Panniculectomy in Phoenix, AZ

Major changes in a person’s lifestyle can be fantastic and provide a strong sense of accomplishment, but sometimes there are drawbacks from these changes that can cause a person to feel self-conscious about their appearance. Pregnancy, significant weight loss, age, prior surgery, and hereditary factors can leave a person with excess skin in their lower abdomen. This extra skin can be embarrassing for some people and cause skin irritation and pain in the abdominal area, along with other issues.

Panniculectomy is a way to help correct these problems. With a panniculectomy, excess abdominal skin is surgically removed.

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What Are the Differences Between a Panniculectomy and Tummy Tuck Surgery?

What to Expect From Your Panniculectomy Surgery

Consultation

What Can I Expect at My Panniculectomy Consultation?

During your consultation, you and Dr. Boll will discuss your aesthetic goals. From that discussion, Dr. Boll will recommend a treatment plan and discuss potential outcomes and post-surgical care.

Surgery

How Is Panniculectomy Performed?

Panniculectomy is performed under general anesthesia and may take several hours to complete, depending on the amount of skin being removed, as well as other factors.

During the surgery, Dr. Boll will make a horizontal incision across the abdomen, from hip bone to hip bone. She will then remove the desired amount of pannus (the excess skin, tissue, and fat) from the area. The incision will be closed with stitches and tape, and fluid may be removed with a drain, if needed.

The whole surgical procedure usually takes anywhere from two to four hours to complete.

Common Combinations

Will I Need to Combine My Panniculectomy With Other Body Contouring Procedures?

Since a panniculectomy is primarily a skin removal procedure, it is commonly performed alongside other body contouring treatments that target the surrounding areas or loose abdominal muscles. Many patients who choose panniculectomy do so to increase physical comfort in the midsection, which can often be accomplished with a panniculectomy alone.

If desired, some patients choose to combine their skin removal surgery with other body contouring techniques, such as:

What to Expect After a Panniculectomy

Recovery

What to Expect From the Panniculectomy Recovery Period?

It typically takes four weeks for a patient to recover from their panniculectomy. During this time, you may be asked to wear an abdominal bridle or girdle to help with the post-surgical recovery. Results will be seen immediately after the procedure, but because of swelling, it can take up to six months for your final results to be visible.

Scars

How Big Will My Panniculectomy Scar Be?

The size of the scar from panniculectomy depends on the amount of pannus being removed. This scar will be low on the abdomen and should be easy to conceal with clothing.

Results

When Will I See My Panniculectomy Results?

Because skin is removed during the procedure, initial results are noticeable immediately; however, bruising and swelling will camouflage the results. Most patients see their final panniculectomy results within a few months.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Panniculectomy

What is a panniculectomy?

A panniculectomy procedure is surgery that removes pannus (excess skin, tissue, and fat) from the abdomen.

Will a panniculectomy be painful?

As with any surgical procedure, there will be some soreness, bruising, and swelling. However, medication can be prescribed to manage any pain that you may be feeling after the surgery.

How long does a panniculectomy procedure take?

The surgery itself takes anywhere from two to four hours. During this time, you will not be able to feel anything, as you will be under general anesthesia.

Can a panniculectomy be used for weight loss?

Though you will be losing some of the skin, tissue, and fat from the abdomen, a panniculectomy is not a weight-loss procedure. Regular exercise and a proper diet are the best ways to shed any extra weight you are carrying around.

How much does a panniculectomy cost?

The specific price of a panniculectomy varies, depending on numerous factors; however, once you have your consultation with Dr. Boll, you will be given the cost of the procedure. Additionally, financing is available.

Many people want to go through their insurance for this procedure. You will need to check with your insurance plan to see if they cover this procedure and what documentation is required. Many insurance companies require documentation from other doctors proving the problems that the pannus is causing and the need for the surgery.

Why should I choose Dr. Boll for my panniculectomy?

Dr. Boll is a double board-certified plastic surgeon with years of experience helping men and women reach their aesthetic goals. She is a diplomat of both the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the Aesthetic Society.

Dr. Boll graduated from the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s School of Medicine, where she also completed her residency in general medicine. Additionally, she also completed a residency in plastic surgery at the renowned Mayo Clinic.

Believing that plastic surgery is a meeting of science and art, Dr. Boll takes pride in the care and effort she puts into her procedures and treatments. She is dedicated to working with each of her patients to give them the aesthetic results they desire.