Is it possible I could have a panni with so much fat left to help with rashes? (photos)

You look like a good candidate for a panniculectomy which involves excising the lower abdominal roll and excess skin and fat. There may be some liposuction done as well. Usually with a panniculectomy there might not be a correction of any diastasis recti ( lax abdominal wall muscle layer) or as much liposuction as the primary goal is to get rid of the excess roll of skin and fat. This differs from a tradition abdominoplasty where there frequently is a repair of the muscle layer and possibly more liposuction. Either procedure can be tailored to the patient needs and carry a high level of patient satisfaction. Dr. Price

Dear Dazzling709058,
Thank you for your post and your photos. First, congratulations on your impressive weight loss! You may be a good candidate for a panniculectomy. With the symptoms you mention, you may be able to have this covered by insurance, but keep in mind that each insurance company has its own criteria for which they will approve surgery. I suggest that at this current time, to get your process started, you schedule a virtual consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. Best wishes and stay safe!

Thank you for your question regarding whether it would be appropriate for you to have a panniculectomy with still such remaining fat and rashes. Insurance coverage for a panniculectomy depends on your insurance company and their policies. Some insurance companies are very strict on their criteria other some insurance companies are more liberal. However, in general, most insurance companies require the abdominal pannus completely cover the entire pubic region. You also must be able to document chronic rashes that have not healed with topical creams, lotions, antifungals, and antibiotics.  Some insurance companies also have criteria regarding significant weight loss. If you lost more than 100+ lbs with diet and exercise, you must be at a stable weight for 6 months. If you lost more than 100+ lbs with weight loss surgery, then your weight must be stable for 18 months. However, it is important to check with your individualized insurance company. Most insurance companies do not cover a panniculectomy solely for back pain. In your case you could have a panniculectomy even with this much fat left. Some insurance companies require you to be a certain Body Mass Index or BMI for surgery. Your BMI is based on your height and weight. Please consult a plastic surgeon who is experienced with insurance coverage for a panniculectomy. Thank you for your question regarding the panniculectomy.  I hope that I have answered your questions whether you could have panni with so much fat left to help with rashes. I specialize in reconstructive plastic surgery after weight loss.  If you have any more questions regarding the panniculectomy, extended lower body lift, lower body lift, 360 circumferential lower body lift, belt lipectomy, belt abdominoplasty, or belt dermolipectomy, please contact my office. Since the panniculectomy or lower body lift is a big procedure, please seek an experienced, board certified plastic surgeon with significant experience performing the panniculectomy or lower body lift. Do your research.  Make sure they have performed at least 100 panniculectomies or circumferential lower body lift surgeries and have the before and after pictures to prove it.  Carefully examine their before and after pictures and check their reviews on RealSelf.   If you cannot find an experienced, panniculectomy or lower body lift surgeon in your neighborhood, consider traveling out of state if you must. Sincerely, Dr. Katzen. (“Verified” Plastic Surgeon, certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Fellow of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American College of Surgery, and International College of Surgery and member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery and RealSelf Hall of Fame.)