Fleur-de-Lis Tummy Tuck: What Makes It Different
Your surgeon said "fleur-de-lis," and you nodded like you knew what that meant. Now you're wondering why there's a scar going up your belly, not just across it, and why your recovery feels different from your friend's tummy tuck.
Oye, bonita (hey, pretty), let's break it down.
Fleur-de-lis tummy tuck: the quick answer
A fleur-de-lis tummy tuck uses two incisions: the usual one low across your hips, plus a vertical one up the middle of your belly. Together they look like an upside-down "T."
It's often used after major weight loss or multiple pregnancies, when there's extra skin side to side, not just top to bottom. It can give a tighter, more contoured waist, but it comes with a longer scar and a spot that needs extra attention: the place where the two incisions meet.
What makes recovery different
The T point, where the incisions meet near your pubic area, is the slowest to heal. Small openings there are common
More tightness across your whole belly, both up and down and side to side
More swelling at your sides and lower belly
Faja fit matters even more. Creases or folds can press on your vertical incision
Drains, often for a little longer
Paciencia, bonita: patience. Your belly is healing in two directions at once.
Your first weeks
Your recovery will look a lot like a regular tummy tuck, just with more to watch. Walk a little hunched at first, rest a lot, and follow your surgeon's drain and incision care exactly.
Here's your chisme for today: ask your surgeon about using a soft, flat foam or ab board over your vertical incision. Sin pena, no shame in asking. It can help your faja press evenly instead of creasing.
Swelling, lymph, and scars
What I tell my clients: gentle lymphatic drainage helps move swelling out of your belly and sides. I work around your incisions, never on them. Once everything is fully closed, gentle scar tissue release can help both scars soften and move more freely, including the T point.
When to call your surgeon
Ojo, watch out: call your surgeon if your T point or any part of your incision opens more, drains thick, yellow, or smelly fluid, turns dark or black, or if you have a fever, redness that's spreading, or swelling, pain, or warmth in one calf. Call 911 for chest pain or shortness of breath.
Want the full game plan?
My book walks you through tummy tuck recovery week by week.
If you're in Sacramento and recovering from a fleur-de-lis tummy tuck, I'd love to help you heal.
Not local? Reach out to me for a private consult over Zoom (small fee).
I'm a Certified Massage Therapist (CAMTC No. 39170), not a doctor. This post is for education, not medical advice. Always follow your surgeon's instructions. If you think you're having an emergency, call 911.
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