Success in losing a large amount of weight is a huge win for many patients and their health. However, that success can leave behind a heavy apron of hanging skin. This extra skin is not just a cosmetic issue; it can cause painful rashes, infections, and make it hard to move comfortably. It can also inhibit one’s ability to exercise, which limits further weight loss. A panniculectomy is a medical surgery that removes this overhanging skin and fat to help you feel better and stay active.
Choosing the right team is the most important step in your recovery. Since 1973, Plastic Surgery Group of Memphis has been the leader in reconstructive surgery for the region. Our board-certified and board-eligible surgeons have spent over 50 years helping patients through complex healing, from cancer reconstruction to major weight loss changes.
When the body undergoes massive weight loss, the skin often loses its ability to snap back into place. This is called skin laxity. During the period of weight gain, the deep layers of your tissue stretch to hold excess fat. After the weight is gone, the extra skin remains, often hanging down over the lower abdomen and pubic area.
A panniculectomy is a surgical procedure where a surgeon removes this flap of sagging skin and the fat attached to it. At PSG Memphis, our plastic surgeons perform this treatment to help patients who have a large amount of extra skin that interferes with their daily lives.
Hanging skin creates folds where moisture and bacteria get trapped. This often leads to painful skin infections and rashes that don't go away with creams.
The weight of overhanging skin pulls on the spine. Removing it can ease chronic pain in the hips and back.
Without extra skin getting in the way, it is much easier to walk, run, and participate in other physical activities.
Eliminating the apron makes it easier to keep the skin clean and dry, especially in the humid Memphis summers.
A good candidate for a panniculectomy is someone who has reached their goal weight and is now dealing with the physical burden of excess skin. To ensure you have the best healing process and the safest recovery, our plastic surgeons look for a few specific things:
It is common to confuse a panniculectomy with a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) since they focus on the same area. But they are very different surgical procedures.
This surgery removes only the hanging skin and fat. It does not tighten the abdominal muscles or move the belly button. It is often covered by insurance if it is a medical necessity.
A tummy tuck is a type of cosmetic surgery. The surgeon will tighten the muscles of the abdomen and reshape the body for a smoother appearance.
At our surgery center, many patients choose to combine these. While the panniculectomy addresses the medical risk, adding liposuction or muscle tightening can help you reach your aesthetic goals at the same time.
While a panniculectomy is often categorized by insurance as a functional surgery, our surgeons approach it with the same meticulous technical standards as a high-end cosmetic procedure. From a clinical standpoint, the focus is on the safe dissection of the deep layers of the abdominal skin and fat while preserving the underlying blood supply and blood vessels. This ensures that the removal of excess skin still leads to a durable and healthy outcome.
Many people develop excess skin in more than just the lower abdomen. If you have lost a large amount of weight, you may notice sagging skin on your arms, thighs, and breasts. Our plastic surgeons offer a full range of body contouring options to address these areas:
Your safety is our top priority. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia in a certified surgery center. Before the day of your treatment, your surgeon will review your previous surgeries and current health. We will ask you to stop taking certain medications that can affect blood thinning and to arrange for a friend or family member to help you at home during the first few days of rest.
When you arrive at the surgery center, our team will make sure you are comfortable and ready for your treatment. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia with a professional anesthesia team that will safely keep you comfortable and in a deep sleep.
During the surgery, our plastic surgeons carefully lift the extra skin and fat away from your abdominal muscles. Typically, a thin layer of fat is kept over the abdominal muscles, and dissection is minimized to prevent leaving a vacant space where fluid can build up causing a seroma.
We also use specialized internal sutures to anchor the tissue in place. This helps manage the pull on your skin and makes sure your new shape stays stable for a long time. Once the excess skin is removed, the incisions are closed with great care to keep the scar as thin and low as possible.
The entire procedure usually takes a few hours, and you will wake up in our recovery room with the PSG Memphis nursing team by your side.
Recovery from a panniculectomy takes patience. Immediately after surgery, you will experience some swelling and bruising. This is a natural part of the healing process as your body adjusts.
Your surgeon may place small tubes under the skin to help drain excess fluid. These are usually removed from our office a week or two later.
You will wear special compression garments around your abdomen. These help reduce swelling and support your muscles as they heal.
While you need plenty of rest, we will encourage you to take short walks around the house. This keeps blood moving and lowers the risk of blood clots in the veins or lungs.
Most people can return to light physical activities after about four weeks, but you should wait at least six to eight weeks before doing heavy lifting or intense exercise.
Because a panniculectomy often addresses medical problems like skin infections, many insurance companies can help cover the cost. Our team at PSG of Memphis is experienced in working with insurance to show why the surgery is necessary.
If you are choosing to add cosmetic procedures, like a breast lift or an arm lift, those costs are usually separate. Pricing reflects the customization required for your anatomy, and we offer several financing plans to help you reach your goals.
Since 1973, the Plastic Surgery Group of Memphis has been the leader in reconstructive surgery in the Mid-South. Our plastic surgeons are highly skilled in helping patients who have experienced massive weight loss. We understand that this is more than just a procedure; it is the final step in a long-term weight loss effort.
We focus on giving every patient a safe environment and natural-looking results. No matter where you are coming from in the Mid-South, we are here to support you.
Insurance often covers this if we can prove the extra skin causes chronic rashes or skin infections that haven't gotten better with other treatments.
The surgery removes extra skin and some fat, usually weighing between 5 and 15 pounds. However, it is not for active weight loss and the procedure will not remove the fat within the abdominal cavity, also known as visceral fat.
Yes. There is a horizontal scar across the lower abdomen. We try to place it low so it stays hidden under your clothes.
Yes, many people combine these surgical procedures to get both medical relief and a better shape.
As long as you do not gain weight or lose a lot more weight, the results are usually long-term.
In most cases, the belly button stays where it is. If the amount of skin removed is very large, the surgeon might need to reposition it. In rare cases, the belly button may be removed. This is evaluated by your surgeon on a patient by patient basis.
