Extended Tummy Tuck or Panniculectomy?

While a Tummy tuck also involves repair of the abdominal muscles, in order to achieve a flatter, leaner look (see the gallery on this site).

They are two entirely different procedures, with different goals, outcomes, and recovery/risk profiles.

Your best bet is to have a conversation with your chosen surgeon about your options.

A panniculectomy will not get rid of the excess skin above your belly button. Also, the six-pack muscles will not be brought back together. For your case, I would discuss a fleur-de-lis tummy tuck.Best of luck,Sheila Nazarian

Hello! Thank you for your question! I hope that these answers help! A panniculectomy is an excellent method for removing the excess skin and soft tissue of the lower abdomen (abdominal panniculus), often caused by weight loss. It is mainly performed to ameliorate symptoms caused by the abdominal apron such as hygiene issues, excoriations, rashes/infections, back pain, etc. A panniculectomy gives almost immediate relief from these issues as well as has been shown to stimulate additional weight loss as your activity level is increased after removal of the panniculus. An abdominoplasty is more of an aesthetic procedure in that as opposed to simply excising this excess tissue in a wedge to relieve complaints, an abdominoplasty focuses more on abdominal contouring, abdominal wall tightening, re-insetting the belly button, as well as often times the addition of liposuction. I believe you would be better served by a full tummy tuck, in order to address your abdominal wall laxity as well as contouring of your flanks/hips, and upper abdomen. I would highly recommend continued diet and exercise prior to any consideration for a panniculectomy or body contouring as getting down to your ideal weight prior to the procedure will certainly give you the best results as well as be the safest for you. Neither one is a weight loss procedure. Also, a continued healthy and active lifestyle will be needed in order to maintain the benefits that the procedure has given to you. You should consult with a plastic surgeon at anytime to go over options and in order to assist you in deciding which procedure(s) would be right one for you. Best wishes for a wonderful result!

Panniculectomy is usually for people who have lost 100 lbs or more quickly. It can be performed at the same time as a tummy tuck. The surgery only removes the skin and fat that is hanging below the waist (pannus), and nothing is touched above.However, you should be at a stable normal BMI before pursuing surgery. This is to improve surgical outcome and safety.

You are a candidate for an abdominoplasty. When you are in the sitting position place your hands under the skin apron. Follow this out laterally until it tapers off. This will give you an idea of the length of the incision necessary for your abdominoplasty. Your plastic surgeon, during an examination, will be able to advise you on the length of the incision needed to give you a full correction.