Mr Christopher West, plastic surgeon Book a consultation
Mr Christopher West in blue scrubs and a red theatre cap in an operating theatre.

Fleur de lys abdominoplasty

A tummy tuck with a vertical scar, so the skin tightens in both directions.

The operation

There are lots of different types of abdominoplasty (tummy tuck). Each is designed to address different aspects of excess tissue.

A fleur de lys abdominoplasty is an extension of the standard abdominoplasty. In addition to the horizontal scar that runs from hip to hip, there is an additional vertical scar up the centre of the tummy. This allows skin tightening in both vertical and horizontal directions. It is especially useful in patients who have lost significant amounts of weight.

As with a standard abdominoplasty, it often involves tightening of the tummy muscles to create a flatter, tighter tummy. For people who have excess fat around the flanks and back, it can be combined with liposuction or extended round the back as part of a body lift.

In theatre
3 to 4 hours
Anaesthetic
General
Downtime
3 weeks
Exercise
4 to 6 weeks
Price
From £9,995
Suited to
Excess skin and fat in the tummy in both vertical and horizontal directions or bulging due to muscle weakness.
How it works
Excess skin and fat are removed and the tummy muscles are tightened.
The result
Improvements in the shape and contour of the abdomen.
The procedure room at the clinic, the couch under the operating light.

Step by step

From the first consultation to your recovery.

  1. Your consultation

    Book a consultation online or call the team. Consultations are in York and Leeds, with virtual consultations for patients travelling from further afield.

  2. The day of surgery

    You will meet the consultant anaesthetist, who will discuss the anaesthetic with you.

    Mr West marks the planned incisions and the tissue to be removed. Excess skin and fat are removed and the tummy button is sutured to its new location. The skin is closed with hidden dissolvable sutures. Dressings are placed over the scars and a post-surgical compression garment is put on.

  3. Recovery

    Following surgery you will be transferred to the recovery area and looked after by our dedicated recovery team. We will make sure all aftercare is explained and follow-up appointments are arranged before you leave.

What patients say

Reviews from Mr West's Google profile, published as written.

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Frequently asked questions

The questions patients ask most often. Anything specific to one patient is covered at the consultation.

What is the difference between an abdominoplasty and a fleur de lys abdominoplasty?

In an abdominoplasty, the main scar runs across the lower abdomen from hip to hip. This allows excess vertical tissue to be removed (the type that hangs down over your waist). In a fleur de lys tummy tuck there is also a vertical scar that runs up the middle of the tummy from the lower scar to the top of the abdomen. This allows excess vertical and horizontal (side to side) tissue to be removed too.

What are the follow-up or aftercare procedures?

Wounds are checked 7 to 10 days after surgery and scar massage begins after 2 weeks. A further review appointment is usually made 4 to 6 weeks after surgery.

Will I have drains?

In most cases Mr West does not use drains.

When can I start playing sports again?

Light activity is fine after 2 weeks. Vigorous exercise should be avoided for at least 4 to 6 weeks.

When can I shower?

You can shower the day after surgery. Dressings are showerproof and should be dabbed dry.

Book a consultation

A consultation with Mr West covers the anatomy, what surgery can realistically achieve and the risks involved. A fixed written quote follows afterwards.

Surgery is only planned after this assessment, with time to reflect before any decision. Virtual consultations are available for patients travelling from further afield.

A patient is welcomed at the reception desk of the Coppergate Clinic in York.