A panniculectomy is surgery to remove fat and skin that hangs down from your belly. Often the fat and skin come from losing a lot of weight.
You will be asleep during surgery. The doctor makes one or more cuts (incisions) in your belly. Extra fat and skin are removed. Then the skin is brought together and closed with stitches, staples, or skin glue. The surgery leaves one or more scars. The scars will fade with time.
You may go home the same day, or you may spend a day or longer in the hospital. You will need to take it easy for 2 to 3 weeks at home.
Surgery can be stressful. This information will help you understand what you can expect. And it will help you safely prepare for surgery.
Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
A panniculectomy is surgery to remove fat and skin that hangs down from your belly. Often the extra fat and skin come from losing a lot of weight.
Your belly will be sore and swollen for the first week after surgery. The skin on your belly will probably be mostly numb for several weeks to months. Feeling will come back slowly. But you may have small areas around the incisions that are always numb. Don't use a heating pad on your stomach while it's still numb, or you could have severe burns. It's normal to feel tired while you heal. It can take 5 to 6 weeks for your energy to return.
You won't be able to stand up straight when you get home. To regain your normal movement, you'll need to get up and walk every day. Between walks, move your feet and legs often.
The surgery leaves one or more scars that will fade with time. If they don't fade, check with your doctor.
©2011-2024 Healthwise, Incorporated