Panniculectomy Cost

Typical costs:

• A panniculectomy typically costs $8,500-$15,000, including the surgeon fee, anesthesia, facility fee and overnight stay in the hospital.
• Consumer Guide to Plastic Surgery estimates the cost at $8,500 to $10,000. And Barry Epley^[1] , a plastic surgeon in Indianapolis, quotes a price of $10,000 to $15,000.
• Insurance companies sometimes consider a panniculectomy medically necessary. For example, Aetna^[2] considers a panniculectomy medically necessary only if the excess skin hangs below the pubis and causes chronic dermatitis, irritation, infection or chafing that has not been successfully treated with other medical therapy; otherwise the procedure is considered cosmetic.
• For patients covered by health insurance, costs would typically include an office visit copay and coinsurance of 10% to 50% for the surgery, which could reach the out-of-pocket maximum.

• The patient typically is placed under general anesthesia. The surgeon then makes two incisions -- a horizontal one and a vertical one -- and removes the excess skin and tissue below the belly button, then closes the incisions with sutures. The surgery takes about two hours. Unlike with abdominoplasty, the surgeon typically does not tighten the abdominal muscles.
• After surgery, the patient might need to stay up to a few days in the hospital. Patients may need to take about two weeks off from work, or, up to eight weeks for a job that involves strenuous activity.
• The Consumer Guide to Bariatric Surgery^[3] offers an overview of the panniculectomy procedure.

• The surgeon probably will prescribe pain medication and antibiotics for recovery. Antibiotics can cost up to $50 or more, depending on the antibiotic prescribed and pain medication typically costs less than $50.
• An abdominal compression garment^[4] can cost $50 to $150 or more.

• Many plastic surgeons offer discounts on multiple procedures; a panniculectomy sometimes is done in conjunction with an abdominoplasty.
• Many surgeons also offer discounts of 5% or more for cash-paying patients.

• A board-certified plastic surgeon should perform a panniculectomy. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons^[5] and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery^[6] offer referral services. It is a good idea to ask the doctor how much experience he or she has performing panniculectomy surgery and to ask to see before-and-after photos of previous patients.
• Suitable candidates for panniculectomy typically are non-smokers in overall good health who maintain a healthful diet and exercise routine and have maintained their weight for about a year.

1.  www.eppleyplasticsurgery.com/blog/tag/abdominal-panniculectomy/
2.  www.aetna.com/cpb/medical/data/200_299/0211.html
3.  www.yourbariatricsurgeryguide.com/panniculectomy/
4.  www.makemeheal.com/mmh/product/tummytuck/garments/index.vm?procid=11&catid=55
5.  www1.plasticsurgery.org/find_a_surgeon/
6.  www.surgery.org/consumers/find-a-plastic-surgeon

Check Out All Costs for Health & Personal Care		How Much Does an Albuterol Inhaler Cost?		How Much Does an MRI Cost?		How Much Does Radiation Therapy Cost?

Today's Featured Cost Articles

Staying cool during the summer extends to the car. How much is car air conditioning? The hot summer weather has started. We cover the cost of central air conditioning. Is this the summer to finally take those swimming lessons? Mother's Day is coming up. We cover the cost of massages and other spa treatments. Spring has sprung. Are you thinking about allergy shots?

About CostHelper

CostHelper is based in Silicon Valley and provides consumers with unbiased price information about thousands of goods and services. Our writers are experienced journalists who adhere to our strict editorial ethics policy.

CostHelper Community

Replace leaking supply line40' w/copper from meter to house Paid: 2150.00 Water supply line leaking, need dig trench, 40' Type L copper pipe. 1st plumber quote $6500. Did some research, 2nd quote is $2150. Depth by city code 16 - 18", both licensed, guarantee 1 year... [more] -Meeept2000 Replacing Copper Pipes Cost About to start babysitting Paid: 6.00 I’m about to start babysitting for their first time ever (for pay) and I was wondering if my pay was too high or too low. Tha family has two boys, a ten year old and an eight year old... [more] - Baby Sitter Cost cost of ear drops Paid: 67.00 I was prescribed antibiotic drops for an ear infection. Went to pick up at Walgreen's and declined due to price of $219. I asked the medical facility to send prescription to Costco. Picked it up there for $67... [more] -jeffo Ear Infection Cost Be aware Paid: 0.00 Be aware that many of the listed locksmiths are a call service and many of them are in another state. Some even try to pass as other businesses. Academy lock is a thief and abuses they employed too. There are many... [more] -Martin Y. Locksmith Cost Deep cleaning Paid: 9999.00 As a dental hygienist with 22 years experience, I can tell you “DEEP CLEANING” is not a SCAM! 1st and foremost remember your insurance coverage is to assist with treatment payments... [more] -Tasha Nicole Teeth Cleaning Cost 04 Nissan Sentra Paid: 120.00 I had one key for the car I just bought a few months back, well... While I was closing the front door to my house my key was caught and severely bent, I tried to gently tap it back straight but needless to say it snapped in half... [more] -Mz Sentra Key Copy Cost