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.
