Panniculectomy vs Tummy Tuck - which would be best for me? (photos)

Congratulations you look amazing!

So a panniculectomy is a basic functional surgery whose only goal is to remove the hanging skin, not to relocate belly button, not to fix muscles and certainly not to do any sculpting liposuction. Insurance if approved will cover this. Conversely a tummy tuck will pull down your abdomen, fix your muscles, remove the pannus and if you add liposuction will improve your abdominal contours. For simple comparison. A tummy tuck without lipo is approx 10-12k for everything surgery, anesthesia and facility, if you add flank and abdomen lipo cost is approx 14-16k. I know a lot more than insurance covering a panniculectomy but with significantly better functional and aesthetic results.

Congratulations on your impressive weight loss! A panniculectomy will only remove the hanging apron of skin. If you are wanting a more contoured abdomen the tummy tuck is the right procedure. It will address the excess skin throughout the abdomen, remove excess subcutaneous fat and correct abdominal wall laxity. See a board certified plastic surgeon near you to learn more.

Dear JZ0620, Thank you for your question and photographs. However, getting a proper assessment with an in-person examination is easier. Don't hesitate to contact several Board Certified Surgeons who specialize in these procedures to get their evaluation. A Tummy Tuck will address the skin of the upper and lower abdomen and more. Still, it is advised to seek an in-person evaluation with an experienced surgeon specializing in these procedures. Good luck.

Thank you for your question regarding whether you need a panniculectomy or a tummy tuck. In my opinion, you get far better results with a tummy than with a panniculectomy. By definition, a panniculectomy only removes the pannus. The pannus is that excess skin and fat that hangs over the pubic region. Suppose you look at your pictures carefully. You will also see that you have an area of skin and fat above the belly button. This will not be treated with a panniculectomy. A tummy tuck is a far superior procedure compared to a panniculectomy. During a tummy tuck, the roll above your pubic region and the belly button will be permanently eliminated. Through that tummy tuck incision, the rectus abdomens muscle would be repaired. The mons would be lifted and reduced. Excess skin and fat above the mons region would be removed, and a new belly button would be established. None of these are accomplished during a panniculectomy except for removing skin and fat hanging over the pubic region. Therefore, I would highly suggest a tummy tuck over a panniculectomy.

Hi, Thank you for the question.
First off, congratulations on your weight loss! If you are wanting to lose that additional weight, I would try to do so before the surgery only because this can change the results of your surgery.
Based on your photos, you appear to be are a great candidate for a tummy tuck. During tummy tuck surgery excess lose skin below the belly button is removed, new belly button is created to look natural and have no scars on the exterior and your muscles can also be plicated resulting in a flatter abdomen. Liposuction can also be added to further improve the contour of your abdomen and achieve a more hourglass shape.
During Panniculectomy, only the pannus ( extra loose skin) is removed without any contouring of the abdomen performed. If panniculectomy is approved through insurance, tummy tuck procedure can be often added for a lesser fee to achieve the best cosmetic result.
I would recommend an in person evaluation by the plastic surgeon to further evaluate the thickness of your skin and status of your muscles. Make sure you specifically look at before and after pictures of real patients who have had this surgery performed by your surgeon and evaluate their results.
I hope this helps.Best regards, Dr. Karanetz
Dr. Irena KaranetzFellowship-TrainedBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon