I was approved for panniculectomy surgery. I want this. Can I get that flat stomach/slim waist look? (Photo)

Question

Rohit Jaiswal, MD · Answer

Thanks for the questions and posting photos. 
The final appearance after a panniculectomy is determined by the pre-operative anatomy/exam, the aggressiveness of the surgical technique, and whether any adjuncts such as muscle tightening or liposuction are also used. It is not possible to give an assessment of future results without at least a formal examination- and sometimes not even then. I never guarantee a cosmetic result with my patients. 
Panniculectomies are typically approved for medical reasons such as frequent infections, difficulty with keeping the area sanitary, inhibition of exercise, etc. It is not a cosmetic procedure per se- therefore although most plastic surgeons will try to get the optimal cosmetic result, it is secondary to treating the tissue redundancy that is causing the medical problems. 
Seeing a plastic surgeon may allow you to discuss more in depth what the final result may look like and if your cosmetic goals are achievable with a panniculectomy only. 
Best wishes, 
Rohit Jaiswal, MD 
Plastic Surgeon, Las Vegas, NV

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. Based on what you’re describing, a panniculectomy alone is unlikely to give you the slim waist or contoured look you desire. A panniculectomy focuses on removing the hanging skin and fat in the lower abdomen but doesn’t include muscle repair or extensive recontouring of the midsection.

If you’re looking for a more defined waistline, a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) would be a better option. A tummy tuck not only removes excess skin but also tightens the abdominal muscles and recontours the entire abdomen, helping you achieve the slimmer, more sculpted look.

You might want to ask your plastic surgeon if they can combine the panniculectomy with a tummy tuck. In some cases, the panniculectomy may be covered by insurance, and you can pay the difference for the tummy tuck to get the full aesthetic benefits.

It’s hard to tell from your zoomed-in photos just how dramatic your results could be, but with the right procedure, you can achieve a more contoured and toned appearance. I wish you the best!

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Tahira Prendergast, MD, FACS · Answer

Thanks for your question. This is definitely a discussion you should have with your plastic surgeon before surgery. With a panniculectomy, there is removal of excess skin, there is no muscle work or liposuction which contributes to the tiny waist that people have after a tummy tuck. Your plastic surgeon can help guide with the likely outcome.

I was approved for panniculectomy surgery. I want this. Can I get that flat stomach/slim waist look? (Photo)

Answers (3)

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Panniculectomy

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

I was approved for panniculectomy surgery. I want this. Can I get that flat stomach/slim waist look? (Photo)

Answers (3)

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Panniculectomy

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.