Panniculectomy

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.

• Care notes
• Ambulatory
• Discharge
• Español

A panniculectomy is surgery to remove your pannus. A pannus, or apron, is extra skin and fat on your lower abdomen. The pannus may hang down over your genitals or thighs, or as low as your knees. A panniculectomy is usually done after you have lost a large amount of weight. A pannus may cause low back pain, or yeast infections or ulcers in your skin folds. A pannus may also make it hard to fit into clothes.

DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:

Call 911 for any of the following:

• You feel lightheaded, short of breath, and have chest pain.
• You cough up blood.

Seek care immediately if:

• Your leg feels warm, tender, and painful. It may look swollen and red.
• Blood soaks through your bandage.
• Your incision wound comes apart.

Drugs used to treat this and similar conditions

Contact your healthcare provider if:

• You have a fever or chills.
• Your incision wound is red, swollen, or draining pus.
• Your pain does not go away, even after you take medicine.
• You have bruises that get larger.
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Medicines:

You may need any of the following:

• Prescription pain medicine may be given. Ask your healthcare provider how to take this medicine safely. Some prescription pain medicines contain acetaminophen. Do not take other medicines that contain acetaminophen without talking to your healthcare provider. Too much acetaminophen may cause liver damage. Prescription pain medicine may cause constipation. Ask your healthcare provider how to prevent or treat constipation.
• NSAIDs , such as ibuprofen, help decrease swelling, pain, and fever. NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people. If you take blood thinner medicine, always ask your healthcare provider if NSAIDs are safe for you. Always read the medicine label and follow directions.
• Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.

Self-care:

• Care for your incision wound as directed. You may need to take sponge baths until your healthcare provider says it is okay to shower. You may be able to shower on day 3 after surgery. Carefully wash the wound with soap and water. Gently pat the area dry the area and put on new, clean bandages as directed. Change your bandages when they get wet or dirty.
• Do not exercise or lift anything 10 pounds or more for up to 6 weeks. Ask your healthcare provider when you can return to your usual activities and work.
• Wear your support device as directed. The support device will help support your abdomen and may help you feel less pain while you are healing.

Follow up with your healthcare provider as directed:

You may need to return to have your incision wounds checked, and drains, staples, or stitches removed. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

© Copyright Merative 2025 Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer