Panniculectomy

Abstract

With the increasing popularity of bariatric surgery to treat obesity, the number of patients seeking body contouring has significantly increased. Currently, there is a wide variety of techniques to address areas of excess skin throughout the body. Panniculectomy specifically addresses the problem of excess skin and fat in the abdominal area (and any other area containing a gross excess of the skin and fat). While the procedure may be performed on anyone with an overhanging pannus, post-bariatric patients tend to make up a significant portion of candidates presenting for this procedure. Although many desire contouring to other parts of the body, insurance companies may only grant coverage for those with medical justification. Therefore, panniculectomy is often performed as a stand-alone procedure. Unlike abdominoplasty, where significant skin flap undermining, fascial plication, and umbilicoplasty are performed, panniculectomy involves simple excision of redundant tissue. While not designed as a cosmetic operation, the health and quality of life benefits secondary to a panniculectomy make this a well-tolerated procedure associated with a high rate of satisfaction among many patients.