What is the difference between Panniculus Removal and a Tummy Tuck?

Question

I am 51 yrs old. 2C-sections. The older I get, the worse this "Apron" becomes. In addition to the probs 25 yrs of extra weight in that area has caused my back (including a protruding disk) I'm not "living with it" as well as I thought. it also blisters/sores/irritated. I am not at my Ideal weight but am working on it. I have ZERO interest in being skinny. just want the body back that I had prior to childbirth. Just want the skin GONE & area to dry! Candidate for either? ..signed Trapped :(

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

From your description, a panniculectomy seems reasonable.  A tummy tuck will produce a better cosmetic result.  Find a plastic surgeon with elite credentials who performs hundreds of tummy tuck procedures each year.  Then look at the 
plastic surgeon's 
 website before and after photo galleries to get a sense of who can  
deliver the results.  Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

Gregory T. Lynam, MD · Answer

A tummy tuck is a cosmetic procedure. A panniculectomy is an insurance procedure that is performed for several reasons, mostly due to skin infections. A tummy tuck is the way to go if you a concerned about getting the best cosmetic result. Many plastic surgeons will not do insurance based panniculectomies due to the high complication rate. Good Luck!

Craig Mezrow, MS, MD, FACS · Answer

Panniculectomy removes excess hanging abdominal skin and fat whereas, abdominoplasty tightens the abdominal wall and removes excess hanging skin.It is recommended to be evaluated by a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your individual situation.

Jaime Campos Leon, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.To best help you please send in some pictures consisting of a front, back, left and right side view of your body as well as your height and weight in order to determine which procedures and technique would be best for your case.

John P. Stratis, MD · Answer

You should not get hung up on the terms that we use to provide rough categories of procedures. You would be better off to define what you are trying to achieve. From your comments it would appear that losing some weight, to try to get rid of some of the internal fat, tightening up the underlying muscles, stretched out from pregnancy, removing excess skin and doing some liposuction would help you achieve that "before baby body". This would fall into the category of abdominoplasty with liposuction. A panniculectomy will only remove skin below the belly button.

What is the difference between Panniculus Removal and a Tummy Tuck?

Answers (7)

Answer: What is the difference between Panniculus Removal and a Tummy Tuck?

Answer: What is the difference between Panniculus Removal and a Tummy Tuck?

Answer: Procedure question

Answer: Procedure question

Answer: Panniculectomy vs Abdominoplasty

Answer: Panniculectomy vs Abdominoplasty

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What is the difference between Panniculus Removal and a Tummy Tuck?

Answers (7)

Answer: What is the difference between Panniculus Removal and a Tummy Tuck?

Answer: What is the difference between Panniculus Removal and a Tummy Tuck?

Answer: Procedure question

Answer: Procedure question

Answer: Panniculectomy vs Abdominoplasty

Answer: Panniculectomy vs Abdominoplasty

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Answer: TT

Answer: TT

Answer: Focus on what results you want

Answer: Focus on what results you want

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.