Panniculectomy vs lower body lift? If insurance does approve panniculectomy, how is it different from lower body lift?

Question

If insurance does approve panniculectomy, how is it different from lower body lift? I shed almost 140 pounds from VSG surgery a year ago and went from 298 to 160. I do have a lot of loose skin around lower belly, outer hips and mons pubis area. Not sure how panniculectomy addresses those issues and if it's just prudent to go with lower body lift and pay on my own? Thanks!

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question about what to do with your lower body after massive weight loss, whether you would achieve better results with a panniculectomy or lower body lift, and what is the difference between a body lift and a panniculectomy.   In your situation, because of your massive weight loss, you will achieve a much better result with a 360 circumferential lower body lift. During the 360 lower body lift, abdominal excess skin and fat is removed, the hips are raised and reduced, and the buttocks are also raised and reduced. Also during the tummy tuck portion of the body lift, the anterior abdominal wall is flattened and you get a much flatter abdomen compared to a panniculectomy. During a panniculectomy, only the apron of abdominal skin is removed. During a panniculectomy, the hips and buttocks are not addressed. If your panniculectomy is approved, you can still have the panniculectomy and the 360 circumferential lower body lift completed at the same time.  You need to discuss these issues with your plastic surgeon ahead of time. It is possible your panniculectomy to be covered by your insurance and you pay “out of pocket” for the rest of the procedures. Please discuss this with your chosen plastic surgeon. However, it is possible to have your panniculectomy and 360 circumferential lower body lift performed at the same time.  Thank you.   I hope that I have answered your question regarding what to do with your lower body after massive weight loss, whether you would achieve better results with a panniculectomy or lower body lift, and what is the difference between a body lift and a panniculectomy.      I specialize in reconstructive plastic surgery after weight loss.  If you have any more questions regarding the panniculectomy, tummy tuck, extended tummy tuck, high lateral tension tummy tuck, abdominoplasty, lower body lift, 360 circumferential lower body lift, belt lipectomy, belt abdominoplasty, or belt dermolipectomy, please contact my office. Since the panniculectomy or extended tummy tuck are big procedures, please seek an experienced, board certified plastic surgeon with significant experience performing the panniculectomy or extended tummy tuck. Do your research.  Make sure they have performed at least 100 panniculectomies or extended tummy tuck surgeries and have the before and after pictures to prove it.  Carefully examine their before and after pictures and check their reviews on RealSelf.   If you cannot find an experienced, panniculectomy or extended tummy tuck surgeon in your neighborhood, consider traveling out of state if you must. Sincerely, Dr. Katzen. (“Verified” Plastic Surgeon, certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Fellow of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American College of Surgery, and International College of Surgery and member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery and RealSelf Hall of Fame.)

Dhaval M. Patel, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  I suggest you seek a board certifed plastic surgeon to discuss your concerns.  You can have the office precert you for a panniculectomy and pay out of pocket for the body lift depending on what insurance covers.  Best of luck!Dr Dhaval Patel
Double Board Certifed 
Plastic Surgeon
Chicago
Hoffman Estates
Oakbrook
Orland Park

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Tummy tuck will improve the abdomen and a lower body lift will improve the abdomen, the back and perhaps the buttocks and lateral thighs. Schedule an in-office consult with a board certified PS who performs both lower body lifts and panniculectomies so that you can determine the best option for  you.Kenneth Hughes, MD, ABPS Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Vadim1537,
lower body lift is an aesthetic procedure which isn't covered by insurance. Panniculectomy is less invasive procedure which removes pannus and it can be covered by insurance company in case it causes symptoms. 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

Robert L. Kraft, MD, FACS · Answer

Congratulations on the weight loss. Panniculectomy simply excises the overhanging skin apron of the abdomen which, in a case like yours, can be quite substantial. Insurance does not automatically approve it. You must demonstrate intractable rashes which do not respond to a lengthy course of antibiotics, including intravenous.  A lower body lift is more extensive and would include additional areas including the thighs. Best wishes.

Panniculectomy vs lower body lift? If insurance does approve panniculectomy, how is it different from lower body lift?

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Answer: Panniculectomy vs lower body lift

Answer: Panniculectomy vs lower body lift

Answer: Panniculectomy or lower body lift

Answer: Panniculectomy or lower body lift

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Everything you need to know about Panniculectomy

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Panniculectomy vs lower body lift? If insurance does approve panniculectomy, how is it different from lower body lift?

Answers (5)

Answer: Panniculectomy vs lower body lift

Answer: Panniculectomy vs lower body lift

Answer: Panniculectomy or lower body lift

Answer: Panniculectomy or lower body lift

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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.