Would I be a candidate for a panniculectomy, Or am I in need of more? (photo)

Dear Mmg47,Thank you for your pictures. Based on your pictures and not a physical examination nor full medical history, I would suggest at minimum an extended abdominoplasty.  A panniculectomy will only remove the hanging abdominal skin apron.  It will not address the upper abdomen. You have a significant amount of fat in the upper abdomen. In addition,  your rectus abdominus muscle or six-pack muscle is distended. This muscle needs to be tightened.  This muscle cannot be tightened with a panniculectomy.  Therefore, an extended abdominoplasty or tummy tuck would give you the best results.  The panniculectomy would not.  Sincerely, Dr. Katzen

Thank you for your question and photo! You are a canidate for a panniculectomy, depending on your deisired goals I suggest you seek a board certifed plastic surgeon and discuss your concerns.  Best of luck!Dr Dhaval Patel
Double Board Certifed 
Plastic Surgeon
Chicago
Hoffman Estates
Oakbrook
Orland Park

If you are really unable to lose the weight through diet and exercise then I would suggest a staged approach. You currently have too much abdominal wall fat to get a great result with an abdominoplasty so I would suggest having liposuction a month or so ahead of time to remove the excess fat. I don't personally think that a panniculectomy alone would accomplish much at this time as it essentially involves removing only the hanging portion without addressing anything else, such as loose abdominal wall muscles. Best of Luck!

Thank you for the question and pictures. I would suggest that you do your best to get as close as possible to your long-term stable weight before undergoing abdominal wall contouring surgery.The panniculectomy operation involves excision of the lower abdominal wall pannus or overhanging skin/adipose tissue. It is not considered an  aesthetically driven procedure;  it is often performed to help with concerns such as skin breakdown, infections/rashes…   On the other hand, the “ideal” patient for tummy tuck surgery is one who has completed pregnancies, is psycho socially/emotionally/financially stable, has an excellent social support system surrounding him/her, is capable of arranging enough recovery time, does not smoke and who has reached a long-term stable weight. I hope this, and the attached link, helps. Best wishes.
 

It is difficult to answer your question without a comprehensive examination.  A consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon should help to determine if you are a candidate for a panniculectomy versus an abdominoplasty or other body contouring procedures.  Best wishes.