1. A Small Difference
A panniculectomy is a cosmetic surgery that is performed to remove the hanging skin and some of the fat left in the stomach area after extreme weight loss. This surgery doesn't tighten the abdominal muscles like an abdominoplasty. A panniculectomy is sometimes combined with a tummy tuck or liposuction to enhance the results. In some cases, doctors may perform a panniculectomy during a hysterectomy. In general, a panniculectomy is considered safer than an abdominoplasty.
2. A Variety of Requirements
The ideal candidate for a panniculectomy has lost a significant amount of weight and has kept it off for at least a year. Sometimes, a woman will be a good candidate for a panniculectomy if she has a lot of fat under her belly button because of weight gain during pregnancy. It is recommended in this case that she try to loose weight by dieting and exercise before she undergoes a panniculectomy. In some cases, doctors may consider an obese person for a panniculectomy if she is suffering from frequent skin infections in the folds of her stomach. She may also be a candidate for the surgery if she has debilitating back aches or chronic knee problems because of the extreme weight that her back has to support if she has a lot of fat and skin under the belly button.
3. A Long Recovery
During a panniculectomy, you will be put under general anesthesia. The surgeon will make an incision from your lower abdomen up to your breast bone. Another incision runs horizontally on your lower abdomen. Surgeons remove any excess skin and fat and then close the incisions. The surgery will take a few hours. Recovery is usually about 1 week in the hospital and 6 to 8 weeks at home. Healthcare at home may be necessary if drains were used to help control fluid.
4. Do Your Homework
When you are thinking about having a panniculectomy, it is important that you find a board certified plastic surgeon to perform your surgery. A panniculectomy can cause significant scarring which can be kept to a minimum by a good plastic surgeon. You should ask to see before and after photos of patients who the surgeon has performed the surgery on in the past. Ideally, he should be able to provide a series of photos showing a patient's progress from before the surgery to at least a year after the surgery.
5. Insurance Coverage When Medically Necessary
Insurance may cover a panniculectomy if certain conditions are met. The requirements vary from company to company. In general, the doctor must submit documentation of medical necessity to the insurance company in order to get an authorization prior to the surgery. One of the requirements is usually that the excess skin is causing medical problems such as infection, back problems or other movement problems. The doctor usually has to demonstrate that the surgery will effectively fix the problem permanently. Age and general health are also usually considered by the insurance company in making a decision for coverage.
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