My belly hangs really low, and I wanted to know if there is anything I can do to get rid of it? (Photo)

Question

Before I got pregnant with my son I was 190 pounds.. and now I am 273 pounds & my son is 11 months old. I want to fix my low hanging belly.. I carried him so low it just hangs there.. and I hate the way it looks. I have caresource as my insurance.. is there anything? Surgery? Exercise?

Robert F. Centeno, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question and photo.  The short answer to your question is a panniculectomy which is just removal of the hanging skin.  This may or may not be covered by your insurance.  The real issue is that due to your current weight, you are at high risk for a wound healing complication after this type of surgery.  Most surgeons would recommend that you loose some additional weight prior to contemplating body contouring surgery.  You may also want to consider consulting with a bariatric surgeon to discuss weight loss solutions such as medical weight loss or weight loss surgery.  This would go a long way to getting you closer to a healthy weight and a better candidate for body contouring surgery.

Sheila S. Nazarian, MD · Answer

There is a procedure to remove the hanging skin (paniculectomy), but based on your photos and weight, your BMI puts you at a high risk for surgery. I would advise you to loose some of the extra weight first before considering surgery. My best,
Dr. Sheila Nazarian
@drsheilanazarian on Instagram

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

If you want to remove the pannus (the apron of fat and skin that hangs below your waist), then insurance may cover your surgery. However, you should know that a panniculectomy only removes that hanging fat. In your situation, that procedure in addition to a tummy tuck would recontour your entire midsection. However, a tummy tuck would not be covered by insurance most likely, since it’s considered a cosmetic procedure.Before you consider surgery, however, you should always go the nonsurgical route. Try exercising and dieting to see if it makes an improvement.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photograph.  I would recommend you follow a healthy diet and exercise regimen until you reach your desired goal weight. This weight should be one where you are comfortable at, and can maintain, as weight fluctuations will affect your long-term results.  Any weight loss before surgery will not only be in your best interest from a safety point of view, but also in obtaining the best cosmetic results. Once at your weight I think you would most likely benefit from a full tummy tuck with additional liposuction for the best results.

Steven J. Rottman, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question and photos. I believe it is best to be within 5-10 pounds of your ideal body weight prior to surgery for optimal results. I would consult with your primary care physician to develop a safe and effective weight loss plan prior to proceeding with plastic surgery. Also, make sure you are finished having children prior to tummy tuck surgery as pregnancy will adversely effect your results. Please see a board certified plastic surgeon for an in-person examination who specializes in body contouring. Ask to see before and after pictures of their work. Hope this helps and good luck!

Jeffrey M. Darrow, MD · Answer

Your best option for reducing your hanging belly is a dedicated diet and exercise program to achieve a body weight close to your ideal weight.  This will decrease the size of your hanging belly but may not eliminate the hanging skin.  Once your weight is closer to normal, you should consult with a plastic surgery about removal of the excess skin.  Your insurance may or may not cover this.

Joseph Franklin, MD · Answer

In the photo, the extra skin can be treated by a tummy tuck.  However, would recommend trying to get back to your pre-pregnancy weight before attempting any plastic surgery procedures.   Weight loss (via diet and exercise) is the best initial recommendation.

Francisco Canales, MD · Answer

At  your present weight surgery is not an option. You would have a minimal change with potential for complications. See your primary doctor and ask advice on weight loss programs. Exercise , diet and medical supervised programs are what I would recommend. Best wishes.

Matthew H. Steele, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photo.  From what I can see on the photo, you have excess skin and fat throughout your trunk.  Best to lose weight to get close to your ideal body weight.  This will reduce the amount of fat in your abdomen, but will probably make your lose skin worse.  At some point, you will be a candidate for a tummy tuck to remove the excess hanging skin.  Best wishes.

Robert A. Hardesty, MD, FACS - Account Suspended · Answer

Dear Ms. JacesMommy29,Thank you for your questions and photos. Unfortunately with out a exam of your tissues I can can only comment based your photos and story. The following is general information that hopefully you will find helpful.General1) internal fat is on the internal organs pusing out2) external fat is what you can pinch3) best results are when you have achieved your goal weight4) complications are reduced when under a BMI under 35 and better under 30 and optimal at 25 or lower.Panneculectomy 1) removes only skin and fat of the abdomen2) abdominal muscles (diastasis recti) not repaired3) if symptomatic insurance may cover costsAbdominoplasty 1) removes skin and fat of the abdomen and usually includes liposuction of the flanks (For cosmetic contour blending)2) Abdominal diastasis recti repaired3) considered a non covered benefit by most insurance companiesI recommend that you make several consultative appointments with Plastic Surgeons who are experienced and Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. In addition ideally they are members  of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (denoting by membership as having met additional criteria and a focus on Cosmetic Plastic Surgery).I wish you my best and success,R. A. Hardesty, MD, FACSDiplomate and Certified by the Am. Bd. of Plastic Surgerywwwimagineplasticsurgery.com4646 Brockton AveRiverside, Ca 92506(951) 686-7600

My belly hangs really low, and I wanted to know if there is anything I can do to get rid of it? (Photo)

Answers (10)

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