How does a person look after panniculectomy?

A panniculectomy removes the apron of skin and fat below the navel, creating a firmer, flatter abdomen, states Georgia Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery. The surgeon makes a vertical incision from just below the sternum to the pubic bone and a hip-to-hip horizontal incision, according to Consumer Guide to Bariatric Surgery.

After removing the hanging skin and fat, the surgeon pulls the skin tight and closes the incisions with sutures, notes Georgia Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery. Patients usually notice changes in the contours of their torsos soon after their panniculectomy procedures, and they feel that clothing fits and looks better. The scar from the procedure fades over time but always remains visible.