In simple words: This procedure removes excess skin and fat from the lower abdomen, often referred to as a "pannus" or "apron". It is not a muscle-tightening procedure like a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), but it can be performed after a tummy tuck.

This procedure involves the excision of excess skin and subcutaneous tissue of the abdomen, specifically an infraumbilical panniculectomy. The physician makes a horizontal incision with a scalpel over the abdomen and infraumbilical area and removes excess fat. They may also use a cannula or hollow needles to suction out excess fat. Excessive amounts of loose skin are also elliptically excised using a scalpel and cautery.

Example 1: A patient with a large pannus hanging from the lower abdomen, interfering with daily activities and hygiene, undergoes panniculectomy (15830)., Following significant weight loss, a patient has excess skin and fat in the lower abdomen. After an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), they undergo a panniculectomy (15830) to further address the excess tissue., A patient with recurrent skin infections due to a large pannus undergoes a panniculectomy (15830) to prevent further infections and improve hygiene.

Documentation should include the size and location of the pannus, the patient's medical history including any prior surgeries, and the medical necessity for the procedure. Photographs may be helpful.