Question:
Approved for a panni

I would like to hear from folks that have just had the Panniculectomy done. How long to recover? Do you truly lose your belly button? if you did how do you feel about it? I am 2 years post op. All my ins will cover is the panni, and if you end up with no belly button, then oh well. I am not too concerned with that. I cant be away from work for too long that is why I am not paying the difference for the Abdominoplasty. Please share your experience with me, good or bad. thanks to all of you wonderful folks that take the time to answer these questions over and over.    — dessary316 (posted on August 28, 2008)

August 28, 2008
Hey there. I'm a nurse for a surgeon that has done these. The belly button can be sacrificed if it is really low on the pannus, and would be quite a lot more trouble to move. Probably will depend on the surgeon doing it. It's still a big surgery, requiring drains for a while post op. THe incision is pretty numb for a long time, but you will be very very tired post op. Takes a while to get your energy back. THe more tissue that is removed, the longer the drains stay in, sometimes up to 2 weeks. Most people take 2 weeks off work. Depending on your stamina you may make it sooner, but if you have the time, just take it. Make sure they tell you how to treat the scar for optimum healing. Mederma is good, but massage and silicone based products are better. I hope that helps. Good luch with your surgery.
   — snuggykitten

August 28, 2008
I HAD A CHOISE WITH THE BELLYBUTTON.I KEPT MINE.JUST DIDNT LIKE THE THOUGHT OF NOT HAVING ONE.YES YOU WILL BE NUMB.I HAD MINE DONE IN 2004 AND IM STILL NUMB.I REALLY DONT THINK THE NUMBNESS EVER GOES AWAY. GOOD LUCK.
   — deb44m

August 28, 2008
Hi, I had a panni done in 2004 and I am still numb. I don't think I will get the feeling back. I don't have a belly button any more. I feel weird without it. I wish I had it back. My wounds broke open inthe first postop day. They got really infected and to be admitted to the hospital for 2 weeks. My doctor took the drains out way to earlier and it left a big mess. I had about a 15 inch abscess. I had a wound vac for 4 months and I had to get wound debridments for 2 or 3 times a week for about 2 months than 1 per week. I also had to go back to the OR for a big wound debridment. The doctor said it was not infected but when I saw the wound specialst doctor he was not surprised who the surgeon that operated on me and he said he gets alot of his patients to clean up. It was a really painful operation for me. I get wound infections everytime I have a surgery. I am planning a mons plasty for the future because I have chronic yeast infections in that area all the time and I make sure all my doctors document in my medical records that I have this problem and it should be covered by my health insurance. Plus I have to have a anntibotic cream that I use all the time for my yeast infections. Good luck with your panni.
   — [Deactivated Member]