How much of pannus and abdomen fat can safely be removed after losing more than 100 lbs and given other complications?

Question

Can you cut hip to hip and remove all? Large panniculectomy needed for safety and health after loosing 104# post GSS 9/17 and still loosing. Abdomen down to knees, knees severe OA with bone on bone, weakness and unstable balance from OA as well as post Guillain Barre Syndrome making legs weak. Use cane and scooter. Abdomen pulls me forward so safety hazard.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding what to do with your abdominal pannus after a massive weight of 104 pounds and problems with ambulation. During a panniculectomy, there is almost no limit on the amount of skin and fat that can be removed. In your case, skin and fat can be removed from hip to hip; this is what I would suggest for your abdomen. This amount of skin and fat can be safely removed in one surgery. The amount of skin and fat can be removed is up to your plastic surgeon’s and your anesthesiologist’s discretion. The main drawback back to your panniculectomy would be your history of Guillain-Barre Syndrome. Guillain-Barre Syndrome may cause some issues with general anesthesia. It is very important that you discuss these issues with your plastic surgeon and anesthesiologist ahead of time. However, I believe the benefits of your panniculectomy would far outweigh the potential complications of anesthesia for a patient with Guillain-Barre Syndrome . Thank you for your question regarding what to do with your abdominal pannus after massive weight loss, and a history of Guillain-Barre Syndrome. I specialize in reconstructive plastic surgery after weight loss. If you have any more questions regarding the panniculectomy, tummy tuck, extended tummy tuck, high lateral tension tummy tuck, abdominoplasty, lower body lift, 360 circumferential lower body lift, belt lipectomy, belt abdominoplasty, or belt dermolipectomy, please contact my office. Since the panniculectomy or extended tummy tuck are big procedures, please seek an experienced, board certified plastic surgeon with significant experience performing the panniculectomy or extended tummy tuck. Do your research. Make sure they have performed at least 100 panniculectomies or extended tummy tuck surgeries and have the before and after pictures to prove it. Carefully examine their before and after pictures and check their reviews on RealSelf. If you cannot find an experienced, panniculectomy or extended tummy tuck surgeon in your neighborhood, consider traveling out of state if you must. Sincerely, Dr. Katzen. (“Verified” Plastic Surgeon, certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Fellow of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American College of Surgery, and International College of Surgery and member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery and RealSelf Hall of Fame.)

Dhaval M. Patel, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question! It is hard to tell without a physical examination of what exactly you will need.  I suggest you seek a board certified plastic surgeon and discuss all of your options for an extended tummy tuck.  Best of luck!Dr Dhaval Patel
Double Board Certifed 
Plastic Surgeon
Chicago
Hoffman Estates
Oakbrook
Orland Park

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

The paniculectomy involves only the removal of excess skin/fat that hangs over the genitals and/or thighs.  Once you have reached your goal weight, consult with a board certified plastic surgeon who specializes in contour deformities caused by massive weight loss of greater than 100 pounds.  Patients closer to their ideal body weight have a lower risk of complications and a greater chance of a good aesthetic outcome.Kenneth Hughes, MD, ABPS Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

How much of pannus and abdomen fat can safely be removed after losing more than 100 lbs and given other complications?

Answers (3)

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