What happens if you gain 20-plus pounds after a panniculectomy?

Thank you for your question regarding what would happen if you gain 20 pounds after your panniculectomy. First of all, I do not suggest gaining weight after any plastic surgical procedure. However, if you did gain 20 pounds after a panniculectomy, you will probably collect some fat in the anterior abdominal wall. It is highly unliking that you will regain all 20 pounds of fat in the abdominal pannus, but some fat will collect in that area. So, try not to gain weight after your panniculectomy.  A panniculectomy is not a license to eat anything you want.  A panniculectomy is just a start. After a panniculectomy it is important to continue to watch what you eat and continually exercise. Thank you for your question about weight gain after a panniculectomy.   I hope that I have answered your question regarding what would happen if you gain 20 pounds after your panniculectomy.  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.)

Hello,
Thank you for your question. When patients gain weight (presumably fat rather than muscle) after a panniculectomy, the fat is typically distributed in the same pattern (as in which specific body parts get larger), in the same pattern as when they gained weight prior to the surgery. In terms of risks and side effects, obesity holds the same health risks (Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, etc) with or without the panniculectomy. 
If your concern is weight gain and the negative health effects associated with obesity, you may benefit from consultation with a bariatric (obesity) surgeon to discuss the possibility of bariatric surgery followed by a panniculectomy (and perhaps other body contouring procedures such as thigh and arm lifts) once your weight stabilizes after the surgery.
Best wishes,
Dr. Moein 

Dear jillbeaner76,it is hard to predict how will you look like if you gain 20 lbs after the surgery. You will likely see your weight gain in a uniform distribution . The weight or fat that you gain after surgery will not necessarily all go to your abdominal area. If you have any concerns, I suggest you to discuss it with your plastic surgeon.Daniel Barrett, MD

Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery