Say Goodbye to Excess Skin: How Dr. Rosaline Reynolds Helps You Feel Your Best

If you've worked hard to lose weight, you may have achieved an incredible health milestone. But sometimes, your body doesn't quite reflect the hard work you've put in. That's where Dr. Rosaline Reynolds at Sauk Prairie Healthcare's Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery Clinic comes in - helping patients take the final step in their transformation through a procedure called panniculectomy.

What Exactly is a Panniculectomy?

A panniculectomy is a surgical procedure that removes the "pannus", which is the medical term for the hanging skin and excess fat that can develop in your lower abdominal area. You might hear some people call it an "apron belly" because it often drapes over the hips, thighs, or even the knees like an apron would.

This excess skin commonly develops after significant weight loss. While it might seem like a cosmetic concern, the reality is much more serious for many patients. That hanging skin can cause chronic rashes, skin infections, hygiene problems, and even make it difficult to walk, exercise, or simply move through daily life comfortably.

How is This Different from a Tummy Tuck?

This is one of the most common questions Dr. Reynolds answers. While both procedures involve the abdomen, they address very different needs.

A tummy tuck (also called abdominoplasty) is primarily a cosmetic procedure. It removes excess skin and tightens the abdominal muscles to create a more sculpted, toned appearance.

A panniculectomy, on the other hand, is a functional surgery. Dr. Reynolds explains that this procedure focuses on relieving physical problems, like those stubborn rashes that won't go away, difficulty staying clean beneath the fold, and limited mobility. Unlike a tummy tuck, a panniculectomy doesn't typically tighten muscles or focus on contouring the waistline. Its goal is to improve your quality of life.

Are You a Good Candidate?

Dr. Reynolds focuses on helping patients who are dealing with real, everyday challenges caused by excess abdominal skin. You might be a strong candidate for a panniculectomy if you have:

• Significant excess skin hanging over your pubic area
• Chronic skin irritation, rashes, or infections in the fold
• Hygiene difficulties due to the overhanging tissue
• Maintained a stable weight for at least six months
• Back pain related to the extra weight pulling on your spine
• Difficulty walking or exercising because of the excess tissue

The key here is that this procedure isn't about achieving a certain look, it's about improving how you feel and function every day.

Good News About Insurance Coverage

Here's something that may surprise you: because a panniculectomy addresses real health problems, it's often considered medically necessary and may be covered by insurance. This sets it apart from purely cosmetic procedures.

To qualify for coverage, you'll typically need documentation showing your symptoms, like chronic infections, painful rashes, or other health issues caused by the excess skin. You may also need to show that you've tried more conservative treatments (like prescription creams for rashes) without success.

Dr. Reynolds and her team at Sauk Prairie Healthcare help patients navigate this process. They understand how overwhelming insurance paperwork can feel and are ready to help you compile everything you need.

What to Expect During Recovery

Any surgery requires time to heal, and a panniculectomy is no exception. Dr. Reynolds walks every patient through what recovery looks like so there are no surprises.

Immediately after surgery, you can expect some discomfort, swelling, and drainage from the surgical site. Most patients need two weeks away from work to rest and allow their bodies to begin healing. For several weeks, you'll wear a compression garment to support your abdomen and help reduce swelling. You will likely have surgical drains for 1-2 weeks to collect excess fluid and promote better healing.

Heavy lifting and strenuous activities will be off-limits for about eight weeks. Following Dr. Reynolds' post-operative instructions carefully is the key to a smooth, successful recovery. She and her team provide comprehensive guidance every step of the way.

Understanding Scarring

One thing patients often wonder about is scarring. Dr. Reynolds is upfront about this: scars are a natural part of any surgery. With a panniculectomy, you're essentially trading discomfort for a scar.

The incision typically runs horizontally across the lower abdomen, often from hip to hip. Dr. Reynolds places it carefully so that it can usually be hidden by underwear or swimwear. While the scar is permanent, it will fade significantly over the first 12 to 18 months. Her surgical technique focuses on precise closure, and she'll guide you through a scar management plan to help achieve the best possible outcome.

For most patients, the relief from physical symptoms far outweighs any concerns about scarring.

Taking the First Step

If excess abdominal skin has been holding you back, whether it's causing pain, preventing you from being active, or simply making everyday tasks harder than they should be, a panniculectomy could be life changing.

Dr. Rosaline Reynolds and the team at Sauk Prairie Healthcare's Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery Clinic are here to help you explore your options. The first step is scheduling a consultation, where you can discuss your specific situation, learn more about the procedure, and find out whether you're a candidate.

You've already done the hard work to lose weight. Now it's time to enjoy the results. Schedule your consultation today and discover how much better life can feel when you're no longer held back by excess skin. Call 608-643-4140 to book an appointment with Dr. Reynolds.