What kind of recovery time can I expect from a panniculectomy?

A panniculectomy doesn't involve a rectus plication so the recovery is a little easier. Most patient still take 7-10 days off from work but there are less limitations. A full abdominoplasty is more painful initially and things are "tighter". Most patients benefit from 2 weeks off of work. Make sure you choose the operation that rights for you and not that's most convenient. Discuss this with your plastic surgeon to get a better understanding of you expectations. 

The recovery from a panniculectomy is typically the same as for a tummy tuck.  Two weeks off from work is recommended, then 2 months off from exercise.

Hello,
Thank you for your question. Given a tummy tuck tightens the abdominal muscles (where as a panniculectomy does not), recovery from a tummy tuck is generally longer than that for panniculectomy. That said, recovery time is largely dependent on the amount of tissue removed and patients’ pain tolerance. 
I recommend patients have someone at home to assist them for the first few days after both procedures. This is for both support and safety, as it’s important to have someone monitor your any complications from anesthesia or surgery. 
Most patients take two weeks off from work for either procedure, though some patients choose to return to work sooner.
Consultation with your surgeon will give you the best understanding of what you can expect from either procedure, in light of your health history and the amount of tissue to be removed.
Best wishes with your surgery and recovery,
Dr. Moein

The recovery time for a panniculectomy is considerably less than an abdominoplasty because there is no muscle plication and tightening in a panniculectomy. Best, Dr. Karamanoukian

The recovery from abdominal wall panniculectomy is very
similar to the recovery from abdominoplasty surgery. This recovery varies from
patient to patient and is related to the amount of skin and subcutaneous fat
removed. In some cases, relatively small amounts of skin are removed while in
other cases 30 to 40 pounds can be removed following massive weight loss. This
difference can dramatically impact the recovery.

In the immediate postoperative period, patients can
anticipate limited physical activity for ten to fourteen days. I typically tell
my patients bathroom and kitchen privileges initially with slow resumption of
normal activity over the next two weeks. Patients can usually return to work in
two weeks if no strenuous activity or heavy lifting is involved. After six
weeks, they can resume all their normal activities including heavy lifting.

Patients typically wear an abdominal binder for three
weeks following surgery. This minimizes swelling and increases comfort. Drains
are placed at the time of surgery and are usually removed within two weeks of
surgery. Pain management is extremely important. Most patients are initially
given narcotic pain relievers and switched to Tylenol five to seven days
following surgery. Patients with small children should have assistance with
child care for at least one week and patients should not drive while taking
narcotics.

For many patients, abdominal wall panniculectomy is a
life-changing experience and results in dramatic changes in self-esteem,
self-confidence, and self-image.