Panniculectomy

CLICK HERE TO VIEW BEFORE & AFTER PHOTOS

» Overview	» The Day of Surgery
» The Consultation	» After Surgery
» Preparing For Surgery	» Your Results
» The Procedure

Overview

Body Contouring in Los Angeles The most common complaint of gastric bypass patients once they reach their goal weight is the loose hanging skin of the abdomen. The hanging skin of the abdomen, called the pannus or "apron" can cause a variety of problems for the patient. These include the inability to fit comfortably into clothing, difficulty in daily hygiene, yeast infections or cysts in the folds of skin, and lower back pain. The removal of this excess skin is acheived by Newport Beach & Orange County panniculectomy, tummy tuck, or body lift procedures. The term panniculectomy is used to describe the removal of the hanging, excess skin of the abdomen. This procedure does not include muscle tightening or liposuction. A panniculectomy may be covered by insurance if your plan allows for it and if you meet a series of standards set forth by the insurance regulators. Removal of excessive skin over the abdomen may be covered if the pannus (hanging skin) occludes the pubic area and is causing health problems. Documentation from your primary physician of back pain, rashes, yeast infection of the skin under the pannus, or other physical symptoms may be required. Also, documentation may be necessary to show that conservative measures have been attempted and have failed to alleviate symptoms. These measures may include chiropractor visits, pain medications, topical ointments for skin infections and rashes, etc. Photos will be taken at the time of consult to show the severity of the pannus and skin rashes/lesions if present. A Los Angeles panniculectomy is not a Tummy Tuck and does not include tightening of the muscle or liposuction. A tummy tuck, in contrast to a panniculectomy, connsists of three components: muscle tightening, liposculpture, and removal of excess skin. A tummy tuck is by definition a cosmetic procedure and is not covered by insurance.

Patient Testimonial "The service and the staff at Dr. Nguyen’s office are wonderful and I could not be happier with my results. I tell everyone about Dr. Nguyen and I have sent several people to him already." -- Shelley

The Consultation

Your consultation with the doctor is complimentary and there will never be any charges for office visits. During your initial consultation, you will be asked to give information about your medical history, prior procedures, medications, allergies, and your motivations for seeking plastic surgery. It is very important that you be thorough when providing your medical history, as this information helps to prevent complications during your care. When asked about medications, be sure to include any vitamin or herbal supplements, as these can affect your blood pressure and clotting ability. You also need to let the doctor know if you use any tobacco products, alcohol, steroids, or street drugs, as these may have a profound impact on your recovery period and your ability to heal following your procedure. After reviewing your medical history, Dr. Nguyen will discuss your desired results, your concerns, and your priorities. He will then explain the options that are available to you and explain the advantages and disadvantages of those options. In the end, he will present a surgical plan to help you achieve the appearance you desire. After your consultation with the doctor, your patient coordinator will provide you with a written quotation for the cost of your procedure. At this time, you will also have the option to schedule your procedure if you so choose. We understand how important this decision is to you and you will not be pressured to make a decision. You are also encouraged to bring your spouse, significant other, family member, or a friend to your consultation.

Preparing For Surgery

On the day of your consultation, you will receive instructions on how to optimize your health before surgery. This will include what medications to stop and what testing will be required before surgery. If you are 45 years of age or older, or if you have any health problems, you will need to see your primary care physician to have bloodwork, an EKG, and obtain surgical clearance stating that there are no counterindications for you having surgery. You should not take aspirin containing products or smoke for two weeks before surgery. If you have health problems or a history of health problems, you may require additional testing or clearance. For full details on our pre-operative requirements, Click Here To Download "Optimizing Your Health Before Your Cosmetic Surgery." If you do not have a primary care physician, we recommend Dr. Chi Phan, located at 4050 Barranca Pkwy Suite 210; Irvine, Ca 92604 Phone: 949-654-7833. Dr. Phan accepts most insurance. For those who do not have insurance, Dr. Phan charges approximately $120 for surgical clearance, including EKG & bloodwork.

The Procedure

The procedure takes approximately three hours. The procedure involves an incision just above the pubic area extending outward toward the hips with the length of the incision dependent upon the amount of skin to be removed. A second incision will be made around the navel. The excess skin from the navel to the incision at the pubic area will be removed. The skin will then be pulled down to the incision at the pubic area. The navel will remain in place but may change shape slightly. If present, some or all abdominal stretch marks below the belly button may also be removed at this time. C-section scars can usually be incorporated in the incision. You will be wearing a supportive abdominal garment, will have surgical tapes over the incision, and will have drainage tubes to help prevent fluid accumulation in the abdominal area. After surgery, you will recover in the recovery room until you are alert enough to go home.

The Day of Surgery

While you're making preparations, be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home after your surgery and to help you out for a few days if needed. Your surgery will be performed as an outpatient surgery at the hospital covered by your insurance plan. You will not be allowed to have anything to eat or drink after midnight the night before surgery. You should shower prior to surgery but do not use any lotions or perfumed products on your body. You should not bring jewelry, contact lenses, or valuables on the day of surgery. Wear loose, comfortable clothing and arrive two hours prior to surgery.

After Surgery

For the few days you will rest most of the time. You will need help getting in and out of bed and getting to the restroom. You should rest with your upper body elevated (approximately 45 degree angle) so that you can get in and out of bed more easily. One or two pillows should be placed under your knees for comfort. You will begin taking pain medication and antibiotics after surgery. Each time you take your pain medication, you should have a snack as the medication can be irritating to your stomach. For the first 24 to 48 hours you will have a sensitive stomach and you should eat mild foods such as you would normally eat if you had the flu (soups, crackers, etc.). Dr. Nguyen also strongly suggests Gatorade to replenish your fluid levels. The drainage tubes are usually removed within the first week, during your follow-up appointment. If drainage continues to be more than 25cc in a 24 hour period, you may be rescheduled to return for drain removal. You may shower the day after the drains are removed. The tapes over your incision will protect the incision from the soap and water so you may shower as normal and pat the tapes dry. The surgical tape will begin to fall off during the second week and can be removed at the end of the second week. Patients with an office job are often able to return to work after about two weeks. More strenuous jobs may require work restrictions for eight weeks, which you may request a certifying letter from the receptionist. Over several weeks, the swelling will continue to subside, bruising will fade, and normal sensation will return. Although you will notice a difference in the contour of the area shortly after surgery, the improvement will become even more apparent as the swelling and fluid retention subsides over several weeks to months. You will notice that your clothing fits more comfortably and you will enjoy a new, slimmer appearance. Most patients are very happy with their firmer, flatter abdomen and their renewed confidence in the way they look in clothes. Your new contours will be permanent providing your weight is stable. In addition, most patients notice that changes in weight do not result in accumulation in this area as it did before. After two weeks, and once all incisions are well healed (no open areas or scabs), you can begin using Scar Guard® scar treatment or Neosporin Scar Solution® on the incisions. Scar Guard® and Neosporin Scar Solution® are available at the pharmacy in our building. You will continue to wear a supportive garment for six to eight weeks. During this time, you will slowly return to your normal activities. Over the first three to six months, the last of the swelling, along with feelings of numbness or tightness, will disappear. Your scar will begin to fade and will continue to improve for the first year.

Your Results

Most patients are very pleased with their new shape. Most patients lose approximately 5-10 lbs. in weight and 1-4 dress sizes. You will notice that your clothing fits more comfortably and you will enjoy a new, slimmer appearance. Your new contours will be permanent providing your weight is stable. In addition, most patients notice that changes in weight do not result in accumulation in the waist as it did before.