What is an Infraumbilical Panniculectomy?

Definition & Overview

An infraumbilical panniculectomy with lipectomy is performed to remove the overhang of skin and subcutaneous fat that commonly appears in the lower abdominal area, which is called the panniculus

panniculus

Panniculus, often incorrectly referred to as pannus, is a medical term describing a dense layer of fatty tissue, consisting of excess subcutaneous fat within the lower abdominal region.

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Panniculus - Wikipedia

. The procedure often becomes necessary for overweight or obese patients.

What's the difference between tummy tuck and Panniculectomy?

A tummy tuck tightens the abdominal muscles and removes excess fat, skin, and tissue, while a panniculectomy is performed to remove a pannus. The pannus is a large flap of skin which is distended over the abdomen, genitals, and thighs following significant weight loss or complications from childbirth.

Is a Panniculectomy considered plastic surgery?

It may also be found in those who have lost a lot of weight and following the weight loss their extra skin hangs far below the belly area. A panniculectomy is surgery to remove this excess tissue. A panniculectomy may be cosmetic (to improve looks only). The plan does not cover cosmetic surgeries.

Why would you need a Panniculectomy?

You may be a candidate for a panniculectomy if you: have recently lost a large amount of weight and have loose belly skin that you want to remove. are experiencing hygiene issues from excess skin hanging below the pubic region. keep getting ulcers, infections, and other related issues under the hanging skin.

What happens during a Panniculectomy?

During a panniculectomy, your surgeon will make two cuts into the abdominal wall to remove excess skin in the middle. Then the bottom portion of skin is reattached to the top via suturing.

Tummy Tuck vs Panniculectomy | Greer Plastic Surgery | Cleveland, OH

How much weight can you lose with a Panniculectomy?

In most cases, patients lose a minimal amount, typically under five pounds. Other patients with more extensive loose skin may lose between 5 – 10 pounds, and, sometimes, even more.

Do you have a belly button after Panniculectomy?

Your belly button will look completely natural by the time you've healed from your abdominoplasty (usually within three to four months). You may notice your belly button growing smaller over the course of several weeks, which is a sign that you're properly healing.

How long is the hospital stay after a Panniculectomy?

You will need to stay at hospital for about two days after the surgery. You may need to stay longer if your surgery is more complex. After you recover from the anesthesia, you will be asked to get up to walk a few steps. You will have pain and swelling for days after surgery.

Where do they cut you for a Panniculectomy?

A panniculectomy requires a horizontally-oriented incision in the area between the pubic hairline and belly button. The shape and length of the incision will be determined by the amount of excess skin.

How long does it take to get approved for a Panniculectomy?

information from your visit is sent to your insurance company for authorization. This process can take from 14-60 days. medical information, your insurance company will make the decision about whether to cover your panniculectomy.

How do you get approved for Panniculectomy?

How do you get a Panniculectomy covered?

In many cases, panniculectomy surgery is covered by insurance. In order to qualify, insurance companies often require documentation from medical providers relating to weight loss and/or weight loss surgery, irriatation of the skin or other problems that affect everyday life.

Do Panniculectomy scars go away?

In women who have undergone cesarean section, the existing scars may be incorporated into the new scar. The panniculectomy scar may take several months to a year to fade as much as it will.

What is an extended Panniculectomy?

Extended tummy tucks work by removing excess skin and fat from the abdomen and repairing any muscles that have become loosened or torn. Through an incision above the pubic hairline that wraps around to the lower back, skin and fat are removed from the stomach and flank area.

Is Panniculectomy covered by Medicare?

ABDOMINOPLASTY-PANNICULECTOMY

Unlike traditional insurance plans, Medicare does not have a system where we can determine prior to your procedure if an abdominoplasty or panniculectomy will be covered as a “medically necessary” procedure.

Does insurance cover excess skin removal?

Though heavy, excess skin left behind after weight loss can be considered a medical condition due to discomfort and increased risk for skin conditions, most insurance providers do not cover body lift surgery.

Does a Panniculectomy remove fat?

What is panniculectomy surgery? The goal of panniculectomy surgery is to remove hanging skin and fat from the lower abdomen to create a smoother abdominal contour. A panniculectomy differs from a tummy tuck in that the abdominal muscles are typically not tightened during a panniculectomy.

Do you have to lose weight before a Panniculectomy?

When Should I Get Panniculectomy? Often, panniculectomy becomes necessary after a person has experienced significant weight loss, such as the kind that comes after bariatric surgery. Post-pregnancy can also create the need for this procedure, although this is not the most common reason for it.

What happens to your belly button during a Panniculectomy?

Your belly button is actually attached to the muscles below. During the procedure, it'll stay attached to its “stalk.” In most cases, the surgeon will create a new opening for the belly button , especially if its shape has become distorted after weight gain or pregnancy.

What is the average cost of a Panniculectomy?

Typical costs: A panniculectomy typically costs $8,500-$15,000, including the surgeon fee, anesthesia, facility fee and overnight stay in the hospital.

What is removed during a Panniculectomy?

A panniculectomy surgically removes a pannus. A pannus is excess skin and adipose (fatty) tissue, sometimes referred to as an apron, that hangs down over the genitals and/or thighs.

What is the recovery like from a Panniculectomy?

It's normal to feel tired while you heal. It can take 5 to 6 weeks for your energy to return. You won't be able to stand up straight when you get home. To regain your normal movement, you'll need to get up and walk every day.

Does tummy tuck get rid of FUPA?

The definitive way to be completely rid of a FUPA, if you are done having kids, is a Tummy Tuck.

What can you eat after a Panniculectomy?

Eat protein – Meat, beans, eggs (or egg whites), and dairy products like yogurt are all high in protein which is critical for your recovery process. Vitamins fight infection – Get plenty of Vitamins A and C in order to fight infection.

When can I sleep on my side after a Panniculectomy?

In general, most patients will need to sleep on their backs and at an elevated angle for four to six weeks after the procedure. In the case of a mini tummy tuck, the timeline is typically shorter and patients may be able to return to their normal sleeping position after one to three weeks.