Procedure to Remove a Large Apron of Fat

asked 2 years ago by AngelCross in Denver, CO
Latest answer by J. Timothy Katzen, MD
Question viewed 1,189 times
Tags: age 18-24, abdomen, arms, chest, 330-349 lbs, apron, removal

I'm overweight, but have lost weight going from 400lbs. to 330. I'm 24 years old with good blood pressure, and no diabetes nor other health problems.

The better I get around my ribs, across my chest, and in my arms, the bigger my lower tummy gets. Lower body exercise is getting harder because of this apron of fat hanging. It even changes how I sit.

I want to get rid of it, but it's kind of heavy. How many pounds, or in general, how much can I remove from my body safely? How much would a procedure this large cost?

6 answers to Procedure to Remove a Large Apron of Fat

Panniculectomy to remove excess abdominal apron

I would suggest a panniculectomy. This procedure removes excess skin and fat of the anterior abdominal wall. The conditions you describe, I hope, should be covered by most insurance plans; however, your insurance may require you to lose more weight based on your height. This number is your BMI. Not having seen your pictures, I would guess your surgical specimen would weigh between 50 and 80 pounds. For your case, I would suggest this procedure be... more

J. Timothy Katzen, MD
Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

Weight Loss and Surgery

Thank you for your question. I always recommend for best results and safety, for the patient to lose as much weight as possible prior to surgery. Panniculectomy is an option to get rid of the apron of skin/fat you are referring to. I would also want to get a medical clearance to proceed with surgery from your doctor once you have reached the lowest weight you can. Best Wishes!

Tom J. Pousti, MD
San Diego Plastic Surgeon

Panniculectomy

It sounds like you need a panniculectomy, but these are plagued by compications from wound healing and seromas. It is always better to lose as much weight first as possible.

Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Procedure to Remove a Large Apron of Lower Tummy Skin and Fat

Regarding: "Procedure to Remove a Large Apron of Fat I'm overweight, but have lost weight going from 400lbs. to 330. I'm 24 years old with good blood pressure, and no diabetes nor other health problems. The better I get around my ribs, across my chest, and in my arms, the bigger my lower tummy gets. Lower body exercise is getting harder because of this apron of fat hanging. It even changes how I sit. I want to get rid of it, but it's kind of heavy. How many... more

Peter A. Aldea, MD
Memphis Plastic Surgeon

Removing an Apron of fat

I agree with Dr. Basu. If you are still losing weight, I would hold off on tummy tuck or body lift. You want to undergo body contouring procedure when you have lost all the weight that you want to lose and that when your weight has stabilized for at least 3-6 months. Having said this, if your excess tummy fat gets in the way of exercising, thus hampering your further weight loss, you can get panniculectomy (removing excess lower tummy skin and fat). Panniculectomy... more

Sugene Kim, MD
Houston Plastic Surgeon

Treating An Apron of Skin around waist

It sounds as if you are still losing weight. I would hold off on any cosmetic contouring procedures until your weight loss has stablized. However, if this apron of skin is getting in the way of your exercising or daily function, then you may need a panniculectomy. Unlike a cosmetic tummy tuck, a panniculectomy is simply a skin amputation procedure. However, it can remove that pesky apron and facilitate your exercise regimen to help you lose more weight and lead a... more

C. Bob Basu, MD
Houston Plastic Surgeon

www.basuplasticsurgery.com

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