Panniculectomy
A panniculectomy is surgery to remove the hanging apron of excess skin and fat over the lower belly that can remain after major weight loss.
Plain English
Patient-Friendly Explanation
A panniculectomy is surgery to remove the hanging apron of excess skin and fat over the lower belly that can remain after major weight loss. It removes skin and fat but does not tighten the abdominal muscles like a tummy tuck.
Medical
Clinical Definition
Panniculectomy is a body-contouring procedure that excises the panniculus, the redundant skin and subcutaneous tissue overlying the lower abdomen, without plication of the rectus abdominis muscles or umbilical transposition. It is often performed for functional reasons such as rashes, infection and restricted mobility, and may be covered where medically indicated.
Key Insight
Why It Matters
Excess skin after weight loss can cause chafing, rashes and hygiene problems. Dr Joseph Wang can guide you on whether skin-removal procedures are appropriate after your weight-loss treatment.
Sources
Reviewed against standard medical references.
Medically reviewed by
Family Physician & Registered Acupuncturist, Accord Medical Clinic. MBBS (NUS), Graduate Diploma in Family Medicine (NUS), Graduate Diploma in Acupuncture (Singapore College of TCM).
Last reviewed: August 2026
This page is general health education, not medical advice. Whether any treatment is appropriate for you is a decision made in consultation after assessment.