Panniculectomy
Scottsdale, AZ
Panniculectomy surgery in Scottsdale, Phoenix & Paradise Valley, performed by board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Mark Gruszynski.
Panniculectomy surgery in Scottsdale, Phoenix & Paradise Valley, performed by board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Mark Gruszynski.
Struggling With Overhanging Skin?
Massive weight loss, pregnancy, or aging can leave behind a significant overhang of lower abdominal skin called a pannus. This fold of skin can cause chafing, rashes, hygiene issues, and difficulty with physical activity or clothing.
If you’ve ever felt discomfort from constant irritation under the pannus, trouble finding clothing that fits, or difficulty exercising due to this excess skin, a panniculectomy may be the solution.
This loose skin surgery removes the pannus to restore comfort, function, and create a smoother abdominal contour.
Our panniculectomy experts offer expert care to patients in Scottsdale and Phoenix and will help you decide whether this procedure is the right choice for you.
What To Know About Panniculectomy in Scottsdale
A panniculectomy is a plastic surgical procedure designed to remove excess loose skin and tissue from the lower abdomen, specifically the pannus1 or apron of skin that hangs below the belly button.
Unlike a tummy tuck, this procedure focuses primarily on removing problematic tissue rather than cosmetic enhancement.
The surgery addresses functional concerns caused by significant skin excess, often resulting from major weight loss or other medical conditions.
Dr. Mark performs panniculectomies to improve physical comfort and eliminate health problems associated with excess abdominal tissue.
Book your panniculectomy consultation at our Scottsdale practice today.
Benefits of a Panniculectomy
A panniculectomy helps patients in Scottsdale or Phoenix with both functional problems and quality of life concerns. Here’s how this procedure can help improve your daily experience:
Ideal Candidates
for a Panniculectomy
A panniculectomy is designed to remove a large apron of loose skin that hangs from the lower abdomen and interferes with comfort, mobility, and hygiene.
Significant Excess Abdominal Skin
Have a pannus that extends below the pubic area that causes persistent skin folds and interferes with daily comfort.
Chronic Skin Irritation
Experience frequent rashes, chafing, or skin infections beneath the fold that do not resolve with good hygiene practices.
Limited Mobility or Activity
Find that the weight or bulk of the pannus makes exercise, walking, or other daily tasks physically difficult.
Stable Weight
Have achieved and maintained a stable weight for several months following weight loss or bariatric surgery.
Overall Good Health
You are healthy enough for surgery and do not have uncontrolled medical conditions that could raise risks or slow healing.
If these concerns sound familiar, panniculectomy can be a life-changing procedure you might need.
Schedule your panniculectomy consultation at our Scottsdale office today.
Panniculectomy Consultation at Our Scottsdale Office
Dr. Mark will talk with you about what bothers you most, how loose the skin is, where it is, and how it affects you physically and emotionally. He will examine your abdomen, check your skin quality, fat distribution, and measure how much loose skin there is.
You’ll discuss which technique fits your needs, how big the incision will be, where scars will be, what risks apply to your health, and what recovery will look like.
By the end of the consultation, you’ll have a personalized plan, including which technique, what prep to do, expected healing time, and how best to achieve your goals.
How to Prepare for Your Panniculectomy
Proper preparation helps ensure a smooth loose skin removal surgery and recovery. Key steps include:
Treat Skin Issues
Address rashes, fungal infections, or open sores under the pannus early, so the area is clear before your procedure.
Practice Daily Hygiene
Gently wash and completely dry under the pannus every day to minimize bacteria and prepare for incision healing.
Follow Pre-Op Instructions
Complete fasting as directed, adjust medications, and avoid nicotine to improve circulation and help the body heal.
Keep Skin Healthy
Avoid tanning, waxing, or harsh products on the lower abdomen for several weeks to keep skin calm and infection-free.
Plan Drain Care
Learn how to empty surgical drains, have gauze on hand, and choose loose clothing that won’t rub the incisions.
Arrange Home Help
Have support ready for meals, cleaning, and errands during the first week since standing upright may be difficult.
Taking these steps will help you feel more comfortable, confident, and ready for your recovery.
What are the Steps of a Panniculectomy?
A panniculectomy is performed as an outpatient or inpatient procedure (depending on the extent of removal) and typically takes 2 to 4 hours. Here’s what the process generally looks like:
Panniculectomy vs. Tummy Tuck
It’s common for people to mix up panniculectomy and tummy tuck surgery, but they are actually different procedures with different goals2. Here’s how they compare:
Panniculectomy
A panniculectomy focuses only on removing the pannus, the heavy “apron” of skin and fat that hangs over the lower belly. This is often done for medical or comfort reasons, like helping with skin rashes, back pain, or problems with movement.
It does not include tightening the stomach muscles or changing the belly button. The goal is to get rid of the extra tissue that causes discomfort, so patients often feel lighter and find everyday activities easier after healing.
Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
A tummy tuck or abdominoplasty goes a step further. In addition to removing extra skin, it also tightens the abdominal muscles that may have stretched or separated, often from pregnancy or weight changes.
The belly button is also moved to a natural-looking position, and the remaining skin is smoothed down to create a flatter appearance. Since this surgery shapes the whole belly area, it is often chosen for patients who want a more dramatic change in the way their abdomen looks.
Combining Both Procedures
For some people, the best results come from combining both procedures. When a panniculectomy and tummy tuck are done at the same time, the pannus is removed for comfort, and the tummy tuck tightens the muscles and smooths the skin for a more toned look.
This combination can help patients feel better physically and more confident in their appearance at the same time.
Whether you’re in Scottsdale or Phoenix, schedule your panniculectomy consultation at our practice.
Panniculectomy Recovery Timeline
Dr. Mark will give you personalized instructions to make sure your healing process is as smooth and comfortable as possible.
Day 1
On the first day after surgery, the abdomen typically feels sore, tight, and heavy. Patients walk with a slight forward bend to reduce tension on the incision and protect the healing tissues.
Day 3
By the third day, discomfort usually becomes more manageable. Pain medicine may still be used as needed. Surgical drains remain in place and continue to collect fluid from under the skin.
Week 1
Around the one-week mark, many patients are able to stand and walk more upright as tightness improves. Stitches remain in place to keep the incision secure. Drains may be removed at this stage.
Week 2
After two weeks have passed, swelling and bruising begin to lessen. The incision is still healing, but it is becoming more stable. Patients may resume light daily activities.
Months 1-3
Over the next few months, the incision line strengthens, and swelling continues to go down. The shape of the abdomen becomes smoother and more defined as the tissues settle.
Months 4-6
Final results are typically seen after 3 months have passed. The skin and tissue are fully settled into their new position, and scars begin to fade. Mobility, comfort, and hygiene are improved with the new results.
Dr. Mark’s Recovery Tips
- Wear compression garments as instructed
- Sleep with pillows under your knees
- Keep incisions clean and dry
- Avoid strenuous exercise until cleared
- Stay hydrated and eat a nutrient-rich diet
- Keep all follow-up appointments
Why Choose
Dr. Mark Gruszynski
Dr. Mark is a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon who helps men and women in Scottsdale and Phoenix. He completed advanced training at UCLA, where he focused on complex reconstructive techniques and body-contouring surgery.
His background includes years of caring for patients who have experienced significant weight loss, giving him a deep understanding of the physical and emotional challenges that come with excess loose skin and tissue.
He is widely trusted for his skill in post weight loss and functional body contouring procedures, including panniculectomy, body lift, and other abdominal contouring surgeries.
His goal is not only to improve comfort and function but also to help patients feel more confident in daily life.
Frequently Asked
Questions About Panniculectomy
Get in Touch!
Do you have questions or are you ready for a consultation? Fill out the form, and our team will reach out to schedule your visit.
References
- Hannan, C. (n.d.). Pannus stomach (apron belly): Causes and tips for reducing it. Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/pannus-stomach
- Cherney, K. (2019, May 17). Panniculectomy vs. tummy tuck: What you should know. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/panniculectomy-vs-tummy-tuck