Tummy Tuck for Pannus Reduction?

During the weight loss process the skin excesses will increase or become more apparent as the stretched skin is deflated. You have the best chance of having and maintaining a flat and smooth stomach if the weight excess is lost before you invest in the tummy tuck procedure. Choose a weight goal that is realistic and achievable so that you do not become frustrated by lack of progress. You might also combine your weight loss into a saving plan to cover your procedure as you reach your target... more

A panniculectomy is a surgical procedure in which the excess skin and fat, which hangs over the lower part of your tummy is removed. Like any surgery, it is not without risk, however it is a relatively short procedure. The scar is long and spans from hip to hip, however since it is primarily a "skin operation", the discomfort is relatively low. It is the most direct procedure, which will eliminate the weight of the skin flap, which drapes over your lower abdomen/pelvis and may... more

What you would benefit from is a panniculectomy, which is removal of the overhanging skin.  You are not a candidate for a tummy tuck as it would be high risk for you.

Removal of a pannus or panniculectomy is not the same thing as a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty). If a large pannus or apron is causing problems such as low back pain, rashes or hindering movement, then you could consider removing it now. This is not, however, a tummy tuck( abdominoplasty). A panniculectomy removes only the overlying skin and fat, while an abdominoplasty not only removes the hanging skin and fat, but the skin of the entire abdomen is tightened up and the muscles underneath... more

Hi! If you have a hanging fold of skin and fat, this can be removed at any time, if you are in good health. You will be so much more comfortable, and looking better may motivate you to lose weight. In Manhattan, we don't make patients lose weight before a tummy tuck. Losing weight is very hard. And you will look and feel better after an abdominoplasty even if you are overweight.

In most cases, I recommend people be at their realistic weight when they have surgery. This is not the "ideal" weight that you might get on a chart at a doctor's office, but the weight at which you think you can reasonably maintain yourself. This is the best weight for you to have surgery. If you still have weight to loose, then you should weight. However, if the pannus is prohibiting you from exercising, then it would be reasonable to have it removed. Good luck. more

First, if you can get to your target lifestyle and weight and maintain it for at least 6 months, that will provide you with a higher level of assurance that your surgery will be more exact and long-lasting. The second approach is to perform a panniculectomy as a "kick-start" if you and your surgeon feel it is hindering your ability to exercise or if you feel it would motivate you and remove the barrier (physical or emotional) to allow you to put in maximal effort to change your... more

If your pannus is inhibiting you from exercising, you can have a panniculectomy and then continue exercising. If, however, you can lose weight without the panniculectomy, it would be far better and then have a proper tummy tuck at the end. If you do the pannus removal early, you will probably need a tummy tuck later to remove the loose skin that will come from the weight loss.

You should continue to lose weight before the procedure both to decrease risks and complications and to get the best result.  I'm sure you could find someone to do a tummy tuck on you now, but now is not the right time.

You will achieve better results if you wait. If you are currently dieting, exercising, and continuing to lose weight then continue with this plan and be patient. Once you reach your target weight you should maintain if for 6 - 12 months. That way you will know if your weight has stabilized. That would be the right time to consult with an American Board of Plastic Surgery certified plastic surgeon in your are re tummy tuck.

Alyqua, Panniculectomy, or removal of the abdominal pannus, is not the same as a tummy tuck. A formal tummy tuck would have significant risk for you. Removal of the pannus might make you more comfortable and motivate you to lose weight for a future tummy tuck, while minimizing your risk. Good luck!