Panniculectomy in Beverly Hills, CA
At Adanna Plastic Surgery, we perform panniculectomy surgery to help patients who struggle with a large, overhanging apron of excess skin and fat — known as the pannus — that often develops following massive weight loss, pregnancy, or other significant body changes. This reconstructive procedure provides relief from chronic skin infections, hygiene difficulties, mobility limitations, and physical discomfort, dramatically improving quality of life. Call (310) 614-0089 to schedule your consultation with Dr. Eva Williams in Beverly Hills today.
What Is a Panniculectomy?
A panniculectomy is a reconstructive surgical procedure that removes the pannus — the large fold of excess skin and fat that hangs down over the lower abdomen, often drooping down onto the thighs or pubic area. The pannus typically develops after massive weight loss (whether through bariatric surgery or lifestyle changes), following pregnancy, or as a result of significant weight fluctuations over time.
It is important to understand that panniculectomy at Adanna Plastic Surgery is distinct from a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty). A panniculectomy is primarily a reconstructive procedure with a functional goal: removing the overhanging tissue that causes physical health problems. It does not involve tightening the abdominal muscles or creating the cosmetic contouring that a full tummy tuck provides. Some patients at Adanna Plastic Surgery in Beverly Hills choose to combine panniculectomy with a tummy tuck for both functional and cosmetic improvement, which your surgeon will discuss during your consultation.
Who Is a Candidate for Panniculectomy?
Patients at Adanna Plastic Surgery who may benefit from panniculectomy typically experience one or more of the following:
Chronic skin rashes, infections, or intertrigo (a rash resulting from skin-on-skin friction) beneath the pannus fold, particularly in warm or humid conditions. Persistent hygiene difficulties due to the skin fold making it challenging to keep the area clean and dry. Mobility limitations — difficulty walking, exercising, or performing daily activities due to the weight and bulk of the overhanging skin. Back or posture problems caused by the forward pull and weight of the pannus. Skin ulcerations or wounds that do not heal due to persistent moisture and pressure in the skin fold area. Inability to fit comfortably into clothing due to the volume and position of the pannus.
Most insurance companies require documented evidence of these medical symptoms before approving coverage for panniculectomy. Adanna Plastic Surgery can assist you in gathering the appropriate clinical documentation to support an insurance claim.
The Panniculectomy Procedure
Panniculectomy at Adanna Plastic Surgery in Beverly Hills, CA is performed under general anesthesia as an inpatient or outpatient procedure, depending on the extent of skin removal required. Dr. Williams makes an incision that typically runs from hip bone to hip bone along the lower abdomen, allowing for the complete excision of the hanging skin and fat tissue. The incision is placed as low as possible on the abdomen to keep scarring discreet.
Unlike a tummy tuck, panniculectomy does not routinely include repair of the abdominal wall muscles (diastasis recti repair). However, depending on each patient’s anatomy and goals, a combined panniculectomy and tummy tuck can be performed to address both the overhanging tissue and abdominal muscle separation in a single surgery. Dr. Williams will discuss whether a combined approach is appropriate for your situation during your consultation.
Panniculectomy Recovery
Recovery from panniculectomy at Adanna Plastic Surgery typically involves wearing an abdominal binder for several weeks to support healing and reduce swelling. Most patients can return to light activities within two to three weeks. Strenuous physical activity should be avoided for six to eight weeks.
Drains may be placed during surgery to remove excess fluid from the surgical site and are typically removed within one to two weeks. Our Beverly Hills team provides detailed post-operative care instructions and close follow-up throughout your recovery to ensure the best possible healing and outcome.
Panniculectomy vs. Tummy Tuck: What’s the Difference?
While both a panniculectomy and a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) involve removal of excess abdominal skin, they serve different primary purposes. Panniculectomy is a reconstructive procedure focused on eliminating the overhanging pannus fold for health and functional reasons. A tummy tuck is a cosmetic procedure that removes excess skin and fat while also tightening the abdominal muscles to create a firmer, flatter midsection contour. Many patients at Adanna Plastic Surgery benefit from a combined approach — your surgeon will advise on the most appropriate plan during your consultation.
Schedule Your Panniculectomy Consultation at Adanna Plastic Surgery
If excess abdominal skin is affecting your health, hygiene, or quality of life, Adanna Plastic Surgery in Beverly Hills is here to help. Contact our office at (310) 614-0089 or book your consultation online. Dr. Williams will evaluate your anatomy, review your symptoms, and develop a personalized surgical plan to provide the relief and improvement you deserve.
Panniculectomy FAQs — Beverly Hills, CA
What is a panniculectomy and what does it address?
A panniculectomy at Adanna Plastic Surgery in Beverly Hills is a reconstructive procedure that removes the pannus — the large overhanging fold of excess skin and fat that develops on the lower abdomen following massive weight loss, pregnancy, or significant body changes. Its primary goal is to alleviate chronic skin infections, hygiene difficulties, mobility limitations, and back pain caused by the hanging tissue.
What is the difference between a panniculectomy and a tummy tuck?
A panniculectomy is focused on removing the overhanging pannus fold for functional and health-related reasons. A tummy tuck also removes excess skin but additionally tightens the abdominal muscles and creates cosmetic body contouring improvement. Some patients at Adanna Plastic Surgery benefit from a combined procedure that achieves both goals simultaneously.
Will insurance cover my panniculectomy?
Panniculectomy is often covered by health insurance when medical necessity can be documented — including a history of chronic skin rashes, infections, or other health problems caused by the overhanging skin. Adanna Plastic Surgery in Beverly Hills can help you gather the necessary clinical documentation and navigate the pre-authorization process with your insurer.
How long is recovery after panniculectomy?
Most patients at Adanna Plastic Surgery can return to light activities within two to three weeks following panniculectomy. Strenuous physical activity should be avoided for six to eight weeks. An abdominal binder is worn during recovery, and surgical drains are typically removed within one to two weeks. Dr. Williams provides thorough post-operative care guidance throughout your healing process.
Will panniculectomy leave noticeable scars?
Panniculectomy does result in a horizontal scar across the lower abdomen, placed as low as possible — typically within or near the bikini line — to keep it discreet. At Adanna Plastic Surgery, Dr. Williams takes care to position the incision strategically, and our team provides scar care guidance to help the scar fade over time.
Can panniculectomy be combined with a tummy tuck?
Yes — a combined panniculectomy and tummy tuck is performed at Adanna Plastic Surgery for patients who wish to achieve both functional relief from the overhanging pannus and cosmetic body contouring improvement of the abdominal wall. Your surgeon will determine whether a combined approach is safe and appropriate for your anatomy during your consultation.
How do I schedule a panniculectomy consultation at Adanna Plastic Surgery?
Contact Adanna Plastic Surgery in Beverly Hills, CA at (310) 614-0089 or book your consultation online. Dr. Williams will evaluate your symptoms, review your health history, and develop a personalized surgical plan to provide meaningful relief and improve your quality of life.