Question:
Questions on abdominoplasty vs. panniculectomy

I've been approved for a panniculectomy and it's scheduled for 1/24/05. I'm considering paying the additional fee of $2500 to get the muscle tightening and lipo on the upper abdomen. Will the cost be worth it? Can I go back to my desk job after 2 weeks with either procedure? I am a wimp when it comes to pain, but I've had 3 c-sections and lap RNY and did OK. Thanks for your input!    — Yolanda J. (posted on January 7, 2005)

January 7, 2005
Having a panniculectomy will only remove the hanging tissue on the lower abdomen. I had a "roll" above my waist. I had an abdominoplasty and had the muscles tightened and it has been well worth it. I also have a desk job, had 2 c-sections and lap RNY. Went back to work 12 days after lap RNY. The abdominoplasty was a different story. I couldn't stand up straight for two weeks! More pain than I anticipated, and I was off work for a month. I don't consider myslef a wimp, but it hurt. Plus I had two JP drains in my pubic area that were removed at one week then at two weeks post op. Still, it was worth it!
   — koogy

January 7, 2005
I agree with the other poster. I thought the abdominoplasty was the worst pain I'd ever had. But YES it has been worth it. I think the pain comes when the muscles are involved. Talked with those that just had the lower skin removed and they did fine. I was out of work about a month. I'm an Administrative Assistant so mostly sitting but my drain tubes were not out for 3 weeks. If finances are there, I'd say have it done. I didn't want to have the spare tire still there with a lower flat stomach. I also havae a new belly button. It is so cute!
   — lisab07

January 7, 2005
yes it's worth getting the tummy tuck, i only had my drains in for less than one week. the problem i run into is the binder is rubbing on the incision, but i only have to wear it for 11 more days. you have to wear the binder for 6 weeks post op. but all of it is worth it. good luck.i had more pain with the arm lift then the tummy tuck.
   — Barbara M.

January 8, 2005
I had abdominalplasty yeasr aggo when i thought i was close to goal. my surgeon was excellent.i had no drains and very little. i had to wear a longline girdle and corsett for at least 12 weeks it gave me the smooth lines with out the lumpy cottage cheese that ive seen on others(i also had lipo at the same time) anywhy i went to south america and it was well worth it. he now lives and practices in miami and i cant wait to reach goal and have him do me again for the last time.email me if you want more info. all the best! Tracey
   — traceybubbles

January 8, 2005
YES! by all means pay the extra and go for it! I have the flatest tightest tummy possible! I can't tell you about recovery as mine was a bit unusual. GO for it!
   — ZZ S.

January 9, 2005
Drfinitely! Don't want a flat belly and a roll above it, right? DN @ GOAL www.LadyBodFit.com
   — DianeN

January 9, 2005
Talk to your doctor and see if you have any hernias. If you need a hernia repair, the insurance may pay some for the abdominoplasty. I had a lower body lift with muscle tightening and was off work 3 weeks. The pain wasn't too bad. I could stand up straight at one week post. My stomach is flat and I do not have any midriff bulge. I had 4 drains. Two were removed at 1 week post and the other 2 at 2 weeks post. Take your pain med on a routine basis to keep pain at a minimum. Don't let the pain get real bad. You may want to take Ibuprofen or plain Tylenol to reduce the amount of narcotic you take. Good luck.
   — dianne E.

January 11, 2005
I did the full abdominoplasty with muscle tightening. I also had lipo on my upper arms at the same time. I could have easily went back to work at 2 weeks to my sit down job. And I would agree with the other posters, it's worth the extra $2500 to get the muscle tightening.
   — Patty H.