Would I be a good candidate for a panniculectomy? 100 lb weight loss and previous c-sections (photos)

Thank you for your question and congratulations on your impressive 100-pound weight loss! Based on your photos and history, you are an excellent candidate for a tummy tuck rather than a panniculectomy. A panniculectomy typically only addresses the overhanging skin below the belt line, removing the "apron" of skin that can cause discomfort. However, most of your excess skin appears to be above your belt line, meaning a panniculectomy alone wouldn't benefit you as much.

A tummy tuck would provide more comprehensive results by freeing up adhesions and skin folds, extending from your lower abdomen up to your sternum. This procedure would redrape your skin, tighten the abdominal muscles, and also give you a new belly button, providing both functional and aesthetic improvements.

If you are considering a panniculectomy for insurance reasons, some plastic surgeons may offer the option to combine a panniculectomy with a tummy tuck. In this case, you might be able to have the insurance cover the panniculectomy portion, and then you could pay the difference for the full tummy tuck. This could be a great way to achieve the results you want while managing costs.

I wish you the best of luck on your journey and again, congratulations on your weight loss!

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Thank you for your question and the the photos you provided. Based on the photos, you would benefit most from fleur de lis abdominoplasty. This will remove excess skin vertically and horizontally. Make sure you consult with a board certified plastic surgeon. Good luck!

Congratulations on your impressive weight loss! A panniculectomy will remove the hanging skin. It will not address the skin laxity from the sides or upper portion of the abdomen. You are a better candidate for a fleur de lis tummy tuck which will address all of these. I've included a video that I hope you find helpful.

Hi Exciting888693,First of congrats on you weight loss!!! I’m very excited for you. You have added years as well as quality to your life. Unfortunately, you are now dealing with the excess skin left over from all your hard work. A panniculectomy is a procedure designed to simply cut off the excess hanging skin on your lower abdomen. It is a lesser procedure in that it does not address the excess skin above the umbilicus. I think you would benefit from an extended abdominoplasty (side to side horizontal incision) with possibly a Fleur-di-lis component (horizontal plus vertical incision). An abdominoplasty involves not only removing he excess skin but tightening the abdominal wall muscles if they have separated (diastasis recti) and addressing the upper abdominal skin by unhooking the belly button from the abdominal skin. My concern is that if you don’t do the fleur-de-lis you might end up with skin laxity in the upper abdomen that may bother you later. Now if you have not had children then you may not need the diastasis repair. Based on your photos and background information I think you would be best suited with some variation of an abdominoplasty over a panniculectomuy. I hope this help. Good luck!