What Is a Panniculus?
- Posted on: Mar 15 2024
A panniculectomy is performed to remove a panniculus, which is an “apron” of excess skin and fat hanging from the lower abdomen. After assessing the relative severity of a patient’s panniculus, a physician will grade it on a scale that ranges from 1 to 5. While a grade 1 panniculus might extend to the pubic hair, it will not cover the genitals. A grade 5 panniculus, by contrast, will droop downward to the knees or lower.
The Panniculectomy Procedure
Generally performed in an outpatient surgery center or hospital under general anesthesia, a panniculectomy can take two to three hours to complete, depending on the amount and placement of the tissue to be removed. The panniculectomy procedure typically requires two incisions: a vertical incision from the lower sternum to the pubic bone and a horizontal incision that runs horizontally across the pubic bone. This enables the surgeon to extract excess tissue through the horizontal incision, pull tissue from above the belly button, suture this new tissue in place, and shift the belly button to its normal position. As a rule, the surgeon will also insert drains in affected areas to prevent the unwanted build-up of fluid.
The Benefits of a Panniculectomy
This procedure can offer several benefits to individuals, such as:
Improved Physical Comfort
One of the benefits of a panniculectomy is the relief of physical discomfort caused by the excess skin and fat in the abdominal areas. Patients often experience relief from issues such as skin irritation, chafing, and difficulty with mobility due to the weight and bulk of the pannus.
Better Hygiene
The presence of excess skin folds can make it difficult to maintain proper hygiene, leading to skin irritation, infections, and unpleasant odors. Removing the excess tissue through a panniculectomy can make it easier for individuals to keep the abdominal area clean and free from moisture and bacteria, reducing the risk of skin problems.
Correction of Functional Issues
In some cases, the excess skin and fat in the lower abdomen can cause functional issues such as urinary incontinence or difficulty maintaining proper posture. By removing the excess tissue, a panniculectomy can help correct these functional issues and improve overall bodily function.
Contact Bardia Amirlak, MD, for More Information about Panniculectomies
Is a panniculectomy the right way to address your excess abdominal tissue? Find out by visiting the official Amirlak Plastic Surgery website of Bardia Amirlak, MD, and filling out a short online contact form. You can also call 972 972 4708 or 214 645 5560 to speak to a medical office rep directly.
Posted in: Panniculectomy
