Panniculectomy in Draper, UT

If you have recently lost a significant amount of weight (with or without bariatric surgery), you may have a large amount of loose skin on the lower part of the stomach. Called a pannus, this hanging skin requires surgical removal after a large amount of weight loss. Dr. Jerry Chidester, or Dr. Chiddy, is an expert plastic and reconstructive surgeon who specializes in procedures that can help patients contour their bodies. Different from a tummy tuck, a panniculectomy does not strengthen and tighten the abdomen. Instead, it only removes the excess skin, adipose tissue, and fat in the pannus. Your weight loss journey is an awesome accomplishment. To further enhance your results or if you experience any uncomfortable symptoms because of excess skin, Dr. Chiddy encourages you to call and learn more about a panniculectomy.

There are various benefits of a panniculectomy, ranging from improving your aesthetic appearance to boosting your self-esteem and even making everyday activities more comfortable physically. Some of the most compelling potential benefits of undergoing panniculectomy surgery include:

• Improved health and physical appearance
• Removal of unwanted skin and fat
• Decreased discomfort and irritation caused by excess skin in the pannus
• Improved comfort and mobility with walking and exercise
• Better hygiene
• Aiding in future weight loss
• Customized treatment options for your best results
• Boosted self-esteem
• Ability to wear preferred styles of clothing more comfortably

Good candidates for panniculectomy should be at a healthy and manageable weight. You may have a large amount of saggy skin and fat on the lower part of the stomach for a variety of different reasons, including dramatic weight loss, genetics, pregnancy, or aging. Because the pannus is mainly made of extra skin, patients cannot reduce it with exercise or healthy eating. Often, the pannus develops an apron of skin that droops over the lower part of the abdomen. Sometimes, it can cover the genitals or chafe the thighs, which causes skin problems, like rashes.

At your consultation with Dr. Chiddy, he will assess your condition, create a tailored treatment plan, and provide information about a panniculectomy. Generally, Dr. Chiddy performs a panniculectomy as an outpatient procedure at his accredited AAAASF surgical facility, and he uses general anesthesia to help keep you comfortable. The timing of your surgery depends on your cosmetic goals, but Dr. Chiddy can usually finish it in about two hours. To start your surgery, Dr. Chiddy makes a small horizontal incision near the pubic hairline and the belly button. This incision is easily hidden when wearing underwear, and the size is based on the amount of excess skin we remove. Dr. Chiddy may use other types of incision techniques, such as a vertical one that extends from the belly button to the pubic bone, or he can go through the belly button. After making the incision, Dr. Chiddy trims excess skin and fat from the abdomen, tightens the remaining skin, and closes the incision with sutures.

After your surgery, we will take you to the recovery room so we can carefully monitor you. Before being discharged, all patients receive detailed aftercare instructions and compression clothing to decrease swelling. For the first couple of days, you will need a responsible adult to help you after your surgery. Additionally, to ensure your incisions heal properly, you should attend all of your follow-up appointments. This will help Dr. Chiddy monitor your healing progress. Patients can usually resume their daily activities within 2 – 4 weeks, but they should avoid strenuous activities until receiving approval from Dr. Chiddy. Please do not hesitate to let us know if you have any questions about your recovery.

What is the difference between a tummy tuck and panniculectomy?
A tummy tuck is performed to remove fat and tighten the muscles of the abdomen. A panniculectomy is used to remove the pannus. This is the large area of excess skin that may exist over the abdomen, genitals, and thighs that may be a result of extreme weight loss.

How do I know if I need a tummy tuck vs. panniculectomy?

Determining whether you need a tummy tuck or a panniculectomy will depend on your specific circumstances, including the nature and location of your concerns and what led to the development of loose skin. While a tummy tuck is often recommended for those with loose skin due to weight loss or pregnancy, a panniculectomy is usually performed after significant weight loss. If your primary concerns are associated with excess skin and muscle laxity, a tummy tuck might be suitable. However, if you have a substantial overhang of skin causing functional issues, a panniculectomy may be more appropriate. Following a thorough consultation and exam, Dr. Chiddy will help determine the most suitable procedure based on your unique anatomy and goals.

What results can I expect from a panniculectomy?
Immediately following a panniculectomy, you may notice some swelling, redness, and bruising. However, this will subside over time, and you will be able to notice a flatter, tighter lower abdomen area. Our team will also provide the necessary aftercare instructions to ensure you achieve your best possible results.

Can a panniculectomy remove fat?
Depending on what is discussed during your initial consultation, your panniculectomy may also include the removal of excess fat. During your consultation with Dr. Chiddy, he will go over your desired results and create a treatment plan that is ideal for you.

Will I have a visible scar after a panniculectomy?

Yes, a visible scar can be expected after a panniculectomy. The incision is typically made low on the abdomen, extending horizontally, and the length depends on the amount of excess skin being removed. While Dr. Chiddy takes great care to place incisions discreetly and often within the bikini or underwear line, some amount of visible scarring is inevitable. However, with proper care and adherence to postoperative instructions, many patients report their scars fading significantly over time. Don't hesitate to discuss your concerns about scarring with Dr. Chiddy at the time of your consultation, as he can provide comprehensive instructions and recommendations to help encourage the most optimal healing and scar fading possible.

Will my stomach be totally flat after a panniculectomy?

While a panniculectomy can significantly improve the contour of your abdomen by removing excess skin and fat, achieving a completely flat new contour depends on various factors. The procedure primarily addresses the lower abdominal area, removing the pannus (overhanging skin and fat). However, factors such as the underlying muscle structure, skin elasticity, and overall body composition play a role. During your preoperative consultation and evaluation, Dr. Chiddy will discuss what results may be possible for you based on your unique anatomy.

Caused by a variety of factors, such as significant weight loss or aging, the pannus is an excess amount of skin on the lower half of the abdomen. If you suffer from skin irritation because of the pannus, a panniculectomy can remove the excess skin using safe and effective incision techniques. During your consultation with Dr. Chiddy, please let him know about your cosmetic goals or any concerns so he can develop the best treatment plan for you. His front office team can provide information about the cost and financing through Prosper and Mountain America Credit Union. We proudly provide panniculectomies to our Greater Salt Lake City community. Please call to schedule an appointment at our office in Draper, UT.