Panniculectomy Surgery

Panniculectomy Surgery is the Procedure Used For the Removal of the Abdominal Pannus (AKA Tummy Apron, Abdominal Apron or Baby Apron).

Panniculectomy Surgery is not a cosmetic procedure in the truest sense, as it has some health benefits, and therefore cannot be regarded as entirely an elective surgery. However, due to the Panniculectomy being frequently combined with Abdominoplasty, we have chosen to include it, as the operation will be relevant to many visitors.

An overhanging Abdominal Pannus, or Tummy Apron, can be caused by pregnancy, or by extreme weight-loss, and is often an unfortunate side-effect of Bariatric surgery.

Panniculectomy costs are high, as the procedure is a specialist one. The price will be based on the sum of three fees, one for the surgery itself, the clinic's rates, plus an anaesthetist's fee. Nonetheless, if you are combining this procedure with a tummy tuck, the costs can be reduced, as you will only be paying for the anaesthetist and clinic once.

An average cost for Panniculectomy Surgery is around $8,000 to $10,000, although prices vary depending on various factors, including the location where you get the surgery performed. Some people choose to get this procedure abroad, which can potentially mean saving of up to 70% of the total cost. To arrange a quote for prices on surgery overseas, you can visit All Medical Tourism, who are generally able to help you find the best price for any type of surgery.

Panniculectomy Surgery FAQs

What is Panniculectomy Surgery?

What is Involved with the Panniculectomy Procedure?

Am I a Good Candidate for Panniculectomy Surgery?

What are the Risks to Panniculectomy Surgery?

What Should I Know About Panniculectomy Surgery Recovery?

How Much Does Panniculectomy Surgery Cost?

What is Panniculectomy Surgery?

Panniculectomy involves the surgical removal of the Abdominal Pannus, which you may know also by the expressions Tummy Apron, Abdominal Apron, Baby Apron or Mothers' Apron. The procedure is frequently confused with Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck Surgery), although the operation is quite unrelated.

Unlike the Tummy Tuck, Panniculectomy Surgery does not involve the tightening of the abdominal muscles, nor does it flatten the stomach. The procedure is simply to remove the abdominal pannus, the over-hanging area of the tummy, which can have an unsightly "apron-like" appearance, and can also cause hygiene issues, resulting in skin rashes and infections in the area underneath the abdominal pannus.

Part of the reason for the confusion is that often Abdominoplasty and Panniculectomy surgeries are performed at the same time.

What is Involved with the Panniculectomy Procedure?

The Panniculectomy procedure usually takes place with the patient under general anaesthetic. The surgeon will make one vertical incision from the breast bone to the public bone, and a second incision horizontally across the pubic area. Excess skin and fat will then be removed from the abdominal area, and the area will be pulled closed and sutured back together.

To get rid of excess fluids, the insertion of drains is likely, and if so, part of your recovery program will be to ensure that these are emptied regularly.

You should expect the surgery to take several hours to complete.

Am I a Good Candidate for Panniculectomy Surgery?

A candidate for Panniculectomy Surgery will have an overhanging pannus, or tummy apron. The reason for having this removed may be purely cosmetic, but in many instances the motivation may be health reasons. The Abdominal Pannus may be causing rashes and skin infections, and in extreme case may be making it  difficult to go about a normal daily routine, causing discomfort when walking or even sitting down.

A Panniculectomy patient should be in general good health, and if they have had any sort of weight-loss surgery, should wait for at least a year before getting Panniculectomy surgery.

We have heard of some surgeons combining weight-loss surgery with a Panniculectomy; however, this is extremely risky, and should not be considered. If your surgeon suggests this, it is quite likely that your surgeon is not especially responsible and reputable, and you should consider finding a different surgeon.  

What are the Risks to Panniculectomy Surgery?

All surgery carries with it inherent risks, and the wise patient is aware of this and chooses their surgeon with great care.

Risks with this specific type of surgery are excessive scarring, and also infection, haematoma, fluid build-up, and bleeding. If you experience any of these it is critic that you seek help straight away. 

What Should I Know About Panniculectomy Surgery Recovery?

You should never underestimate the time required to make a proper recovery after surgery, and the Panniculectomy procedure is no different. Your surgeon will give you a list of instructions in order that you recover as effectively as possible. These instructions must be followed to the letter, to avoid any complications.

An oral pain-relief medication will be necessary to manage pain after Panniculectomy, and you will be required to refrain from exercise for some time after surgery. Lifting of objects will be severely restricted. Sponge baths will be a requirement, and if special drains are used to prevent fluid build-up, these will need to be emptied.

How Much Does Panniculectomy Surgery Cost?

The cost of Panniculectomy surgery depends on various factors. The skill levels of the surgeon, the exclusivity of the clinical facility, and the level of surgery required in your own individual case. The location where you choose to get your surgery performed will also have a bearing, and prices can vary considerably from one country to another, and also from one state to another. So while an average price in the US will be in the $8-10K region, some spectacular savings can be made by travelling abroad or even interstate.

Your health and well-being should always be a priority, so if your are considering shopping around for the best prices for Panniculectomy surgery, you should use a reputable referral agency such as All Medical Tourism, who will have researched and screened clinics for your safety.