Panniculectomy in North Bethesda, MD | Kathy Huang, MD, FACS

Understanding Panniculectomy

A panniculectomy is a surgical procedure designed to remove excess skin and tissue hanging from the lower abdomen, known medically as the pannus. Unlike a cosmetic tummy tuck, this procedure addresses functional health concerns and may qualify for insurance coverage.

Key Procedure Characteristics

• Targets excess abdominal skin that hangs below the waistline
• Addresses medical issues caused by redundant skin tissue
• Can be combined with muscle tightening procedures

Benefits of Panniculectomy

Patients experiencing significant health challenges from excess abdominal skin can experience multiple advantages through this procedure.

• Reduced physical discomfort
• Decreased back strain
• Elimination of skin irritation and rashes
• Enhanced mobility and physical activity
• Improved psychological confidence

Ideal Candidates for Panniculectomy in North Bethesda

Plastic Surgery Institute of Washington evaluates candidates based on comprehensive health criteria. Optimal patients typically demonstrate:

• Substantial weight loss maintenance
• Stable body weight for minimum three months
• Non-smoking status
• Good overall physical and emotional health
• Experiencing medical issues from excess abdominal tissue

Surgical Procedure Details

Board-certified surgeons perform panniculectomy under general anesthesia. The procedure generally requires three to four hours, with customized surgical approaches based on individual patient anatomy.

Surgical Technique

• Lower abdominal incision below panty line
• Potential hip-to-hip or vertical incision
• Potential umbilicus repositioning
• Precise tissue and skin removal

Recovery and Post-Surgical Care

Patients can expect a structured recovery process that prioritizes proper healing and minimizes potential complications.

• Supportive compression garment required
• Potential drainage tube placement
• Minimum two-week work absence recommended
• Restricted physical activity for six weeks

Serving the Washington D.C. Metropolitan Area

Plastic Surgery Institute of Washington provides panniculectomy services for patients in North Bethesda, Washington D.C., Bethesda, Rockville, Potomac, and surrounding Maryland communities.

For more information about Panniculectomy in North Bethesda, MD, submit an enquiry to Kathy Huang, MD, FACS.