Sometimes, after losing a lot of weight, after giving birth, or as we age, the skin on our stomach starts to sag, doesn't it? This condition, where the skin hangs down the front of the stomach like an apron, is medically called 'pannus'. This sagging skin can reach the hips, genital area, thighs, and sometimes even the knees. Today, we are going to talk about a good solution to the discomfort and skin problems caused by this.
What is Panniculectomy?
Simply put,
a Panniculectomy is a surgical procedure to remove excess, sagging skin and fatty tissue from your lower abdomen. This can help to improve the shape of your stomach to some extent. However, there is something that many people get confused about. This is not a Tummy Tuck. A Tummy Tuck involves removing sagging skin and tightening the underlying muscles. However, a Panniculectomy focuses on
removing sagging skin and addressing the health issues that arise from it. And the most important thing to remember is that this is not a weight loss surgery. However, it is a good solution to remove excess skin left after weight loss.
What causes this sagging skin?
- Severe weight loss.
- After pregnancy .
- Natural changes that occur in the skin as we age.
- Because of a previous surgery.
What are the benefits of this surgery?
Imagine, if sweat accumulates in these sagging skin folds and is not cleaned properly, fungi and bacteria can grow, causing rashes and sores. Sometimes it can smell bad. Also, how much of a hindrance is this when walking, bending, and doing normal work? Some people can even experience back pain because of this. Panniculectomy surgery solves many of these problems.
- Cleanliness becomes easier: It is easier to thoroughly clean the lower abdomen , genital area, and legs.
- Reduces skin diseases : As the skin becomes less sticky, rashes and sores are largely prevented.
- The body feels comfortable: You can do things like walk and bend easily.
- Pain is reduced: Pains such as back pain may be reduced.
- Ease of dressing: When you put on clothes, you feel more comfortable and beautiful than before.
- Mental well-being : When this discomfort disappears, you will have better self-confidence.
Who is suitable for this surgery?
Since this is a major surgery, not everyone can have it. The doctor who examines you will decide whether you are suitable for this or not. Usually, people with the following qualifications are referred for this surgery.
| Eligibility | Description |
|---|
| Sagging skin (Pannus) | Your sagging skin should be at a level that covers your hips, genitals, or thighs. |
| Fixed weight | You must have maintained your body weight at a stable level for at least 6 months before surgery. |
| Good health | There should be no uncontrolled diseases such as diabetes that can affect wound healing. |
| Non-smoking | Smoking is fatal to wound healing, so it is imperative to abstain from smoking. |
| Realistic expectations | It is important to have a realistic understanding of the results of the surgery. |
How do you prepare before surgery?
Once it is determined that you are suitable for surgery, the doctor will give you some instructions to follow before the surgery.
- Medication Awareness: You should tell your doctor about all medications you are taking (including vitamins and herbal remedies). Blood thinners like aspirin may need to be stopped before surgery. However, do not stop any medication without your doctor's approval.
- Stop smoking : You should completely stop smoking a few weeks before surgery.
- Getting tested: You will be asked to get the necessary tests done, such as blood tests.
- Fasting: You will be advised not to eat or drink anything the night before the surgery.
If you have any questions or concerns, please discuss them with your doctor before the surgery.
On the day of the surgery, an anaesthetist will give you general anaesthesia. This means that you will not feel any pain and will be asleep. The surgeon will then make a horizontal incision in your lower abdomen, just below your hip bone. The length of this incision will depend on the amount of skin that needs to be removed. The excess skin and fat will then be removed through this incision and the remaining skin will be stitched up and sewn back together. Sometimes, depending on the amount of sagging skin, your navel may need to be removed or repositioned.
One or two small tubes (drains) may be placed to drain any blood or other fluids that may collect in the wound after the surgery. The surgery usually takes between 1 and 3 hours. After the surgery, you will be taken to an observation unit and transferred to a ward after you regain consciousness. The wound will be bandaged and you may also be given a compression garment. This reduces swelling and provides good support to the stomach.
Risks and recovery time
Like any surgery, this one has some risks.
- Bleeding
- Pain
- Allergy to anesthesia
- Wound infection
- Blood clot (hematoma) or fluid collection (seroma) within the wound
- Tingling around the wound
- Delayed wound healing
- Skin color changes
- Swelling of the abdomen or legs (edema)
- Leaving an unclear scar
Talking about
the healing period , the first few days are a bit painful. There may be swelling and bruising. After 5-7 days, the pain will gradually start to subside. In about a week or two, the doctor will examine you and remove any stitches or drains.
It will take about two weeks to start light work (like office work). However,
you should avoid heavy lifting or strenuous exercise for at least a month and a half (6 weeks). It may take about 6 months for the wound to heal completely.
But remember, everyone's body is different. So the recovery time may vary from person to person. The most important thing is to follow your doctor's instructions exactly.
After the surgery, your doctor will give you a day to see if your wound is healing properly. But before that, let your doctor know if you have any signs of infection, such as
severe pain, redness, swelling, or fever . Also, if you experience any serious symptoms, such as
difficulty breathing, chest pain, or irregular heartbeat ,
go to the nearest hospital's Emergency Department (ETU). These may be emergencies.
Take-Home Message
- Panniculectomy is a surgery to remove sagging skin and address the health problems it causes, not for weight loss.
- This surgery can make cleaning easier, reduce skin diseases, and eliminate discomfort such as back pain.
- To achieve good results, it is essential to maintain a stable weight and completely avoid smoking.
- It takes some time to heal. During this time, follow the doctor's instructions exactly.
- If you develop serious symptoms such as difficulty breathing or chest pain after surgery, go to a hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.
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