Am I a candidate for a Panniculectomy or thigh lift? (Photo)

Question

Thank you for your time. I currently weigh 198 pounds and have been at this weight for at least 2 years. I weighed 290+ pounds when I gave birth to my twins. I am troubled by skin infections in my belly button which is an inch and a half deep and in my thighs. The weight pulls my hips forward when I walk and it causes me a lot of back pain. I can not jog because of the skin pulling. I have to wear compression pants just exercise moderately. Would this be considered a medical necessity?

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question, and congratulations on your weight loss! After reviewing your photos and reading about your history, you’re an excellent candidate for both a tummy tuck and thigh lift. These procedures would significantly improve your overall contour and help alleviate the discomfort you’re experiencing, such as skin infections and back pain.

A panniculectomy would also help by removing the excess skin and fat in the lower abdomen (the pannus), which is causing infections and discomfort. However, a panniculectomy is somewhat limiting compared to a tummy tuck. While it removes the overhanging skin, it doesn’t include muscle repair or provide as much aesthetic improvement. A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), on the other hand, not only removes excess skin and fat but also tightens the abdominal muscles, corrects abdominal separation (diastasis recti), and recontours the entire midsection. It also helps reposition the belly button to give a more natural appearance.

If you're also struggling with excess skin on your thighs, a thigh lift would address the sagging and discomfort in that area, allowing for greater mobility and relief from skin infections.

Both procedures could be considered medically necessary if they are contributing to functional issues like infections, back pain, and difficulty exercising. I recommend discussing these symptoms with your plastic surgeon to see if insurance might cover part of the surgery.

Some plastic surgeons will perform both procedures at the same time which will allow for one recovery.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Stanley Okoro, MD · Answer

Thank for your question and the photos you provided. Based on the amount of skin in your lower abdomen, you would not qualify for a panniculectomy. I would start researching lipoabdominoplasty to enhance your abdominal contour. Make sure you consult with a board certified plastic surgeon.

Larry C. Leverett, MD, FACS · Answer

The lower body lift/belt lipectomy would address your abdomen, lower back and lateral thighs. Down time is 2-3 weeks. The inner/anterior thighs would have to be addressed at a later surgery, if desired. 
No, it is considered cosmetic, not medically necessary. In order to see a flatter tummy, ore weight loss prior to surgery would be helpful because we don't usually do liposuction of the abdominal skin during this operation.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

The panniculectomy involves only the removal of excess skin/fat that hangs over the genitals and/or thighs. It does address hygiene issues, rashes/infections, etc. When a panniculectomy is done, there is no tightening of the underlying muscles and tapering of the waist so you do not get the contour shape. Panniculectomy is only the removal of the skin below the belly button, so the best aesthetic results could be attained with a TT.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Anonym185752,
if your loose skin is creating health issues, then there is a chance that your insurance will cover the costs of panniculectomy. If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Am I a candidate for a Panniculectomy or thigh lift? (Photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: Am I a candidate for a Panniculectomy or thigh lift? (Photo)

Answer: Am I a candidate for a Panniculectomy or thigh lift? (Photo)

Answer: Loose skin

Answer: Loose skin

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Everything you need to know about Panniculectomy

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Am I a candidate for a Panniculectomy or thigh lift? (Photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: Am I a candidate for a Panniculectomy or thigh lift? (Photo)

Answer: Am I a candidate for a Panniculectomy or thigh lift? (Photo)

Answer: Loose skin

Answer: Loose skin

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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.