Question:
I'm considering abdominoplasty vs. panniculectomy

I was wondering if those of you who have had one or the other could share your experience with me. I have a hernia that needs to be repaired and my surgeon suggested I have a tummy tuck as well. I had only been considering having the excess skin removed, and not the muscles tightened, but now I'd like to have the muscles done, but I'm sort of afraid. I'm not big on pain, you know, and I've heard it can be VERY painful. If you can share your experiences with me, I'd really appreciate it. Thanks!    — Maria H. (posted on January 27, 2002)

January 27, 2002
My full boat was done over 6 yrs ago. My tummy is hard as a rock, still flat (and I was an all-belly apple!). It was not all that much fun, but it was OH SO WORTH IT.
   — vitalady

January 27, 2002
I had the addominoplasty and a hernia repaired on 8/14/01. It was one of the easiest surgeries that I have ever had. I was up and walking around within a few hours and could have went home. I went home the next morning and was back to work in a week. E-mail me and I will give you all the details.
   — DeeDubbs

January 28, 2002
My plastic surgeon suggested that I leave that decision up to him, since he could more accurately assess the condition of the muscle structure once he was in there. That made sense to me, and as it turned out, I only needed the panniculectomy. He requested approval from the insurance company for an abdominoplasty, and they were quite happy to pay the lesser amount for the panniculectomy. I couldn't be more happy with the results. My abdomen is flat and tight, the love handles on the hips have disappeared, the very prominent fat pad over the pubic area is gone, and I have a new "outie" bellybutton that is just too cute. Good luck to you!
   — Diana T.