What BMI do you have to be to get a Panniculectomy done?

Question

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. When it comes to a panniculectomy, it’s not strictly about your BMI, but more so about your overall health and the medical necessity of the procedure. While some surgeons may take BMI into account, it’s more important to consider factors such as:

Chronic rashes or infections caused by excess skin.
Hygiene issues due to the skin overhang.
Your ability to heal and safely undergo surgery.
If you're healthy and have medical issues caused by your pannus, many plastic surgeons would consider you a good candidate for the procedure, even if your BMI is higher. However, it’s always best to consult with your surgeon, who can evaluate your specific situation and determine the safest and most effective plan for you.

If you want to see a high BMI panniculectomy, check out the video below.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Some insurance companies do not require a specific BMI to cover a panniculectomy.  Instead, they consider medical criteria such as chronic skin rashes, wounds, infections, odor, and other medical issues.The panniculectomy will produce the best results with the lowest risk of complications during and after surgery if you have lost most of your excess weight or your weight loss has stabilized for a period of months.  You may qualify for weight loss surgery if your BMI is over 35 and you have a serious weight-related health problem, such as high BP, severe sleep apnea, or type 2 diabetes.
Kenneth Hughes, MD, APBS Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Richard J. Wassermann, MD, MPH, FACS · Answer

There is not a specific BMI number that is required to be a candidate for Panniculectomy surgery, but overall health conditions and general ranges. A panniculectomy is the skin removal of the lower abdomen, and to qualify as "medically necessary" your insurance will have some specific criteria that must be met. Most of these are in relation to the overhanging skin and the obstruction it causes you. For most insurance companies, criteria include the severity of the overhang (below your pubis), documentation of rashes and skin fold issues including yeast, and duration of time that these issues have been problematic. Although these issues do not relate to your current BMI, your Board Certified Plastic Surgeon may have some specifications in that regard. Most offices require a BMI of less than 40 to even consider a patient a surgical candidate. This relates to overall health, the ability to heal, and complications from anesthesia. Consult with your local Board Certified Plastic Surgeon for your personalized consultation- Best of luck!

What BMI do you have to be to get a Panniculectomy done?

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What BMI do you have to be to get a Panniculectomy done?

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Everything you need to know about Panniculectomy

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