Anchor (fleur de lis) tummy tuck HELP!!!

So I just had my consult at Kaiser with the plastic surgeon.  He said I did qualify for the full abdominoplasty, but said because of the amount of skin I have in my stomach/midriff area, that I needed the anchor tummy tuck and not just the traditional hip to hip cut alone.  This terrifies me as I can't really find many before/after photos or patient reports in general about their experience with the surgery.  I would love any and ALL feedback from anyone who has has this procedure.  Please tell me that it's not as bad as it looks or seems, as I REALLY want this extra skin GONE!  I'm down about 186 pounds since surgery and am a 10 pants, but the tummy skin is a pain in the ass and makes pants fitting/etc. hard. 

Thanks everyone!

I had it and am so happy to have the skin gone! The incision isn't the tough part of the recovery IMO, it was my massive muscle repair. One of the worst my surgeon has seen. Almost a 6" seperation! I don't have any pics but I can tell you, my tummy is so nice even with the scar and stretch marks that are still there! Now I have a problem finding pants to fit because my stomach is small and the hips and thighs are larger, some of which is long term swelling I have had in my legs, (I just posted about). You won't be disappointed. The recovery is tough but, stay on top of the pain meds and you'll do fine!

Thank you for responding!  So, what did you weigh when you had your wls?  My highest weight was about 370 pounds, and I was very heavy most my life (usually in the 300's starting at about 13) so I wonder if my muscle repair will also be pretty extensive?

Does the long term swelling in the legs every go away, or is it more of a trade off with the tt?

I was 240 when I had WLS and I was 165 when I had the TT, but my higest was 263 the day I delivered my 2nd son. I have 4 boys and they were big. the largest being 9lbs 9oz. That probably has the most to do with my muscle seperation. I knew I had a huge gap because by laying on my back and lifting my head I could see a bulge running down the middle of my stomach that looked like I had an alien babyin there
No most don't have the swelling I do this long. My Dr. is testing me for thyroid now. Swelling is normal for healing and I could just be a really slow healer. I have been doing much more in the exercise department so, that could have caused it too.

I had the same thing happen to me at my consult.  At first I freaked out at the thought of the Anchor Cut but then did some research and quickly realized this is what I needed and wanted. 
I had it done and could not be happier.  The scar will fade in time and I have a great flat tummy and a very nice hour glass shape with a small waist.  I love my results.

If your surgeon is recommending it I say trust him and go for it.

Thank you very much for your response.  I think, after researching it more, it is what will benefit me best as well.

I had it too and I wouldn't have had it any other way. There are plenty of folks on here who have had it done and have had great results.

Thank you.  I have a feeling I'll be happy with it.  And a scar running down my tummy HAS to be better than all this skin, that's for sure.

Hi, I'm 2 1/2 years po and trying to find a local doc that does the Fleur De Lis surgery and can't find one that lists it on their site and I don't really want to pay consult fees for a bunch of Dr's to find out they don't offer it. Can you tell me the name of your doc and was it a specialty they did, or did they decide on the vertical cut on a traditional TT? Thanks for your help I really appreciate it.

 

I am 5 months post op  I had the anchor tt I have pics if you want to look.. I feel my surgeon did an amazing job and the scar doesn't phase me in the least.