Fleur De Lis Abdominoplasty Surgery With Dr Hertess On the Gold Coast

Dr Isolde Hertess offers Fleur De Lis abdominoplasty for suitable patients on the Gold Coast. Planning is based on your anatomy, your health, and what can be done safely, with clear information about scars, recovery, and risks.

What Is Fleur De Lis Abdominoplasty?

A standard abdominoplasty mainly removes excess skin and tissue across the lower abdomen using a low horizontal incision. Fleur De Lis abdominoplasty uses two incision lines:

• A low horizontal incision across the lower abdomen
• A vertical incision in the midline of the abdomen

Together, these form an inverted “T” shape. The name “Fleur De Lis” is used because the pattern allows removal of extra skin in two directions, which can be important when there is excess skin both across the waistline and through the centre of the abdomen.

In many cases, Fleur De Lis abdominoplasty may also include abdominal wall tightening when this is clinically appropriate, especially if there has been stretching or separation of the abdominal wall after pregnancy or weight change.

Who May Consider Fleur De Lis Abdominoplasty?

Fleur De Lis abdominoplasty may be considered when excess skin is not limited to the lower abdomen. It is more commonly discussed when:

• There is skin laxity across the lower abdomen and through the central abdomen
• There is a noticeable skin fold or laxity that runs vertically through the mid-abdomen
• Skin laxity remains after significant weight loss
• A standard abdominoplasty is unlikely to address the amount and pattern of skin excess

Suitability depends on your anatomy, health, and the amount of excess skin involved. A full assessment is important because this procedure involves a larger incision pattern and a larger area of healing than some other abdominal procedures.

Planning Fleur De Lis Abdominoplasty With Dr Isolde Hertess

Planning focuses on safety, scar placement, and setting realistic expectations about what the procedure involves. Dr Isolde Hertess will assess your abdominal skin distribution, tissue thickness, previous scars, and the position of the umbilicus (belly button). This helps clarify whether Fleur De Lis abdominoplasty is appropriate or whether another approach is more suitable.

Scar Pattern and Scarring

Fleur De Lis abdominoplasty involves a low horizontal scar across the lower abdomen and a vertical scar through the centre of the abdomen. Scars can remain visible, and scar appearance varies between patients, so it is important to understand the scar locations before you decide.

Umbilicus Position

The belly button is repositioned as part of the procedure. The exact approach depends on how much skin is removed and the surgical plan. There will usually be a scar around the belly button if repositioning is performed.

Abdominal Wall Tightening

If abdominal wall tightening is included, it is explained in clear terms so you understand what it may change and what it may not change. Tightening can change abdominal support and shape in some patients, but results vary, and future skin changes can still occur.

Previous Abdominal Surgery

Previous abdominal surgery can affect planning, especially if there are scars that may affect the blood supply to the skin. However, it does not automatically prevent Fleur De Lis abdominoplasty, but careful patient assessment and a clear discussion of risks are important.

Health Factors That Affect Healing

Smoking or vaping can delay the wound healing process. Certain medical conditions, medications, and nutritional factors can also affect healing. These details matter because Fleur De Lis abdominoplasty involves a larger area of wound healing.

During your consultation on the Gold Coast, Dr Hertess will discuss Fleur De Lis abdominoplasty in a way that suits your circumstances, including what to expect during recovery and the risks that are most relevant for you.

Recovery After Fleur De Lis Abdominoplasty

Recovery varies and depends on the extent of surgery, whether abdominal wall tightening is included, and whether drains are used. Swelling, bruising, tightness, and tiredness are common early on, and you will usually need to reduce your activity while you heal.

You may need time away from work, especially if your job involves lifting or prolonged standing. Gentle walking may be recommended to support circulation and prevent blood clots. In addition, you will need to wear a compression garment to support healing tissues. Follow-up appointments check healing and guide your return to activity, and it is normal for the abdomen to continue changing over time as swelling reduces and tissues soften.