Is panniculectomy with muscle repair similar to a tummy tuck?

Question

I am schedule to have surgery which includes a pannicluectomy, hernia repair and muscle repair (diastis recti repair). I am just wondering is the end results will be similar to a tummy tuck? Also, would you recommend a binder or faja after this type of procedure? Thank you!

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. A panniculectomy combined with muscle repair (diastasis recti repair) and hernia repair can deliver results similar to a tummy tuck, but with some differences.

A panniculectomy focuses on removing the excess skin and fat in the lower abdomen (the pannus), while a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) goes a step further by removing more excess skin and performing a more comprehensive muscle tightening along the entire abdomen, which leads to a more contoured look. Since your surgery includes muscle repair, your results will be closer to a tummy tuck than a panniculectomy alone.

In terms of post-op care, I would absolutely recommend wearing a binder or faja after your procedure. These garments help control swelling, provide support for your abdomen, and promote better healing. Be sure to follow your surgeon’s guidance on how long to wear the compression garment for optimal results.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Robert B. Pollack, MD · Answer

Hi christy119,Thanks for your question. Panniculectomy involves removal of excess skin and fat from the abdomen. When combined with muscle diastasis repair the procedure is described as a tummy tuck or abdominoplasty. So yes, your description of the procedure would be a tummy tuck along with a hernia repair. As far as the need for an abdominal binder, in my practice  I do have my tummy tuck patients wear an abdominal binder following surgery, but the type and duration of wearing varies from doctor to doctor and I would follow the recommendations of your board-certified plastic surgeon.Best of luck on your surgery.

William J. Welsh, MD (retired) · Answer

Any thing that gives you a new belly button is an abdominoplastyAnything that leaves the belly button alone is a panniculectomy including a "mini" abdominoplasty

Is panniculectomy with muscle repair similar to a tummy tuck?

Answers (3)

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