Panniculectomy


A panniculectomy targets the area of excess tissue and fat in the pannus. Many patients that have lost a significant amount of weight are left with excess hanging skin in the pannus that often hangs below the belt line in the lower abdomen. This can cause back pain and difficulties with daily hygiene. The surgeon makes a horizontal incision that runs from hip to hip, and a vertical incision that goes downward to the pubic region, to reach the underlying tissues located in the lower abdomen and remove any excess fat and skin that is overhanging. The remaining tissue is contoured and the skin is then sutured together.

Patients who are bothered by excess skin located below the lower abdomen after a large weight loss or pregnancy are ideal candidates. In addition, patients should have maintained a stable weight for at least six months. Female patients should not plan on having any additional children as pregnancy can void the results of the procedure.

The average cost for panniculectomy surgery is $9000-$12,000. The total cost of the treatment varies according to any fees charged by the doctor and the facility, the geographic location of the treatment and fees charged for the anesthesia.

Patients will experience swelling and bruising, after the surgery, for a few weeks. Any pain can be controlled with pain medication. Patients need to wear a support garment to help control the swelling. In general, patients can return to work about 2-3 weeks after the procedure. Any scars begin to lighten and fade after about a year. As long as the patient maintains a healthy weight, and exercises on a regular basis, the results should be long lasting and can be considered permanent.

Tummy Tuck vs. Panniculectomy

Tummy Tuck vs. Panniculectomy

submitted on   Mon Feb, 08, 2016 by Joubin Gabbay, MD     
A tummy tuck and a panniculectomy are procedures that both involve the removal of excess skin in order to improve the appearance of the abdomen. A panniculectomy is the simpler of the two procedures – it involves removing the skin that is hanging over the abdomen in order to smooth the contour...