What is the suggested weight that I should be prior to my panniculectomy surgery? (Photos)

Question

I weighed 383 lbs I'm down to 308 and wondered what's the best weight I should be for panni surgery?

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding what you should weigh before a panniculectomy. Ideally, your BMI should be less than 30. BMI is a calculation based on your height and weight. Since you did not include in your weight, it is difficult for me to determine what your weight should be to achieve the BMI of 30. However, it is an easy calculation for you to perform. Go on the Internet and find a BMI calculator and you can calculate your BMI by entering your current weight and height. At your current weight, to be a BMI of less than 30,  at a weight of 308, you would have to be 7’6” tall !! Panniculectomy are often covered when your BMI is less than 30; however, there is no guarantee. In addition, sometimes, it is almost impossible for patients to reach a BMI of less than 30. If this is your case, you may consider still having panniculectomy surgery, but would unlikely have insurance coverage for the panniculectomy procedure. In almost all cases after massive weight loss, the tummy tuck is a far better procedure than a panniculectomy. During a tummy tuck or abdominoplasty, the anterior abdominal wall is repaired and more skin and fat is removed compared to a panniculectomy.  Also, the tummy results are usually far more superior than a standard panniculectomy. I hope that I have answered your questions about what should be your suggested weight prior to your panniculectomy surgery.  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.)

Babak Moeinolmolki, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,

Thank you for your question and photos. Congratulations on your weight loss and pursuit of a healthier lifestyle! 
Ideally, one should be at or near their ideal body weight for several months when undergoing panniculectomy as this provides the best cosmetic outcome and minimizes likelihood of complications. If there is a pressing reason to have the panniculectomy sooner like recurrent skin infections or rashes, a panniculectomy may be done in the interim then consider a revision once the ideal body weight is reached. 
You did not provide your height/BMI but if you still have a substantial amount of weight to lose, I  recommend you do an in person/video consultation with a weight loss/obesity expert who can give insight about surgical weight loss options like bariatric surgery. Hope this helps! 
Best, 
Dr. Babak Moein

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Some insurance companies do not require a specific BMI to cover a panniculectomy.  Instead, they consider medical criteria such as chronic skin rashes, wounds, infections, odor, and other medical issues.
The panniculectomy will produce the best results with the lowest risk of complications during and after surgery if you have lost most of your excess weight or your weight loss has stabilized for a period of months.  You may qualify for weight loss surgery if your BMI is over 35 and you have a serious weight-related health problem, such as high BP, severe sleep apnea, or type 2 diabetes.Consult with a board certified PS to discuss how to prepare for the panniculectomy surgery.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear seensay2,
Congrats on the weight loss! Generally speaking, you want to reach your goal weight before you consider a panniculectomy, otherwise your results will be suboptimal if you continue to lose weight after the surgery. 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

Richard J. Wassermann, MD, MPH, FACS · Answer

Hello!  Congratulations on your weight loss journey thus far! There is not a specific weight that a patient must be to be a candidate for Panniculectomy, but usually your insurance company and Plastic Surgeon do have some specific requirements. Usually the first requirement is having your BMI at less than 40, and if you are able to get it even closer to 35 or less, you would have a better post-surgical result. A stable weight for at least 6 months is also a usual requirement. Meet with a local Board Certified Plastic Surgeon near you to get their specific requirements as well as to see what your insurance will require- Best of luck!

What is the suggested weight that I should be prior to my panniculectomy surgery? (Photos)

Answers (5)

Answer: Weight prior to surgery

Answer: Weight prior to surgery

Answer: Weigh Requirement

Answer: Weigh Requirement

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What is the suggested weight that I should be prior to my panniculectomy surgery? (Photos)

Answers (5)

Answer: Weight prior to surgery

Answer: Weight prior to surgery

Answer: Weigh Requirement

Answer: Weigh Requirement

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Panniculectomy

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.