Panniculectomy is a surgical intervention focused on removing excess skin and fat in the abdominal area. This procedure is necessary when a person experiences a drastic weight loss where the skin has become extremely saggy. In these cases, the skin can hang down to cover the thighs and genitals.
This not only generates aesthetic problems but also health issues, too. Therefore, it is important to remove excess abdominal skin.
Who can have a panniculectomy?
Panniculectomy is for people who have achieved dramatic weight loss. Generally, 35 kilos and up.
When patients experience such a radical weight change, it is common for the skin to hang down. This is because the skin does not have the same elasticity to return to its natural state.
Likewise, a panniculectomy is usually performed in patients who have undergone, and in some cases, are going to undergo bariatric, gynecological, or oncological surgery. The purpose is to remove excess skin and return the body to its original contour, beauty, and shape.
How is surgery performed?
- First of all, a correct evaluation is important. Our specialist, Dr. Daniel Saco Vértiz, will examine you in detail to determine if you are a candidate for a panniculectomy.
- The intervention is performed under general anesthesia.
- A horizontal incision will be made in your lower abdomen, above your pubis. The excess skin and fat will be pulled down and stitched in place. Also, the belly button will be located in the correct position.
- Finally, surgical drains will be placed to prevent fluid accumulation.
What is the postoperative care?
- It’s normal to stay in the clinic for one or two days, depending on the difficulty of the intervention.
- You will be prescribed pain relievers to alleviate any discomfort.
- It is important that you wear an elastic girdle to give your abdomen additional support.
- You should not do physical activities or exertion for four to six weeks to avoid complications.
- Wound healing can take up to two or three months.
- The patient will progressively improve and after a year will be able to see the final result of the panniculectomy.
What are the possible risks of panniculectomy?
As in all surgery, there are always possible risks. In a panniculectomy the risks that the patient could run are:
- Get an infection.
- Poor healing.
- Formation of a seroma near the incision.
- Formation of a clot in the arm or leg.
However, in our clinic, we have an excellent staff of professionals and infrastructure to offer the best to our patients. We will monitor you closely in the initial days which is the most critical time.
Needless to say, when the patient follows the postoperative indications and takes the medications, then complications are very uncommon.
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