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If you have lost a significant amount of weight (either naturally or with bariatric surgery), you may be left with a lot of loose skin. In particular, you may have a hanging flap or apron of skin in your lower stomach, which is known as a pannus. Plastic surgeon Dr. Scott Kasden has many years of experience in body contouring after weight loss, including advanced techniques in panniculectomy to surgically remove the pannus. Unlike a tummy tuck surgery (abdominoplasty), a panniculectomy does not tighten the abdominal muscles. A panniculectomy is specifically designed to remove the excess skin, adipose tissue, and fat that comprise the pannus. If you are experiencing discomfort, medical issues, or other problems from an excess of skin in your lower stomach, schedule a consultation at the plastic surgery office of Scott E. Kasden, M.D. in Argyle, TX.
"Dr. Kasden is an amazing doctor with the best bedside manners. My panniculectomy was conducted 6/2018 and I have amazing results thanks to Dr. K. From the office staff to the hospital team, everyone makes you feel like family. I'll always be thankful for Dr. K changing my appearance and my life."
- S.O. / Google / Nov 08, 2018
"Dr. Kasden is an amazing doctor with the best bedside manners. My panniculectomy was conducted 6/2018 and I have amazing results thanks to Dr. K. From the office staff to the hospital team, everyone makes you feel like family. I'll always be thankful for Dr. K changing my appearance and my life."
- S.O. / Healthgrades / Nov 08, 2018
"Dr. Kasden is a Jedi Master when it comes to his skills as a surgeon.If you want someone who cares about his patients and wonderful results he is your guy!Thank you Scott for you care and work!"
- L.C. / Google / Feb 01, 2019
"Dr. Kasden is an amazing doctor with the best bedside manners. My panniculectomy was conducted 6/2018 and I have amazing results thanks to Dr. K. From the office staff to the hospital team, everyone makes you feel like family. I'll always be thankful for Dr. K changing my appearance and my life."
- S.O. / Healthgrades / Nov 08, 2018
"Dr. Kasden is an amazing doctor with the best bedside manners. My panniculectomy was conducted 6/2018 and I have amazing results thanks to Dr. K. From the office staff to the hospital team, everyone makes you feel like family. I'll always be thankful for Dr. K changing my appearance and my life."
- S. / RealSelf / Jun 19, 2019
You may be a good candidate for a panniculectomy if you are at a healthy, stable weight and you want to improve the appearance of your stomach by removing hanging fat and skin in the lower abdomen. The pannus is often the result of losing a large amount of weight, aging, genetics, pregnancy, or abdominal surgery. Since the pannus is created mainly by excess skin, it cannot be corrected with exercise or other natural methods. The pannus often creates an apron of skin that hangs over the lower stomach covering the genitals and may rub against the upper thighs, which can cause skin irritation or rashes.
During your consultation, Dr. Kasden will develop your unique surgical plan and explain what you should expect before, during, and after a panniculectomy. Your panniculectomy will most likely be performed as an outpatient procedure while you are under general anesthesia in an accredited surgical facility. The length of your surgery will vary based on your specific needs, but it should take around two hours to complete. Dr. Kasden will typically make a small horizontal incision above the pubic hairline, which can be easily concealed by underwear. Other incision patterns for panniculectomy include a vertical incision from the belly button to the pubic bone or through the belly button. Once the incision is made, Dr. Kasden will remove the excess skin and fat from the lower stomach. Before closing the incision, Dr. Kasden will smooth the remaining tissue and pull the skin tight.
Following your surgery, you will be taken to a recovery area where you can be monitored. Before you are discharged, you will be given post-surgical instructions and placed in a compression garment to reduce swelling. You should plan to have a responsible adult care for you at home for at least the first few days after your surgery. It is important to attend all follow-up appointments with Dr. Kasden so he can monitor your recovery. In general, you should be able to resume normal activities in 2 – 4 weeks, but strenuous exercise should be avoided until you get approval from Dr. Kasden. If you have any questions or concerns during your recovery, you should contact our office for more information.
How much does a panniculectomy cost?
The cost of a panniculectomy will depend on many factors, including the extent of your surgery and if you are combining it with other procedures. During your consultation, Dr. Kasden can design your surgical plan and estimate your costs. Scott E. Kasden, M.D. accepts many forms of payment and can help you find low-interest medical financing.
Should I get a tummy tuck or panniculectomy?
Both an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) and panniculectomy surgically remove excess skin and small amounts of fat from the stomach. However, a panniculectomy is only in the lower area of the stomach and the muscles are not tightened. A tummy tuck may address the upper, lower, or both sections of the stomach and includes muscles tightening. During your private consultation, Dr. Kasden can go over all the differences between the two and help you decide which surgery is best for your needs and goals.
Can I combine a panniculectomy with another procedure?
A panniculectomy is often part of a total body contouring plan like after weight loss surgery or a mommy makeover. For after weight loss surgery, a panniculectomy is usually performed along with other lift surgeries like an arm lift or thigh lift. It can be combined with another cosmetic procedure, such as breast augmentation, a breast lift or liposuction that targets another area of the body. In a mommy makeover, a panniculectomy may be combined with other procedures, like a breast lift and liposuction to address areas where pregnancy and breastfeeding have had a significant impact on the body. Talk to Dr. Kasden about all of your concerns so he can create a comprehensive treatment plan that meets all your goals.
Does a panniculectomy cause scarring?
All surgical procedures require an incision, which leads to scarring. During a panniculectomy, Dr. Kasden does his best to place the incision in an easily concealed area. Typically, this means a small horizontal line above the pubic hairline that can be easily concealed by underwear and swimsuits. Dr. Kasden or a member of his team will discuss scar care management as part of your recovery instructions so your scar heals flat and blends with your natural skin.
What if I get pregnant or gain weight after a panniculectomy?
For optimal results, it is recommended that you be at a healthy, stable weight and not be planning any more pregnancies before you have a panniculectomy. However, if you do become pregnant or have significant weight fluctuations after your panniculectomy, you can schedule a consultation with Dr. Kasden to discuss a second procedure or other options to refresh your results.
If you have an apron or flap of excess skin and fat that hangs over your lower stomach, contact the plastic surgery office of Scott E. Kasden, M.D. in Argyle, TX to learn more about a panniculectomy. A skilled plastic surgeon, Dr. Kasden surgically removes loose skin in the lower abdomen caused by significant weight loss, aging, abdominal surgery, pregnancy, and genetics. A panniculectomy can help improve your whole body contour and boost your confidence.