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When a Fleur De Lis Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) May Be Considered
A Fleur De Lis Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) may be considered by individuals who have a significant amount of excess skin and fatty tissue in the lower and mid abdominal areas along the lower flanks. It is often discussed with patients who have experienced substantial weight loss, resulting in loose or excess skin that exercise, diet and other lifestyle measures alone cannot address.
The main difference between a Standard Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) and a Fleur De Lis Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) is that the latter removes a larger amount of excess skin and tissue and involves a vertical incision along the midline of the abdomen in addition to the lower horizontal incision.
Each approach has distinct characteristics. A Standard Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) leaves a horizontal scar positioned low on the abdomen, while a Fleur De Lis Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) also results in a vertical scar that allows for additional skin removal and tightening through the central abdomen.
An in-person consultation with Dr Eddy Dona is required to determine which approach may be most appropriate based on individual anatomy and goals.
Your Initial Consultation with Dr Dona in Sydney
During your consultation, Dr Eddy Dona will assess your individual circumstances and give recommendations regarding potential surgical options, including whether a Fleur De Lis Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) may be appropriate. This appointment also provides an opportunity to discuss your medical background and specific concerns.
Topics typically include:
- Your areas of concern and desired outcomes
- Your medical history and any other previous surgeries, which may include weight loss surgery.
- An examination to determine which type of Abdominoplasty may be most appropriate based on your anatomy
If the procedure is considered suitable, Dr Dona will explain what the surgery involves, including the surgical plan, recovery process, potential risks and complications and associated costs.
The consultation is also an opportunity to ask questions and gain a clear understanding of the procedure before making any decisions.
Recovery & Your Post-operative Care Plan
Recovery following a Fleur De Lis Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) is generally similar to that of a Standard Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty). However, it can take longer due to the additional vertical incision and removal of more tissue.
Before your procedure, you will receive a tailored post-operative care plan to support safe and effective recovery. Care begins shortly after surgery with a series of in-clinic reviews with our nursing team, continuing for several weeks. These visits allow Dr Eddy Dona and the team to monitor healing, manage wound care and provide ongoing guidance throughout your recovery.
All patients participate in the HeaLED Program as part of their post-operative care. This program includes treatments and skincare designed to support tissue healing and assist in scar management.
Key elements of the HeaLED Program include:
- LED Light Therapy – Used to help manage swelling and inflammation during recovery, which may also assist with overall comfort.
- Rejuran Therapy – A polynucleotide-based treatment designed to support collagen production and skin repair.
- Medical-grade Skincare – Used to maintain skin health and help with scar care.
Microneedling may also be recommended as an additional option to assist with scar management, depending on individual healing progress.
Dr Eddy Dona is a highly experienced specialist plastic surgeon who has dedicated much of his profession to Fleur De Lis Tummy Tuck.
When considering Fleur De Lis Tummy Tuck, it’s vital you consider your options and do your research carefully. Not all surgeons are equal – or have the same level of expertise and experience.
Cosmetic Tattooing For Surgical Scars
For individuals who have undergone a Fleur De Lis Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty), cosmetic tattooing may be an option to help blend the appearance of surgical scars once healing is complete. This treatment can complement the outcomes of the post-operative care plan.
In most cases, a minimum of 12 months is recommended after surgery before considering scar tattooing. The aim of this procedure is to create a more uniform appearance of the skin in the treated area.
Weight Loss Medications & Surgery
If you are taking prescription weight-loss medication, such as a GLP-1 receptor agonist or a dual GLP-1/GIP agonist, it is crucial to inform Dr Dona and our team. Certain precautions may be recommended before surgery to help reduce potential risks related to anaesthesia.
Further details and guidance are available on our Weight Loss Medications and Surgery Information page, which outlines the steps to follow before your procedure.
Travelling From Out Of Town To Sydney?
Individuals from interstate or overseas often travel to see Dr Eddy Dona in Bella Vista, Sydney. To assist with planning, we provide an information page for patients travelling for surgery. It includes details about referrals, pre-surgery consultations, accommodation options, post-operative nursing support, and local transport.
For those undergoing a Fleur De Lis Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty), it is recommended to remain in Sydney for approximately three weeks after surgery. During this time, in-clinic appointments are scheduled regularly to support post-operative monitoring and care.
Home Care & Nursing Support
After returning home or to your accommodation following your hospital stay, you may experience limited mobility and will need to avoid certain activities during the early recovery period. Help with showering and other daily activities may be required during the first week or so following your procedure.
If support from family or friends is not available, external nursing or home-care services can be arranged. Patients with Private Health Insurance may have partial or full coverage for these services, depending on their policy. We recommend that you contact your health fund to confirm what assistance may be available.
Home Visits:
Care Next Door – Post-Operative After-Care
Care For Family – Post-Operative Care Services
Transport
Several nursing transport companies are available to take you from the hospital to our clinic for your appointments.
MediRide (T 02 9666 7930)
National Patient Transfer
Fleur De Lis Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Costs
Medicare Considerations for a Fleur De Lis Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
In Australia, some surgical procedures that are considered medically necessary and involve reconstructive surgery can attract a Medicare item number. Eligibility for an item number can only be confirmed during an in-person consultation with Dr Eddy Dona.
For individuals experiencing health or functional issues such as diastasis recti, chafing, skin irritation or difficulty wearing regular clothing, a Medicare item number may be applicable. The level of rebate or coverage depends on the specific Medicare schedule and any applicable Private Health Insurance arrangements.
Private Health Insurance and a Fleur De Lis Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
If a Medicare item number applies to your procedure, Private Health Insurance can sometimes be used in conjunction with it. The extent of cover depends on the individual policy and the health fund’s terms and conditions. In many cases, Private Health Insurance contributes toward hospital costs (minus any excess payable under your policy).
Some health funds may also provide reimbursement for post-operative support services such as external nursing or home care. It is advisable to contact your insurance provider once a Medicare item number has been confirmed to clarify your level of cover and any associated entitlements.
Potential Risks & Complications
Every surgical procedure carries potential risks and complications. It’s essential to be aware of these before making any decisions about surgery.
Find out more about the potential risks and complications related to surgery here >
Specific Risks & Complications Related To a Fleur De Lis Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
As this surgical procedure has very large wounds, the potential for wound issues is greater than with a standard Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty). In particular, the area at the bottom of the midline scar where it meets the horizontal scar has the greatest tension and the poorest blood supply. Therefore, it’s vital that patients are healthy, not elderly, overweight or diabetic and do not smoke.
The other specific potential complications for a Fleur De Lis (Abdominoplasty) are the same as a standard Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty), which you can read here>
