Panniculectomy

[terryjones 16]

Hello all I was recently approved for a panniculectomy code 15830 Excision,excessive skin and subcutaneous tissue ( includes lipectomy) abdomen,infraumbilical panniculetomy has any one had this procedure ? I'm not understanding all the medical terms

[Berry78 4,259]

Excision means to be cut off

Subcutaneous tissue means stuff that's under the skin

Lipectomy means cutting out the fatty layer that is attached to the skin

Infraumbilical means below the belly button.

So basically they cut skin and fat, leaving the muscle underneath untouched. I assume your bellybutton won't be touched either.

[Berry78 4,259]

My MIL had this done. She had a HUGE flap that was removed.. 30lbs! They did remove her bellybutton, but either way the scar will be similar. It'll be horizontal (probably will curve up some), right above the pubic hair. Hip to hip.

The recovery is about 6 weeks, typically.

[terryjones 16]

Thank you for answering my questions

[terryjones 16]

Would anyone who's had this procedure share pictures I'm really concerned about the fat above the belly button that won't be touch. unfortunately I can't afford to do a Tummy Tuck ... I had my weight loss surgery in 2013 and have lost 80 lbs and exercise about 3 times a week and can't get rid of the stomach fat

[sjfink 239]

Would anyone who's had this procedure share pictures I'm really concerned about the fat above the belly button that won't be touch. unfortunately I can't afford to do a Tummy Tuck ... I had my weight loss surgery in 2013 and have lost 80 lbs and exercise about 3 times a week and can't get rid of the stomach fat

If your insurance is covering the panniculectomy, I know that some surgeons will let you self pay the difference in cost to have a full tummy tuck. The panniculectomy won't do anything to improve the area above the belly button, it's just removing the skin below. Good luck!

[shedo82773 1,236]

I had my Panni done 2 years ago. I don't have pictures but I can tell you I am not happy with it at all. Well, I am glad my fat and skin gone. They removed 10plus #'s. He didn't do what he had told me he would and immediately I ask him about my upper stomach, he told me it would go down that it was just swelling. I kept asking him over and over again but to do more it won't be with him!!!t he never gave me an anwser until my next to last app. I canceled my last one. He did finally say that I was blessed with not only my lower stomach but I also have mu upper stomach and said I was just blessed!! I call it a bunch of BS.Then he went on to say I would need Lipo and he would give me a good deal. He would do a breast lift (we had talked about it) and the LIPO for $6,000, I feel like he didn't do what he was supposed to and he was drumming up business for himself. We had talked about dog ears I didn't want them!! Well, I have them on both sides!! If I would have known that I could have paid the extra I sure would have done it. My suggestion is this "DON'T just do the Panni. I don't know how you are built but now I have my upper stomach that needs more tender loving care and when and if I ever make up my mind

[BigDog Bryan 262]

Great topic for me to observe, since I may be at the point of a "clean up on aisle 5" with the belly bag and such. I am starting to research this subject, and I do agree that the full Tummy Tuck is the way to go for me, with some Lipo on the new man-boobs as well (might as well look good AND feel good).

Thanks to all of you for the honest info and feedback.

[terryjones 16]

Thank you My quote for the upper tummy was $9000 that is just the doctor fee not including Hospital Fees I think I just might have to search around I'm in Seattle Washington area and have BCBSIL anyone in the group in my area??

[terryjones 16]

Yes BIgdog Bryan I totally agree with you !

[ssflbelle 829]

So sorry TerryJones that I can not contribute any info to you. Good luck with the surgery

However I also have to have work done. If I am understanding correctly the panniculectomy only is for below the belly button. The area above the belly button is considered to be a Tummy Tuck? Are these usually done at the same time and how much longer would recovery be if both are done.? I believe we will be discussing my need to have both done in 2018. This Fall the Dr wants to work on my arms. Thanks for any replies.

[terryjones 16]

Do the doctor make more money if you pay for the surgery out of pocket I'm just curious because at my appointment I asked it they could try and get approval for the Tummy Tuck and was told that it would be denied because it considered cosmetic so I called my insurance and they said I do have coverage and gave me additional codes so I gave that information to the doctor office and they said insurance would not cover me so I'm just a little confused to be honest my upper stomach as more fat [emoji23]

[shedo82773 1,236]

They really don't make more money. I feel like this is why our insurance charge so much!! I have heard that most insureance will not cover a TT. If you have an issue with skin after weight loss, they would be more apt to cover it. I documented all of my issues with my PCP, Dermatologist and my Surgeon. Also, copies of my medication that was prescribed to me. My Surgeon's office submitted all of the forms and it was approved. When you submit your records have the insurance pepole submit because they know exactly what the want to get things approved. Good Luck

[terryjones 16]

Were you approved for the TT or just the panniculectomy

[sjfink 239]

Thank you My quote for the upper tummy was $9000 that is just the doctor fee not including Hospital Fees I think I just might have to search around I'm in Seattle Washington area and have BCBSIL anyone in the group in my area??

I'm in Seattle with Regence. They required documentation of abscess that required drainage in order to cover anything, so I was self pay. I had a 360 lower body lift with a fleur de lis Tummy Tuck, because I had a lot of excess skin above & below the belly button, and I'm super happy with my results.