Both tummy tucks and panniculectomies can address different concerns regarding the abdominal area. This blog discusses what each procedure entails and outlines key differences to help you determine which one may be a better fit for you.
Table of Contents
- Deciding Which Abdominal Surgery You Need
- What Is a Tummy Tuck?
- What Is a Panniculectomy?
- How Does a Tummy Tuck Differ From a Panniculectomy?
- Want to Know More About Tummy Tuck Surgery in Phoenix, AZ?
4 Min Read:
Deciding Which Abdominal Surgery You Need
The stomach region is a common area of concern for many people. Typically, this is due to excess skin, fat, or other causes of a protruding belly pooch. The abdomen can also change significantly throughout different life stages and events.
The natural aging process can cause the skin to lose elastin and sag, drooping over your body’s silhouette. Pregnancy and childbirth can weaken the abdominal muscles, causing them to separate and making a flat stomach unachievable without surgical intervention. Undergoing massive weight loss can result in stubborn fat pockets and excess skin that won’t go away, no matter what diet you’re on or how often you exercise.
Abdominal surgeries can address some of these issues and help you achieve the aesthetic you desire. Tummy tuck surgery and panniculectomy are two of the most popular options when it comes to altering the stomach region. Each procedure works differently and has its own benefits. However, navigating how each of these procedures works and which will be best for your needs can be tricky.
To help you get a better understanding of these two common procedures, we’ve broken down the basics of each one below.
What Is a Tummy Tuck?
Tummy tuck surgery is repeatedly one of the top five cosmetic surgical procedures performed each year. Many patients are people who have undergone significant weight loss, pregnancy, or both. During a tummy tuck, stubborn fat is removed, weakened abdominal muscles are repaired, the belly button is repositioned, excess skin is trimmed, and the remaining skin is tightened.
A tummy tuck can create a significant transformation in the abdominal region. The muscle repair corrects diastasis recti, a condition in which the abdominal muscles are separated and cause a lower belly pooch, which requires surgical correction to remove. After tummy tuck surgery, patients are left with a smoother, more defined stomach that they can rock with confidence.
What Is a Panniculectomy?
During a panniculectomy, excess skin from the abdominal region is removed. Unlike a tummy tuck, a panniculectomy is not considered to be a cosmetic surgery and is instead labeled as a functional surgery. This procedure targets the abdominal pannus, which is the excess tissue that hangs over the pubic area. The abdominal pannus can cause skin irritation, rashes, and ulcers, as well as interfere with one’s daily life.
Panniculectomy can be a life-changing option for those who are struggling with sagging abdominal skin that hangs over the body. This surgery can greatly increase comfort and confidence, allowing you to go about your daily activities without thinking about excess abdominal skin.
How Does a Tummy Tuck Differ From a Panniculectomy?
Perhaps the most notable difference between the two procedures is that a tummy tuck tightens the abdominal muscles, while a panniculectomy does not alter the abdominal muscles at all. A tummy tuck also can remove excess fat, while a panniculectomy is focused on removing excess skin.
If you want to repair weakened abdominal muscles and remove excess skin, tummy tuck surgery is likely the best option. However, if you only have excess hanging skin, a panniculectomy may be more suitable.
The best way to determine which procedure is right for your needs is to schedule a consultation with a board-certified surgeon who is an expert in abdominal surgery. Dr. Jennifer Boll is a double board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in performing tummy tucks and panniculectomies, and she strives to help patients address concerns and reach their aesthetic goals.
Want to Know More About Tummy Tuck Surgery in Phoenix, AZ?
Do you need more information to help you determine whether you need a tummy tuck or panniculectomy? Dr. Boll’s team in Phoenix, AZ, is ready to help you navigate your options and get started on a customized surgical plan that caters to your unique needs.
To schedule a consultation call, (480) 833-5200 or complete our online contact form today.