
Your surgeon makes an incision, usually from hip bone to hip bone. Tummy Tuck: The BasicsĪlso known as abdominoplasties, tummy tucks are performed under general anesthesia. The belly button is typically not moved in a panniculectomy.Ī panniculectomy is considered major surgery and can take several hours.
PANNICULECTOMY VS TUMMY TUCK SKIN
Then, the excess skin is removed before bringing the remaining skin edges together and closing them with sutures. Your surgeon will make two incisions to the abdominal wall, the length of which depends on how much skin is to be removed. A pannus is often the result of extreme weight loss of 100 pounds or more and is a common complication of procedures such as gastric bypass or gastric sleeve surgery.Ī panniculectomy is performed under general anesthesia. This is not the typical type of sagging skin that may come from pregnancy or mild weight loss. Pannus refers to an abnormal growth of skin that forms a large abdominal flap descending over the thighs. We will provide a breakdown of the basics of both procedures and their most important differences: Panniculectomy: The Basics More severe sagging that causes health issues like rashes and ulcers is addressed through a panniculectomy.

The main difference between Panniculectomy vs Tummy Tuck is that a panniculectomy is often considered a medical necessity while a tummy tuck is typically for cosmetic purposes. While there is some overlap in terms of the end goal of both procedures – a flatter stomach without loose, sagging skin – they are very different and you are likely a better candidate for one surgery over the other.

Panniculectomy vs Tummy Tuck: Which Is Better For Me?īoth a panniculectomy and tummy tuck address loose skin near the abdomen and are therefore often confused with one another. Clavicle Shortening or Shoulder Shortening.Clavicle Lengthening or Shoulder Lengthening.If you’re ready to shape your body to your needs, please contact us today to schedule your consultation. Some of the obstacles to achieving a smooth, firm abdomen are:Įlecting an abdominoplasty combats the effects of the above issues, leaving patients with an improved abdominal appearance.Īs with any plastic surgery procedure, your doctor will consult and diagnose whether a panniculectomy or abdominoplasty is right for you. An abdominoplasty might be the answer if you fit this criteria. This is ideal even for those who have a healthy body weight, but have been unable to achieve their desired results through exercise and diet alone. In other words, the end goal is an enhanced appearance. Also known as a tummy tuck, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons explains that an abdominoplasty “removes excess fat and skin and, in most cases, restores weakened or separated muscles creating an abdominal profile that is smoother and firmer.” Why an Abdominoplasty Might Be AppropriateĬompared to a panniculectomy, an abdominoplasty is designed to address less severe symptoms of sagging and excess skin due to extra pounds. So, where does this excess skin come from?Ĭommon culprits for the development of excess skin and fat include:ĭespite these factors, a panniculectomy can make a real difference in the overall appearance and feel of the abdominal wall. A panniculectomy differs from a tummy tuck in that the abdominal muscles are typically not tightened during a panniculectomy.” Why You Might Need a PanniculectomyĪs defined by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, “The goal of panniculectomy surgery is to remove hanging skin and fat from the lower abdomen to create a smoother abdominal contour. While both improve an individual’s appearance after significant weight loss and the procedures themselves are quite similar, the purposes for electing either a panniculectomy or abdominoplasty are markedly different. In this case, a panniculectomy is function, whereas an abdominoplasty is cosmetic. While the nuances between the two can be confusing, the basic difference between a panniculectomy and an abdominoplasty can be summed up by the design principle of form vs.

A common question from many of our clients following significant weight loss is whether they would benefit from a panniculectomy or an abdominoplasty.
