What is a Panniculectomy?
Accomplishing the goal of massive weight loss should be a reward of its own. In many cases, however, patients who have lost significant amounts of weight on their own or through weight loss surgery find themselves dealing with multiple medical and aesthetic problems associated with excess skin. The “pannus” is the large flap of overhanging skin of the lower abdomen which is nearly impossible to eliminate non-surgically and unfortunately, can lead to problems with skin irritation or breakdown, back pain, difficulty fitting clothes properly, and other daily concerns. A panniculectomy involves the surgical removal of the pannus in order to create better abdominal contour and improve quality of life.
Who are the Ideal Candidates for a Panniculectomy Procedure?
A panniculectomy is a highly specialized form of surgery that can make a drastic improvement in your day-to-day life, but it is considered major surgery. A panniculectomy might be a good option for you if:
- You have lost a significant amount of weight
- Your weight is stable
- You have significant amounts of stretched, loose skin overhanging the lower abdominal area
- You suffer from rashes or skin breakdown due to folds of extra skin
Dr. Ross Bunch is a highly experienced Board certified plastic surgeon who offers his patients a full array of cosmetic and reconstructive procedures at the Plastic Surgery of Tuscaloosa, located in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Dr. Bunch and his professional, caring staff have worked hard to create this highly-regarded medical facility by successfully combining precise surgical technique with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. We pride ourselves on staying abreast of state-of-the-art surgical techniques, enabling us to offer specialized surgical procedures such as the panniculectomy, coupled with a warm bedside manner and top-notch patient care!
What Can You Expect From Your Panniculectomy Procedure
The panniculectomy is geared toward helping patients get rid of the excess skin that is associated with significant weight loss and does not usually involve any tightening of the muscles like a tummy tuck. Depending on the amount of redundant skin, your procedure can take several hours to complete.
Your surgery will be done under general anesthesia on an outpatient basis. The incision generally runs horizontally from hip bone to hip bone, but can be extended further if necessary. Once the excess tissue is removed, the remaining skin can be pulled tight to produce a much better abdominal shape.
What is the Recovery from a Panniculectomy Procedure?
The first few days after your surgery will require lots of rest while the swelling and bruising is at its worst. A compression garment should be worn in the immediate recovery period to help with swelling and skin retraction. There will also be drains which will help your body get rid of excess fluid. We will provide you with specific instructions on how to care for your incisions and will follow you closely in the postoperative period. Your results will be evident immediately and will continue to get better as the swelling and bruising subside.
Patients can generally return to work after 1-2 weeks, but strenuous activity should be avoided in the initial weeks following surgery. The scars will also continue to fade with time and are generally a trade-off most patients find acceptable to the alternative of having the weight and discomfort of the excess skin. Panniculectomy surgery not only helps you restore your body, it can give you your life back!
Contact Plastic Surgery of Tuscaloosa
At Plastic Surgery of Tuscaloosa in Tuscaloosa, AL, Dr. Ross Bunch and his professional, caring staff stand out among local surgical practices for their dedication to the most advanced cosmetic and reconstructive procedures in the industry. We are well-established in the community and have built a reputation for high quality patient care and excellent customer service. Dr. Bunch is a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive training and experience in microsurgery, facial and rhinoplasty surgeries, and endoscopic surgical techniques, and brings a specialized skill and artistry to every procedure he performs. Our mission is to restore form, function, and beauty to all aspects of your body so you look as gorgeous on the outside as you feel on the inside!
If you are interested in learning more about panniculectomy surgery or any of our other body contouring procedures, please contact our office at 205.349.0049. We look forward to speaking with you and to scheduling your consultation with Dr. Bunch!
