Understanding Panniculectomy

Panniculectomy is a type of surgery. It removes hanging skin and fat (panniculus) from the lower belly (abdomen). It’s often done after weight-loss surgery.

Peh-NIHK-yoo-LEHK-teh-mee

This surgery is done when extra skin and fat around the lower belly causes health problems. It's not the same as a tummy tuck, which is done to improve appearance.

You may have this surgery if the extra skin and fat is causing problems with movement or daily activities. Your healthcare provider may also advise this surgery if you have skin rashes or infections in the area that don’t go away with treatment.

Your healthcare provider will talk with you about this surgery. They will also examine you and take photos of your belly area. They will then give the hanging skin and fat (panniculus) a grade. The grade is how far the extra skin and fat hang down. It can range from 1 to 5. Grade 1 means the panniculus covers the groin area, while grade 5 means it extends past the knees. The grade can affect your cost for the surgery.

To help get ready for a panniculectomy:

• Tell your healthcare provider what medicines you take. Include both prescription and over-the-counter medicines. Also include vitamins, herbs, and supplements.
• Have any tests your provider asks for, such as blood tests.
• Quit smoking before the surgery, if you smoke. Smoking can slow healing after surgery.
• Follow any directions you're given for not eating or drinking before your surgery.

Before the surgery, you'll be asked to sign an informed consent form. Signing the form means you understand the surgery and agree to the procedure. It also means you are aware of the reason for the surgery and possible complications. It means you agree to the procedure. Be sure all your questions are answered before you sign the form.

This surgery takes place in a hospital or surgery center. During it:

• An IV (intravenous) line will be put into a vein in your arm or hand. It gives you fluids and medicine to prevent pain. You may get general anesthesia. This puts you into a deep sleep during the surgery.
• Your healthcare provider will make a cut (incision) across your lower belly, just above the pubic hairline.
• They will trim off the extra fat and skin (panniculus).
• They will then pull the remaining skin together and close the incision with stitches.
• Your provider may place a small tube (drain) in your abdomen. This drain removes any excess blood or fluid. It may stay in place for a few days after the surgery.

You’ll be taken to a recovery room to rest. You’ll be given medicines to help manage pain and prevent infection. You may have an elastic bandage placed around your belly. It helps reduce swelling and supports the surgery wound.

Your healthcare provider will tell you when it’s OK for you to go home. They will give you instructions on how to care for yourself. You may need to limit your movement to prevent the surgery wound from splitting open. Take all medicines as directed. Keep all follow-up visits with your provider. Talk with your provider if you have any questions or concerns.

All procedures have risks. The risks of this surgery include:

• Bleeding
• Blood clots
• Infection
• Fluid buildup
• Death of fatty tissue
• Splitting of the surgery wound
• Lasting pain
• Changes in the look or feel of the skin
• Scarring
• Uneven appearance
• Need for another surgery
• Risks of anesthesia, including problems with the heart and lungs

Call 911 if you have:

• Shortness of breath
• Trouble breathing
• Chest pain

Call your healthcare provider if any of these occur:

• Fever of °F ( °C) or higher, or as directed by your provider
• Chills
• Redness or swelling of the surgery wound
• Fluid leaking or a bad smell from the surgery site
• Pain that gets worse,
• Chest pain
• Leg swelling
• Difficulty breathing