tt or pani

Hi All, Can anyone explaint the difference in procedure/results/cost..any what ever else you can think of..I want something but dont have alot of money. Thanks Melissa

Hello Melissa - (love the new picture!) I can't give you any info on the "difference in costs" ....but it's my (laymen) understanding that the difference between a tummy tuck and a panni removal is the MUSCLE tightening (or lack thereof). LOL, granted I could be OFF a tad, but the "easy to understand" explanation is that a Panni removal is JUST the removal of excess skin. They pretty much hold it out, trim and sew back up. Whereas a tummy tuck, they not only snip, trim and sew up - they also TIGHTEN the underlying stomach muscles too. The difference in results? Well, I havent a clue what the results with a panni are, I can't speak from experience. I had a tummy tuck w/muscle tightening AND an anchor incision CUT - to help pull in my waistline - which has always been kinda boxy and boyi**** left my stomach area very TIGHT and very flat. Of course keeping it that way will be up to ME, it's not a lifetime fix. I have photos of my tummy BEFORE surgery, after surgery AND (this is the yucky part) a photo of the excess skin my doctor removed. His foot is also in the picture (there was so much skin, they placed it on the floor) ..so his foot gives you a reference point. If you want to see any of them - it's in my profile, near the top, click on the photo link for "Plastic Surgery". Good luck to you - Lei

Wow! I haven't seen you on the main message board lately (even though I read them every evening, I don't get to spend a lot of time on there, so maybe I've just missed you). I'm soooo glad to see you on the grads board (first time I've ever been on here). You may not remember me, but I think about you often. I posted previously about going to an amusement park with my kids and you personally replied. I screamed for you on "Greazed Lightning". Anyway, I just wanted to let you know how much I thought of you and how I do wonder how you've been. I checked out your profile and pictures. I love the bikini pix! I'd love to have a TT and turn out that good. I guess my husband would love it, too! I finally put up pictures in my profile, if you want to put a face to the "stalking" posts to you. Take care of yourself!

Hello gorgeous .....and YES, I do remember you!! I'd never forget the first woman to scream my name in a moment of complete and utter elation. Loved the photos in your profile - it's so nice to finally put a face with a friend. You've got a beautiful family too - I have a feeling Emmy is going to be well protected and spoiled by her two brothers as she gets older. The PJ photos (yes, you're right, they were a little blurry) but the gist of the 'special moment' came over loud and clear. What a great (and liberating) feeling huh? To walk into ANY store, including Vickie's and buy whatever your little heart desires! Good for YOU - keep enjoying and documenting those moments - when life throws you a few curve balls, you'll find hope, encouragement and determination in how successful you've been. btw - I read your recent entries and I sooooooooooooooooo agree with you on the "paying it forward" aspect of the journey. It not only helps others, but it helps to keep US grounded and focused on the long term aspect of maintenance! Take care of yourself - congratulations on regaining your health and your life. Hugs - Lei

Melissa--This is something you will need to clarify with each plastic surgeon. As in the case with many ps procedures there seems to be a difference in the interpretation of the terms. Some times the difference is just what Lei says-tightening of the muscles. Often times Panniculectomy consists of removal of the extra skin below the belly button only. You will see many pictures of that on here. Definitely discuss this with your surgeons and look at photos as well.

Melissa, a tummy tuck includes removal of the pannus (fatty droop of tissue in the lower belly), tightening of the muscle from the rib cage down to the pubic area, removal of any excess fat, and removal and replacement of the bellybutton. A panniculectomy will usually refer to just removal of the pannus, but no muscle tightening. Having had the tummy tuck, I would give it 10 gold stars!!!!! What a surgery, and what a result. That was the mot impressive thing I have ever had done. After the weight loss I used to do double takes in a mirror, not believing it was me, but with the tummy tuck not only do I do triple takes, but I am in AWE as to what I see in the mirror. I never had a tummy or bellybutton like that when I was 10, and at 55 I think I am really styling!!! Hope this helps. Missy

Hi Melissa, Maybe you can get some information about prices on the PS board! http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/plasticsurgery/posts.html I am self pay and I am going to Costa Rica next month for my PS!! Excellent doctors and low prices!!