What is an FDL tummy tuck?
A fleur-de-lis (FDL) tummy tuck is a type of abdominoplasty that removes loose, overhanging skin and excess fat from the abdomen. It takes its name from the shape of the incisions, which together look like the French lily symbol.
A standard tummy tuck lifts skin downwards and removes it through one low incision. That works well for laxity below the belly button. When skin has stretched in every direction, however, pulling it downwards alone leaves loose folds at the sides and above. The FDL technique adds a vertical incision up the middle of the abdomen, so the surgeon can remove skin from side to side as well as from top to bottom. The result is a flatter, firmer abdomen and a narrower waist.
Who is it suitable for?
Loose abdominal skin can follow major weight loss, pregnancy or ageing. An FDL tummy tuck is most often recommended after large weight loss, including after bariatric surgery, when there is significant excess skin across both the upper and lower abdomen. You may be suitable if you:
- Are fit for general anaesthesia
- Have loose, sagging skin and excess tissue on both the upper and lower abdomen
- Have a BMI below 30
- Have kept a stable weight for at least 6 to 12 months
- Do not smoke, or are willing to stop well before surgery
- Accept a more visible vertical scar in return for a greater improvement in shape
If your loose skin is mainly below the belly button, a standard or mini tummy tuck may be enough.
Preparing for surgery
- Stop smoking and drinking alcohol at least two weeks before surgery; smoking in particular increases the risk of wound problems
- Avoid aspirin and ibuprofen for two weeks before and after surgery, and check all medicines and supplements with your coordinator
- Stop multivitamins seven days before surgery and avoid vitamin K supplements for 30 days afterwards
- Stop the oral contraceptive pill 30 days before surgery to reduce the risk of blood clots
- Arrive in Istanbul the day before surgery for your tests
How the operation is done
The operation is done under general anaesthesia and usually takes 3 to 5 hours, depending on how much skin is removed and whether other procedures are added.
Tests, measurements and marking
You have blood tests and meet your surgeon and anaesthetist. The surgeon examines and measures your abdomen, takes photographs and marks the planned incisions while you stand.
The incisions
One incision runs low across the abdomen from hip to hip. A second runs vertically up the middle of the abdomen, from the pubic area towards the lower breastbone.
Removing skin and tightening
The surgeon removes a wedge of excess skin and fat from the centre and a band from the lower abdomen. If the stomach muscles have separated, they can be stitched together. The remaining skin is drawn towards the centre and down towards the pelvis, and the belly button is repositioned.
Closing
The incisions are closed in layers with stitches. Thin drains are usually placed to remove fluid, and the abdomen is covered with dressings and a compression binder.
Recovery timeline
- First 24–72 hours
You stay in hospital for 4 nights. Pain relief and blood-thinning injections are given, and you are helped to walk early, slightly bent forward to take tension off the wounds.
- Week 1–2
You leave hospital on day 5. Drains are usually removed once the fluid has reduced. Walk several times a day but keep a slightly bent posture as advised.
- Weeks 3–6
Most people return to desk work at around three to four weeks. You gradually stand fully upright as the skin relaxes. Keep wearing the binder.
- Months 2–12
Light exercise can usually resume after about six weeks, with heavier activity from around three months. Swelling settles and scars slowly fade.
Aftercare
- Wear the abdominal binder or compression garment for at least six weeks
- Avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting and anything that puts pressure on the lower abdomen
- Walk and sleep with your upper body slightly bent forward in the early weeks, rather than with a straight back
- Take your medication exactly as prescribed
- Eat a balanced, protein-rich diet to help wound healing
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing
- Avoid hot baths, saunas and swimming until the wounds have healed
Risks and side effects
An FDL tummy tuck is a major operation, and your surgeon will explain the risks before you consent. They include:
- Fluid collection under the skin (seroma)
- Bleeding or haematoma
- Infection
- Poor or delayed wound healing, particularly where the two incisions meet
- Prominent, widened or raised scars
- Numbness or changes in skin sensation
- Swelling that lasts several months
- Blood clots in the legs or lungs
- Reactions to the anaesthetic
Not smoking, wearing compression, walking early and keeping to your aftercare plan all reduce these risks.
Results
You will see a flatter abdomen straight away, although swelling hides the final shape for several months. Most patients see their settled result at 6 to 12 months. The scars are longer than with other tummy tucks, but many patients who have lost a great deal of weight feel the improvement in comfort, hygiene and clothing fit is worth it. The result lasts well as long as your weight stays stable.
FDL tummy tuck in Turkey: your trip
Before you fly
You send photos of your abdomen, your height, weight, weight-loss history and medical history. The surgeon reviews them and our team sends you a treatment plan. Once you accept, we confirm your dates and pre-operative instructions.
In Istanbul
A VIP driver meets you at the airport. A translator stays with you through tests, consultations and discharge, and a companion can stay with you at no extra cost. Tests, surgery, hospital stay, medication and meals are covered by the package, and you have a wound check before you fly.
Back home
Your coordinator is available 24/7 on WhatsApp, follows your recovery and passes your photos and questions to the surgeon. Your GP or practice nurse can help with dressing changes if needed.
What the FDL Tummy Tuck package includes
- VIP transfers from and to Istanbul Airport (IST)
- Fully equipped room in the hospital
- Translation services at the hospital and during follow-up
- Pre-operative testing
- Consultation with your doctors
- Post-operative care and follow-ups for a year
- General anaesthesia
- Special compression garments
- One companion included in the price
- Three meals a day for you and your companion
- Full hospital stay for 4 nights, 5 days
- Aftercare package with a full set of medications to take home
FDL Tummy Tuck FAQ
How is an FDL tummy tuck different from a standard tummy tuck?
A standard tummy tuck removes skin through a single low incision across the abdomen, tightening it from top to bottom. An FDL tummy tuck adds a vertical incision up the middle, so skin can also be removed from side to side. This makes it more effective when there is a lot of loose skin, especially after major weight loss.
What will the scars look like?
You will have a horizontal scar across the lower abdomen, usually hidden by underwear, and a vertical scar running up the middle of the abdomen. The vertical scar is more visible than with other tummy tucks. Scars are red at first and usually fade and flatten over 12 to 18 months.
How soon after weight loss surgery can I have an FDL tummy tuck?
Your weight should have been stable for at least 6 to 12 months, which is often 12 to 18 months after bariatric surgery. Operating while you are still losing weight can mean more loose skin later.
Will I have drains?
Most patients have one or two thin drains for a few days to remove fluid that collects under the skin. They are usually taken out before you fly home.
Can muscle repair be done at the same time?
Yes. If your stomach muscles have separated, for example after pregnancy, the surgeon can stitch them together during the same operation. Liposuction of nearby areas can also be added if suitable.
When can I fly home?
Plan for 5 days in Istanbul with a full hospital stay of 4 nights. You fly home once the drains are out and the surgeon has checked the wounds. Wear compression stockings and move around during the flight to lower the risk of blood clots.
When can I return to exercise?
Walking starts the day after surgery. Light exercise can usually resume at around six weeks, while heavy lifting and core training should wait until your surgeon agrees, often around three months.
