Pannus removal after 115 pounds lost -- still have a BMI of 38 (213 lbs and 5'2.5")?

Question

I want a pannus removal as my pannus currently hangs over my pubic area and the skin gets very irritated, even in the winter time, due to sweat. I would consider a tummy tuck if possible -- I'm a 35 year old female and would still like to have 1-2 kids (I have heard that some doctors do not recommend TTs in that case). I have been within 210-215 pounds for the past 18 months. This is after losing 115 pounds of weight slowly over 3.5 years.

Babak Moeinolmolki, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,
Thank you for your question and congratulations on your weight loss! Undergoing a panniculectomy now and then a tummy tuck after you’ve completed your family would likely give you the best aesthetic (most beautiful) results. That said, I have also had patients happy with undergoing a tummy tuck prior to child bearing. The best option depends on your short and long term goals. 
Another option would be to undergo weight loss surgery such as a gastric sleeve to support you in achieving a healthy BMI. Many patients also find that the weight loss improves their fertility and leads to healthier pregnancies. If you choose this route, it would be best to postpone panniculectomy and/or tummy tuck until your weight has stablized. 
Best wishes,
Dr. Moein

Karthik Ram, MRCS, DNB · Answer

Hello, Thanks for sharing your query.  Congrats on your weight loss. Tummy tuck involves plication of the rectus muscle in addition to removal of excess skin. Though there are cases of uneventful pregnancies following TT it is usually recommended that you complete the family before procedure. It would be ideal if you would lose the additional weight and ten plan for panniculectomy/TT. But if the lose skin is very bothersome then you may undergo panniculcetomy now and may require a second procedure after you complete family and weight loss to get your desired results. Consult a board certified plastic surgeon.

Adolfo Sesto, MD · Answer

Hi. Its difficult to say if your are already a candidate for a Tummy Tuck + Lipo, you can get this procedure and is not a contraindication for having more pregnancies, but I do recommend my patients to wait at least 2 years before getting pregnant.International Member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)
Member of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS)

Pannus removal after 115 pounds lost -- still have a BMI of 38 (213 lbs and 5'2.5")?

Answers (3)