Home Procedures Panniculectomy (Spare Tire / Apron Removal)
Panniculectomy Spare Tire / Apron Removal
Individuals who have lost a significant amount of weight may be left with an ‘apron’ of excess skin and fat that hangs over the stomach. This apron is known as the pannus or panniculus and, depending upon its severity, skin infections and other more serious medical complications can result. Surgical removal of this apron of skin is known as a panniculectomy, and the procedure may be performed on its own or in combination with other procedures like liposuction or a lower body lift in order to improve the overall body contour. Panniculectomy not only improves the appearance of the stomach, for many people it also makes getting around much easier and greatly improves one’s quality of life.
During a panniculectomy, incisions are made, excess skin and fat are removed, and the incisions are then closed. In some cases the navel may need to be moved or reshaped. A panniculectomy and abdominoplasty are similar in that they both involve the removal of excess skin and fat, however the abdominal muscles are also tightened during an abdominoplasty. A qualified surgeon will help you to determine which procedure is right for you. A hospital stay may be required for the panniculectomy procedure, depending upon the patient’s general state of health, and full recovery typically takes several weeks.