Expert Panniculectomy Surgery in Thailand

A panniculectomy is a surgical procedure that eliminates the panniculus, an “apron” of loose skin and fat on the lower stomach following major weight loss. This procedure is colloquially known as FUPA removal surgery, where FUPA stands for “fatty upper pubic area”. While diet, exercise, and weight loss surgery can reduce excess fat, surgical pannus removal is the only solution for removing the leftover excess skin. Having overhanging skin can cause discomfort, restrict physical activity, and affect confidence and wardrobe choices. However, it is a problem that can be resolved.

Ideal candidates for panniculectomy surgery are those who have excess skin hanging in their lower abdominal area and pubis, typically due to significant weight loss after bariatric surgery such as gastric bypass. Other factors that contribute to the need for stomach skin removal surgery include aging, pregnancy, and previous surgeries like liposuction that have resulted in sagging skin.

To ensure the best possible outcomes and for health reasons, it is recommended to have a BMI of under 30 or be within 10 pounds of your goal weight. It is also important to maintain a stable weight for at least six months before undergoing the surgery. This allows the surgeon to accurately determine the amount of skin to be removed and helps in maintaining the results in the long run.

A panniculectomy and a tummy tuck have different purposes and outcomes. A panniculectomy is performed to alleviate medical issues, while a tummy tuck is meant to enhance the aesthetics of the abdomen.
Consider the following points when comparing the two procedures:
– A panniculectomy removes hanging skin from the lower abdomen, providing a flatter abdomen, increased mobility, and relief from rashes and skin irritations. However, it does not address the area above the belly button. If your main concern is improving rashes and wearing clothes better, then panniculectomy is a suitable choice.
– Abdominoplasty, on the other hand, can tighten abdominal muscles, giving you a flat tummy. It can also reposition the belly button and potentially involve liposuction for more extensive contouring.
When deciding between an abdominoplasty and a panniculectomy, consider your overall health. In some cases, an abdominoplasty may not be safe due to health reasons, making a panniculectomy a viable alternative.

The surgery can result in significant weight loss, typically ranging from 5 to 10 pounds. There have been cases where over 20 pounds of tissue was removed during FUPA surgery. Additionally, patients often experience further weight loss after recovering from a pannus removal procedure, as it becomes easier to be physically active without the excess skin.

A panniculectomy typically preserves the belly button, except in cases where it may pose a risk due to insufficient blood supply. In such cases, a new belly button can be surgically reconstructed at a later time. However, it is important to note that a panniculectomy only removes the excess skin and fat below the belly button, without repositioning it. As a result, the belly button may end up lower on the abdomen after the procedure. Generally, it is recommended to reposition the belly button to enhance the overall appearance and outcome.

Recovery after a panniculectomy typically lasts 10 to 14 days. Most people can return to work after 2 weeks, unless their job involves a lot of movement or heavy lifting. It is important to avoid strenuous activity for 6 weeks after the surgery to prevent tension on the incisions. Pain, swelling, and bruising in the midsection are common after the procedure, and your doctor may prescribe painkillers to help manage discomfort. Wearing a compression garment called an abdominal binder for about a week can support healing and reduce swelling. Stitches will either be removed by the surgeon or dissolve within two weeks. Surgical drains, if used, will be removed in the doctor’s office within a week. Stay in contact with your surgeon if you notice any unusual changes during recovery.

The effects of abdominal skin removal are noticeable right away, but it may take a few months for most of the swelling and bruising to go away. The final results may take up to two years to fully appear. These results can be considered permanent as long as you maintain a stable weight. After recovery, your lower midsection should remain flat without needing additional procedures. The scars from a panniculectomy, which extend across the lower abdomen from hip to hip, should be easy to hide with clothing. These scars are permanent but will fade over time. To maintain the results, it is best to adopt a healthy lifestyle and diet to keep your weight stable.

This surgery does not affect pregnancy, but it is advisable to have it after completing your family to minimize the possibility of compromising the outcome. Should pregnancy occur again, there is a possibility of skin stretching once more.