What is the best way to fix my 'apron flap'? (Photos)

Question

My first csection was a flop, had to get surgery to try and fix my stomach.had an overbite scar that two surgeons cut off and fixed with second csection. With losing weight fat is pooling in lower stomach pulling down, i have rashes acne frail skin that rips and gets raw woth yeast odor i cannot wear jeans, buttons rip skin im in a 4x shirt for length nearing 5x to help cover. Please help me.

Donovan Rosas, MD · Answer

Based upon your photos, you are a good candidate for skin excision of the abdomen.A panniculectomy or skin apron excision can be an effective way of dealing with skin excess of the abdomen. It differs from an abdominoplasty in the extent of superior dissection and skin excision but will be covered by insurance out of medical necessity (intertriginous rashes, infections, skin breakdown).As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

Jean Paul Giudicelli Saba, MD · Answer

Hi, thanks for sharing your concern and photos with us!
Looking at your photos I might say that you´ll be a great candidate to get an entire back, waist and flanks liposuction, with BBL, and tummy tuck, this is because all the extra skin located in this areas plus your abdominal muscle needs to be repaired.
  
Before all this, of course, you need to get a complete medical evaluation and laboratory exams to check everything is fine. Also please try to find a board certified plastic surgeon, remember that your safety, always, is going to be first.
  
Have a great day! 
  
Dr. JPG

Remus Repta, MD · Answer

It sounds like you would be a good candidate for a panniculectomy.  A panniculectomy is the removal of the skin and soft-tissue of the abdomen that hangs below the pubic bone.  It is not a tummy tuck since this involves tightening the skin of the entire abdomen.  If you would like to have the best looking abdomen possible, a tummy tuck would be what you should pursue.  If you are trying to just remove the skin that hangs over the pubic area then a panniculectomy is what you would be looking for.All the best,Dr. Remus Repta

Karen Leong, MD · Answer

I'm sorry to hear that you're having so much trouble with skin breakdown and fungal infections after going through so much! You should be proud of yourself for losing all that weight though, and now it's time to put your needs first and get your body back!
You have basically 2 options:
1) You sound like you would qualify for insurance covered panniculectomy. This is a surgery to remove the extra skin and fatty tissue (your "apron") to treat the medical problems of fungal infection and skin breakdown. However, insurance generally does not cover muscle tightening or repositioning of your belly button to get the nice flat tummy tuck appearance. This is purely to treat your condition.
2) Tummy Tuck/Abdominoplasty is a cosmetic procedure that would also remove the apron but in addition we can tighten your abdominal muscles to take care of the belly bulge and restore your waistline as well as reposition your belly button and make it more like it was before your pregnancies and weight gain.
Either procedure can be paired with liposuction but again this would be an elective procedure not covered by insurance.
Make sure to have all your options explained to you by a qualified plastic surgeon. I hope this helps. -Dr. Leong

Anthony J. Taglienti, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. The only way to improve this area is to remove it - either in the surgical form of a panniculectomy or an abdominoplasty. With a panniculectomy, the skin that hangs is removed and sewn together. Typically this is a procedure that is performed because of frequent rashes in the area, infections that have the potential to brew, or in conjunction with another surgery (like a hernia repair). This procedure can be covered by insurance. With an abdominoplasty, the skin is also removed, but typically the muscles are tightened, and more skin is removed than with a panniculectomy. This is also a cosmetic procedure, and liposuction may also be performed as well. Your best bet is to have an in-person consultation with an American Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon to find out all of your options. Nothing replaces an in-person examination. However, prior to any surgery, you should really be at your ideal weight (or within 10-15 lbs of it). Best of luck!

Mark Broudo, MD · Answer

You are an ideal candidate for a tummy tuck. This will remove the apron and prevent any further rashes and itching as well as dramatically improving the appearance of you stomach.

What is the best way to fix my 'apron flap'? (Photos)

Answers (6)

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