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

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

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.

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.