Panniculectomy
A panniculectomy removes the overhanging skin, called a panniculus, that can develop on the lower abdomen after major weight loss. It is a functional procedure designed to relieve rashes, skin breakdown, and infections.
What Is a Panniculectomy?
A panniculectomy is the most common reconstructive surgery of the midsection. It removes the excess skin that hangs down over the groin, typically after significant weight loss, when that skin is causing medical problems such as skin breakdown, rashes, and infections.
It is important to understand that a panniculectomy is not a tummy tuck. There is no muscle tightening or contouring, and it is not meant to improve your overall body shape. It is strictly intended to remove the overhanging skin that is causing health issues.
Functional, Not Cosmetic
A panniculectomy is designed to relieve medical problems caused by the panniculus, not to reshape your body.
Possible Insurance Coverage
Some insurance plans cover the procedure, depending on documented medical issues, the grade of the panniculus, and plan limits.
Relief From Skin Problems
Removing the panniculus helps relieve the rashes, skin breakdown, and infections the overhanging skin can cause.
Could a Panniculectomy Help You?
The health problems that most often lead to insurance approval are skin irritation, cellulitis, or skin erosion under the panniculus, along with interference with daily activities. A panniculectomy may be worth discussing if these sound familiar.
- You have overhanging skin on the lower abdomen, typically after major weight loss
- You experience recurring rashes or skin irritation under the fold
- You have had cellulitis or skin erosion beneath the panniculus
- The overhanging skin interferes with your typical daily activities
- You understand the goal is medical relief, not body contouring
What the Surgery Involves
From a surgical standpoint, a panniculectomy involves removing the excess skin and the subcutaneous fat beneath it, then closing the wound.
Occasionally the procedure requires removal of the belly button, not repositioning, because the panniculus has displaced it severely.
Panniculectomy vs. Tummy Tuck
The difference between a panniculectomy and an abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck, confuses many patients. The two procedures share some aspects but are not the same, and the distinction has become more relevant with the growing popularity of weight loss surgery and medications.
A tummy tuck is a cosmetic procedure designed primarily to improve the appearance of the torso. It often includes tightening abdominal muscles that were stretched during pregnancy, and because it is cosmetic, insurance does not cover it. A tummy tuck is also much more extensive and may involve:
- Release of excess skin and fat from the bottom of the ribs to maximize tightening and contouring
- Tightening of the rectus (abdominal) muscles and the fascia that surrounds them
- Reconstruction of the belly button
- Liposuction of the flanks
Insurance Considerations
Some insurance companies cover the cost of a panniculectomy because it is a functional procedure. Coverage typically depends on the degree of medical issues associated with the panniculus, the grade of the panniculus, and your plan’s coverage limits.
During your consultation, we can help you understand whether your situation may qualify and guide you toward the procedure that fits your goals.