Question:
How flat does your tummy get with a Panniculectomy?

Hi! I was wondering how flat your stomach is after a panniculectomy...I know that the tummy tuck with muscle tightening leaves your stomach really flat, but what if you are just having the excess skin removed? My PS said he's going to remove my excess skin on my lower stomach & then pull the skin from my upper stomach down (and he'll have to create a new belly button for me), but he's not going to tighten the muscles since I plan on having kids in the future. Does anyone have pictures of what a panni removal looks like? Thanks everyone!!    — Binxalways (posted on June 8, 2003)

June 7, 2003
Mine is as flat as can be and looks awesome. I am soo happy with it. I just bought my first bikini since I was a kid and I will be wearing it proudly. I am five weeks post op from the TT. I will be happy to send the before, after and the bikini pic, just shoot me an email. I don't know how to put the pics in my profile without getting rid of my regular before and after pics that are there.
   — Linda A.

June 8, 2003
I am 18 months post-panniculectomy, and my tummy is still wonderfully flat and firm. My plastic surgeon waited until the actual surgery to determine whether or not the underlying muscles actually needed any work, and he made the decision that they were (surprisingly) in great condition. Because I was one of those people who was "gifted" with alot of excess skin and fat above the waistline, I had an anchor incision panniculectomy and I couldn't be happier with my results! My incision has faded to a fine pink line, turning quickly to white....I bought my first tankini last summer...what a wonderful moment! Best wishes :-)
   — Diana T.

June 9, 2003
Hi, I just saw my PS today and asked him this question. If you are having a paniculectomy without an abdominoplasty, you will simply be having the excess apron of skin removed. If you have an abdominoplasty, you will have all the excess skin removed and the muscles tightened. If you still have abdominal fat that will not be removed except that which is attaced to the skin. If you are not at goal weight, you will not have a flat tummy. I am not at goal and do not expect a flat stomach as I still have abdominal fat. I will be rid of my apron and have my muscles tightened, I will still have some protrusion but it will be a big improvement from the sorry state I am in now. I a 18 months out and have had a stable weight for 12 months. My insurance will be changing and since they have approved this I am going for the abdominoplasty now. Other folks on this site have told me that they lost 40 pounds more after there PS and continued to be happy with the results. I am still considering a revision of my DS for a shorter common channel, but am not sure I want that much surgery or to risk possible stinky bowel problems. This is probably more info than you wanted. Good luck , Kathy
   — kathleen S.