Question:
My insurance has approved me for a panniculectomy, and will not pay for abdominoplasty

I know the difference between the two. But I am concerned that I may not be as tight as with the abdominoplasty. Will I still have a tight flat stomach, even thought there is no muscle tightening? I am only really concerned with the apron area, as I am paying myself to have the upper portion tightened vertically. I would like some input from anyone that has a panniculectomy. Thanks. I am having this dome with a breast lift later this month.    — STAR W. (posted on September 8, 2002)

September 9, 2002
Star, my insurance(s) approved my panniculectomy/brachioplasty last November, and did not question the type of incision that my plastic surgeon had planned. I am curious as to why you would need to self-pay to have the "upper portion tightened vertically". My surgeon performed a standard "anchor incision" for my panniculectomy.....a long vertical incision from breastbone to pubic area...and a smiley-face incision from hipbone to hipbone. The end result was a marvelously flat and tight abdomen....upper and lower....and I couldn't be happier with the results. Perhaps you can discuss this option with your surgeon and re-approach the insurance provider regarding coverage for the procedure. Please feel free to email me privately if you have further questions. Best wishes!
   — Diana T.

September 10, 2002
My insurance also approved a panni, not an abdominoplasty. My PS said he always does the same procedure because and I quote "you wouldn't be as happy with the results if I did not tighten the underlying musculature." He billed it as a panni, the insurance paid it & I basically got an abdominoplasty. I don't know if this is unusual or not. My PS actually always referred to it as a tummy tuck, except when dealing with the insurance co. when he used their term. I had the traditional hip to hip incision & it did tighten very nicely the skin on my lower & upper torso, but I do wish it had tightened the skin better around the sides to the back.
   — Kathy W.