Eligibility for lower belly apron flap removal?

Question

I currently weigh 215 pounds and majority of it is my lower belly flap. That developed after I had 2 kids. I was wondering if in a good candidate for the procedure I do have high blood pressure and currently taking medication. It's really hard for me to do anything cuz I'm really uncomfortable with my lower stomach

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

Sometimes insurance will cover what you need, which is called a pannicilectomy.  However, they will probably require a far amount of weight loss first.

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,It is very unlikely that your excess weight is entirely due to your redundant skin.  Without an examination or knowledge of your height, assuming your ideal weight is 140, it would be very unlikely your belly skin weighs 75 pounds.Go visit a few  ABPS certified/ASAPS member surgeons that perform body contouring and get a consultation.Best of luck!

Milind K. Ambe, MD · Answer

Based on your description you are a candidate but without pictures it is difficult to say.  As for the exact procedure you need I recommend seeking in person consultations with Board Certified Plastic Surgeons who perform abdominoplasty surgery.  Best of luck to you

Parviz Goshtasby, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello 'amiemarie23', thanks for your question.  If you are only interested in removing the hanging lower abdominal skin and fat that may be affecting your daily living, you may be a candidate for a panniculectomy that may be covered by insurance.  Every insurance is different, and they seem to be getting more strict with criteria to approve surgeries, but typically they require documentation of recurrent skin irritation and rashes that is affecting your ability to be active.  However, for the best aesthetic result, you will probably benefit from a full tummy tuck procedure.  Either way, it would be best to lose as much weight as possible by healthy diet and exercise to maximize your results and minimize your risks, especially with your history of high blood pressure.  Be sure you seek treatment from a board-certified plastic surgeon and good luck!-Dr.92660

Lisa Cassileth, MD, FACS · Answer

The procedure you are asking about is a panniculectomy, where just the hanging part of the abdomen is removed. First, to qualify for coverage, you need a history of rashes in the trapped area of skin underneath, called intertrigo. Some patients will get actually wounds. Take a picture if this happens so that you will qualify. Second, most patients who get a panniculectomy really need a abdominoplasty, in which the belly button is "moved" and more skin is excised. So prepare to be disappointed with your panniculectomy. Finally, you are being unrealistic when you think most of your weight is in your pannus. It's sadly about 10 points max, so start working out four times a week, lose some weight, and then get evaluated for an abdominoplasty. Then you will truly look great because the surgeon will be able to remove more skin.

Robert Singer, MD · Answer

Most plastic surgeons suggest that you finish having
children, get your weight within 10 pounds of your ideal weight, have a BMI
less than 30, and have your blood pressure under good control before undergoing an abdominoplasty with repair of the stretched
out abdominal muscles and liposuction of selective areas, in order to achieve
the best long term cosmetic result with the least potential complications.

Following the advice
of anyone who would presume to tell you what to do without seeing photos and
more importantly without taking a full medical history, examining you, feeling
and assessing your tissue tone, discussing your desired outcome and fully
informing you about the pros and cons of each option would not be in your best
interest. Find a plastic surgeon that you are comfortable with and one that you
trust and listen to his or her advice. The surgeon should be certified by the
American Board of Plastic Surgery and ideally a member of the American Society
for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS). You should discuss your concerns with
that surgeon in person.

Robert Singer, MD
FACS

La Jolla, California.

Arian Mowlavi, MD, FACS (license on probation) · Answer

You are likely a great candidate to consider a panniculectomy (to remove your lower belly flap) or even a full tummy tuck (removal of all of your abdominal skin redundancy including the flap as well as tightening of your muscles). A consultation would be necessary to make sure you don't have a hernia.

Edward J. Domanskis, MD (in memoriam) · Answer

If you have excess tissue(skin & Fat) in your tummy, then you probably are an excellent candidate for a TT. I can combine this with a pubic lift also in those patients that have lost a lot of weight. These I do as an outpatient normally and can combine these with other procedures. We do offer excellent financing and even in house if one does not qualify.

Eligibility for lower belly apron flap removal?

Answers (8)

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