Will Liposuction Get Rid Of My Abdominal Apron?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I am a 54 year old female with an overlying abdominal apron. I have had three c-sections with some prominent scarring where they did this surgery. This c-section scar pulls in and the weight of the overhanging apron on it makes it chronically sore and irritated. I am also a diabetic and have high pressure. Do you think removing the fat with liposuction will help me. I am interested in something like Smartlipo since it appears to be the least invasive. Will my diabetes and high blood pressure get better after surgery?

A: When anyone describes having an abdominal apron, also known as a pannus, they are by definition talking about a large amount of skin that hangs over the waistline. In treating an abdominal apron the consideration of liposuction is immediately excluded. While it does remove fat, it will actually make the overhang of the apron worse. What you need is an abdominal panniculectomy, also known as a ‘simple’ tummy tuck. It is the cutoff of the abdominal apron without any manipulation of the underlying abdominal muscles. This will provide both an immediate and effective cure of your problem. Given your age and health conditions, you will need to get medical clearance from your doctor. It is very possible, although not assured, that this surgery may help reduce some of your medication requirements for your blood pressure and diabetes if the apron is big enough.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana