Panniculectomy VS Tummy Tuck? (photos)

Question

I am 37 yrs old and 5'7". I have lost 75 pounds. I went from 260 to 180 and this is still what I have left. I just wondered if it looks more like i would need panniculectomy vs. a tummy tuck. I go for a consultation on Monday but I wanted some other opinions as well.

Christian Subbio, MD · Answer

Congratulations on the weight loss!  If you have the means, go for the tummy tuck.  A tummy tuck is a cosmetic procedure, with not only functional, but cosmetic aims.  A panniculectomy will only amputate the lower roll of fat.  With your fantastic weight loss, I suspect you will be much happier with the cosmetic procedure.Best of luck!Dr. SubbioBoard-Certified Plastic SurgeonNewtown Square/Philadelphia, PA

Emmanuel Mallol Cotes, MD · Answer

Thanks for the question. In this regard, I'm totally agree with you, therefore i recommend you a Full Tummy Tuck with muscle repair, to get a flat abdomen and waist and back Liposculpture, getting better curves especially in the waist, improving your body contour.Finally, I suggested take the fat we get and transfer to the buttocks and hips, to mold them and get better volume, contour and butt projection, is that we know as "Brazilian Butt Lift" (BBL).Kind regards,Dr. Emmanuel Mallol.-

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

While the tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is designed to create an abdominal profile that is smoother and firmer, an alternative procedure is a panniculectomy.  This is NOT a tummy tuck, this is an ‘amputation’ of the loose skin in patients who have lost >100lb and have medical problems due to the excessive skin.  This is not a cosmetic procedure.  This procedure can be performed alone or in combination with a tummy tuck, and is done to remove the skin hanging on the abdomen, called the “pannus” or apron. Please consult an expeirenced board certified plastic surgeon. Please click the link below for more information between the two procedures. Regards,

Harry T. Haramis, MD, FACS · Answer

Both are similar and remove the excess skin. A tummy tuck also tightens the underlying muscle layer and makes recovery longer.An exam and consultation with a plastic surgeon is recommended to determine which option is best for you.

Luis E. Redondo, MD · Answer

I dont think now one will recommend you a panniculectomy. Go for the tummy tuck.Best of luck,Dr. Luis Redondo

Lawrence Rosenberg, MD · Answer

A panniculectomy would only address the hanging skin at the lower part of the abdomen.  A tummy tuck can remove significantly more skin and tighten the muscle at the same time.  In general a tummy tuck will give you a better result.  Consult with a plastic surgeon. They can examine you and let you know which option would be best for your concerns.

Christian N. Ford, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and for sharing your photograph.  Congratulations on your weight loss!  Please keep in mind that achieving a stable goal weight will enhance the overall aesthetic result of your body contouring procedure.  By definition, a panniculectomy is only removal of a pannus, which is overhanging skin along the waistline.  A panniculectomy is typically performed for medical or functional reasons and is generally not considered a cosmetic operation.  There may be some cosmetic improvement with a panniculectomy, but very minimal compared to what can be accomplished with a full abdominoplasty, which will provide a new shape and contour to your entire abdomen.   Most patients in your position would be much happier with the results of a full abdominoplasty, but it really depends on your individual desires and goals.  Please be sure to discuss your goals and expectations with your plastic surgeon during your in-person consultation in order to determine the best course of action.  Best wishes!

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Congratulations on your significant weight loss.  Most patients in your situation would likely opt for tummy tuck surgery. Some general thoughts may be helpful to you:The tummy tuck operation is an  abdominal wall contouring operation that serves to reapproximate the abdominal wall muscles that have spread with pregnancy and remove the “excess skin” of the lower abdomen.  It is generally consider an "aesthetic" procedure, compared to the panniculectomy operation which is more of a “medically necessary” procedure. 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…  I hope this, and the attached link, helps.  Best wishes.

Martin B. Weiss, MD (retired) · Answer

A panniculectomy will remove the excess skin and fat only from the lower abdomen. It will not remove fat from the upper abdomen unless liposuction is added to the procedure. Also, it will not tighten the upper abdominal skin unless combined with an abdominoplasty.  After a significant weight loss the skin may be quite lax and never completely retract. Liposuction alone will remove any fat but does not tighten the skin. An abdominoplasty accomplishes all of the above and can be combined with liposuction of the waist and hips (which some plastic surgeons consider to be part of the abdominoplasty) to provide the best possible contour of the abdomen, hips and waist.  If there is some separation of the midline rectus muscles (which frequently occurs following pregnancy), this is also repaired at the time of abdominoplasty further tightening the waistline.Depending on the patient's examination and goals, there are a variety of procedures and combinations possible such as panniculectomy only, lower abdominoplasty with or without liposuction, and full abdominoplasty with or without liposuction.  I hope this helps and that you will be seeing a board certified plastic surgeon who can make specific recommendations for you after a full examination and complete consultation.

Panniculectomy VS Tummy Tuck? (photos)

Answers (9)

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