Panniculectomy removes the encompassing bulge of skin and fat from the middle and lower torso. This accumulation is often referred to as a spare tire. Unlike the tummy tuck, panniculectomy removes a drastic amount excess skin that has been stretched out too far. The procedure is also assisted by liposuction to remove the large accumulation of fat. People who have experienced great weight gain and loss of skin elasticity benefit most from this procedure.
In consultation, your surgeon will take into consideration your age, weight, and condition of your skin as to whether you are a good candidate for panniculectomy as this time. Scarring will result.
Before Surgery
- Avoid taking any medicines containing aspirin or ibuprofen during the two weeks prior to surgery.
- Be certain you do not have a cold or sunburn the day of surgery.
- Eat a balanced nutrient-rich diet before and after surgery. A healthy diet will help speed recovery.
- Do not eat or drink after midnight the night before surgery, unless instructed differently by our anesthesia provider.
- Do not wear make-up or contact lenses to surgery.
- Arrange to have someone take you home after surgery and stay with you that evening and, if possible, help you around the house for a few days while you recover.
The Procedure
Panniculectomy typically takes two to five hours depending on the extent of the procedure. The procedure is performed in our state accredited surgery center on an outpatient basis. Patients are given general anesthesia during this procedure.
- After the patient is anesthetized, the surgeon injects the area with a large amount of solution in order to make it tumescent or firm.
- After the area is firm, he makes the incision from hipbone to hipbone.
- A narrow tube called a cannula is inserted through the incision and excess fat cells are vacuumed out.
- If full abdominoplasty is being performed, a secondary incision is made around the navel.
- The surgeon separates the skin from the abdominal wall from the incision line to the navel or ribs depending on the extent of the procedure.
- The surgeon pulls the muscles close together and stitches them in their new position.
- Then he stretches the skin over the new underlying structure and removes excess skin.
- Finally, the skin flap is stretched back into place, drainage tubes are inserted, and bandages are applied.
After Surgery
After the procedure, patients may experience numbness, bruising, swelling or discomfort in the abdomen. This is normal and will pass with time. Incision site pain can be controlled with medication, if necessary.
Stitches are removed in five to seven days following surgery. Deeper sutures are removed in two to three weeks. Patients will be given a support garment, which should be worn for one month. You should walk around as soon as possible to encourage blood circulation.
Scars will appear to worsen during the first few month as they heal, but will eventually fade as the healing process continues. It may take one year before scars completely flatten out and lighten in color.
Recovery
Most patients are back at work within two weeks after surgery but should continue to take it easy for three weeks. The stronger your abdominal muscles, the faster you will recover. Although patients are ready to return to work or school, they should plan to limit rigorous activity for three weeks. After that, you can resume these activities slowly. Because you have undergone invasive surgery, you'll probably have less energy for the first two weeks, but by the third week, you'll look and feel much better. If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact our office.
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