Why is it I look pregnant after having a pannectlectumy almost 5 months ago? (photo)

Question

Why do I look pregnant after 5 months. I need help almost like i need another surgery. It feels hard in certain areas like lower area.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi, nik00,
Thank you for your question regarding why is it you look pregnant after having a pannectlectumy almost 5 months ago.  Thank you for your history and your picture.  At five months, most, or if not all, of your panniculectomy swelling should be gone.  Therefore, most plastic surgeons would agree that the shape of your abdomen is not due to swelling. In the abdominal wall, two things can lead to a distended abdomen: fat or a distended peritoneal cavity.  In your case, most plastic surgeons would agree that your abdomen is distended due to an enlarged peritoneal cavity.  The peritoneal cavity is a body cavity behind the rectus abdominis muscles, below the diaphragm, and above the pelvis.  It contains your viscera.  The viscera are organs, such as your liver, small bowel, gallbladder, and pancreas.  With weight gain, fat accumulates around the small intestine, leading to peritoneal distention.  With weight loss, the peritoneal cavity sometimes shrinks.  During a tummy tuck, the rectus abdominis muscle is usually plicated to reduce the anterior projection of the peritoneal cavity.  However, during a panniculectomy, the rectus muscles are not plicated.  Therefore, since the peritoneal cavity is enlarged, the solution is to reduce its size.  This can be accomplished with rectus abdominis plication (abdominal muscle plication) or further weight loss.  If you can lose more weight, that would be ideal.  There are excellent weight-loss medications, including GLP-1s, which may be a great way to lose more weight.  Most plastic surgeons offer free virtual or in-office physical consultations.  Therefore, explore what other plastic surgeons have to say.  Good luck.  I hope I have answered your question about why you look pregnant after having a pannectlectomy almost 5 months ago.  If you have any more questions regarding tummy tucks, abdominoplasties, panniculectomy, rectus abdominis plication, or abdominal liposuction, contact an experienced plastic surgeon. Since the tummy tuck surgery is a big procedure, please seek an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon with significant experience in performing tummy tucks.  Do your research.   If you cannot find an experienced tummy tuck plastic surgeon in your neighborhood, consider traveling out of state.  Sincerely, Dr. Katzen, MD, MBA, FACS, FICS. ( Plastic Surgeon, President of the American Society of Bariatric Surgeons, 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, RealSelf Hall of Fame, and RealSelf Doctor Advisory Board for Medical Review and Consumer Panel.)

Ron Hazani, MD, FACS · Answer

During a panniculectomy, the surgeon does not tighten your muscle. Consider a TT to correct the abdominal wall laxity and improve your contour. Seek a plastic surgeon with hundreds of reviews and photos.

Why is it I look pregnant after having a pannectlectumy almost 5 months ago? (photo)

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