What is a panniculectomy?
A panniculectomy is a surgical procedure that removes the panniculus, a hanging fold of excess skin and fat in the lower abdomen, often performed for medical or functional reasons rather than cosmetic improvement.
A panniculectomy removes the panniculus, a thick fold of skin and fatty tissue that hangs below the abdominal wall. This procedure is fundamentally different from a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), which tightens underlying abdominal muscles and reshapes the entire abdomen for aesthetic results. A panniculectomy focuses solely on excising the excess hanging tissue that causes functional problems or skin breakdown.
Medical need typically drives panniculectomy recommendations. The panniculus can trap moisture and bacteria, leading to chronic skin infections, rashes, and ulceration, especially in patients with significant weight loss, obesity, or age-related skin laxity. It may also interfere with mobility, hygiene, and wound healing after other surgeries. Some insurance plans cover panniculectomy when documentation shows it is medically necessary rather than cosmetic.
A surgeon performing panniculectomy removes the excess tissue but does not repair the underlying muscle layer or contour the abdomen the way a tummy tuck does. The scar typically runs horizontally across the lower abdomen. Recovery involves wound care and activity restrictions while the incision heals. Many Ontario body contouring specialists perform both procedures, and the choice between them depends on your goals, medical history, and what your coverage will support.