What's the difference???

Ok I'm clueless.

What is the difference between or vs. Panni surgery and Tummy Tuck.

Someone told me the Panni surgery you don't get a belly button? That can't be true. I see the need for a tuck when I'm through loosing but I'm CONFUZZED about the difference.

Carolyn

 A pannie, or panniculectomy, is just cutting the excess skin off of the abdomen.

A full out tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, usually includes repair to the abdominal muscles underneath.

For example, I have a one inch separation between my abdominal muscles from a lifetime of obesity.  This is common in women after childbirth, especially if she's had more than one.  With that degree of separation, I could never have a flat stomach without the full abdominoplasty.  My abdominals will simply not do the work they were designed for and hold back my innards.

It has nothing to do with the belly button.

The Panni surgery only removes the fat and skin and does not tighten the weak muscles underneath and yes, they don't put a belly button there.  The tummy tuck involves removing the skin, the fat and muscle tightening and you get a new belly button. 

 The belly button thing may be surgeon specific, I had asked mine about that specifically because I had heard that before.  I didn't want to look like I was on that show "Kyle XY"  LOL.  I was told that with the pannie, the navel may sit differently but would still be there - they don't disconnect and reconnect it like they do with an abdominoplasty.

To the OP - When it comes time for your consult for plastics - ask your surgeon.  Some insurers will not pay for either operation, some will pay only for a panni, some will pay for a full TT.  I have yet to hear of one that covers the full LBL or full body lift that we all want!

Thousands of dollars and pain........Tummy Tucks are MUCH more expensive and painful because of the muscle reconstruction.......but they give you a much more "normal"  appearance after surgery.  Most insurances only cover Panni's.

The belly button is "normal" looking after a Tummy Tuck (if you have a competent surgeon).  The Pannie depends on your body type.  If your belly button hangs below your hip bones the belly button would be cut off and lost.......but alot of pannies are done without any including of the belly button.  It WILL be distorted after Pannie sugery....Lower and may not be as centered.  Like someone said before.....talk with the surgeon.....but the belly button is not Always lost after a Pannie.