Shedding extra weight from the body can feel rejuvenating. However, drastic weight loss can result in the overhanging apron of skin from one’s body. This excess skin not only impacts one’s self-esteem but can cause skin irritation and prevent one from performing daily activities.

Thankfully, the extra skin removal procedure can help get rid of the unnecessary skin to obtain a toned body that you always wanted to experience after a weight loss journey.

In this blog, we will take an in-depth look into Panniculectomy or extra skin removal surgery. We will also cover what you can expect from the process. 

What is Panniculectomy?

Panniculectomy or extra skin removal is a surgical procedure performed to remove the stretched-out, overhanging skin along with the fat from the lower abdomen.

During the surgery, the surgeon makes a horizontal incision between the hips above the pubic area. Another cut is made from the breast bone to the pelvic bone to get rid of the extra skin and fat.

Based on your eligibility, the surgery can be performed either as an inpatient or outpatient procedure.

Why should one undergo a panniculectomy surgery?

Weight loss that is a result of gastric bypass surgery or lifestyle changes can result in excess skin hanging from the body.

The problem with excess hanging skin is that it can hang over the thighs, causing sores and rashes. When left untreated, this excess skin can hamper daily activities and even result in issues with personal hygiene.

With a proper skin removal surgery, it becomes possible to prevent recurring skin irritation and infections underneath the skin fold.

How to prepare for the process?

Of course, the first thing to do is schedule an appointment with your plastic surgeon. Make sure that you ask as many questions during the appointment as possible about the surgery, associated risk, the recovery process, etc.

Also, don’t forget to ask the surgeon about his/her medical background, including training and expertise in panniculectomy surgery. Lastly, you might want to ask about things you need to carry during the surgery, what to wear, and so on.

What to expect –

Day of the surgery

Once the incision is made (described in what is panniculectomy), the surgeon will then proceed to pull down the abdominal skin and close the incision with sutures. A temporary thin tube might get inserted under the skin to prevent any fluid build-up in the body.

The entire process can take somewhere between three to five hours, based on how much skin and fat you have. You can speak with your surgeon to determine the technique he/she might use for excess skin removal.

After the surgery

You will be kept under close observation after the completion of the surgery. And once you regain consciousness, you will be asked to get up from the bed and walk a few steps.

Depending on how extensive your surgery was, you will require to stay at the hospital for a few days.

In a day or two, the surgeon might request you to wear elastic support or compression garment to help support the abdomen while it is still healing.

Signing off

It is evident that extra skin removal surgery can prove highly beneficial for anyone who might have undergone an extreme weight loss process. However, before undergoing surgery, ensure to raise as many questions as possible to the healthcare provider to ensure most of your doubts are cleared.