Question:
Can someone educate me??? What is the difference between a TT and panni?

   — Dena C. (posted on July 18, 2002)

July 18, 2002
Tummy tuck or abdominoplasty is Plastic surgery of the abdomen in which excess fatty tissue and skin are removed, usually for cosmetic purposes. Panniculectomy is Surgical excision of redundant paniculus adiposus, usually of the abdomen. (this is what is usually done on weight loss patients after larger amounts of weight is lost). If you ever decide to have the skin removed and ask the insurance for approval it should always be referred to as a panniculectomy. TT is more cosmetic than medical necessary as is the panni.
   — Sharon H.

July 18, 2002
I had a panniculectomy in November. My plastic surgeon explained that "there are two procedures for a 'tummy tuck'....an abdominoplasty, and a panniculectomy. A panniculectomy is a surgery to remove ONLY excess skin and fat. An abdominoplasty is a longer and slightly more involved surgery because it not only removes the excess skin and fat, but also involves tightening of underlying muscle structures if necessary, and/or abdominal hernia repair. Most insurance providers will approve abdominoplasty if there is a known hernia....most view panniculectomy as a "cosmetic" procedure, except in cases of massive weight loss, when it is considered to be reconstructive.." My plastic surgeon always asks the insurance providers for approval for abdominoplasty, then if during the surgery he determines that the underlying muscles are OK, he only does the panniculectomy. That way, the insurance provider pays less, the patient has a less complicated procedure, and everyone is happy! Good luck!
   — Diana T.