Apronectomy

• Cosmetic Surgery
• Post Weight Loss Surgery
• Apronectomy

Medically Reviewed 8th January 2025, by Mr. Bryan Mayou (GMC: 1414396) - founder of the Cadogan Clinic and one of the world's leading plastic surgeons

What is an Apronectomy?

An Apronectomy, also known as a Panniculectomy, is a surgical procedure that removes excess tissue from the lower abdomen, often following dramatic weight loss or pregnancy. This involves removing the abdominal panniculus, also known as a pannus abdomen or apron stomach, which is the apron of tissue hanging down at the front of the abdomen.

Apronectomy surgery involves your surgeon making discrete incisions across your lower abdomen, under the abdominal apron and removing the excess skin using a technique called excision. The incision is then closed, leaving a smooth and toned abdomen.

An abdominal apron can occur for several reasons. This may include: 

• Massive weight loss
• Post-bariatric surgery
• Semaglutide weight loss drugs such as Ozempic or Wegovy
• Pregnancy
• C-Section

During weight gain, the abdominal skin has to stretch to accommodate the increase in fat. When losing this weight, the skin cannot always return to its original position, leaving it loose and hanging. This apron of skin is known as an abdominal panniculus. This may be exacerbated if the weight loss is rapid or in cases where a large amount of weight has been lost.

Panniculectomy surgery is suited to patients who have reached their final goal weight but have been left with loose skin. A Brazilian Abdominoplasty may be more suitable for patients with stubborn excess fat around their midriff.

Having a loose abdominal apron can cause self-consciousness and a lack of confidence when wearing fitted clothing. It may also lead to difficulties in participating in activities such as exercise, as loose skin can rub, causing discomfort. Having loose skin hanging over the lower abdomen can also lead to hygiene challenges, which can cause skin conditions or irritation.

Apronectomy surgery is an effective way to remove loose abdominal skin, enhancing the body’s contours, resulting in a smooth and toned abdomen. This can improve confidence, physical comfort and quality of life, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of dramatic weight loss fully. 

Panniculectomy vs Abdominoplasty

Unlike a Tummy Tuck, Apronectomy surgery only involves removing the excess skin and tissue around the abdomen. In contrast, a Tummy Tuck includes surgically strengthening the abdominal muscles as well as removing the loose skin. Weakened abdominal muscles are a common concern following pregnancy and can cause discomfort and affect the shape of the abdomen, creating a distended appearance, even if there is very little fat distributed around the tummy. Panniculectomy surgery will remove the excess skin, but won’t excessively contour the abdomen. This is also why it is crucial that patients reach their final weight goal before undergoing Apronectomy surgery. 

Apronectomy Before and After

During your initial consultation, your surgeon will show you a range of Apronectomy before and after images. This will show you the results that are possible, as well as the experience and quality of your surgeon. Your consultant will show you Panniculectomy before and after photos of their previous patients with similar concerns and desired results to your own. It is important to consider the consistency of the images to show you how experienced your surgeon is and how often they have performed this procedure. The Panniculectomy before and after images will also show you the Apronectomy incisions and scars you can expect and how these may appear. 

Why Do People Have Panniculectomy Surgery?

Panniculectomy surgery can be transformational for many people, and there are many reasons why patients opt for this procedure. Apronectomy surgery is often carried out following massive weight loss, which can leave loose skin around the abdomen, regardless of the weight loss method used. Dramatic weight loss is a considerable personal achievement, and many people undertake this journey to improve their well-being and confidence. However, for some patients, being left with excess skin around their abdomen can detract from their weight loss accomplishment, causing emotional distress and physical discomfort. Having the apron stomach removed restores comfort and confidence, allowing people to feel their full pride in the weight loss they have achieved. Many patients combine Apronectomy surgery with other Body Contouring procedures following dramatic weight loss.

Who is Suitable for Apronectomy Surgery?

Your surgeon will assess your suitability for Apronectomy surgery during your consultation. Your consultant will discuss your concerns and reasons for considering apron belly surgery before examining the loose skin around your abdomen. They will also take notes on your general physical and mental health to make sure you are fit and well for a general anaesthetic procedure. Your surgeon will decide whether you are suitable for Panniculectomy surgery based on:

• Your concerns – Having a pannus abdomen, or apron tummy which is hanging over your lower abdomen and is causing you physical discomfort or a loss of confidence
• Your desired results – Your surgeon will explain the results that are possible based on your concerns. It is important to have realistic expectations for these results, and that your surgeon may recommend an alternative procedure, if apron belly surgery isn’t suitable for you.
• Your general physical and mental health – You must be fit and well enough to undergo a general anaesthetic surgery. Your surgeon may ask you to make changes to your lifestyle ahead of your procedure to ensure you are ready for surgery.
• Your weight – You must have reached your final goal and maintained this for 6-12 months before your surgery. Your BMI must be below 30 to be considered suitable for Apronectomy surgery. 

The Benefits of Apronectomy Surgery

An Apronectomy is a highly beneficial procedure which can be transformational for many patients who are concerned about having a tummy apron.

The Benefits of a Panniculectomy Surgery include:

• Removal of the abdominal panniculus – Following weight loss, the skin around the stomach can be left loose and hanging. Apronectomy surgery removes this loose skin, increasing comfort and confidence.
• Improved body contours and proportions – A prominent tummy apron can impact the shape and contour of the body, affecting the appearance of fitted clothing. Panniculectomy surgery results in a smooth and flattering abdominal silhouette.
• Improved physical comfort and hygiene – Loose abdominal skin can cause uncomfortable rubbing around the lower abdomen and make hygiene challenging. When combined, this can lead to skin conditions and discomfort. By removing this loose skin, an Apronectomy can reduce rubbing and make hygiene easier to maintain.
• Enhanced mobility – Excess skin around the abdomen can limit mobility, which may affect participation in exercise or other physical activities. Surgery to get rid of the belly apron results in increased mobility, further improving physical comfort and quality of life.
• Balanced body proportions – Following dramatic weight loss, although the rest of the body may appear slim, a hanging abdominal apron may make the abdomen look out of proportion. Removing an apron stomach will restore the body’s proportions, resulting in a balanced appearance.
• Natural and long-lasting results – Cadogan Clinic’s expert consultant plastic surgeons prioritise patient safety and surgical outcomes. Achieving a smooth, balanced abdominal appearance is the primary goal of an Apronectomy, and our surgeons will assess your suitability for this procedure during your consultation.
• Increased confidence and quality of life – For patients who have successfully achieved dramatic weight loss, the physical and emotional impact of loose skin can detract from this personal accomplishment. Removing this excess skin can significantly improve individual confidence and quality of life. 

What to Expect from Apronectomy Surgery at Cadogan Clinic

If you choose to undergo your Aronectomy surgery at the award-winning Cadogan Clinic, our team will work with you closely at every stage to ensure you receive the highest levels of care and achieve your desired goals. 

Your initial consultation

You will meet your surgeon for up to two consultations at our award-winning clinic in Chelsea, London to discuss Apronectomy surgery, your concerns and the results you are hoping for. Consultations usually take up to an hour and your surgeon will explain the surgical plan that is best suited to you and your concerns and the results you can expect.

It is best to write down any questions you have for your consultant ahead of your appointment. This will ensure you feel fully prepared and are able to get the most from your consultation. If you do have any questions following your consultations, your patient advisor will be able to assist you.

Your surgeon will also take measurements and photos for your medical records and create your surgical plan following your consultation.

If your surgeon has decided you are suitable for Apronectomy, your advisor will  explain the plan, pricing and offer available dates to you, before your two week cooling off period to allow you to decide whether you wish to proceed with your surgery. During this two weeks, you are able to ask any questions you may have and consider the plan your surgeon has written for you. 

Surgery preparation

If you decide to go ahead with Panniculectomy surgery, you will next visit the clinic on your surgery day. Before your surgery, you will be asked to follow these steps:

• You will need to complete your pre-operative paperwork to allow medical team to review your records and advise of any changes you need to make in your lifestyle during the the run up to your surgery.
• You will be asked to stop smoking or vaping 6 weeks before surgery. This is vital to ensure a smooth recovery so your body can heal properly. You may need to take this into account when planning your surgery date with your advisor.
• You will also be asked to cut down on your alcohol consumption, as this may also negatively impact the healing and recovery process.
• Please do not take anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen and aspirin or any herbal supplements, as these can all increase the risk of excess bleeding during your surgery, which may lead to complications
• You will need to organise a friend or a family member to come and collect you after your Apronectomy. They need to be able to drive you or accompany you in a taxi, and they will need to stay with you for the first night for your safety.
• In the 6 hours before you arrive at the clinic, do not eat any solid food or consume any juice or milk (including tea or coffee). You may have small amounts of clear liquids such as water, or black tea and coffee up to 2 hours before you arrive at the clinic. 

The day of your Apronectomy

You will be asked to arrive at the clinic an hour before your surgery time. Your surgeon, anaesthetist and our specialist nurses will answer any final questions you may have, and will prepare you for your Panniculectomy including any marking the surgeon may need to do. You will be asked to wear a surgical gown and compression stockings for your procedure.

When you are taken into the operating theatre, your anaesthetist will administer your general anaesthetic so you are asleep throughout the Apronectomy procedure. All procedures at Cadogan Clinic are done using TIVA (Total Intravenous Anaesthesia) minimising post-operative sickness and nausea and allowing for a faster initial recovery.

Your surgeon will then complete your Apronectomy. When the surgery is completed, you will be taken to our recovery ward. You will wake up from the anaesthetic and our nurses will check your vital health signs including your temperature, blood pressure and heart rate. When you have fully woken up and you are comfortable, you will be taken into our ambulatory ward. You will have something to eat and drink and a nurse will talk you through any medication and immediate recovery steps you need to take once you leave. When you are ready, the nurses will ask your chaperone to come, you will be discharged and you will leave the hospital. 

Apronectomy recovery

It is normal to experience some pain and discomfort during the first few days after your Panniculectomy, such as a feeling of pressure or tightness around your abdomen. Your surgeon and anaesthetist will have prescribed any medications you may need keep you comfortable, but most patients find that they only need over the counter paracetamol. You will be up and moving within 24 hours and able to shower normally within 3 days.

Apronectomy recovery is usually reasonably fast. Most patients are able to return to their usual routines after around a week, with full healing (including bruising and swelling) taking 2-3 weeks to subside. 
You will have 24-hour access to our direct nurses' phone line, allowing you to ask any questions as they arise.

One week after your surgery you will have an in-person appointment with our nurses so they can assess your incisions, remove your stiches and make sure you are healing well. They will answer any questions you may have about your recovery and make sure you know how to look after your dressings and incisions effectively at home.

Six weeks after your procedure you will meet with your surgeon again so they can check your recovery, discuss your Apronectomy results and answer any questions about your ongoing journey from that point. After six weeks your structured care plan will be concluded, but if you have any further questions or concerns we encourage you to contact the team and speak with one of our specialist nurses. 

Words From Our Founder