lbs).
In good general health, a non-smoker, with realistic expectations about surgical outcomes and scarring.
Bothered by hanging, redundant skin across the entire abdomen and waistline.
Prepared for a more extensive recovery than a standard tummy tuck in exchange for dramatic contour improvement.
Understanding that the trade-off for maximal contouring is more visible scarring, which is strategically placed to be concealed under most clothing.
What is Included in a Fleur-de-Lis Abdominoplasty Procedure?
Dr. Angobaldo’s Fleur-de-Lis technique is a comprehensive operation that addresses all aspects of the post-massive weight loss torso. This fleur de lis surgery typically includes:
Dual-Incision Approach: Precise removal of a central ellipse of tissue via horizontal and vertical incisions.
Comprehensive Muscle Repair: Suturing of the separated abdominal muscles from the rib cage to the pubic bone to restore core strength and create a flat abdominal wall.
Umbilical Repositioning: The navel is moved to a natural, aesthetic position on the newly contoured abdomen.
Significant Waist Narrowing: By pulling tissue from the sides, the procedure dramatically enhances waist definition.
Combination with Other Procedures: It is often performed as the central component of a circumferential lower body lift to address the back, flanks, and buttocks in one surgery.
What to Expect from Your FDL Tummy Tuck Results
Patients can expect a profound transformation that standard procedures cannot achieve. The goals of this FDL abdominoplasty are to:
Completely eliminate the hanging “apron” of abdominal skin.
Create a flatter, smoother abdominal profile with restored muscle tone.
Narrow the waist and reduce the boxy torso appearance for an hourglass or athletic shape.
Improve physical comfort and hygiene by removing irritating skin folds.
Enhance the fit of clothing and significantly boost self-confidence.
While scars are more extensive, they are the pathway to this dramatic change. With Dr. Angobaldo’s surgical precision and proper aftercare, they will fade substantially over 12-18 months.
Fleur-de-Lis Tummy Tuck Recovery and Aftercare
ecovery from this extensive body contouring surgery requires a dedicated plan. Patients should anticipate:
Hospital Stay: A short inpatient stay for monitoring and pain management is common.
Initial Recovery: 2-3 weeks before returning to very light, desk-based activities. Surgical drains are typically used for 1-2 weeks.
Activity Restrictions: A walking regimen begins immediately, but bending, lifting, and strenuous activity are restricted for 6-8 weeks. A medical-grade compression garment is worn for several weeks.
Long-Term Healing: Full recovery and the final settled results can take 6-12 months. Dr. Angobaldo provides detailed, personalized instructions for every phase.
The Benefits of a Fleur-de-Lis Abdominoplasty
This specialized procedure offers transformative benefits for the right candidate:
Maximal Skin Removal: Addresses excess skin in two dimensions for a result unattainable with a standard tuck.
Enhanced Waist Definition: Actively contours and narrows the waistline.
Improved Core Function: Repair of muscle separation restores abdominal wall strength.
Comprehensive Solution: Can be seamlessly integrated into a lower body lift for full torso rejuvenation.
Safety with Previous Scars: The design can safely incorporate and improve old abdominal scars.
Why Choose Dr. Plano for Your FDL Tummy Tuck?
Undergoing a Fleur-de-Lis tummy tuck requires a surgeon with specific expertise in post-bariatric anatomy. Dr. Angobaldo is a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon with extensive experience in post-bariatric body contouring. His surgical approach is tailored to the unique challenges of the massive weight loss patient, prioritizing safety, functional restoration, and aesthetic excellence. He understands the profound journey you’ve completed and is dedicated to helping you achieve a final result that matches your effort and dedication.
Schedule Your Initial Consultation
for an FDL Abdominoplasty Today
Ready to reclaim your confidence even more after your weight loss? Contact Renaissance Plastic Surgery today to schedule your one-on-one Fleur-de-lis Abdominoplasty consultation with Dr. Plano in Plano, TX, and start your transformative journey.
Contact UsGET IN TOUCH WITH US
Phone Number
Fax: Number
(972) 378-7977
MESSAGE US
Flexible Financing to Fit Your Budget
We understand that flexibility in payment is important. That’s why we’ve partnered with top-tier financing services to offer solutions that fit your budget. Below, you’ll find a list of our trusted partners, each with a brief description to help you choose the best option.
Frequently Asked Questions: Fleur-de-Lis (FDL) Tummy Tuck
The key difference is the pattern of skin removal. A traditional tummy tuck removes skin horizontally. The Fleur-de-Lis tummy tuck (or FDL abdominoplasty) removes skin both horizontally and vertically. This is essential for correcting the circumferential laxity that occurs after massive weight loss, allowing for significantly more waist narrowing. Learn more about our tummy tuck options in Plano.
They are related but distinct. An FDL tummy tuck focuses on the front of the abdomen and waist. A lower body lift addresses the abdomen, flanks, back, and buttocks circumferentially. Often, the Fleur-de-Lis technique is used as the anterior component of a full lower body lift.
The scars form an inverted T pattern. While more extensive than a standard tummy tuck scar, Dr. Angobaldo places them strategically so they are concealed beneath most underwear, bikini bottoms, and clothing. Using precise closure techniques, he optimizes the scars for the best possible healing and fading over time.
Yes. The determining factor is not the method of weight loss, but the resulting amount and pattern of excess skin. Patients who have lost a massive amount of weight through diet and exercise and have the described skin laxity can be excellent candidates for an FDL tummy tuck.
The cost is tailored to the individual surgical plan, which may include muscle repair, liposuction, or combination with other procedures. During your one-on-one consultation, Dr. Angobaldo will provide a detailed quote after assessing your specific needs. We offer financing options to help make this transformative surgery accessible.
This is a crucial consideration. The fat cells removed during your Fleur-de-Lis surgery are gone permanently. However, significant weight gain can stretch your remaining skin and abdominal wall, potentially diminishing your contoured results. More commonly, new fat will be stored in other untreated areas of the body. Maintaining a stable weight through a healthy lifestyle is the best way to protect your surgical investment for the long term.
Recovery from an FDL abdominoplasty is more involved. Because more tissue is removed and the muscle repair is more extensive, patients can expect a longer initial recovery period and more discomfort in the first week, which is well-managed with medication. The need for drains and a longer wearing period for the compression garment also contribute to a more meticulous recovery process. Dr. Angobaldo prepares patients for this thoroughly, ensuring they have the support and resources needed.
The primary added consideration is the longer scar and the confluence of incisions (where the horizontal and vertical scars meet). This “T-junction” has a slightly higher risk of delayed healing or minor separation, which is why precise surgical technique and strict adherence to post-operative instructions are paramount. Dr. Angobaldo’s experience with this specific fleur de lis surgery directly informs his technique to minimize these risks.
Yes, it is very common to combine procedures for comprehensive body contouring. The FDL tummy tuck is frequently performed simultaneously with a lower body lift, breast surgery, or an arm lift. This combined approach is carefully planned based on your overall health and the anticipated surgical time, allowing you to recover from multiple areas in one period. We can discuss safe combination options during your consultation.
If you have achieved massive weight loss and are struggling with extensive abdominal skin, a Fleur-de-Lis (FDL) tummy tuck may be the definitive solution. Contact Renaissance Plastic Surgery today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Jeff Angobaldo. Discuss your goals and determine if this advanced post-bariatric body contouring procedure is right for you. Book your appointment online or call our Plano office to begin your journey to a fully transformed body.
