Question:

I am not pregnant but look like I am.  I have a lower stomach that hangs over.  It is the only part of my body that is fat.  I am 5 feet 7 inches and weigh 185 pounds.  The rest of me is pretty muscular.  Do you do panniculectomies?  How does this differ from a tummy tuck?   

Answer:

This is a very common question.  All plastic surgeons most likely perform panniculectomies.  A pannus refers to an out-pouching of abdominal skin and fat over the belly button and over the waist line.  A panniculectomy refers to removing this pannus without doing extensive undermining or repositioning of the belly button or repairing the underlying abdominal musculature, which can be weakened especially after pregnancies. 

In a tummy tuck, not only is the pannus removed but the underlying musculature is tightened and repaired, which requires a dissection to nearly the rib cage.  This also allows the skin and fat above the belly button to be repositioned and for removal of all the stretch marks and fat from the level of the belly button down to the level of the pubic hair.  In a full tummy tuck the belly button is reconfigured. 

Posted by:  Dr. Siporin