Panniculectomy, what causes you to qualify.

Hi Lucyfurr666,
Thank you for your question regarding what causes you to qualify or what the requirements are for a panniculectomy. A consultation would be mandatory before any surgery could be suggested. Typically, you must fulfill the following requirements for your insurance provider to approve and pay for a panniculectomy: 1) The pannus in your abdomen must hang below the pubis or pelvic bone. 2) You must maintain a steady weight for six months if you used diet and exercise to lose more than 100 pounds. Your weight must remain steady for 18 months if you have weight reduction surgery and shed more than 100 pounds. 3) You need to have a history of recurring rashes or non-healing ulcers that don't go away when treated with antibiotics, antifungals, or steroid creams (at the doctor's office); 4) You need to have a history of ambulation issues or problems with everyday living activities. A panniculectomy done only to treat low back pain is typically not covered since it is not seen as medically necessary.
Tummy tucks come in eight different varieties. The lateral stomach tuck, inverted T or fleur-de-lis (FDL) tuck, mini-tummy tuck, reverse tummy tuck, high lateral tension tummy tuck, vertical tummy tuck, and the classic low horizontal tummy tuck are among the variations. For various anatomic issues, different tummy tucks are recommended. An abdominoplasty involves dissecting to the sternum or rib cage by making an incision beneath the pannus. Compared to a panniculectomy, the rectus abdominis muscle is plicated, giving you a considerably flatter stomach on profile. Given that an incision is made under the abdominal pannus, the tummy tuck and panniculectomy would be comparable in your situation. The removal of extra skin and fat from the dangling pannus is another similarity between the panniculectomy and the abdominoplasty. The similarities between an abdominoplasty and a panniculectomy, however, essentially stop there. Compared to a panniculectomy, an abdominoplasty is a far more invasive operation that typically yields better and superior outcomes. Additionally, the belly button is relocated and given a better appearance after the tummy tuck. Additionally, because a tummy tuck can remove more skin and fat than a panniculectomy, the abdominoplasty is far preferable to the panniculectomy. Usually, extra skin and fat are removed from above the belly button to the top of the pubic area. Recall that just the skin and fat from the dangling pannus are removed during a panniculectomy. Furthermore, the tummy tuck is typically done in conjunction with liposuction. Generally speaking, an abdominoplasty, also known as a tummy tuck, is considerably better than a panniculectomy for nearly all patients. Regretfully, not all insurance companies approve panniculectomy or tummy tucks. Even though the procedure would cost more, if I were you, I would choose the tummy tuck over the panniculectomy. I hope this clarifies any confusion you may have had about the distinctions between an abdominoplasty and a panniculectomy. Keep in mind that an abdominoplasty addresses the entire abdominal wall, but a panniculectomy usually only removes the pannus. Generally speaking, an abdominoplasty produces considerably better results than 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.)

In most cases, health insurance companies will not consider a panniculectomy a medically necessary procedure and therefore will not cover the expense.  However, if the pannus is causing a wound to form they may cover part of the cost of the surgery.  I would also suggest that you try to get your weight down prior to any surgery.  If you can get your BMI below 30, this will decrease the risks associated with the procedure and improve your results, as well.  Recovery time can vary but expect it to take approximately 6 to 12 weeks for full recovery.  Best wishes, Dr. Lepore.