It can be frustrating after losing a large amount of weight only to realize now you have a lot undesirable and unflattering extra skin. It is especially common for people who have lost a significant amount of weight due to bariatric surgery, as well as women who held on to their extra weight following pregnancy to have a lot of excess skin hanging down over the pubic region. Beyond being cosmetically displeasing, the excess skin on the stomach, also called pannus, can retain moisture and cause a rash due to skin rubbing against itself which can be very uncomfortable for many. However, with a panniculectomy, it is possible to remove all that excess skin and have the flat tummy you have been longing for.

To be considered for panniculectomy, you should be at a stable weight for at least one year. People who have had gastric bypass  or adjustable gastric banding surgery should also wait one year after surgery so that they are at a stable weight and any health problems linked to their obesity such as diabetes and high blood pressure have been corrected.

A panniculectomy may be performed by itself or in tandem with an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck). While a panniculectomy and a tummy tuck both target the abdomen, they are very different operations. Abdominoplasty removes fat and tightens the abdominal muscle, while a panniculectomy only gets rid of the pannus (extra skin). So for some, it is ideal to have the tummy tuck and a panniculectomy together in order to attain the best result possible.

Your panniculectomy may be performed in a hospital or outpatient surgery center. The duration of the surgery will vary based on how much skin and fat is present and whether or not you are also having a tummy tuck, hernia repair or another abdominal surgery. It typically takes several hours.

To perform the panniculectomy, Dr. Danielpour and Dr. Layke will make two incisions. The first spans from the lower area of your sternum to your pubic bone. They will then make a horizontal incision across the pubic area and remove the extra fat and skin. The remaining skin is pulled together and sutured.

Dr. Danielpour and Dr. Layke will likely insert drains in the incision areas to help reduce swelling and get rid of excess fluid. These drainage tubes can be safely removed when the output of fluid is low which will be closely monitored by the doctors on your follow up appointments with us. They will also use tape to shore up the incision areas. After your surgery, you will be fitted for a medical compression garment for support and comfort.

You may experience discomfort, swelling and some bruising after your surgery. During your pre-op you will be prescribed appropriate pain medications to help make you feel more comfortable during your recovery. You will not be allowed to put pressure on the abdominal area for some time. This means no exercise or heavy lifting for several weeks after surgery.

Call for Consultation (310) 275-6600

The post Remove Unwanted Stomach Skin With A Panniculectomy appeared first on Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery Group.

1. What is that horrible scar on your lower abdomen?

2. After losing all this weight, my does my belly still stick out?

Unsightly C-Section Scar

Unfortunately, some individuals develop thick, heavy red scars after any surgical procedure, and C-sections are no exception to the rule. They can be very sensitive and painful, despite the scars looking like the surgeon fell asleep mid-delivery.

Post-Pregnancy Pooch

Diastasis recti is a fairly common condition of pregnancy and postpartum in which the right and left halves of Rectus Abdominis muscle spread apart at the body’s mid line fascia, the linea alba.

Widening and thinning of the mid line tissue occurs in response the force of the uterus pushing against the abdominal wall, in conjunction with pregnancy hormones that soften connective tissue. Diastasis recti can occur anytime in the last half of pregnancy but is most commonly seen after pregnancy when the abdominal wall is lax and the thinner mid line tissue no longer provides adequate support for the torso and internal organs.

A small amount of widening of the mid line happens in all pregnancies and is normal. Diastasis recti occurs in about 30% of all pregnancies. Some postpartum women’s mid lines close to less than 2 finger-widths spontaneously, but for many, the tissue remains too wide, causing problems.

Quick Fix?

The above-referenced issues pose a real threat to having a beach-ready body! As far as revising your C-section scar, your treatment options may vary based on the type and degree of scarring and can include:

• Simple topical treatments
• Minimally invasive procedures
• Surgical revision with advanced techniques in wound closure

Scar revision surgery is meant to minimize the scar so that it is more consistent with your surrounding skin tone and texture.

Although scar revision can provide a more pleasing cosmetic result or improve a scar that has healed poorly, a scar cannot be completely erased.

When it comes to dealing with that post-pregnancy “pooch” there are a few options that center around a tummy tuck (a.k.a abdominoplasty). Not only are the excess skin and stretch marks able to be removed, but the rectus diastasis is able to be tightened like an internal corset. For those women who do NOT have a large amount of excess and skin and only have the rectus diastasis, a mini-tummy tuck can offer lasting results that look amazing!

Call the Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery Group today to see if you are a candidate for C-section scar revision and/or tummy tuck! (310) 275-6600

The post Unhappy With Your C-Section Scar? Is That Post-Pregnancy “Pooch” Evident Despite Losing All That Weight? appeared first on Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery Group.