Panniculectomy Costs, Insurance and Surgery Explained

If you've recently had significant weight loss after pregnancy or bariatric surgery, you may be left with excess skin and fat on the abdomen that can hang over the genitals or down to the thighs. The overhanging skin is officially called a pannus, and removing this extra skin with a panniculectomy can help reduce health concerns such as chafing, rashes, infection or back pain. Plus, it can help you gain confidence after a dramatic weight change.¹

What Is a Panniculectomy?

A panniculectomy is a surgical procedure to change the shape and form of the abdomen by removing the pannus, the excess fat and skin that can hang down over the abdomen. The procedure may be desired after a pregnancy or a dramatic weight loss following procedures such as gastric bypass surgery, VSG surgery or Lap-Band® surgery.¹

Panniculectomy vs. Tummy Tuck

Although both procedures center on the abdomen, a tummy tuck focuses on re-tightening the abdominal muscles while a panniculectomy only deals with removing excess abdominal fat and skin. However, the two procedures can be done in conjunction to get desired results.¹

While a panniculectomy is more expensive than a tummy tuck, it may be covered by health insurance when deemed medically necessary. A tummy tuck is considered an elective cosmetic procedure and not covered by insurance.²

What Happens During a Panniculectomy?

During a panniculectomy, an anesthesiologist will first administer either intravenous sedation or general anesthesia. Then, the surgeon will make a horizontal incision from the navel down to the pubic bone, as well as around the navel. Depending on the amount of excess skin and fat, a small vertical incision may be necessary, as well.³

The stomach skin is pulled down taut and repositioned. Excess skin is trimmed away and the remaining skin is stitched into place. When possible, the original navel will be repositioned. However, sometimes a new navel must be created.³

All incisions will then be sutured. You may be given a compression garment to wear to reduce the risk of swelling and provide support as the abdomen heals. Small tubes may be temporarily placed under the skin to help drain any excess fluid.³

Who Is a Good Candidate for a Panniculectomy?

A good candidate for a panniculectomy is someone who may benefit from the removal of excessive, overhanging abdominal skin or fat. Potential candidates should be in good health, not smoke⁴ and have maintained a stable weight.⁵

What Is the Recovery Time for a Panniculectomy?

After a panniculectomy, many patients will need to spend a night or two at the hospital.¹

You can expect several weeks for swelling to decrease and for the incisions to heal. Due to the tautness of the abdomen skin, it may be difficult to stand up straight for the first few weeks. Strenuous activities should be avoided for four to six weeks after surgery.¹

Some patients may still see swelling for up to three months, and the body may not adjust to its final new form for up to two years.¹

What to Expect After a Panniculectomy

Even though the procedure may take months for full recovery, the good news is that most patients report being very satisfied with the results of a panniculectomy.¹

If you aren't satisfied with the final results, talk to your surgeon if additional procedures are needed to help achieve your desired results.⁶

How Much Does a Panniculectomy Cost?

The average cost for a panniculectomy is between $8,500 and $15,000, which usually includes the cost of the facility, anesthesia, surgeon fee and in some cases, an overnight stay at the hospital after the procedure.⁷

Additional costs may include post-procedure antibiotics and compression garments if they are not included in the initial price.⁷

The price of a panniculectomy may vary based on the surgical center, surgeon fees and geographic location.⁷

Is a Panniculectomy Covered by Insurance?

A panniculectomy may be covered by your health insurance if it is deemed medically necessary because the excess skin is causing health issues such as back pain, chafing, dermatitis or infection.⁷

If you are interested in a panniculectomy for purely cosmetic reasons, insurance may not cover the procedure.⁷

CareCredit Financing for Panniculectomy

Ready to revitalize your appearance and boost your confidence? The CareCredit credit card makes it easy to pay for a panniculectomy and related expenses not covered by health insurance.* Apply today and use our Acceptance Locator to find a doctor or cosmetic surgeon near you that accepts CareCredit so you can stop dreaming and start living your best life. Continue your wellness journey by downloading the CareCredit Mobile App to manage your CareCredit account, find a provider on the go, and easily access the Well U hub for more great articles, podcasts, and videos.

Author Bio

Kate Bayless is a health and wellness freelance writer with 15 years of experience. Her work has appeared in Parents, Women's Health, Beachbody and OpenFit.