What is Panniculectomy?
Excess Skin Removal After Weight Loss in Beverly Hills: What You Need to Know Despite successfully losing a large amount of weight, many women and men find themselves dissatisfied when faced with a large amount of excess skin left over as a reminder. The lower abdominal skin can often get stretched past the point of […]
Am I a good candidate for Panniculectomy?
The best candidates for Panniculectomy are in good general health, have realistic expectations, and have specific goals Dr. Patel can address. Candidacy depends on your anatomy, history, and priorities. During a Beverly Hills consultation, Dr. Anita Patel evaluates whether Panniculectomy or an alternative will best achieve your desired outcome.
Why choose Dr. Anita Patel for Panniculectomy?
Dr. Anita Patel is a board-certified plastic surgeon (MD, FACS) running a solo private practice in Beverly Hills, so you see the same surgeon at every visit. Her Panniculectomy patients value her natural-looking results, meticulous technique, and the personal continuity of care that larger group practices rarely provide.
Excess Skin Removal After Weight Loss in Beverly Hills: What You Need to Know
Despite successfully losing a large amount of weight, many women and men find themselves dissatisfied when faced with a large amount of excess skin left over as a reminder. The lower abdominal skin can often get stretched past the point of return during weight gain, and a loose draping “apron” of skin can become apparent after weight loss.
As fat disappears, unfortunately the skin does not necessarily shrink along with it, and the leftover loose, excess skin can only be removed surgically. Panniculectomy is a reconstructive surgical body procedure that removes the excess skin left behind by dramatic weight loss, effectively getting rid of what is referred to as the abdominal pannus. Please note this procedure is not the same as an abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck, which contours the abdomen and provides a tighter sleeker abdomen from top to bottom.
Ready to learn more about a panniculectomy? Book an appointment with Dr. Anita Patel, considered one of the best plastic surgeons in Beverly Hills.
Quick Links
Treatment Overview
First, you will meet with Dr. Anita to share your concerns and discuss the results that you hope to achieve. This will be followed by a review of your medical history and a focused physical exam. Dr. Anita will then go over the risks and activity restrictions, and give you time to ask questions. Prior to the surgery, you will fill out consent forms. General anesthesia will be administered, and we recommend that you arrange to have someone drive you to and from the appointments.
The surgery will consist of surgical reduction of excess loose skin and subcutaneous tissue of the lower abdomen (below the belly button only). A curved horizontal incision is made along the lower abdomen, and excess skin will be removed. (Tightening of the underlying muscles is not done with panniculectomy, though is done if combining the procedure with an abdominoplasty.) The incision will then be sutured and dressed, and an abdominal garment will be applied.
- Length of Surgery: 2-4 hours
- Anesthesia: General
- Post-Op Activity: Walking is encouraged same day of surgery to prevent blood clots. Avoid strenuous activity or activity that places incisions on stretch. No full exercise until 6 weekspost-op.
- Return to Work: 1-2 weeks
Please Note: These are general estimates that may or may not apply to you individually.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Hanging Stomach Called?
The overhanging “apron” of skin on the lower stomach is called an abdominal pannus. Surgical removal of this skin apron is called panniculectomy.
What is an Apron Belly?
Apron belly refers to the loose redundant skin that hangs off of the abdomen, usually draping over the top of the pubic bone.
What is a Pannus?
A pannus is another word for the flap of loose skin along the lower abdomen.
What is a Panniculectomy?
A panniculectomy is a surgical excision of the “apron” of skin from the lower abdomen. In contrast to a tummy tuck, a panniculectomy refers to only removing the excess skin between the belly button and pubic bone. A panniculectomy does not include repositioning the belly button, tightening the abdominal muscles, or tightening the skin of the entire abdomen.
How Much Weight Can You Lose With a Panniculectomy?
Since a panniculectomy removes only skin and fat, the amount of weight loss from surgery is surprisingly lower than one might think. Typical amounts can vary between 4-12 pounds.
Is a Panniculectomy Covered by Insurance?
Panniculectomy may be covered by insurance if you meet specific criteria set by the insurance company. The criteria varies based on your insurance, but commonly asked questions include what symptoms you are having related to the excess skin, how long you have had them, what conservative therapies you have tried, how long you have tried the therapies, the physical extent your abdominal pannus, and record of your weight. Photographs and/or additional documentation from other physicians are sometimes required by insurance to make a determination.
How Much is Skin Removal Surgery?
The cost for excess skin removal surgery will depend on many factors. To provide you with accurate pricing information, we invite you to book a complimentary appointment with our Patient Care Coordinator by calling 310.205.0212. During that phone call, important information will be discussed and ballpark pricing will be provided.
How Painful is Skin Removal Surgery?
Panniculectomy is not as painful as a tummy tuck, where most of the pain is from the muscle tightening. However, you will still be sore along the incision, and this pain is usually the worst the first few days after surgery, and then significantly lessens, and may not require much in terms of pain medication past the first few days.