What surgeries can be done to take care of a large number of lipomas, excess skin, & tissue, in my upper/ lower abdomen? (photo)

Question

I have a large number of painful lipomas (the lipomas are likely related to my diagnosis of MEN1) in my upper and lower abdomen and at the base of my rib cage. The surgeon I've seen suggested a panniculectomy, which would not take care of the lipomas higher up. She knows insurance won't pay for anything more than that but I want to know what would take care of it ALL. This causes me a lot of pain and infections. What surgeries would get rid of all three "tiers", the lipomas and excess skin?

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

Addressing multiple concerns such as lipomas, excess skin, and tissue in the upper and lower abdomen can be complex, especially when considering insurance coverage. Here are some surgical options that might be discussed with your healthcare provider:

Liposuction: This procedure can be used to remove lipomas and some excess fatty tissue. It may help with the lipomas in areas that are not addressed by a panniculectomy.

Excision of Lipomas: For deeper or more extensive lipomas, direct excision may be necessary. This involves surgically removing the lipomas, which can be done in conjunction with other procedures.

Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck): This surgery can address excess skin and tissue in the abdominal area. Unlike a panniculectomy, which primarily removes excess skin below the navel, an abdominoplasty can tighten the abdominal wall and remove skin from both the upper and lower abdomen.

Combination Procedures: Depending on your specific needs and the extent of the lipomas, a combination of procedures might be necessary. This could include liposuction, excision, and abdominoplasty to address all areas of concern.

It's important to have a detailed discussion with a board-certified plastic surgeon who has experience with complex cases like yours. They can provide a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your needs and help navigate potential insurance coverage for medically necessary procedures. Additionally, considering your diagnosis of MEN1, close collaboration with your medical team is crucial to ensure comprehensive care.

What surgeries can be done to take care of a large number of lipomas, excess skin, & tissue, in my upper/ lower abdomen? (photo)

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Everything you need to know about Lipoma Removal

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What surgeries can be done to take care of a large number of lipomas, excess skin, & tissue, in my upper/ lower abdomen? (photo)

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Everything you need to know about Lipoma Removal

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