Panniculectomy In Gainesville, FL
Losing a significant amount of weight — in excess of 50 pounds or even a 100 pounds or more — can leave anyone feeling like a supermodel. But thousands of adults who lose weight in their 30s, 40s or 50s, may be left with extremely loose and sagging skin specifically located within the abdominal region and due to rapid weight loss and reduced skin elasticity.
Even though you’ve put in the hours at the gym, given up fatty foods and have worked hard to become healthy, a constant reminder hanging around your waist can hinder your self-confidence. The highly skilled Gainesville plastic surgery professionals with Poser Plastic Surgery Center perform panniculectomy to remove excess skin to unveil a toned surface.
What Is A Panniculectomy?
Panniculectomy is a plastic surgery procedure which is comprised of the removal of excess skin and adipose tissue, which hangs like an apron from the abdomen over the genitals and even the thighs. This excess skin and tissue often remain following pregnancy or loss of a large amount of weight. Having such a mass of extra skin can cause individuals to experience hygiene problems, mobility difficulty, non-performance of physical activity.
Benefits Of A Panniculectomy
A panniculectomy enables patients to fit more comfortably into their clothing and perform more effectively tasks of daily hygiene and self-care. It also reduces the occurrence of rashes, yeast infections, and cysts in the folds of skin. Patients who have had panniculectomy usually experience less pain in the lower back region, as well. Perhaps the primary benefit of this procedure is that patients feel more self-confident and attractive after the cosmetic surgery.
How Is Panniculectomy Performed?
Before the panniculectomy begins, patients are administered general anesthesia. This will enable the patient to sleep comfortably through the procedure. To start the cosmetic surgery, our Gainesville plastic surgeons will make two incisions — one lateral incision is from one hipbone to the other, just above the pubic area. Removal of the excess skin and adipose tissue can take up to five hours to perform. Once the cosmetic surgery is complete, Dr. Poser will provide instructions for post-operative care and what to expect during the recovery process. It is crucial that patients follow Dr. Poser’s instructions in order to promote optimal healing.
Panniculectomy & Other Procedures
A panniculectomy can be performed at the same time as other cosmetic procedures. One such procedure is a tummy tuck, also called an abdominoplasty. Other surgeries commonly paired with panniculectomy include umbilicoplasty, body lift, and mommy makeover, among a number of other cosmetic surgery and non-surgical aesthetic procedures. While panniculectomy removes the apron of excess skin and adipose tissue from the front of the abdomen, an abdominoplasty removes excess fat and skin from the abdominal area while also reestablishing separated or weakened abdominal muscles.
Panniculectomy After-Care
After the panniculectomy procedure, Dr. Poser will provide the patient with instructions regarding how to shower or bathe during recovery. He will also advise the patient about whether they must wear a supportive garment throughout recovery to ensure proper healing. Patients will not be able to engage in strenuous activities for several weeks after the procedure, but most patients are able to go back to work within about two weeks following the surgery. Stitches from the surgery will be removed by the cosmetic surgeon in a week after the procedure. Deeper sutures will dissolve and don't require removal.
Risks Associated With Panniculectomy
All surgeries have inherent risks. Panniculectomy risks include poor healing of the wound, skin discoloration, swelling, and pain to the incision site. To reduce the risk of infection and other postoperative side effects, it’s important to follow exactly the instructions provided by Dr. Poser prior to the procedure. Temporary bruising and swelling are normal during recovery.
Choosing Your Plastic Surgeon
When considering a panniculectomy, it is very important to seek the advice and experience of a board-certified plastic surgeon, such as Dr. Poser of Poser Plastic Surgery Center. The best plastic surgeons in Gainesville are board certified, have decades of experience in the field of cosmetic surgery, and they will answer patients' questions about procedures.