Panniculectomy
Complete your weight loss journey without abdominal excess holding you back.
A panniculectomy is a surgical procedure that removes the pannus, which is the apron-like flap of excess skin and tissue that hangs below the belly button. This procedure can help alleviate discomfort, skin irritation, and mobility issues caused by the excess skin.
Ideal candidates for a panniculectomy are individuals who have experienced significant weight loss, either through diet and exercise, GLP-1 drugs, or bariatric surgery, and have maintained a stable weight for at least six months. Patients should be in good overall health, non-smokers, and have realistic expectations about the procedure's outcomes.
Before and Afters
- Improved comfort and mobility
- Reduced skin irritation and infections
- Better-fitting clothing
- Enhanced body contour
- Increased self-confidence
- Anesthesia
The patient is placed under general anesthesia to ensure comfort during the procedure. - Incision
The surgeon makes a horizontal incision along the lower abdomen, typically from hip to hip, just above the pubic area. - Skin and tissue removal
Excess skin and fat are carefully separated from the underlying abdominal muscles and removed. - Cosmetic Portion (optional)
Insurance companies are strict that preserving the belly button and bringing the abdominal wall muscles back together are not portions of a panniculectomy. They can be added on to your procedure as a separately billed cosmetic component. Discuss this in advance with your surgeon. - Incision closure
The remaining skin is pulled down and sutured together. Drains are placed to remove excess fluid during the healing process. - Recovery
Patients typically are discharged from the hospital the day after the procedure. Most patients can return to light activities within 2-4 weeks, with a full recovery expected within 4-6 weeks.
A consultation is usually a 30-60 min appointment in our offices depending on the complexity of your procedure(s). You’ll meet with Dr. Conlon to talk about your goals and what you want to accomplish with your plastic surgery. Together, you’ll talk about the right procedure or set of procedures to achieve your desired look. Dr. Conlon will walk you through the steps you’ll take before, during, and after the procedure.
You’ll also talk about pricing, logistics, and all the important details that ensure you have everything you need to feel confident about your plan.
We’ll work with you during your initial consultation to go over prices based on your specific case and needs, but when we confirm our price, it includes all pre-op, surgical, anesthesia, and post-op care. You can rest assured there will never be any surprises.
Start by booking a consultation. It’s focused on you, completely confidential and private, and entirely pressure-free.