Post-Bariatric Panniculectomy

Post-bariatric panniculectomy is a surgical procedure to remove excess skin and fat on the lower abdomen. It provides a flat abdomen area through the removal of excess skin and fat. Although it is very similar to abdominoplasty, panniculectomy is not a cosmetic procedure, it is an invasive surgery. Skin and fat collection on the lower abdomen which seems like hanging on the body is called the pannus. Pannus is a common problem for those who experience frequent weight gain and loss, rapid weight loss, or multiple childbirths.

Who is A Good Candidate For Post Bariatric Panniculectomy?

Good candidates for post-bariatric panniculectomy are those who have hygiene problems due to excessive skin sagging, ulcer, and infection problems under sagging areas, and patients with obesity and rapid weight loss. Also, those who gain weight during pregnancy underwent abdominoplasty after childbirth but could not achieve the desired result can prefer panniculectomy. A panniculectomy can be performed before bariatric surgery or simultaneously.

Patients must stabilize their weight to undergo a panniculectomy operation. Those who exercise regularly and follow a balanced diet are good candidates for the operation. Patients who underwent gastric bypass surgery must be examined and doctors should decide if they are suitable for panniculectomy.

Who is Not Suitable for Post-Bariatric Panniculectomy?

Those who are not suitable for Post-Bariatric Panniculectomy are as follows:

Under the age of 18
Pregnant or plan to get pregnant
If abdominoplasty is more convenient, panniculectomy is not preferred.
Smokers
Constant weight changes

What is Preparation Process Before Post Bariatric Panniculectomy Like?

Preparation before panniculectomy is as follows:

Patients are informed about the process of surgery in detail including complications after the surgery, expected result of the surgery, and new abdomen appearance.
Blood analysis must be performed before the surgery. If patients have diabetes and hypertension must be under control.
Patients who have systemic disease must be examined and if necessary, anticoagulant medicine treatment must be started 3-4 days before the surgery
Patients must be controlled for respiratory conditions
Patients must be analyzed for anesthesia allergy

What is Post Bariatric Panniculectomy Surgery Like?

A panniculectomy operation is a surgery to remove sagging excessive fat tissue and skin collected on the lower area of the abdomen. Surgery is performed under general anesthesia and the duration is 5 hours on average, however, it may be different for each patient. To remove the excess skin and fat, an incision is made in a very similar way to abdominoplasty, as a line between the hip bones. However, the size of the incision may differ depending on the patient’s condition and the amount of fat and skin. Its difference from abdominoplasty is that the panniculectomy procedures do not include strengthening the abdominal wall. Also, fat flaps are not lifted and the belly button does not require repositioning.

In a panniculectomy operation, excess fat and skin are removed from the incisions made on the targeted areas. If the patient has an umbilical hernia, it can be treated. After tightening the area, drain tubes are placed to discharge the excess fluid and incisions are closed. In one session, a minimum of 4kg to 54 kg of tissue removal is possible, the average amount for panniculectomy patients is between 2.7 kg to 12.8kg.

Does Post Bariatric Panniculectomy Surgery Leave Scar?

Panniculectomy operation leaves a surgery scar that fades in time. However, they do not disappear completely. If patients want to get rid of the scar after a post-bariatric panniculectomy operation, scar revision treatments can be preferred.

How Long is Post Bariatric Panniculectomy Recovery?

Panniculectomy recovery duration is about 8 weeks. However, this period may change for each patient depending on their conditions and the operation performed. It is mostly an outpatient process after the surgery. However, patients may need to be under supervision at the hospital. The first few weeks of the recovery process may be difficult, but in time pain and edema, symptoms are relieved.

What is Process After Post-Bariatric Panniculectomy Operation Like?

Following are the Post-panniculectomy care steps:

Patients are prescribed painkillers and antibiotics to prevent pain and infection risk.
Patients who have systemic diseases continue their treatment after the surgery
Patients are discharged from the hospital in 2-3 days after the surgery.
Drain tubes are removed a few days after the surgery
Surgery scars are not apparent.

Are Post Bariatric Panniculectomy Results Permanent?

The permanency of panniculectomy is related to the patients stabilizing their weight after bariatric surgery. Results are permanent for those who underwent the surgery after losing a great deal of weight.

What Are The Advantages of Post Bariatric Panniculectomy?

The advantages of panniculectomy are as follows:

Lessens the weight patient’s back has to carry and improves the patient’s daily life by reducing the pain problem
Hygiene problems are eliminated for patients can move without difficulties caused by sagging skin
Increase the options for clothing
Boosts patients confidence
Improves patient’s life qualities.

What Are The Side Effects of Post-Bariatric Panniculectomy?

Complications of panniculectomy are as follows:

Pain and aching during the following few days after the surgery, pain may continue for several months.
Numbness on the treated area due to excess skin removal is considered normal for a few weeks.
Fluid retention may occur due to drains placed in the stomach
Patients may not stand up in an upright position for a few weeks

Post-bariatric panniculectomy complications listed above are considered possible and they disappear over time. These complications are not risky or life-threatening. However, if a patient develops an infection, arrhythmia, massive bleeding, chest pain, and difficulty in breathing must see a doctor immediately.

Embrace your transformed body with Post-Bariatric Panniculectomy at Forbest Clinic. We offer meticulous surgical procedures that remove excess skin following significant weight loss, helping you to feel more comfortable and confident in your own skin.

Celebrate your weight loss victory with a body that reflects your achievement. Contact Forbest Clinic today for your comprehensive consultation.