Sagging skin occurs after weight loss when the skin and tissues lack the elasticity needed to conform to the reduced body size. Skin that was severely stretched becomes unsupported and sags or hangs. Sagging skin can occur with a significant weight loss whether the weight loss is from Gastric Bypass or Gastric Sleeve procedures, or a change in dietary habits.

Panniculectomy is a surgical procedure to remove excess or sagging skin from your lower belly. This procedure may be a good option for you if your excess skin is affecting your day-to-day activities and your overall well-being.

During a panniculectomy, surgeons remove the excess skin in your abdominal area called the pannus, which causes an apron-like overhang.

The hanging skin can cause a host of health problems, including infections in the folds of the skin, back pain, hygiene issues and the inability to fit comfortably into clothing. For most weight loss surgery patients, a panniculectomy addresses these issues.

A panniculectomy only removes excess skin around your middle section, a tummy tuck removes excess skin and involves tightening of the abdominal muscles under the skin in most cases. If you are concerned about having a firmer, smoother stomach after weight loss, a tummy tuck (also known as an abdominoplasty) is more likely to give you the results you desire.

Body contouring after major weight loss removes excess skin and fat and improves the shape and tone of your underlying tissue. For people who’ve lost major amounts of weight through gastric bypass, gastric sleeve and LAP-BAND® surgeries, areas of concern often include:

• Breasts may flatten and hang with nipples pointed downward
• Buttocks, groin and thighs can sag and cause hanging pockets of skin
• Upper arms may sag and appear loose and full

The result is a more normal appearance to your body, with smoother contours to your figure.