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

Question

Is it the same as a tummy tuck or less? Will I need someone to help me out? How long will I need to take off of work? Thanks.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.The main difference between these 2 procedures is the muscle plication that occurs during the tummy tuck surgery and not for the panniculectomy.  In any case,  the tummy tuck and panniculectomy operations are considered major operatios which often involves a significant physical and emotional recovery ( often underestimated by surgeons and patients alike); a few words of advice  I provide to my patients may be helpful to you:
1. Make sure you are doing the procedure for the right reasons (for yourself) and that you have realistic expectations. Be aware that an improvement in the “problem area” may not translate to an overall improvement in your life situation. You are bound to be disappointed with results of the procedure if your motivation for doing the surgery is not internally driven.2. Time your surgery carefully; generally, it is not a good idea to have surgery done during or immediately after a stressful period in life (for example divorce or death of a loved one). The additional stress of surgery will undoubtedly be more challenging to deal with if a patient's emotional reserves our already exhausted. Remember, that an improvement in your physical appearance will not translate to an improvement in your life situation.3. If possible speak to patients who have undergone similar procedures and query them about the toughest times of their recovery period. Any practical hints previous patients can provide may be very helpful.4. Make sure you are aware of potential complications that may arise how to reach your surgeon if necessary.
5. Make sure you have a strong and patient support system (several people if possible) in place who have time/patience to take care of you. Arrange for professional nursing if any doubt exists regarding the availability and/or stamina of your caretakers.6. Be patient with the healing process, understanding that it will take several weeks to months to feel “normal” again. It may also take many months/year to see the end results of your surgery.7. Be prepared to distract your mind with things of interest such as books, magazines, and movies.8. Expect less of yourself; do not go back to work, school or chores too early and let others take care of you (for a change).9. Pick your surgeon carefully (a well experienced board-certified plastic surgeon) and trust in his/her advice. Keep in close communication with your surgeon and do not hesitate to communicate questions/concerns and the emotional swings that you may experience.10.  Keep in mind the end results as you go through the tougher emotional times after your surgery.
I hope this, and the attached link, helps.  Best wishes.

Daniel Butz, MD · Answer

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.

Babak Moeinolmolki, MD, FACS · Answer

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

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

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

Gary Lawton, MD, FACS · Answer

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.

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