A panniculectomy is elective surgery performed to relieve symptoms from an overhanging apron of skin.
The excess skin can irritate and interfere with everyday activities.
It’s usually the result of significant weight loss.
This article discusses what a panniculectomy is and when it’s recommended.
It also covers what to expect during surgery and recovery.
What Is a Panniculectomy?
The surgeon makes a horizontal incision above the pubic area between the hips.
The surgery may be performed as either an inpatient or outpatient procedure.
You and your surgeon will schedule this elective surgery if you are determined to be a good candidate.
A panniculectomy is considered a form of body contouring as it does result in a slimmer abdominal area.
Excess skin can be because of weight loss throughgastric bypass surgeryor lifestyle changes.
It may also be due to aging, prior surgery, pregnancy, or heredity.
This can include diabetes, cardiac disease, lung disease, and autoimmune diseases.
Obesity may also raise your risk of complications.You may also not qualify for skin removal surgery if you smoke.
This procedure removes unwanted skin and fat and tightens the abdominal muscles.
Some people may also be better candidates for liposuction.
Liposuction is used to improve the appearance of loose, fatty skin.
This allows you to ask questions about the surgery, including the risks and typical results.
In addition, you might ask about their medical background, including expertise and training in panniculectomy surgery.
You should also arrange for someone to bring you home after the procedure.
Location
Your panniculectomy will likely be performed in a hospital or licensed ambulatory surgical setting.
You’ll wear a hospital gown for the procedure.
To avoid complications, let your healthcare provider know before the surgery if youre taking any medications.
This includes prescriptions or any over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, herbs, and vitamins.
What to Bring
double-check you remember any paperwork and your health insurance card.
Remember to make arrangements for someone to drive you home after the surgery.
It can cause tissue death, delayed wound healing,blood clots, and life-threatening complications such as strokes.
To avoid complications, ask your surgeon about your risk before scheduling surgery.
Youll receivegeneral anesthesiaso that you are asleep and unable to feel any pain.
Excess skin and fat will be cut out with a scalpel or other surgical instruments through the horizontal incision.
Talk with your healthcare provider before the skin removal surgery to confirm the techniques used.
After the Surgery
Youll be monitored in the recovery area after the panniculectomy.
When you recover from anesthesia, you may be asked to get up and walk a few steps.
In some cases, you may have to stay at the hospital for up to two days.
Your incision will be covered with gauze dressing or bandages.
Recovery
Patients will experience pain and swelling for a few days after the procedure.
Your healthcare provider will give you pain medication to help manage your discomfort.
If you have drains, your healthcare provider will give you instructions for care.
This may include recording the amount of fluid in the drains and how to empty them.
Avoid strenuous activity for four to six weeks after the procedure.
You will probably be able to return to work within about four weeks.
Your surgeon will let you know when to visit for a follow-up appointment.
Removal of drainage tubes may be done at this time.
Healing
You’ll likely experience pain, swelling, and bruising for days after the surgery.
You may have some numbness and feel tired during this time as well.
To help take some pressure off the abdomen, try keeping your legs and hips bent while resting.
Your healthcare provider may recommend waiting to shower until 48 hours after the surgery.
Patients can have significant scarring for more than a year after the surgery.
It can take up to two years for scars to fade and to see the intended results.
However, those same patients reported improved body image after the first year and less distress about their scarring.
In another study, patients who had body-contouring surgeries were surveyed about their ideal body shape.
Their perception of their appearance improved significantly with surgery, even if they identified a thinner shape as ideal.
The results indicated they felt encouraged about their appearance and ability to reach their goals.
Summary
In a panniculectomy, the surgeon removes overhanging skin and fat from the lower abdomen.
It’s not recommended for purely cosmetic reasons.
It may take up to three months for the wounds to completely heal.
Panniculectomy is a major surgery that can require weeks or months to fully heal.
Frequently Asked Questions
No.
They are similar procedures but are not the same.
A panniculectomy may be considered reconstructive surgery, especially if a significant amount of skin needs to be removed.
A previously published report stated the amount of weight removed from a panniculectomy ranged from 10 to 49 pounds.
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