ABDOMINOPLASTY

An abdominoplasty or "tummy tuck" is a surgical procedure used to make the abdomen more firm. The surgery involves the removal of excess, debilitating skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen. This procedure also entails a  tighten  of the muscle and fascia of the abdominal wall for best results. This type of surgery is usually sought by patients with loose, sagging tissues after major weight loss.

Most insurance companies requiring the following criteria for approval: approximately 150 pound weight loss, eighteen months post bariatric procedure, and skin sagging to the level of the *pubic symphysis.

The picture featured below demonstrates the technique used for skin removal as well as relocation of the umbilicus (belly botton).

 

 

 PANNICULECTOMY

A Panniculectomy removes hanging fat and skin, typically after massive weight loss. It may be performed as a single procedure or combined with an abdominoplasty, depending on the patient's condition.  Unlike an abdominoplasty, a panniculectomy does not tighten muscle or reposition the belly button. It only removes the excess skin and fat of the pannus from the lower abdomen, using a horizontal incision that runs from hip to hip with a downward curve. A pannus is described as a medical term for a hanging flap of tissue or fat. A pannus can come in many different sizes and shapes and can become very large, even hanging down below the knees. The extra tissue of a hanging pannus can make personal hygiene difficult. Skin conditions such as yeast infections under the pannus are common problems. A massive hanging pannus can get in the way of walking. A smaller pannus can be an annoyance with clothing as the individual sits or stands.

Most insurance companies requiring the following criteria for approval: approximately 150 pound weight loss, eighteen months post bariatric procedure, and skin sagging to the level of the *pubic symphysis.

The pictures featured below demonstrate before and after shots after removal of the excess, hanging skin also known as the pannus.  

 

*The publc symphysis is the midline cartilaginous joint uniting the superior rami of the left and right pubic bones. It is located anterior to the urinary bladder and superior to the external genitalia; for females it is above the vulva and for males it is above the penis.