Panniculectomy in Plano

A panniculectomy has plenty of cosmetic benefits. Most people experience higher self-esteem, especially when their clothes fit their newly contoured abdomen better. However, it also boasts many hygienic, reconstructive, and functional advantages, such as:

• Better hygiene because it’s easier to wash areas of the body like your abdomen, hips, and legs.
• Less rashes, chafing, and sores from the friction caused by your skin rubbing against itself.
• Reduced lower back pain from excess weight putting stress on your spine.
• Improved mobility, especially when bending over.

Often, people confuse a panniculectomy in Plano with a weight loss surgery. Although we remove excess fat, this surgery is not a replacement for a healthy diet, medical weight loss, or exercise.

Instead, a panniculectomy helps get rid of the excess skin from weight loss and the stubborn fat that won’t budge. You might lose a small amount of fat, but not enough amount to be considered a weight loss treatment.

While an abdominoplasty and a panniculectomy may seem similar, they have different benefits, procedures, and outcomes.

A panniculectomy gets rid of the panus, or the apron of skin and fat that hangs from your abdomen down to your hips, or even farther in some cases. The panus can cause issues with lower back pain, mobility, and hygiene.

An abdominoplasty also surgically removes excess skin and fat. Only this procedure repairs diastasis recti as well, which is the separation of abdominal muscles that occurs during pregnancy. For months or years after childbirth, this condition can make your belly bulge or stick out. During an abdominoplasty, your surgeon will tighten the connective tissue and reposition the remaining skin. Because the main purpose and goal of this surgery is for a more toned and contoured look, an abdominoplasty is generally considered a cosmetic surgery.

A panniculectomy requires incisions, and incisions result in scars.

After we have you under general anesthesia for your panniculectomy in Plano, we make an incision along your lower abdomen, from hip to hip. You can expect moderate scarring in this location that will fade over time. Dr. Natalie Barton makes the incisions in areas that should be easy to conceal with intimate wear or swimwear.

If scarring is a major concern, you can always visit our dermatology center or give us a call, and we can discuss treatments that promote scar fading and healing.

Yes, Dr. Natalie Barton is a board-certified plastic surgeon with training in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. Both specialities apply to your panniculectomy in Plano because it improves appearance and mobility. 

To obtain board certification, Dr. Barton completed extensive surgical training, learned state-of-the-art techniques in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, and passed her comprehensive exams.

With an education from the Department of Plastic Surgery at the University of California, Irving, Dr. Barton delivers functional, ageless results that exceed patients’ expectations.

A panniculectomy in Plano is an effective procedure for anyone with excess, hanging abdominal skin and fat as a result of significant weight loss or pregnancy.

However, surgery requires patients to be in good overall health to reduce the risk of complications and guarantee a quick recovery.

For your panniculectomy, you should also maintain a stable weight for the best possible surgical outcomes and enjoy your new, contoured figure.

If you have unstable or significant weight fluctuations, we will determine that a panniculectomy is not right for you. You can visit our aesthetics side of McGuiness Dermatology & Plastic Surgery for medical weight loss services to help you maintain stable weight long enough to be considered for surgery.

We may also determine that you are not the right candidate if you actively smoke and are unable to quit. Smoking can inhibit wound healing, a risk we are not willing to take for your safety.

Finally, if you have unrealistic expectations for the outcome of your panniculectomy, we may determine that you are not the right candidate. We will do our best to explain to you what your abdomen will look like post-surgery with drawings and show before and after photos from previous surgeries. This will give you a better idea of what the procedure does and the results you can expect.

It will take several weeks to fully heal from your panniculectomy. For 1 to 2 weeks after the surgery, avoid blood-thinning medications and lifting heavy objects, stretching, or any strenuous activity. For the first 5 to 7 days, you may be unable to stand upright as your body heals.

Dr. Barton will provide you with compression garments to minimize swelling and support healing.

Please arrange for someone to pick you up from your surgery, and care for you for the first 24 to 48 hours.

Results from a panniculectomy should be permanent, depending on your lifestyle. You can maintain your contoured abdomen by making healthy choices, like eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and proteins and exercising regularly (after you’ve healed from the surgery). Dr. Barton will discuss how to maintain your results with you during your consultation and before your surgery.

It’s reasonable to assume that if you’ve lost a significant amount of weight and maintained the results, you’re already making the right choices to support your panniculectomy. If you continue your healthy lifestyle, you shouldn’t see any new accumulation of excess skin or fat in the abdominal area.

For a designated duration of time, you will need to wear a compression garment on your abdomen. Compression garments help with the healing process post-surgery. They have the following benefits:

• Reduces swelling: With constant pressure on the surgical site, compression garments promote drainage and prevent fluid buildup that leads to swelling.
• Improves circulation: For recovery, blood circulation helps inhibit the formation of blood clots, which can lead to infection. As you know, the best way to keep your blood flowing is through movement. However, after surgery, you’re limited in mobility. Compression garments promote circulation during this time, decreasing bruising and improving your healing journey.
• Reduces scarring: Better blood flow speeds healing; garments flatten scars to improve their look.

Results vary depending on the severity of your condition and how diligently you follow our post-surgery instructions. You may notice a more contoured appearance in your abdomen 1 to 2 weeks after your panniculectomy. However, in 4 to 6 weeks, you can expect to be completely recovered and enjoy the full results of your surgery.