What is a Panniculectomy revision?
A tummy tuck revision is designed to correct and improve the appearance of the abdomen following complications and unwanted side effects from a previous tummy tuck. Depending on the degree of correction required, this procedure can consist of various types of surgery.
Do Panniculectomy scars go away?
Like all surgical scars, abdominoplasty scars will never go away completely, but most patients feel they are well worth the benefits of achieving the smooth and flat abdominal contour they desire. Dr. Schlechter places the incisions as discreetly as possible to minimize scarring so that you can enjoy the best results.
How long after surgery can you get scar revision?
You may be able to wait to have surgery until the scar lightens in color. This can be several months or even a year after the wound has healed. For some scars, it is best to have revision surgery 60 to 90 days after the scar matures or longer.
Are scar revisions covered by insurance?
Most health insurance plans will not cover scar revision surgery, related complications or another surgery to revise the appearance of your scar.
What happens to your belly button during a Panniculectomy?
Answer: Panniculectomy and Belly Button
A panniculectomy removes the excess skin and fat from the pubic area to below the belly button. The belly button is not removed but will be positioned lower on the abdomen since the skin is pulled down.
How long does a Panniculectomy take to heal?
It takes 2-4 months for the incision to heal (inside and outside). The puckering of the incisions will smooth out over several months, but the scar will remain wide and red anywhere from six months to one year after surgery.
Will my stomach be flat after a Panniculectomy?
This excess skin is sometimes referred to as an “apron.” Unlike a tummy tuck, the panniculectomy does not tighten the abdominal muscles for a more cosmetic appearance, disqualifying it as a cosmetic procedure. However, removing the excess fat can make your abdominal area flatter.
How is scar revision done?
Z-plasty is a procedure used to revise more serious scars. A surgeon cuts along either side of the scar, and creates angled flaps that can reposition or change scar direction, interrupt scar tension and make the scar less visible.
Is scar revision painful?
It is natural to experience some discomfort after facial scar revision surgery; your surgeon can prescribe pain medications to make you feel more comfortable. You will also experience some swelling, bruising and redness after surgery. Don’t be alarmed if your scar looks worse following surgery.
Can scar revision make it worse?
Possible Risks
The risks of scar revision surgery are more or less the same as any procedure involving an incision, including a risk of bleeding, infection, and wound dehiscence. Arguably, the greater concern is whether the procedure will lead to even worse scarring.
Does insurance pay for Panniculectomy revision?
Answer: Insurance companies will pay for a scar revision.
A panniculectomy removes the extra hanging skin around the pubic region. When excessive skin in the pubic region is large, heavy, and very uncomfortable, it leads to medical problems. Most insurance companies will cover surgeries for medical reasons.
Do you get a new belly button with Panniculectomy?
Rest assured, a panniculectomy does not do anything to the belly button.
How long do you wear a binder after a Panniculectomy?
Wear your binder continuously for the 7-10 days. You may take it off to shower. It is important to walk slightly “stooped over” bent at the hips for 5-10 days to reduce tension on the lower abdominal incision. This helps to protect the incision as it heals and also improves the scar long-term.
What is a Grade 3 pannus?
Grade 1 panniculus will just cover the pubic hair line, up to the mons pubis. Grade 2 fully covers the genitals. Grade 3 extends enough to cover the upper thigh. Grade 4 reaches down to the mid-thigh. Grade 5 covers the knees or even lower.
Is scar revision surgery safe?
Scar revisions surgery is typically safe, but as with any surgery, risks include infection, bleeding, or the recurrence of the scar. To avoid these, follow your care team’s pre- and post-operative instructions, and keep an open dialogue about any concerns you have throughout the recovery process.
Can a dermatologist do scar revision?
Dermatologists offer several treatment options for scar revision to leave skin smooth, with less noticeable scars. Fractional CO2 resurfacing, reexcision, dermabrasion, and Intense Pulsed Light treatment are some effective treatments for reducing scarring.
Does Medicare cover scar revision surgery?
Answer: Medicare does not pay for scar revision
Medicare does not reimburse for scar revision unless there is a functional medical limitation. You can certainly have the scar revised but it would be considered cosmetic surgery.
How long will I be swollen after Panniculectomy?
You will have bruising and swelling of the abdomen. The majority of bruising and swelling will subside in 6-8 weeks. You may feel tired for several weeks or months.
How much weight do you lose after a Panniculectomy?
In most cases, patients lose a minimal amount, typically under five pounds. Other patients with more extensive loose skin may lose between 5 – 10 pounds, and, sometimes, even more.
How can I tighten my pannus?
Tone your tummy through exercise. Targeting your abdominal muscles will help flatten your pannus by increasing muscle mass. Exercises such as lower abdominal crunches and reverse sit-ups help work these muscles.
How do I shrink my pannus?
Surgical removal is the only way to get rid of the panniculus, which doesn’t respond to diet or exercise. Although weight loss can help decrease the fatty deposits, extra skin often remains behind.
Is scar revision surgery painful?
With local anesthesia, you may still feel pressure or pushing during surgery, but you should not feel any sharp pain. Your surgeon may make an incision around the scar to remove it. Several incisions near or on your scar may be made instead in a certain pattern.
How many sizes do you lose with a Panniculectomy?
How many sizes you go down depends on where you started and how your body changes after the procedure. Most women lose between 2 and 3 pants sizes after a tuck, but there are patients who lose even more. If you had a lot of loose skin before the procedure, for example, you could go down 4 more pants sizes.
Will apron belly go away?
It’s impossible to spot treat an apron belly. The only ways to reduce one are through overall weight reduction and surgical/non-surgical options.
How do you prepare for a scar revision?
How should I prepare for scar revision surgery?
- Get lab testing or a medical evaluation.
- Take certain medications or adjust your current medications.
- Stop smoking well in advance of surgery.
- Avoid taking aspirin and certain anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements as they can increase bleeding.