Panniculectomy

While often confused with a tummy tuck, a panniculectomy removes excess skin and fat from the abdominal region but does not tighten the abdominal wall. The goal is to remove a panniculus, sometimes referred to as an abdominal apron. This apron can cause several health concerns, not the least of which is chronic wounds, including an abdominal wall hernia. It is performed on patients who are obese, have lost a lot of weight or have developed a hernia on the wall.

In a panniculectomy, your surgeon will make an inverted T incision on your upper and lower abdomen that extends downward toward the pubic bone. Through the opening, the surgeon removes the fat and skin from the anterior abdomen and the remaining tissue is reattached to the wall. Because it provides ready access to the region, surgeons will also use the procedure to repair an abdominal wall or ventral hernia.

Surgeons at Celebration Colorectal are highly experienced in performing successful panniculectomies and utilize the latest techniques to do the procedure with the least possible pain and complications possible.

Patients who undergo the procedure will need to carefully follow their doctor’s instructions carefully following surgery. This includes keeping the area clean and not lifting any weight over 10 pounds for up to six weeks.

It’s not uncommon to have some pain and minor swelling after your surgery and your doctor will provide you with a prescription medications to handle the pain. Depending on the extent of the surgery, you may feel some soreness and numbness for several weeks or months. After you have had time to heal, you should be able to return to your normal activities and enjoy life to its fullest.

If you are a candidate for a panniculectomy, your doctor at Celebration Colorectal will be happy to answer your questions concerning the procedure as well as any risks and complications.