Procedure to Remove a Large Apron of Fat

Congratulations on losing the weight.  An abdominal pannus can be very debilitating and cause hygiene issues as well as difficulty with ambulation.  So far you have lost 70 pounds and you are continuing to lose weight.  If that is the case, do not have your surgery until you have reached your goal weight.

 

The other piece of this picture is that you are still morbidly obese at 330 pounds.  I would encourage you to get closer to a normal body weight.  You may be able to reach this with true lifestyle modification, but you may also need some help.  Bariatric surgery has excellent outcomes compared to lifestyle changes alone.  Should you remain in the morbidly obese category, I would encourage you to explore the option of weight loss surgery.

Thank you for your question and congratulations on your weight loss and lifestyle change!  Your weight loss is impressive and sure to improve your health, quality of life and body image.  There are several options for treating the large apron or pannus.  The most straight forward is a functional procedure called a panniculectomy...removal of the pannus or apron.  It basically just removes all of the hanging skin and fat from below the belly button to above the pubic area.  It will reduce the weight of the hanging apron and make it easier to sit, exercise and to find clothing that fits your new body.  It does not make your tummy flatter, decrease your waist, or improve the upper abdomen as it is not a tummy tuck.  A tummy tuck removes skin from above the belly button to the pubis, tightens the loose muscles and improves the belly button appearance.  This results in no hanging skin, a flatter tummy, better belly button and a smaller mons pubis.  A body lift removes skin , tightens the ab muscles, fixes the belly button and reduces the pubis like a tummy tuck, but continues around the waist to the back. This is the most powerful body contouring procedure for the trunk after weight loss.   It flattens the tummy, reduces the pubis and lifts it, improves the front of the thighs, side of the thighs, and lifts the buttocks.   The cost of these procedures vary by region of the country so you should look at the pricing information on the body lift page on real self.  Some insurance carriers may cover a panniculectomy because it is a functional, not aesthetic procedure.  Insurance companies do not cover aesthetic procedures like tummy tucks or body lifts.  It is important to know the differences in the procedures, be honest about your goals and work with your surgeon to select the procedure that is going to most closely meet your goals.  This will lead to more effective planning, a better result and more improvement in your body image and quality of life.  I hope that helps!  All the best!

I applaud you in your weight loss!  You are doing amazing.  I tell all my patients who wish to undergo body contouring procedures, whether it be arms, thighs, abdomens, or total body lifts, the best result you can get is after you have lost enough weight that you are approaching or have reached your ideal body weight and maintained this weight for 3-6 months.  This will give you the best overall result.  What you don't want to do is undergo a procedure too early in your weight loss plan and have excess skin and fat return after you reach your ideal weight.  Thus, what I would recommend is to keep at it with diet and exercise and when you reach your goal weight, consult with a plastic surgeon regarding body contouring procedures.  Good luck and hope this helps!