Panni only?

Panniculectomy and tummy tuck are often used interchangebly in my research.  Are they two different procedures?

Tummy tuck involving tightening the muscles so you can get that flat tummy of never obese childless youth or close to it.  Panniculectomy involving just the loose exterior skin removal, let the rest stay where it falls.  Am I right or wrong? 

So... a cut along the bikini line with the loose skin pinched from bikini line to belly button removed... nothing done below the surface... is that a straight panniculectomy? 

Thanks folks! 

How my Dr. explained it to me is the panniculectomy is just removing the apron of skin from the belly button down. The tummy tuck includes loosening up the skin above the belly button, tightening the muscles and then pulling the skin down like a window shade so it tightens everything up. Usualy the tummy tuck will require the repositioning of the belly button. So yeah, you basically have the right idea of what each intails.

Sonya

The only thing that I would add to what Sonya said is that with the tummy tuck they loosen up the skin up to the breast bone, sew up the muscles tissue and usually do a little liposuction to "thin" out the area around the rib cage.
WIth  the panni they only remove the excess skin then sew you back up which is what most insurance carriers will pay for. In my case I'm paying my surgeon extra to do the entire tummy tuck not just the panni.
Hope this helps.
Michelle

Crystal clear ladies.    Thanks so much. 

I was sure it was a panniculectomy I am interested in but the more I read the more uncertain I was getting about what's exactly what. 

Unfortunately (or perhaps fortunately) my panni is small and more droopy than hanging.  I don't expect insurance to pay for it since it creates no issues... 

Of course I'll try to get it covered by insurane.  Plastics are still a long way off for me.    If I had to pick one its the inner thigh that needs doing.  I can easily cover my tummy but bathing suits do not forgive droopy thighs. 

Hey Miss

Hey there,  your big day is comming soon! 

I read your posts on DrS's board but I'm not a member so I could not reply.  Looks like you will be sporting that bikini this summer.  Congratulations.