Fleur-de-lis Abdominoplasty

A fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty removes excess skin from the abdomen in two directions, from side to side as well as up and down. It adds a vertical incision to the standard horizontal one, which allows loose skin across the width of the abdomen to be removed. It is mainly used after major weight loss, where there is a large amount of loose skin in the upper abdomen that a standard abdominoplasty cannot fully address.

At your consultation, Dr Ricketts examines your abdomen and the pattern of your loose skin, assesses your muscles, and asks about your weight history and whether your weight is stable. Because this technique adds a vertical scar, she will explain honestly whether the amount of skin you have justifies it, or whether a standard abdominoplasty would be enough.

As well as the low horizontal incision used in a standard abdominoplasty, a vertical incision runs up the middle of the abdomen, above and below the umbilicus. Removing skin in both directions tightens the width of the abdomen as well as its length, which is often needed after major weight loss when skin has become loose from side to side. The muscles can be repaired at the same time where they have separated. The trade off is the additional vertical scar, which Dr Ricketts will discuss with you so you understand what it involves.

A fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty may suit you if you have a large amount of loose abdominal skin in particular above the umbilicus, and if your weight has been stable for a period and you are in reasonable general health. It is generally not the right choice for post-pregnancy looseness alone, which is usually treated with a standard abdominoplasty and its single horizontal scar. Good nutrition and a stable weight are important, because they affect healing, and people who have lost a large amount of weight can heal less predictably. Smoking increases the risk of healing problems, so stopping before and after surgery is necessary.

At your consultation, Dr Ricketts examines your abdomen and assesses your skin, fat and muscle, and asks about your weight history and future plans. She then explains whether a fleur-de-lis or a standard abdominoplasty suits you, the scars, the recovery and the risks, and how this procedure might fit into a wider body contouring plan. She gives you written information and time to consider your decision.

A fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty is performed under general anaesthetic, usually with a hospital stay of two nights. On the day Dr Ricketts marks the area beforehand, and the team looks after you from admission through to recovery. Drains are often used and removed before discharge. You will go home with waterproof dressings, a compression garment, and written instructions.

You will wear a compression garment, and you may have drains for a short period. In the first one to two weeks expect to stand and walk slightly bent forward, with discomfort, swelling and bruising, and you will need help at home, particularly with lifting.

Many people return to desk work at around three to four weeks, with longer for physical work. Gentle exercise such as walking can commence gradually, while intensive exercise, lifting and core activity are restricted for at least six weeks. The abdomen continues to settle over the following months, and the scars fade gradually over a year or more. Dr Ricketts will see you for reviews and guide you on activity. Healing varies between individuals, and the outcomes one person experiences do not necessarily reflect what another will experience.

Dr Sophie Ricketts is a specialist plastic surgeon based in Richmond, Melbourne, with a focused practice in body contouring surgery, including fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty. She is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS) and a member of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and the Australasian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS), the peak professional bodies for plastic surgery in Australia. You can also find her on RealSelf. Each of these listings is maintained by independent organisations and provides patients with a straightforward way to check the qualifications, training, and scope of practice of the listed providers before booking a consultation.