Question:
Has anyone had the panniculectomy surgery?

I would like any & all info, good as well as bad for this surgery. Is it just the pelvic region fixed or can it also cover where the excess fat & skin is from the breast bone to the belly button? Also anyone having the arm, thigh, or bust region fixed, too.    — Ann K. (posted on July 6, 2001)

July 6, 2001
Ann~ I had a panniculectomy two years ago. What they did was to remove 40 pounds of hanging down stomach. The incision was across from hip to hip. The doctor got rid of 40 pds. of stomach that was in my way with every step I took. Healing took awhile, and the only casuality was my bellybutton~ I have none now! I left the hospital being able to take a normal sized step (not baby steps).
   — Kathi C.

July 6, 2001
I am 15 months post-op and one of those "unfortunate" folks who actually has more loose skin on the upper abdomen than the lower abdomen. There is no doubt that the lower section will have to come off, but I was concerned whether anything could be done for the "top". I was encouraged following a recent plastic surgery consult and seeing many post-op photos of patients who had had very successful surgeries correcting this problem. It requires an "inverted T" incision, the vertical incision from breastbone to pubic area and the horizontal incision from hip to hip. The surgery will completely eliminate my old 7" diagonal gall bladder incision, preserve the belly button and take care of the excess fat/skin over the pubic area. I plan to have an armlift done at the same time...a buttock/thigh lift would certainly be nice, but it's not a priority at this point. Now the date for all this depends on when I can come up with the money! Good luck!
   — Diana T.

July 7, 2001
I have, my plastic surgeon took off all the hanging down skin and tissue (13 lbs worth)my belly button went with it. I'm very happy with the results, but I never wanted to model bathing suits or anything... A panniculectomy is not a tummy tuck, you may be wanting a tummy tuck, that's where they work on the muscles, etc.
   — KC S.

Click Here to Return