Abdominoplasty is not a single operation, but rather a range of procedures tailored to the amount and distribution of excess skin, abdominal wall changes and body contour concerns.

Dr Alex Cameron performs several types of abdominoplasty, including:

• • Fleur de Lis abdominoplasty
  • circumferential abdominoplasty
  • standard abdominoplasty
  • extended abdominoplasty

Circumferential abdominoplasty is generally the most comprehensive form of abdominoplasty surgery and is designed to address excess skin and tissue around the full circumference of the trunk.

Several different terms are commonly used to describe this type of surgery, including:

• circumferential abdominoplasty
• 360 abdominoplasty
• body lift
• belt lipectomy.

While these procedures are similar, the exact scar placement and surgical emphasis can vary depending on the areas being treated.

For example, a body lift often places greater emphasis on lifting the buttocks and outer thighs, while a belt lipectomy may focus more on removing excess tissue higher around the lower back.

During consultation, Dr Cameron will assess your anatomy and discuss the most appropriate approach for your body shape and goals.

Fleur de Lis abdominoplasty is most commonly considered in patients who have experienced:

• massive weight loss
• severe skin redundancy
• horizontal and vertical skin excess
• upper abdominal skin laxity
• significant abdominal skin folding
• persistent skin irritation or hygiene difficulties.

The procedure is generally most appropriate when excess tissue cannot be adequately addressed with a standard or extended abdominoplasty alone.

Good candidates are generally:

• weight stable for at least six months
• medically well enough for major surgery
• non-smokers or willing to cease smoking
• accepting of the additional vertical scar required.

f these factors are relevant to you, the Morphē team will work with you before surgery to help optimise your preparation and recovery. This may include support from our dietitians, endocrinologist, obesity doctors, physiotherapists or psychologist where appropriate.

Although Fleur de Lis abdominoplasty can produce dramatic contour improvement in selected patients, it is not appropriate for everyone.

The additional vertical scar is more visible than scars associated with standard abdominoplasty and represents a significant trade-off.

In female patients, the vertical midline scar may also:

• interrupt natural abdominal contour lines
• blunt or flatten the appearance of the waist
• reduce the aesthetic definition of the feminine trunk shape.

For this reason, Fleur de Lis abdominoplasty has relatively narrow indications in aesthetic body contouring surgery and is generally reserved for patients where standard techniques would leave unacceptable residual skin excess.

In contrast, the procedure is often more appropriate in male patients, particularly after massive weight loss, because:

• the male trunk is typically broader and more rectangular
• waist definition is less central to aesthetic trunk shape
• the vertical scar may blend more favourably with masculine abdominal contours
• horizontal skin excess is often more pronounced.

At Morphē, careful attention is paid to balancing contour improvement against scar burden and long-term trunk aesthetics.

At Morphē, preparation for surgery focuses on improving healing, reducing complications and supporting durable long-term contour outcomes.

Preparation may include:

• nutritional optimisation
• smoking cessation support
• weight stability assessment
• physiotherapy
• psychological support where appropriate
• optimisation of medical conditions.

During your consultation, Dr Alex Cameron will assess:

• skin quality and redundancy
• abdominal wall integrity
• previous scars or surgery
• trunk shape and proportions
• body contour goals
• scar acceptability.

Massive weight loss patients often require particularly detailed assessment due to changes in skin quality, nutritional status and soft tissue support.

The goal is not simply removing excess skin, but restoring trunk proportion, contour and function while balancing scar placement and long-term aesthetic outcomes.

A Fleur de Lis abdominoplasty is performed under general anaesthetic at Burnside Hospital or St Andrew’s Hospital.

Liposuction is often performed first to improve contour and reduce tissue thickness where appropriate.

Excess abdominal skin is then removed both horizontally and vertically to address severe multidirectional skin redundancy.

The abdominal wall may also be tightened or reconstructed where muscle separation or abdominal wall laxity exists.

The resulting scar pattern typically includes:

• a low transverse abdominal scar concealed beneath underwear or swimwear
• a vertical midline scar extending upward from the lower abdomen.

The wounds are closed with layered tension-reducing sutures and dressed with Prineo dressings or negative pressure dressings where appropriate.

Drains are commonly required following surgery.

Hospital stay is usually between two and five days depending on the extent of surgery performed.

Fleur de Lis abdominoplasty can significantly improve:

• severe abdominal skin excess
• upper abdominal laxity
• skin folding
• contour irregularity
• trunk proportion following massive weight loss.

The procedure often produces a flatter, tighter and more contoured abdomen than would be achievable with a standard abdominoplasty alone in selected patients.

Patients commonly report improvement in:

• physical comfort
• mobility
• skin irritation
• clothing fit
• body image.

The final result depends on:

• skin quality
• remaining tissue elasticity
• body shape
• scar maturation
• long-term weight stability.

Recovery following Fleur de Lis abdominoplasty varies depending on the extent of surgery performed.

Most patients experience swelling, tightness and discomfort during the first several weeks after surgery.

Pain is generally manageable with a combination of simple analgesics and stronger prescription pain relief where required.

Compression garments are worn for several weeks following surgery to support healing and reduce swelling.

As a general guide:

• Walking: within 1–2 weeks
• Driving: usually 2 weeks
• Desk-based work: usually 2–4 weeks
• Gym and strenuous activity: around 6 weeks
• Physical work or lifting: usually 6–12 weeks
• Swimming: around 6 weeks.

Scars continue to mature over approximately twelve months and may initially appear red, firm or raised before gradually softening and fading.

We will guide you through scar care, which may include:

• silicone therapy
• scar massage
• taping
• sun protection
• laser therapy where appropriate.

Follow-up appointments are scheduled throughout your recovery and Dr Cameron is happy to review you at any stage if you have concerns.

All surgery carries some degree of risk. These risks are reduced through careful preparation, surgical planning, post-operative care and the experience and judgement of Dr Cameron and the Morphē team.

General risks associated with body contouring surgery will be discussed with you before your procedure.

Risks specific to Fleur de Lis abdominoplasty may include:

• Scarring. Fleur de Lis abdominoplasty creates both horizontal and vertical scars which are permanent, although most fade significantly over time.
• Wound healing issues. Delayed healing can occur, particularly at the junction of the vertical and horizontal scars where tension is greatest.
• Seroma. Fluid accumulation beneath the abdominal skin may occur and occasionally requires drainage.
• Altered sensation. Temporary numbness of the abdominal wall is common and may persist long term in some areas.

Risks specific to Fleur de Lis abdominoplasty may include: (cont.)

• Asymmetry or contour irregularity. Minor asymmetry is common and residual contour irregularities may persist.
• Skin or umbilical healing problems. Blood supply to the skin or umbilicus may occasionally be compromised, particularly in smokers or patients with previous abdominal surgery.
• Residual looseness or recurrent skin laxity. Ageing, gravity and future weight changes continue to affect abdominal contour over time.
• Revision surgery. Occasionally, further procedures may be required to improve contour, scarring or symmetry.