Name: Panniculectomy Atlanta
Brand: Northside Plastic Surgery
Rating: 4.1 (1008 reviews)

Restoring Comfort and Function at Northside Plastic Surgery

At Northside Plastic Surgery, surgical care is guided by experience, precision, and an uncompromising commitment to patient well-being. Led by board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Shreyas Makwana, the practice is recognized throughout Atlanta and Alpharetta for delivering outcomes grounded in safety, clinical judgment, and long-term health. For patients whose excess abdominal skin interferes with comfort, hygiene, or daily activity, panniculectomy may represent a medically appropriate next step. Schedule a consultation with Northside Plastic Surgery today for a comprehensive surgical evaluation.

What Is Panniculectomy?

Panniculectomy is a reconstructive surgical procedure that removes a significant overhanging apron of excess skin and tissue from the lower abdomen. Its primary purpose is to improve physical comfort and function for patients whose redundant abdominal tissue causes chronic irritation, hygiene challenges, or limitations in daily activity. The procedure is distinct from cosmetic contouring and is focused on restoring quality of life rather than aesthetic enhancement alone.

Benefits of Panniculectomy

Improved physical comfort: Reduces chronic irritation, chafing, rashes, and skin breakdown caused by excess tissue.
Increased mobility: Allows greater freedom of movement during daily activities and exercise.
Improved hygiene: Eliminates skin folds that trap moisture and bacteria.
Enhanced quality of life: Supports long-term comfort, clothing fit, and confidence.
Functional improvement: Addresses medical and physical limitations associated with excess abdominal skin.

Am I a Good Candidate for Panniculectomy?

You may be a good candidate for panniculectomy if you have a significant overhanging apron of abdominal skin that causes chronic irritation, recurrent infections, hygiene challenges, or limitations in daily activity. Ideal candidates are typically at a stable weight, in good overall health, and able to commit to postoperative recovery requirements. Panniculectomy does not tighten abdominal muscles or provide cosmetic shaping, and it is not intended for patients seeking aesthetic contouring alone. Active smoking, uncontrolled medical conditions, or anticipated major weight changes may make surgery inappropriate. A comprehensive surgical evaluation is required to confirm candidacy.

Why Choose Northside Plastic Surgery for Panniculectomy?

Panniculectomy at Northside Plastic Surgery is approached with a strong emphasis on medical judgment, safety, and long-term functional outcomes. Dr. Makwana evaluates candidacy and performs panniculectomy with careful attention to reconstructive principles and patient health. Supported by an accredited surgical facility, advanced technology, and an experienced clinical team, each procedure is planned to restore comfort, reduce medical complications related to excess skin, and deliver responsible, patient-centered care.

Your Consultation

Your consultation at Northside Plastic Surgery is comprehensive and surgeon-led. Dr. Makwana personally evaluates panniculectomy candidacy, reviews medical documentation, and assesses how excess abdominal skin is affecting your health and daily life. This visit is used to determine surgical appropriateness, outline realistic functional outcomes, and decide whether panniculectomy alone or in combination with another procedure is the most responsible approach for your situation.

How Much Does It Cost?

The cost of panniculectomy varies based on surgical complexity, operative time, and individual anatomy. Dr. Makwana now accepts qualifying insurance for reconstructive panniculectomy when medical necessity criteria are met, though coverage decisions are made by each insurance provider. A consultation is required to determine eligibility, review insurer requirements, and provide a personalized financial estimate.

What to Expect During Panniculectomy

Panniculectomy is performed under general anesthesia in an accredited surgical facility. The procedure involves removing excess lower abdominal skin and tissue through carefully planned incisions designed to prioritize healing and concealment beneath clothing. Surgical drains are commonly placed temporarily to reduce fluid accumulation. Most procedures take several hours, and patients receive detailed preoperative and postoperative guidance to support safe recovery.

Panniculectomy Recovery and Results

Recovery following panniculectomy occurs in stages. Most patients experience swelling and discomfort during the first one to two weeks, with gradual improvement thereafter. Light daily activity is typically resumed within two to three weeks, while more strenuous activity is delayed for several additional weeks based on healing progress. Surgical drains are usually removed during early follow-up visits. Improvements in comfort, hygiene, and mobility are often noticed early, while final results continue to refine over several months as swelling resolves.

Alternative or Related Procedures

Tummy tuck: Combines skin removal with muscle tightening and cosmetic contouring for patients seeking aesthetic shaping rather than functional relief.
Liposuction: Removes localized fat deposits but does not address excess skin or medical symptoms.
Lower body lift: Addresses extensive skin excess of the abdomen, hips, and lower back following massive weight loss.
Arm lift: Removes excess upper arm skin that can cause discomfort or hygiene issues.
Thigh lift: Reduces excess thigh skin associated with friction and skin irritation.

FAQs

Is panniculectomy commonly performed after massive weight loss?

Yes, panniculectomy is frequently recommended after significant weight loss once weight has stabilized and excess skin creates functional or medical concerns.

Will panniculectomy change the position or appearance of my navel?

Depending on the surgical plan, the navel may be repositioned or remain unchanged. This is discussed during consultation.

Are surgical drains always required?

Temporary drains are commonly used to manage fluid buildup, though duration and necessity vary by case.

Is hospitalization required after surgery?

Some patients return home the same day, while others may stay overnight for monitoring based on medical needs.

Can panniculectomy address skin infections or chronic rashes?

Yes, removing excess skin often reduces the recurrence of rashes, irritation, and skin infections in affected areas.

Does panniculectomy improve clothing fit?

Many patients find clothing fits more comfortably after excess abdominal skin is removed.

What happens if I gain or lose weight after surgery?

Significant weight changes after surgery can affect results, which is why stable weight is recommended.

How long are scars after panniculectomy?

Scars are permanent but typically placed low on the abdomen to be concealed by clothing and fade gradually over time.

Can panniculectomy be performed more than once?

Repeat surgery is uncommon but may be considered in rare cases if significant anatomical changes occur.

Begin Your Journey With Confidence

If excess abdominal skin is limiting your comfort, hygiene, or daily activity, panniculectomy may provide meaningful functional relief. At Northside Plastic Surgery, Dr. Makwana offers experienced, medically grounded surgical care supported by an accredited facility and a patient-focused team. Schedule your confidential consultation today to determine whether panniculectomy is appropriate for your needs.

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Alternate Phone: 770-475-3146

Panniculectomy in Atlanta, GA