A pannus is excess skin and adipose tissue, sometimes referred to as an apron that hangs down over ones genitals or thighs. A panniculectomy is when a pannus is surgically removed. This excess tissue can make it difficult to walk and perform other physical activities, it can also make it difficult to maintain good hygiene in the genital area. The difference between a panniculectomy and abdominoplasty is a panniculectomy only removes the apron of the skin as there is no undermining of tissue or tightening of muscles.
Candidates must be in good health, have no active diseases or serious, pre-existing medical conditions, and must have realistic expectations of the outcome of the surgery. If you plan to become pregnant or to lose a significant amount of weight, you should discuss these plans with your doctor before surgery. Panniculectomy is not a treatment for obesity or a substitute for proper diet and exercise.
NOTE: You may not be a candidate for surgery if you smoke, have recently quit smoking, or if you are exposed to second-hand smoke. Primary and secondary smoking decreases blood flow to the body’s tissues. This can result in prolonged wound healing, skin loss, infection, increased scarring, and a number of other complications depending on the kind of procedure performed.
During your initial physical examination, your plastic surgeon may find that you would be a good candidate for less invasive procedures which would still allow you to meet your appearance goals. Alternative procedures may include liposuction,or abdominoplasty, a procedure which reduces the hanging skin in the abdominal area.
Most commonly, the surgeon will make two incisions. The first is a long incision from hipbone to hipbone, just above the pubic area.
Communication is vital to establish realistic expectations in reaching your goals. You will have the opportunity to discuss your goals and the results you would like to achieve. Your surgeon will work with you to reach an understanding about what you can expect from this procedure and what long-term benefits you will experience. Every patient is different, and your surgeon will choose the surgical technique and treatment plan that is right for you.
Your procedure will take place in our office surgical suite, Rose Medical Center, St. Anthony Hospital or North Suburban Medical Center. The majority of these procedures are completed on an out-patient basis.
General anesthetic is used so that you will sleep and remain comfortable throughout the procedure.
It is very important that you follow your surgeon’s instructions. This will promote healing and improve progress towards your new physical appearance. Also, it is important that you attend all scheduled follow-up appointments so that your surgeon can assess your long-term results and answer any questions or concerns you may have.
Your surgeon may use staples or sutures to close your incision. You may also have 2 to 4 drains inserted following your surgery.
I had the Laser Genesis treatment. The procedure was comfortable on my skin and without any downtime for noticeable results! I would highly recommend this procedure. The entire office is great to work with and an awesome team. L.T., Lafayette
Amazing staff , ready to answer all my questions , I felt very comfortable talking to them ,specially Leah , she made feel very secure about the procedures and totally happy of have chosen them. Zuleyma F.
Fantastic! I have had multiple procedures done by almost everyone in the office . I recommend this place to everyone! Love this place! Lindsay W.