Tummy Tuck or Panniculectomy: What’s Best for Me?
Diet and exercise do not always deliver the results that patients want to see. Many individuals who lead healthy lifestyles are still left with loose skin on their abdomen. Two commonly performed procedures, panniculectomy and tummy tuck, can both reduce excess skin on your stomach.
While a panniculectomy generally focuses on removing excess skin, a tummy tuck can offer more dramatic results by tightening the abdominal muscles. Dr. Vishnu Rumalla performs both procedures at Tarrant Plastic Surgery in Fort Worth, TX. Here, he describes the differences between tummy tuck vs. panniculectomy.
Panniculectomy
As a procedure, a panniculectomy is more narrowly focused than a tummy tuck. The aim of this cosmetic surgery is to remove the pannus, the bulge of excess skin and tissue on the lower abdomen.
Women often complain about the appearance of this area after pregnancy.
During surgery, excess tissue and skin are removed while the patient is under general anesthesia. The remaining skin then is pulled and sutured together, giving the lower abdomen a smoother appearance.
The operation can last two to five hours. Most patients return home the same day as their procedure.
Tummy Tuck
If you are looking for more dramatic results than a panniculectomy can offer, you may be a good candidate for a tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty. This procedure is also performed under general anesthesia.
Dr. Rumalla will remove excess skin and tissue in your abdominal area while taking the extra steps of tightening your abdominal muscles.
Dr. Rumalla will leave minimal and well-hidden scars along the bikini line. We also use advanced technologies, including pain pumps, to dramatically reduce post-operative discomfort.
Most patients who undergo a tummy tuck are generally able to return to work two weeks after surgery.
Am I a Good Candidate for a Panniculectomy?
Candidates for a panniculectomy are in good overall health but suffer from:
- Sagging skin near the abdomen
- Frustration with the appearance of their stomach
Am I a Good Candidate for a Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck can be an ideal treatment for patients who are in good health but have:
- Loose skin on the stomach
- Loose abdominal muscles
- Stretch marks on the stomach
- Trouble fitting into their clothes
Contact Us Today
Both cosmetic procedures remove excess skin from the abdomen. During your initial consultation, Dr. Rumalla will help you decide which cosmetic treatment is right for you.
To learn more about the benefits of body contouring, contact us online today or call (817) 741-6801.