Panniculectomy is a surgery that removes the pannus, the hanging skin and fat from the lower abdomen. Plastic surgeons at Intermountain Southern Utah Plastic Surgery perform panniculectomies to create a smoother abdominal contour for patients.
What is panniculectomy surgery?
A pannus (sometimes referred to as an “apron”) can develop after losing a significant amount of weight. The excess skin that hangs around the abdomen can cause skin rashes and odor.
How is panniculectomy surgery done?
An incision for a panniculectomy is made horizontally under the pubic hairline and belly button. A vertical midline incision is made in cases with larger amounts of excess skin. The upper abdominal skin is then pulled down, excess skin trimmed, and remaining skin reattached. The belly button is often repositioned.
What can a panniculectomy surgery not do?
A panniculectomy removes excess skin, but it does not tighten abdominal muscles. Patients hoping to tighten their abdomen may be a better candidate for a tummy tuck. Panniculectomy is not a substitute for weight loss. Those hoping to lose weight or an appropriate exercise program.
Although panniculectomy is permanent, the results can be greatly diminished by significant fluctuations in your weight. Providers at Intermountain Southern Utah Plastic Surgery will advise a patient hoping to lose weight to postpone a panniculectomy until they achieve their desired weight loss.