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A doctor in a white coat marks guidelines on a woman's bare abdomen with a purple marker, likely preparing for a cosmetic or medical procedure.

Fleur-De-Lis (FDL) Abdominoplasty

After major weight loss or bariatric surgery, the body often holds onto more loose skin than diet, exercise, or even a standard tummy tuck can address. This excess sags both downward at the front and outward at the sides, leaving a silhouette that doesn’t reflect the hard work behind it. The fleur-de-lis (FDL) abdominoplasty is a specialized form of tummy tuck designed for exactly this situation — tightening the abdomen in two directions at once for a smoother, more sculpted result. Patients across Reno and Lake Tahoe choose Avance Plastic Surgery Institute for this advanced stage of their transformation.

The FDL abdominoplasty is performed by Dr. Erez Dayan, a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon and Medical Director of Avance Plastic Surgery Institute who is recognized for his command of advanced, post-weight-loss body contouring. A graduate of the Harvard Plastic Surgery Program — where he served as Chief Resident in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Massachusetts General Hospital — and fellowship-trained in aesthetic surgery at the Dallas Plastic Surgery Institute, Dr. Dayan has developed particular expertise in the complex cases that call for more than a standard abdominoplasty. He also teaches these specialized techniques to visiting surgeons, reflecting the level of precision he brings to each multi-plane skin-tightening procedure.

What Is a Fleur-de-Lis Tummy Tuck?

The fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty combines both a horizontal and a vertical incision, forming a pattern that resembles a fleur-de-lis. In addition to the horizontal incision used in a standard tummy tuck, the vertical incision allows Dr. Dayan to access and remove excess skin and fat from the sides of the abdomen and draw the remaining tissue together. Tightening the skin in both the horizontal and vertical planes produces a markedly smoother, firmer, and younger-looking abdomen than a single-direction repair can achieve.

FDL Abdominoplasty for a Smoother, Sculpted Abdomen

The FDL tummy tuck is a specialty body-contouring procedure for patients who need more correction than a standard abdominoplasty provides. Beyond removing excess skin and fat, it allows Dr. Dayan to perform any needed abdominal muscle repair and to re-contour the entire midsection — front, sides, and around toward the back. The length of the vertical incision is determined by how much skin laxity must be addressed, so every procedure is planned around the individual rather than a fixed template.

 

“For patients after significant weight loss, the fleur-de-lis approach lets me address skin in two dimensions — that’s what creates a truly smooth, balanced contour rather than just a flatter front.” — Dr. Erez Dayan

 

Common Reasons Patients Choose the FDL Procedure

The fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty is most often chosen by patients who:

  • Significant Weight Loss: have lost a large amount of weight through lifestyle change or bariatric surgery
  • Horizontal and Vertical Laxity: carry loose skin both downward and outward across the abdomen
  • Limited Results From Standard Surgery: need more correction than a traditional tummy tuck can provide
  • Desire for a Balanced Contour: want the sides and waistline addressed, not just the front of the abdomen

What to Expect From Your FDL Tummy Tuck

Every patient begins with a personal consultation, during which Dr. Dayan reviews the relevant body-shaping options and explains what the procedure can achieve for their specific anatomy. Because the FDL approach involves a vertical incision in addition to the horizontal one, recovery and scar placement are discussed in detail beforehand so patients know exactly what to expect. Dr. Dayan and his team provide a tailored aftercare plan and close follow-up throughout healing.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fleur-de-Lis Abdominoplasty

How is a fleur-de-lis tummy tuck different from a standard tummy tuck?

A standard tummy tuck uses a single horizontal incision to tighten the front of the abdomen. The fleur-de-lis adds a vertical incision, allowing skin to be tightened both horizontally and vertically — essential for patients with significant loose skin after major weight loss.

Am I a good candidate for an FDL abdominoplasty?

The procedure is best suited to patients who have lost a substantial amount of weight and have loose skin sagging both downward and at the sides of the abdomen. A consultation with Dr. Dayan is the best way to confirm whether it fits your goals and anatomy.

What kind of scarring should I expect?

Because the FDL uses both a horizontal and a vertical incision, scarring is more extensive than a standard tummy tuck. Dr. Dayan plans incisions carefully and discusses placement thoroughly beforehand, and the trade-off for many patients is a dramatically smoother contour that a single incision cannot achieve.

Can abdominal muscle repair be included?

Yes. The FDL approach allows Dr. Dayan to repair separated abdominal muscles at the same time as removing excess skin and fat, restoring both the strength and the shape of the abdomen.

How long is recovery after a fleur-de-lis tummy tuck?

Recovery depends on the extent of correction performed and is reviewed in detail during your consultation. Dr. Dayan’s team provides a personalized aftercare plan and ongoing follow-up to support a safe, comfortable recovery.

Can the FDL be combined with other body-contouring procedures?

Often, yes. For patients after major weight loss, the FDL abdominoplasty may be part of a broader body-contouring plan. Dr. Dayan will review safe, appropriate options during your consultation.

Why Choose Avance Plastic Surgery Institute for an FDL Abdominoplasty

  • Harvard Surgical Training: a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon with Chief Resident experience at Massachusetts General Hospital
  • Advanced Body-Contouring Expertise: specialized skill in complex, post-weight-loss cases beyond a standard tummy tuck
  • A Surgeon Who Teaches Surgeons: trusted to train visiting physicians in advanced contouring techniques
  • Accredited Surgical Facility: procedures performed in an AAAASF-accredited operating suite built for safety and precision
  • Individualized Aftercare: tailored recovery support and a maintenance program to protect long-term results

Schedule Your FDL Abdominoplasty Consultation in Reno/Tahoe

If loose skin after weight loss is keeping you from the silhouette you’ve worked toward, a fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty with Dr. Erez Dayan may be the answer. Contact Avance Plastic Surgery Institute in Reno/Tahoe, NV at (775) 800-4444 to schedule your confidential consultation. Virtual consultations are also available for patients traveling from out of town.

Maintenance Program

The maintenance program at Avance Plastic Surgery Institute is designed to offer patients a convenient way to continue seeing the benefits of our treatments for as long as possible.

To maintain the outcomes of body contouring procedures, we recommend non-invasive and minimally invasive treatments with the following devices:

  • Forma Body (InMode)
  • Morpheus 8 Body (InMode)
  • Evolve

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