What are the differences between an abdominoplasty and a panniculectomy?

Muscle tightening: A panniculectomy removes the "apron" of excess skin and fat in the lower abdomen, which is usually (but not always) caused by large weight loss. An abdominoplasty includes this as well as tightening of the muscles of the anterior abdominal wall.

One is cosmetic: Abdominoplasty removes the excess fat and skin of the lower abdomen, tightens the muscles and repositions the belly button. It is for normal weight patients. Panniculectomy is done for medical reasons for patients who have a hanging belly causing recurrent infections, skin ulcerations, pain and difficulty with local hygiene and certain activities.

Muscle Repair: A dermolipectomy, or panniculectomy, is a procedure that removes the excess apron of skin, but does not tighten the muscle. A tummy tuck also tightens the muscle. A tummy tuck benefits people who want as flat a stomach as possible and who have a separated rectus abdominis muscle. A panniculectomy benefits people who have wrinkly or excess skin, but reasonably good muscle tone.