Panniculectomy in Newark, DE
Eliminate Hanging Stomach Skin For a Tighter Midsection
Panniculectomy is a surgical procedure used to remove overhanging skin and tissue from the lower abdomen. At Advanced Plastic Surgery Center in Newark, panniculectomy is performed by double board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Lawrence Chang.
What Is Panniculectomy?
Panniculectomy is a body contouring technique involving the removal of a pannus: an apron of excess skin and fatty tissue that hangs below the lower abdomen. This condition commonly develops following substantial weight loss, pregnancy, or significant fluctuations in body weight.
Unlike procedures that focus primarily on cosmetic enhancement, panniculectomy is designed to also address the physical effects of excess abdominal tissue. By removing the overhanging skin, patients experience improved comfort, easier movement, and reduced irritation in the affected area.
What’s the Difference Between Panniculectomy and a Tummy Tuck?
Although panniculectomy and tummy tuck surgery are often confused, they are distinct procedures with different goals. Panniculectomy is centered on excising redundant skin and tissue from the lower abdomen, particularly when that tissue causes functional concerns such as discomfort, chafing, or hygiene challenges.
A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is generally a more comprehensive cosmetic procedure. In addition to removing excess skin, it may involve tightening weakened abdominal muscles and reshaping the overall area’s contours to create a flatter, firmer appearance. During your consultation, Dr. Chang will discuss your concerns and determine which procedure could help you achieve your aesthetic goals.
Who is a Good Candidate for Panniculectomy?
Ideal panniculectomy patients have extra skin and tissue hanging from the lower abdomen that causes physical discomfort or interferes with daily activities. Many patients seek treatment after achieving significant weight loss and keeping it off.
Candidates should be in good overall health, be nonsmokers or willing to stop smoking before surgery, and have realistic expectations. A consultation with Dr. Chang is the best way to determine whether panniculectomy is right for you.
Panniculectomy Before & After Photos
The Procedure
Panniculectomy is typically performed under either IV sedation or general anesthesia. Once you are comfortable, Dr. Chang carefully makes incisions designed to allow removal of the redundant abdominal tissue while preserving a natural contour.
The overhanging skin and underlying fatty tissue are then removed from the lower abdomen. The amount of tissue eliminated varies depending on the patient’s anatomy and treatment goals. Throughout the procedure, Dr. Chang uses meticulous surgical techniques to achieve a smooth result and optimize patient safety. After the excess tissue has been removed, the remaining skin is repositioned and the incisions are closed with sutures.
The Recovery Process
During the initial recovery period, patients should rest, avoid strenuous activities, and follow all post-operative instructions provided by Dr. Chang and his team. Light walking is often encouraged early on to promote circulation, but heavy lifting, vigorous exercise, and other demanding activities should be avoided until cleared by Dr. Chang. Wearing any recommended compression garments supports healing and improves comfort during recovery.
Most patients gradually return to normal routines over the weeks after surgery. Follow-up visits are an important part of the recovery process, allowing Dr. Chang to monitor healing and ensure patients are progressing appropriately.
Review
During my consultation, Dr. Chang answered all my questions and guided me in the right direction when deciding on which surgery was best for me. The staff got back to me in a timely matter when new questions did arise and made me feel nothing less than comfortable and confident during the entire process. After my surgery, Dr. Chang was there to ensure me everything went well and I had all the knowledge needed for my after care. Very excited to see where I’ll be in the next few weeks with my results. I’ll forever refer friends and family to Dr. Chang!
Benefits of Panniculectomy
- Removes overhanging skin and tissue from the lower abdomen
- Improves comfort during daily activities
- Reduces chafing and skin irritation
- Makes exercise and movement easier
- Improves clothing fit
- Enhances body confidence following weight loss
- Creates a smoother abdominal profile
How Much Does Panniculectomy Cost?
The cost of panniculectomy surgery varies based on the extent of tissue removal, the complexity of the procedure, facility fees, and other factors. Because every patient has unique needs, the final price can only be determined after a thorough evaluation.
All panniculectomy procedures performed by Dr. Lawrence Chang include a cosmetic component designed to enhance surgical contour and overall aesthetic results. This may involve liposuction and/or additional contouring techniques.
We will submit the medically necessary portion of the procedure to your insurance carrier if they approve the pre-authorization. Services that are considered cosmetic, including any aesthetic enhancements, are not covered by insurance and will require an out-of-pocket payment by the patient.
The cosmetic fee is separate from any insurance-covered charges and must be paid in full prior to the date of surgery. Please be advised you will still be responsible for your deductible, copays, and coinsurance.
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Schedule Your Consultation in Our Newark Office
If extra abdominal skin is affecting your comfort, mobility, or quality of life, contact Advanced Plastic Surgery Center to learn more about panniculectomy in Newark, Delaware. Dr. Lawrence Chang can evaluate your concerns, answer your questions, and help you determine whether this procedure is the right option for you!
Panniculectomy FAQs
Panniculectomy is not a weight-loss procedure. Its primary purpose is to remove excess skin and tissue that remain after significant weight changes.
Most surgeons recommend maintaining a stable weight for several months before undergoing surgery. Weight stability helps optimize results and reduces the likelihood of future changes to the abdominal contour.
Removing excess abdominal tissue often changes the way clothing fits. Many patients find it easier to wear a wider range of styles and sizes following recovery.
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