Yes, Panniculectomy surgery can be painful. This procedure is an abdominal surgery to remove excess fat and skin from the lower abdomen area and many people experience pain in the area for several days or even weeks afterwards.
During the procedure, a general anesthetic is used to block pain, but once the anesthesia wears off, mild to moderate discomfort can occur. Pain levels can vary depending on the individual, the size and location of the excess tissue, other underlying medical conditions, and the type of anesthesia used.
To help manage post-operative pain, your doctor may prescribe some pain medications. Additionally engaging in light physical activities can help reduce the amount of soreness and pain you experience.
Taking regular rests and avoiding too much movement and lifting can also reduce pain and discomfort.
How painful is a Panniculectomy?
A Panniculectomy is a type of surgery that removes excess fat, skin, and tissue in the abdomen. The procedure itself generally isn’t very painful and most patients only need local anesthetic. Keeping the amount of anesthetic used to a minimum helps reduce the risk of complications and makes recovery easier since the patient can move around more quickly.
During the surgery, layers of fat, skin and connective tissue in the abdomen are carefully separated from the abdominal muscles. The excess tissue is then removed.
There is generally some discomfort after the procedure, but most people don’t describe it as intolerable or unbearable. In fact, many patients feel relieved and excited about the improved appearance of the abdomen.
The most common post-operative symptoms include tenderness, swelling, bruising and some drainage. As long as a patient is diligent about following the doctor’s instructions for post-operative care, any discomfort or pain should become less intense with time.
Taking medications such as ibuprofen or Tylenol can also help ease any discomfort.
Overall, a Panniculectomy isn’t a very painful procedure, but it is important to be aware of potential discomfort that can occur after the surgery. It is also important to follow the doctor’s instructions for post-operative care to ensure a speedy and positive recovery.
How long does it take to recover from a Panniculectomy?
Recovery from a panniculectomy generally takes four to six weeks. During this time, it’s important to take it easy and avoid strenuous activity. You will likely have some swelling and discomfort for the first few days and weeks.
You may also have some numbness in the affected area which should improve over time. You will likely be instructed to wear a compression garment for 4-6 weeks to help with comfort and reduce swelling.
Your doctor will likely have you follow up with them in 2 to 3 weeks after surgery to ensure that your healing is going well. Be mindful of any signs of infection including redness, increased pain, drainage, or fever.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, contact your doctor right away. It’s important to stick to your doctor’s instructions to help ensure a successful recovery.
Will my stomach be flat after a Panniculectomy?
The answer to this question depends on a few factors, including your individual anatomy and how your body heals after surgery. Generally speaking, however, a panniculectomy is designed to remove excess fat and loose skin from the lower abdomen, which can help to create a flatter stomach.
During the surgery, excess fat and skin will be trimmed away, and then the remaining abdominal skin will be tightened and stitched in place. This can help to create a flatter, more defined stomach.
The extent to which you will have a flat stomach after the procedure depends on your individual anatomy, as well as a few other factors like how much fat was removed as part of the procedure, the amount and direction of any scarring, and how much healing time you will have before seeing the final results.
You can also maximize your long-term results by following the instructions provided to you by your doctor and adhering to a healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet and regular exercise. This will help you to maintain a flatter stomach after the procedure.
Overall, a panniculectomy can help to create a flatter stomach and more defined abdominal area. However, the final results will depend on many factors, including your individual anatomy, the amount of fat and loose skin removed, the direction and amount of scarring, and your commitment to a healthy lifestyle.
How many pounds of skin is removed in a Panniculectomy?
The amount of skin that is removed in a Panniculectomy will depend on the size and shape of the patient’s pannus, as well as the goals of the plastic surgeon and the patient. On average, patients undergoing a Panniculectomy at Dr.
Repta’s office (a premier plastic surgery center in Arizona) lose between 8-12 pounds of skin. However, some patients have had more than fifty pounds of excess skin removed in a single operation. During the operation, the plastic surgeon uses special forceps to carefully cut away all the excess skin, which is then sent off for testing to make sure it is safe for disposal.
In some cases, heavy-duty liposuction may be used to remove fat from the deep layers of tissue, before the excess skin is cut away, resulting in even more dramatic weight loss.
What happens if you lose weight after a Panniculectomy?
If you decide to lose weight after having a panniculectomy surgery, then it is important to take preventative measures to protect your abdomen and maintain results of the surgery. It is also important to not lose weight too quickly or over-exert yourself during exercise.
If you lose weight too quickly after having a panniculectomy, it can create a lax abdominal wall due to the rapid loss off fat and skin. This can cause the abdomen to lose its shape and structure, or the abdomen may sag or droop.
This is because the panniculectomy procedure does not tighten your abdominal muscles.
Therefore, it is recommended to spread weight loss out over a long period of time and to focus on building and strengthening your abdominal muscles as part of strengthening your core fitness. A strong abdominal wall helps to support your internal organs and works to keep the abdominal area firm and tight, even when losing weight.
It is best to discuss with your doctor the best way to exercise and lose the weight most safely. Ask your doctor if they recommend a post-surgery exercise program such as swimming, yoga, cycling, or brisk walking, and to what degree.
Additionally, you may want to speak to a nutritionist to develop an eating plan that works to help you lose weight while also properly nourishing your body.
Does apron belly go away?
Yes, apron belly can go away. To reduce its appearance, keep exercising and make changes to your diet. Eating a balanced diet that includes plenty of vegetables, fruits, lean proteins and healthy fats can help you get rid of excess fat on your stomach.
Regular aerobic exercise, such as walking, jogging, or swimming 30 minutes a day can help you burn more calories and reduce fat all over your body. Combine cardio and low-impact strength training workouts, such as crunches, planks, and squats, to build the underlying muscles for a firmer, flatter stomach.
Strengthening the muscles of your abdomen can provide better posture and prevent slumping forward, which can make apron belly worse. Additionally, cosmetic treatments, such as CoolSculpting, tummy tuck, or liposuction, may also help reduce the appearance of apron belly.
It’s important to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon to determine the best option.
How do you get rid of pannus belly?
Getting rid of a pannus belly can be a difficult and time-consuming process, but it is possible with some dedication and patience. Firstly, drinking plenty of water throughout the day is important to stay hydrated and flush out toxins.
Eating a healthy diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins is essential. Pannus belly is often a result of abdominal obesity and in order to reduce this fat, cardio exercise should be done regularly, such as jogging, cycling, swimming, or dancing, for about 30 minutes a day.
Additionally, strength training can help to firm and tone the abdominal muscles, making them more visible. Getting enough rest and reducing stress can also help to reduce the abdominal fat. Finally, keeping a food diary of what you eat, when you eat and how much you eat is key to successfully managing your weight and preventing the development of a pannus belly.
Do you have to be put to sleep for a Panniculectomy?
No, a Panniculectomy does not typically require the patient to be put to sleep. This type of surgical procedure is usually performed under local or regional anesthesia and will not put the patient to sleep.
During a Panniculectomy, a plastic surgeon will remove extra fat and skin from the middle and lower abdomen, as well as tightening any weakened muscles located in the abdomen wall. The procedure typically lasts between one to three hours, and depending on the complexity of the surgery, general anesthesia may be recommended.
Although general anesthesia can put the patient to sleep, the patient will still be monitored during the procedure by an anesthesiologist.
Do they remove your belly button during a Panniculectomy?
No, a panniculectomy does not involve the removal of the belly button. A panniculectomy is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the lower abdomen. This procedure may be performed to address physical discomfort, reduce a risk of infection, and improve the aesthetic appearance of the abdominal area.
During the procedure, an incision is made across the lower abdomen and the excess skin and fat is removed, but the belly button remains in place. Panniculectomy is a major surgery and has a recovery time of between four and eight weeks, and sometimes longer.
Follow-up visits with the doctor may be necessary to ensure that the wound is healing properly.
How long after a Panniculectomy Can I take a shower?
It is important to follow your surgeon’s instructions regarding showering after a Panniculectomy. Generally, most surgeons advise that you wait between two and four weeks before taking a shower or submerging the incision areas in water.
For the first two weeks, you should keep the incision areas dry, clean, and covered with a dry, sterile dressing.
The shower should be done in lukewarm water and should not exceed 10 minutes. Once the procedure is complete, an e-collar will typically be placed over your incision sites, which should be kept clean, dry, and intact until the doctor allows you to remove it.
During this time, it is important to take care to avoid any excessive movements or rubbing of the incision area.
It is recommended that you only use mild soaps and/or antibacterial liquid to cleanse the incision sites and to pat them gently afterward. After each shower, the incision area should be cleaned with an antiseptic or soap solution, dried gently and completely before being dressed.
It is important to consult your surgeon if you experience any signs of infection or if the incision areas become painful or swollen. Although you should avoid any strenuous activities for at least three weeks, whether you are able to resume regular activities will depend on the complexity of your Panniculectomy and how quickly you are healing.