Little worried, lots confused!

Afternoon, ya'll! Well, I have been reading replies to my "panni approved" posts and the more I read the more worried I get. I understand that the panni is the removal of the skin only but some people are saying "only" the skin below the belly button. This is where the confusion and worry is coming into play. Yes, I will be talking to my ps about all this but I can't see him until the approval letter gets faxed and they get me all set up. Ok, the "only" reason my panni got approved from my insurance co was the rash that stays inside my belly button caused by the skin above it rubbing on the skin under it. Also due to the small umbilical hernia I had. They made it plain as day that the hernia alone would not get me approved. What I am procrastinating about tonight is, wouldn't it be pointless to just remove the skin below the belly button when the belly button is the source of my problems and the reason I got approved in the first place? My insurance denied it at first. I had to go to my primary care dr once a month for 3 months to have him look at it, document it, give me meds. Then I resubmitted it almost 2 weeks ago. It barely took them a week this time to approve and I am grateful for whatever they pay for. I just don't see why they'd approve a procedure that will not take care of the problem. Any thoughts u can give me before I get to see my ps would be appreciated!! Hugs Angela

Angela, I just googled panniculectomy and found a good site: http://www.yourplasticsurgeryguide.com/tummy-tuck/panniculectomy.htm I also looked to learn the difference between a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) and a panniculectomy. With a tummy tuck, they tighten the abdominal muscles; with a panniculectomy, they just remove excess fat and skin. One incision is vertical, from the bottom of the breastbone to the pubic bone, and another incision is horizontal, in the pubic area. Excess fat and skin is removed; then the remaining skin is pulled together and closed. It sounds like this will take care of your needs, so I think you're going in the right direction. And after you heal, you can get that tattoo and belly button ring!!! That sounds too cute!! I'll get my surgery date tomorrow, and I'm really looking forward to feeling good about myself again. It's been a long time since I've felt my body was attractive. Kathy

Thank u! Looking forward to hearing when your date is! I have to all my case worker back tomorrow and get her on the ball with faxing my approval letter to my ps!