Panniculectomy vs. Tummy Tuck

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Some patients ask, “what is the difference between a panniculectomy and an abdominoplasty or tummy tuck. And this is because the terms sometimes get mixed up. Well, there is a difference. In short, a panniculectomy is a medical procedure, and an abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck, is a cosmetic procedure.

During the abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck, not only the skin but the muscles underneath the skin are tightened up. This is so someone can have a flatter-looking abdomen and is often done in plastic surgery offices. A panniculectomy usually has a medical reason.

So, when patients have weight loss after bariatric surgery or let’s say you go on a diet and lose a lot of weight and that excess belly skin hangs over their waist. Sometimes as low as your knees. You can have problems with that. It can be back problems, mobility problems and you can have sores under your skin – you may have hygiene issues.

In those cases, patients can sometimes get insurance to cover the removal of the pannus, which is done the same way that the skin is removed during the abdominoplasty. However, surgeons do not tighten the muscles underneath because the purpose is to get rid of the medical problems from excess skin – it’s not necessary to get a flat abdomen. That being said there is often a very satisfying cosmetic result from a panniculectomy also.

Last Updated: May 19, 2026