Question:
What exactly IS a tummy tuck?
What do they do with a tummy tuck? Do they actually cut muscle? And is getting extra skin removed (like pannilectomy)usually accompanied with a TT? My surgeon told me I should "start saving $" for a TT, but I told him I wasn't going to want one. Maybe wishful thinking! I am 5'6 268 pounds so maybe I can get away with it. LOL — emilyfink (posted on March 1, 2002)
March 1, 2002
I'm pretty sure that a tummy tuck is the layman's term for the
panniculectomy. They are the same thing.
— Laureen59
March 1, 2002
Let me test my memory here and see if I can remember the differences.
During a Panni the surgeon basically just removes excess skin. During a
TT, the surgeon will tighten the muscles AND remove excess skin. The TT is
considered by most to be preferable over the panni. If your plastic
surgeon uses reconstruction as the reason for surgery when he submits to
your insurance company, they generally only approve the panni (if they
approve anything at all).
— Pam S.
March 1, 2002
There is quite a bit of difference. When the plastic surgeon just removes
the pannis, they are literally just cutting away excess skin and fatty
tissue; nothing is changed about the supporting structures, including
muscle, underneath. Most insurance companies will automatically cover this
with demonstrated large pannis.<p>A "tummy tuck" is
also called abdominoplasty; it is a more complicated surgery that involves
removing the pannis, removing other excess skin and fatty tissue, and
cutting through the abdominal muscles. The muscles are cut and then sewn
back together in a much tighter position, so that the skin over the abdomen
is pulled taut. Typically, plastic surgeons do not actually cut the fascia
(which protects the abdominal cavity), they just sew part of it to another
part of it, and then sew the muscles together. Some plastic surgeons are
now cutting through the fascia as well, then sewing the two cut edges of
fascia together. Much like transecting the stomach during RNY, it is
believed that cutting the fascia allows it to heal in a much more durable
bond. Insurance companies often approve and pay for abdominoplasty as well
if there are problems with the pannis and a demonstrated history of great
weight loss.<p>Much of whether you "need" a tummy
tuck is determined by your age... skin loses its elasticity over time and
older folks definitely don't snap back into shape as well. Also, your
starting weight and where you carried the bulk of your weight make a big
difference too. Finally, there are concerns with rashes and other
mechanical problems associated with a large pannis that cause many people
to have these surgeries on a reconstructive basis.<p>I have
researched this at length and will be having a fairly extensive
abdominoplasty, hopefully in May or June of this year. I started at 310,
5'4" and am 34 years old. My pannis is huge and just getting worse,
though it is "deflating" now that I am down to 195. Good
luck to you on your journey!
— Julia M.
March 1, 2002
I have a bunch of websites saved concerning this if you are interested,
email me.
[email protected]
— Joelle B.
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