Abdominoplasty vs Panniculectomy

A panniculectomy refers to an insurance-covered procedure that removes the loose lower abdominal skin for medically-indicated reasons (typically chronic rashes and/or skin infections). It is most commonly done in those individuals who have lost a very large amount of weight, either through diet and exercise or through bariatric surgery. Neither muscle tightening nor any other body-contouring maneuvers are done in a panniculectomy, because insurance does not consider these additional maneuvers to be medically necessary and therefore does not cover them. It is important to realize that there is no such thing as an “insurance-covered tummy tuck,” because the purpose of a tummy tuck is to create a more attractive appearance of the abdomen (a cosmetic goal), whereas the purpose of a panniculectomy is ultimately to get rid of rashes and skin infections underneath the lower abdominal fold.

Learn more about other body contouring procedures like breast augmentation, breast lift surgery, tummy tucks, and mommy makeover surgery