Plastic surgery restores form and function through reconstructive procedures, cosmetic enhancements, and body contouring.
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Scar management is paramount in Fleur de Lis abdominoplasty due to the extensive visible scarring. Once the incisions are fully closed and scabs have fallen off, patients begin a dedicated scar care regimen. Silicone therapy is the gold standard.
Silicone sheets or gels are applied daily to hydrate the scar tissue and regulate collagen production. This helps keep the scars flat and pale. Consistent application for at least 6 months is recommended to prevent hypertrophy (raised scars).
Mechanical massage is also beneficial. Patients are taught to massage the scars firmly to break up internal adhesions and soften the tissue. This improves the scar’s pliability and helps it blend with the surrounding skin.
Sun protection is critical. UV rays can permanently darken fresh scars (hyperpigmentation). Patients must keep the wounds covered or use high SPF sunscreen for the first year to ensure they fade to a skin tone color.
Compression garments are not just for the acute phase; they play a role in long-term maintenance. Patients typically transition from a surgical binder to a Stage 2 compression garment (faja) after a few weeks. This garment continues to shape the waist and control swelling.
Continued compression helps the skin adhere to the new contours and prevents fluid pockets from forming late in the recovery. Many patients find shapewear comfortable and choose to wear it for several months during workouts or daily activities.
The longevity of the FDL results is entirely dependent on weight maintenance. The surgery removes the excess skin and fat cells, but the remaining fat cells can still expand. Significant weight gain can stretch the skin again, obscuring the definition achieved.
Patients are encouraged to maintain a stable weight within 5 to 10 pounds. A healthy diet and regular exercise routine are essential. The surgery often serves as a motivation, as patients find it easier to exercise without the burden of the excess skin.
Patients must understand the timeline of tissue maturation. The abdomen will feel firm and look swollen for months. This “woody” feeling is normal edema and scar tissue formation. It takes time for the lymphatic system to re-establish new drainage pathways.
The final result, often called the “fluff and drop,” occurs when the tissues soften and settle into their natural position. This can take 6 to 12 months. Judging the result too early can lead to unnecessary anxiety about asymmetry or fullness that will resolve on its own.
Numbness in the central abdomen is expected. As the nerves regenerate, patients may experience itching, tingling, or quick “zaps” of sensation. This is a positive sign of healing known as reinnervation.
Sensory recovery typically moves from the outside in. While some sensation usually returns, it is common to have a patch of permanent numbness or reduced sensation just below the umbilicus. Patients adapt to this new normal over time.
Despite meticulous planning, minor revisions are sometimes necessary. “Dog ears,” or small puckers of skin at the ends of the incisions, can occur as swelling resolves. These can be easily corrected under local anesthesia in the office.
Scar revisions may also be performed if a section of the scar widens or thickens. Surgeons typically wait at least a year before performing any revisions to allow the tissues to mature fully. Knowing that these minor refinements are possible provides peace of mind.
Adjusting to the new body image is a psychological process. Patients have lived with excess skin for years, and its removal is a drastic change. It takes time for the brain to map the new physical boundaries of the body.
The presence of the vertical scar can also require adjustment. However, studies show that FDL patients consistently rate their satisfaction very high, prioritizing improved shape and clothing fit over scar visibility. The functional benefits often outweigh the aesthetic trade-offs.
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If you gain weight, the remaining fat cells in your abdomen will expand. This can stretch out the skin and the muscle repair. While the skin won’t grow back to its original state, you can lose the flat, tight contour you achieved.
Yes, many patients choose to cover the vertical scar with a decorative tattoo. You should wait at least one year until the scar is entirely white and flat before getting tattooed to ensure the ink takes evenly and the scar doesn’t change shape.
The feeling of intense tightness will fade as your body adjusts and the tissues soften. However, your core will always feel firmer and more supported than it did before. Most patients stop noticing the pulling sensation after a few months.
Lymphatic massage is highly recommended. It helps push the excess fluid out of the tissues, reducing swelling and preventing hard lumps (fibrosis) from forming. It also speeds up the softening of the abdomen.
A dog ear is a small cone of excess skin that can bunch up at the very ends of the horizontal incision on your hips. It happens when the length of the top incision doesn’t perfectly match the bottom. It is easily fixed with a minor procedure once you are healed.
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