I weigh 215 pounds but am only 5 foot - will I be able to have a panniculectomy?

Hi Fearless205217, Thank you for your question regarding the fact that you weigh 215 pounds and are 5 foot and whether you will be able to have a panniculectomy. First, a panniculectomy surgery is based on the size of your pannus, not your current weight or weight loss history. Typically, in order for your insurance provider to authorize coverage and payment for a panniculectomy, the following criteria must be met: 1) Your abdominal pannus must extend below the level of the pubis or pelvic bone. 2) If you have lost more than 100 pounds through diet and exercise, you must maintain a stable weight for a period of six months. If you have lost more than 100 pounds through weight loss surgery, your weight should be stable for a period of 18 months. 3) You must have a documented history, recorded in a medical office, of recurrent rashes or non-healing ulcers that do not respond to antibiotics, antifungal agents, or steroid lotions, and 4) you must have documented difficulty with ambulation or interference with activities of daily living. A panniculectomy performed exclusively for the purpose of alleviating low-back discomfort is regarded as NOT medically necessary and is generally not covered.
There are eight distinct varieties of abdominoplasty procedures. There are several types of abdominoplasty procedures, including the traditional low horizontal tummy tuck, extended tummy tuck, high lateral tension tummy tuck, vertical tummy tuck, inverted T or fleur-de-lis (FDL) tummy tuck, micro tummy tuck, reverse tummy tuck, and lateral tummy tuck. Various types of stomach tucks are appropriate for addressing distinct anatomical issues. During an abdominoplasty, an incision is created beneath the pannus, and dissection is carried out toward the sternum or rib cage. The rectus abdominis muscle is plicated, resulting in a significantly flattened abdominal contour in profile compared to a panniculectomy. In this tummy tuck, the incision would resemble the panniculectomy in that an incision is made beneath the abdominal pannus. Furthermore, the panniculectomy is comparable to abdominoplasty in that excess skin and fat are excised from the hanging pannus. However, the similarity between a panniculectomy and an abdominoplasty essentially concludes at that point. An abdominoplasty is a significantly more invasive procedure that generally yields considerably better and more optimal results in comparison to a panniculectomy. Furthermore, during a stomach tuck procedure, the navel is repositioned and aesthetically refined. Furthermore, abdominoplasty is considerably more superior to panniculectomy because a greater amount of skin and fat can be excised during a tummy tuck than in a panniculectomy. Typically, extra skin and adipose tissue from the upper pubic area to above the umbilicus are excised. Remember that during a panniculectomy, only the skin and subcutaneous tissue from the pubic area to the upper edge of the hanging pannus are excised. Furthermore, liposuction is typically conducted in conjunction with an abdominal tuck. Generally, for nearly all patients, an abdominal tuck or abdominoplasty is significantly more advantageous than a panniculectomy. Many insurance providers authorize the panniculectomy; however, regrettably, not all insurance companies grant approval for the tummy tuck procedure. If I were in your position, I would choose the tummy surgery over the panniculectomy—even if it entails a higher cost. I trust this provides a helpful clarification regarding the distinction between a panniculectomy and an abdominoplasty. Remember, a panniculectomy generally involves only the removal of the pannus, whereas an abdominoplasty addresses the entire abdominal wall and typically yields significantly superior results compared to a panniculectomy. Good luck. I hope that I have answered your question regarding the fact that you weigh 215 pounds and are 5 feet, and whether you will be able to have a panniculectomy.
If you have any more questions regarding the panniculectomy, extended lower body lift, lower body lift, 360 circumferential lower body lift, belt lipectomy, belt abdominoplasty, or belt dermolipectomy, contact an experienced plastic surgeon. Since the panniculectomy or lower body lift is a big procedure, please seek an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon with significant experience performing the panniculectomy or lower body lift. Do your research. Make sure they have performed at least 100 panniculectomies or circumferential lower body lift 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 lower body lift surgeon in your area, consider traveling out of state if necessary. Sincerely, Dr. Katzen. ( 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.)

A panniculectomy will remove the apron of fat that hangs below the level of the hips. You will need to be evaluated by a surgeon and approved by your insurance in order to have the procedure. You may want to consider a full tummy tuck once you have reached your goal weight which will not only address excess skin and fat but will also correct abdominal wall laxity.