Panniculectomy - Same Thing as a Tummy Tuck?

If a person experiences a large amount of weight loss, the lower abdomen can start to see the appearance of excess hanging skin as well as some fat that is known as a pannus or “apron.” This issue with the lower abdomen can be addressed with a surgical procedure called a panniculectomy. There is often some confusion regarding this surgery as many patients are not sure if it is the same type of procedure as a tummy tuck.

Are they performed for the same reason? The answer can be found in this informative article. Our examination of panniculectomy surgery begins with the latest video from Cosmetic Town:

Panniculectomy and Tummy Tuck – Are They the Same Thing?

The answer to this question is “No” and here is the reason they are different:

A tummy tuck, AKA abdominoplasty, is mainly performed to improve the appearance of the abdomen. In other words, it is performed for aesthetic reasons to improve the look of the treated area. During a tummy tuck, the surgeon removes excess fat and skin from the abdomen in order to give the abdomen a look that is more toned and contoured in appearance.

A panniculectomy is performed for both the health of the patient and the appearance of the treated area. It is a surgical procedure that is done to remove skin that is hanging so much that it can possibly cover both the thighs and genitals of the person.

Panniculectomy Surgery – Why Do It and Who Has the Surgery?

While weight loss methods such as bariatric surgery can help a person lose a good amount of weight, there might be a need for panniculectomy surgery to remove excess skin. The excess skin on the body can be located in multiple areas including hanging over the genitals, back and thighs. It can even extend all the way down to the knees to the point that it interferes with activities such as sitting, walking, and standing.

The excess hanging skin can also cause other health issues such as a rash due to chafing, a skin infection, problems with the back due to posture issues, abscesses, and ulcers.

An ideal candidate for panniculectomy surgery includes a person who is experiencing medical problems that are the result of an excess abdominal apron along with ongoing infections or rashes that are located under the hanging skin.

Panniculectomy Surgery – How is it Performed?

The procedure begins with the administering of anesthesia and then the creation of an incision that goes from under the breastbone to the area just above the pelvic bone. Then, the surgeon will make a horizontal incision in the lower belly (just above the pubic area). The length and depth of the incision depends on the amount of overhanging skin that is present in the treated area.

Once the incision is made, the surgeon will then remove any excess fat and skin before closing the incision by stitching the skin together. At the start of the recovery period, the patient might need to wear drains on the body in order to collect any fluid or blood that might drain out. In addition, a dressing will need to be placed over the abdomen in order to cover the wound.

Panniculectomy Surgery – What is Involved in the Recovery Period?

It can take several weeks for any swelling to reduce after the procedure. Any pain can likely be controlled by pain medication prescribed by the surgeon. The patient should also be able to stand comfortably within a week or two. During the recovery process, the patient should avoid any strenuous activities that might put too much pressure on the wound for a period of four to six weeks.

It can take up to two years to see the final results of the surgery. The results can last for many years, but some changes can occur due to the lifestyle of the patient. For example, the patient will need to maintain a stable weight and also follow a healthy diet and exercise plan so they can maintain the results for an extended amount of time.

Panniculectomy Surgery – Are There Any Risks or Complications?

There are some risks involved with having the procedure and they include:

• Collection of fluid under the skin (seroma)
• Bleeding
• Infection
• Blood clot
• Scarring Loss of skin
• Swelling
• Nerve damage
• Tissue death
• Skin discoloration
• Skin becoming loose once again

Anyone who is interested in undergoing panniculectomy surgery needs to undergo a medical examination to make sure they are healthy enough to undergo the procedure. In addition, the patient needs to share the changes they hope to achieve with the procedure. The doctor can set realistic expectations during the consultation appointment so the patient will know the type of results, along with the extent of the results they can expect to see after the surgery.