After success with GLP-1 drugs, the spotlight has shifted to body contouring procedures such as tummy tucks to optimize results. However, there is another tummy tuck option that deserves attention: panniculectomy. This procedure treats excess skin and fat in a subtle way. But, what is the best after weight loss? We consulted top plastic surgeons to share information about surgery, insurance coverage, and the benefits and risks of each option.
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What is a Panniculectomy?
“With the development of non-surgical weight loss options like Ozempic, we are now seeing many patients with large amounts of excess abdominal skin,” notes Portsmouth, NH plastic surgeon Anthony J. Wilson, MD. “Despite significant weight loss, they can’t lose excess skin.”
Dr. Wilson says panniculectomy refers to the removal of skin and fat below the belly button. “‘Pannus’ is a Latin term for ‘apron’ that is descriptive of this region,” he explains. Panniculectomy is performed to treat medical conditions caused by excess skin and protruding tissue. “These medical conditions can run the gamut from musculoskeletal pain, such as low back pain, to recurrent infections between skin folds.”
Who is a good candidate for panniculectomy?
Newport News, VA plastic surgeon Michael Lofgren, MD shares that a good candidate usually has recurring infections or rashes in the skin folds of excess skin. Delray Beach, FL plastic surgeon Daniel Crane, MD, adds, “A patient with skin that hangs above their waistline is a good candidate,” he explains. “They may also be candidates for abdominoplasty, but a panniculectomy will not completely restore the abdomen, just remove that area of skin.”
What is the difference between abdominoplasty and panniculectomy?
The distinction between the two procedures lies in the area treated as well as the tightening of the muscles. “A tummy tuck or abdominoplasty is a cosmetic procedure that may include a pannicectomy as a component,” says Dr. Wilson. He points out that while abdominoplasty involves the skin and fat above and below the belly button, panniculectomy focuses solely on removing excess skin and fat below the belly button to treat medical conditions.
Dr. Crane adds that panniculectomy focuses primarily on functional restoration. “A tummy tuck tightens the skin across the abdomen, repairs the rectus muscles and corrects the belly button,” she says. “Often, liposuction of the flanks and back is accompanied by abdominal thrusts, resulting in a complete restoration of the abdominal silhouette.”
Is pancyclectomy covered by insurance?
“A pannicolectomy is done to treat medical conditions and therefore is covered by some insurance companies,” notes Dr. Wilson. However, it does emphasize the need for history and documentation of medical conditions for insurance approval.
“A tummy tuck is a cosmetic procedure and therefore will not be covered by insurance companies. However, panniculectomy is a functional procedure,” says Dr. Lofgren. “Since a panniculectomy is a functional surgery, trying to resolve issues with recurring infections and rashes, insurance may cover the procedure depending on their criteria and benefits.”
If covered, can you pay to upgrade your panniculectomy to abdominoplasty?
In some cases you may be able to get a tummy tuck if you’re willing to pay for the cosmetic part, says Atlanta plastic surgeon Carmen Kavali, MD. “These symptoms must be documented in photographs and records by treating physicians. A panniculectomy can be considered an aspect of a full abdominoplasty, so if insurance covers the pancolectomy, the patient may choose to pay a cosmetic fee to ‘upgrade’ the surgery to a full abdominoplasty.”
In the end, whether one chooses abdominoplasty or panniculectomy, the ultimate goal remains the same: to achieve a healthier, more confident you. As we continue to seek out various post-weight loss solutions, a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon is vital to your journey to a more sculpted figure.
