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What Is the Fleur-de-Lis Tummy Tuck Technique?

The fleur-de-lis body contouring technique is a specialized type of abdominoplasty that removes skin both horizontally and vertically. The incision resembles a fleur-de-lis pattern, allowing more extensive correction than a standard tummy tuck. It addresses:

  • Horizontal and vertical skin laxity
  • Significant abdominal folds after major weight loss
  • Discomfort from hanging skin and tissue
  • Irregular contours that clothing cannot hide
  • Flattened or stretched abdominal shape

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Choose Criswell & Criswell Plastic Surgery & Medspa for Fleur-de-Lis Tummy Tuck Surgery

Patients choose Criswell & Criswell Plastic Surgery & Medspa because of their reputation for ethical care, artistry, and medical excellence. Dr. Kara Criswell, Chair of Plastics at Novant Health, brings a unique perspective as one of the region’s few female plastic surgeons. Dr. Bryan Criswell complements this with more than 20 years of surgical expertise.

Together, their dual perspectives deliver balanced results tailored to each patient’s goals. An accredited private surgical center ensures safety, while RN injectors and master estheticians extend care through non-surgical treatments that help maintain long-term results. The practice is also known for taking on complex post-weight-loss cases that other surgeons may hesitate to attempt.

Dr. Bryan Criswell and his entire team at Criswell & Criswell Plastic Surgery & Medspa Plastic Surgery were absolutely amazing from start to finish. They were professional, kind, and incredibly thorough, answering all of my questions and making me feel completely comfortable leading up to the procedure. The surgery itself went smoothly, and the aftercare has been just as impressive. Dr. Criswell and his staff provided such thoughtful follow-up, and I’ve always felt supported and well-informed every step of the way.

A.H.

What are the Benefits of the Fleur-de-Lis Tummy Tuck Procedure?

The fleur-de-lis body contouring technique delivers benefits that extend beyond appearance. Patients often report improved comfort, confidence, and quality of life, finally feeling that their outward appearance matches their hard work. Key benefits include:

  • More dramatic reshaping than a standard tummy tuck
  • Removal of vertical and horizontal skin excess
  • Flatter, firmer abdominal profile
  • Improved clothing fit and comfort
  • Long-lasting results with stable weight
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About Candidacy

Ideal candidates are in good overall health, maintain a stable weight, and have significant skin laxity in both vertical and horizontal directions. Patients should be nonsmokers or willing to quit before surgery to support healing. A consultation at Criswell & Criswell Plastic Surgery & Medspa ensures candidacy is carefully evaluated, with attention to medical history, goals, and readiness for recovery. This personalized approach ensures safety and sets realistic expectations for outcomes.

What Happens During the Procedure

The consultation is the first step, allowing surgeons to design a customized plan that fits each patient’s goals. During surgery, precise steps are followed to create natural results and restore abdominal balance. Steps generally include:

  1. Administration of anesthesia for comfort

  2. Vertical and horizontal incisions in a fleur-de-lis pattern

  3. Removal of excess skin and fat from multiple directions

  4. Tightening of abdominal tissues to improve contour

  5. Closure of incisions with attention to minimizing scars

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Recovery and Long-Term Results

Recovery after a fleur-de-lis procedure usually requires two to three weeks off work. Compression garments help manage swelling, and light activity may resume after several weeks, with strenuous exercise postponed for six weeks or more.

Results improve gradually as swelling subsides, revealing a flatter, firmer abdominal area. Scars will remain but typically fade over time, and most patients find the benefits far outweigh the presence of scarring.

Types of Fleur-de-Lis Techniques

While the fleur-de-lis is a specialized approach, it may be adjusted depending on patient needs:

  • Full Fleur-de-Lis Abdominoplasty: Corrects both vertical and horizontal laxity extensively.

  • Modified Fleur-de-Lis: Uses shorter incisions for patients with less skin excess.

  • Combination Approach: May be paired with liposuction or other procedures for refined results.

Procedures That May Complement Fleur-de-Lis Tummy Tuck Surgery

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Frequently Asked Questions Fleur-de-Lis Tummy Tuck

How long does the fleur-de-lis surgery take?

The procedure generally takes three to five hours, depending on the extent of correction and whether it is combined with other procedures.

Are the scars more noticeable than a tummy tuck?

Yes, additional vertical scars are present, but they fade over time and are often outweighed by the dramatic contour improvements.

Is the procedure safe?

Yes, but like all surgery, risks include bleeding, infection, or delayed healing. Choosing board-certified surgeons reduces these risks significantly.

Will insurance cover this surgery?

Most cases are cosmetic, though coverage may be possible if excess skin causes medical issues such as rashes or hygiene difficulties.

Can this procedure be combined with liposuction?

Yes. Liposuction is often paired with fleur-de-lis to refine contours and remove stubborn fat deposits.

Schedule Your Consultation

If you’re ready to address significant abdominal skin laxity and restore a firmer, more balanced contour, reach out to Criswell & Criswell Plastic Surgery & Medspa today. Schedule your private consultation to learn more about the fleur-de-lis technique.

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