Abdominal panniculectomy is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the lower abdomen. The word can be broken down phonetically as /æbˈdɒmɪnəl/ /pænɪˈkjuːlɛktəmi/. The first part, abdominal, is pronounced with a short A sound, followed by bom, a short I, and then nal. Panniculectomy is pronounced pan-i-kyoo-lek-tuh-mee, with emphasis on the second syllable. The word contains a unique combination of consonants and vowels, making it challenging to spell and pronounce. Nonetheless, it's an essential term in the field of plastic surgery.
Abdominal panniculectomy is a surgical procedure performed to remove excess skin and fat from the lower abdomen, specifically addressing the pannus. The pannus is the apron-like fold of skin and fat that hangs down from the lower abdomen. This procedure is often recommended for patients who have undergone significant weight loss or have excess skin and fat deposits in the abdominal area due to other reasons such as pregnancy or aging.
During the abdominal panniculectomy, the surgeon makes an incision in the lower abdomen, typically extending from hip to hip. The excess skin and fat are then carefully excised, and the remaining abdominal tissue is repositioned and sutured together to create a flatter and more contoured abdominal shape. The surgical techniques used may vary depending on the patient's specific needs and desired outcome.
Abdominal panniculectomy is different from a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) as it focuses primarily on removing the pannus and excess tissue in the lower abdomen, while a tummy tuck also involves tightening the underlying abdominal muscles and repositioning the belly button. This surgery is considered a major procedure, requiring general anesthesia and a longer recovery period compared to less invasive techniques.
The benefits of abdominal panniculectomy include improved body contour, relief from physical discomfort caused by the excess skin and fat, and increased self-confidence. It is important to consult with a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon to determine if abdominal panniculectomy is the appropriate surgical option based on individual circumstances and goals.
The term "abdominal panniculectomy" can be broken down into two main components: "abdominal" and "panniculectomy".
1. Abdominal: The word "abdominal" originates from the Latin word "abdomen", which refers to the region of the body between the chest and the pelvis. The Latin word "abdomen" itself is derived from the combination of two words: "ab" meaning "from", and "dere" meaning "to put or thrust", which suggests that the term refers to something being thrust away from the thorax (chest).
2. Panniculectomy: The term "panniculectomy" is composed of two elements: "pannus" and "ectomy".