Panniculectomy - Plastic SURGERY AFTER WEIGHT LOSS

After massive weight loss, patients often experience excess skin around the midsection which can lead to skin rashes & irration, discomfort and other problems. This is known as the pannus.

Many patients who have lost weight from lap band surgery, gastric bypass or the natural way, visit plastic surgeons to discuss their options for correcting this problem.

Our board certified plastic surgeons offer complimentary consulations in Los Angeles, Orange County and the Inland Empire/ San Bernardino at our Beverly Hills, Brea, Upland and Riverside locations. To schedule your appointment, please call (866) 372-3288.

WHAT IS A PANNICULECTOMY?

A panniculectomy is a surgical procedure performed to rid of the excess skin around the mid section called the pannus. Typically the pannus extends around the abdomen to the back and causes skin irritation amongst other problems.

The pannus is removed by making an incision similar to that of a tummy tuck and extending it around to the back of the body as far as the excess skin occurs. This procedure is performed as an outpatient surgery under general anesthesia administed by a board certified doctor anesthesiologist. Oftentime, it is also performed alonside other body lift procedures such as a breast lift, breast reduction or thigh lift.

PANNICULECTOMY VS. TUMMY TUCK

Both panniculectomy and tummy tuck procedures are similar in nature, in that they both remove excess skin around the mid-section to achieve a flatter abdomen. However, a tummy tuck addresses concerns with muscle laxity (diastasis), while a panniculectomy only addresses the excess skin and tissue of the pannus. Depending on your goals, your plastic surgeon will discuss realistically which procedure is best for you. In some cases massive weight loss patients will first require a panniculectomy, followed by a tummy tuck to tighten the muscles 6 months to a year later.

Panniculectomy covered by insurance

In many cases, panniculectomy surgery is covered by insurance. In order to qualify, insurance companies often require documentation from medical providers relating to weight loss and/or weight loss surgery, irriatation of the skin or other problems that affect everyday life. Most insurance companies also require photos before your procedure in order to authorize the procedure to be performed.

The board certified plastic surgeons at California Surgical Insitute accept PPO insurance. Please fill out the form below for your free insurance verification to determine if your are eligable for panniculectomy with insurance and to determine which type of copay you may have.