Tummy Tuck Q&A
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Which is Best for Me, Tummy Tuck or Panniculectomy? (photo)

asked 8 months ago by lovemylife87 in Okinawa Japan
Latest answer by Eric Swanson MD
Question viewed 303 times
Tags: female, after pregnancy, options, panniculectomy

Here is a link to some of my pictures.. http://www.realself.com/question/tummy-tuck-realisitc-time1 I am 24 years old 5ft 6 and been at a stable weight for several years. Other than being obese i have no medical problems(BP is normal, non smoker, no family history, etc.). I am also done having children. Could you please tell me which would be the best option based on my photos.

7 answers to Which is Best for Me, Tummy Tuck or Panniculectomy? (photo)

+1

Full abdominoplasty usually best for large apron and stretch marks

You would be best served with a tummy tuck and liposuction. A full abdominoplasty ("tummy tuck") is sometimes called a panniculectomy - which means basically removal of the big apron of tissue from your midsection. "Abdominoplasty" implies some additional attention to detail including repair of the muscles and hiding the scar as well as possible, and proper treatment of the belly button. You have extensive stretch marks. The ones below your belly... more
Eric Swanson MD

Leawood Plastic Surgeon

www.swansoncenter.com

+1

Tummy Tuck?

Thank you for the question and pictures. You will be much better off with a full tummy tuck procedure.Tthis would be done ideally when you are as close to a long-term stable weight as possible. You should also be aware of the option for “extended” tummy tuck procedure to treat the flanks and lower back areas ("muffin tops”). This extended tummy tuck procedure involves flank and back skin and adipose tissue excision as well as liposuction... more
Tom J. Pousti, MD

San Diego Plastic Surgeon

www.poustiplasticsurgery.com

+1

Tummy Tuck or Panniculectomy? (photo)

The previous expert posters have answered your question very well. I would use the term full tummy tuck for you with muscle repair.
Darryl J. Blinski, MD

Miami Plastic Surgeon
+1

Tummy Tuck wins over Panniculectomy

You are not a candidate for a panniculectomy since you problem extends well above your belly button. A panniculectomy removes only the tissue hanging over the pubis and leaves the belly button intact. If you do not or can not lose weight first, then a full abdominoplasty is the only correct option in my opinion.
Martin O'Toole, MD

Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon
+1

Tummy Tuck - Which is Best for Me, Tummy Tuck or Panniculectomy?

If your weight is stable then it's reasonable to consider this surgery. I generally advise my patients to get down to the lowest weight they can reasonably maintain (both of those issues are important) before undergoing the surgery. It's not a tiny procedure but it can be incredibly dramatic - as long as you know what it will and won't do, for you in particular (ie, the patient). You cannot reasonably expect to have a result that can only be achieved by someone... more
Alan Engler, MD

New York Plastic Surgeon
+1

Tummy Tuck

I think, by the nature of your question, that you understand the difference between the two procedures so I won't go into that. From your photographs, if you were my patient I would encourage you to lose weight to your desired goal first. Having said that, if you have given weight loss your best shot and it's just not working, I think the full abdominoplasty will make you a great deal happier than just the panniculectomy. I have had many patients over the years go through operations... more
Ronald V. DeMars, MD

Portland Plastic Surgeon

www.drdemarsmd.com

+1

Panniculectomy versus Tummy Tuck

A Panniculectomy is a functional procedure that removes the excess skin and fat below the belly button and above the pubic region. It is something that may or may not be covered by insurance. It simply removed the lower "roll." A full tummy tuck is the panniculectomy plus the upper part of the tummy as well. It is a cosmetic procedure and is typically not something that would be covered by insurance. If you want improvement in both the upper and lower part of your... more
J. Jason Wendel, MD

Nashville Plastic Surgeon

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