Does a tummy tuck include the panniculectomy? Or two separate surgeries?

A tummytuck, or abdominoplasty involves paniculectomy which is removal of redundant fat and skin, removal of c-section scar, if present, and tightening of the abdominal wall internally. This combination nicely re-contours your abdominal region. Seek out a board certified plastic surgeon. Insurance does not usually cover this operation. Beware of false promises!

Depending on the extent of your apron or pannus, a panniculectomy just removes the apron that may cause inflammation and growth of funguses. You can submit for reimbursement if you have significant fungal problems or a positive WARP test. The WARP test can determine if back pain is secondary to loosening of your fascia or excess abdominal weight from an apron. Most plastic surgeons will not accept the paltry payment of an insurance reimbursement of panniculectomy for a full cosmetic abdominoplasty, which fixing the upper abdomen , belly button and flanks. Good luck..

A tummy tuck does include a panniculectomy, however, a panniculectomy may not include a full tummy tuck. A panniculectomy simply means to excise (surgically remove) the apron of skin that generally results from weight loss.With a tummy tuck, all of the abdominal wall skin and underlying subcutaneous fat are elevated from the underlying fascia of the muscles up to the rib cage, with the exception of the umbilicus. That entire flap of tissue is brought downward and the excess is removed. The umbilicus is brought through another surgically created hole in the abdominal wall skin and then sutured in place. Also in virtually every tummy tuck the rectus muscles are sutured together to create an internal corset.Regarding a tummy tuck, I preferred the No-drain Tummy Tuck as the recovery time and discomfort postoperatively are minimized, and the patient isn't encumbered with drains.The recovery time still is a little longer than a panniculectomy because of the underlying suturing together of the muscles. This is called correction of the rectus diastasis.

Tummy tuck is traditionally cosmetic and paid out of pocket. Panniculectomy is similar but is often the term used for removal of extra abdominal skin that is covered by insurance. Insurance, however, will not cover muscle tightening or liposuction that may be recommended during a cosmetic tummy tuck. Some surgeons are able to perform a panniculectomy which is covered by insurance and have the patient pay out of pocket for the cosmetic portion of the procedure. Best to investigate this with a board certified plastic surgeon.

A tummy tuck always includes the skin and fat that would be removed by a panniculectomy. If insurance coverage is obtained for your panniculectomy and you want to add a tummy tuck to that you are responsible for all of the fees related to the cosmetic part (tummy tuck) part of your operation. These fees typically include fees for the surgeon, anesthesia and hospital. 

A pannuldectomy is  part of a TT. Unless it's very extensive and creating medical issues,it's usually not covered by insurance.