For

apronectomy-panniculectomy-london-uk

Apronectomy (Panniculectomy)

Apronectomy (panniculectomy) removes excess skin and fat from the lower abdomen following significant weight loss or pregnancy. Day case under TIVA at our CQC-regulated Baker Street clinic.

Apronectomy in London


An apronectomy — also known as a panniculectomy — is a surgical procedure that removes the pannus, the overhanging fold of excess skin and fat that develops over the lower abdomen following significant weight loss or, in some cases, after pregnancy. The pannus hangs down over the pubic area and can extend across the thighs and hips in more severe cases. Once formed, it cannot be reduced by diet or exercise — surgical removal is the only effective treatment.

Unlike a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), an apronectomy does not include tightening of the abdominal muscles or repositioning of the umbilicus. It focuses specifically on removing the pannus itself through a horizontal hip-to-hip incision. This makes it a more targeted procedure than a full abdominoplasty, appropriate where the primary concern is functional — skin irritation, rashes, hygiene difficulties and mobility restriction caused by the hanging skin — or cosmetic removal of the lower abdominal overhang without full abdominal recontouring.

All apronectomy procedures at Centre for Surgery are performed under as a day case at our by GMC Specialist Register consultant plastic surgeons.

RELATED: | |

What Is an Apronectomy (Panniculectomy)?

The pannus (abdominal apron) forms when the skin and subcutaneous tissue of the lower abdomen have been stretched by significant weight gain and subsequently lose their elasticity after weight loss. The degree of pannus is graded by how far it descends:

Higher-grade panniculectomies involve the removal of larger volumes of skin and tissue, longer operative times, and correspondingly greater complexity. In all cases the procedure addresses only the lower abdominal pannus — it does not treat skin laxity in the upper abdomen, flanks or waist, and does not repair the abdominal musculature.

The pannus causes problems beyond cosmetic concern. The skin fold beneath the pannus creates a warm, moist environment where skin irritation, intertrigo (skin fold rash), fungal infections, and ulceration are common. The weight of the pannus can restrict mobility, affect posture, and cause difficulty with daily activities and personal hygiene. For these reasons, apronectomy is frequently indicated on both functional and cosmetic grounds.

Apronectomy produces a permanent horizontal scar across the lower abdomen, similar in position to a caesarean section scar but typically longer — extending from hip bone to hip bone. The scar is positioned within or just above the pubic hairline, making it concealable under most clothing and swimwear.

RELATED: |

Apronectomy vs Tummy Tuck — Which Is Right for You?

Patients with a lower abdominal pannus often ask whether an apronectomy or a tummy tuck is the more appropriate procedure. The distinction is clinically important and your surgeon will advise at consultation.

Where there is skin laxity beyond the lower abdomen — extending into the flanks or upper abdomen — an or may be more appropriate. Your surgeon will assess the distribution of skin excess and advise on the most appropriate procedure at consultation.

RELATED: |

Apronectomy Before & After Photos


Anterior view showing improved lower abdominal contour following panniculectomy with removal of the overhanging pannus.


Anterior view showing improved lower abdominal profile and scar positioning at the swimwear line following panniculectomy.


Anterior view showing improved lower abdominal contour and waistline definition following panniculectomy combined with SAFElipo liposuction.

All photographs are taken with full written patient consent. A wider range is available to view at consultation. Individual results vary.

Am I Suitable for an Apronectomy?


Suitable candidates for apronectomy include patients who have developed a lower abdominal pannus following significant weight loss or pregnancy and who have one or more of the following indications:

General suitability criteria:

For patients with skin laxity extending beyond the lower abdomen into the flanks, upper abdomen or waist, a or is more appropriate.

RELATED: |

The Apronectomy Procedure

Apronectomy is performed under as a day case at our . The procedure takes approximately two to three hours depending on the grade and volume of the pannus and whether liposuction is combined.

With the patient standing, the surgeon marks the planned incision line and the extent of the pannus to be removed. The incision sits just above the pubic hairline, extending from hip bone to hip bone — longer in higher-grade panniculectomies.

TIVA (Total Intravenous Anaesthesia) is administered by a consultant anaesthetist. The patient is fully asleep throughout.

A horizontal elliptical incision is made across the lower abdomen. The pannus — the hanging excess skin and fat — is elevated and excised. The extent of removal depends on the size and grade of the pannus. Unlike a tummy tuck, the skin above the umbilicus is not elevated and the abdominal muscles are not tightened.

Where residual fat deposits in the lower abdomen or flanks benefit from contouring, can be combined at the same session.

The incision is closed in layers with dissolvable sutures. Surgical drains are placed to prevent fluid collection and are removed at the first postoperative appointment, typically two to three days after surgery. A compression garment is applied before you wake from TIVA.

The nursing team monitors you for one to three hours after waking. Written discharge instructions and the 24/7 clinical support number are provided. A responsible adult must take you home — driving is not permitted on the day of surgery.

RELATED: |

Recovery After Apronectomy


Recovery from apronectomy is generally quicker than from a full tummy tuck, as the abdominal muscles are not repaired. However it is still a significant surgical procedure with a lengthy incision, and recovery requires care.

Pain is managed with paracetamol as required. Local anaesthetic is infiltrated during surgery to support the early recovery period. Most patients are comfortable by the end of the first week.

Worn continuously for six weeks — remove only briefly for showering. Reduces swelling, supports healing and minimises seroma risk. Compression garments are not included in the procedure cost and must be purchased before surgery.

Light walking from day one. Desk-based work: one to two weeks. Physically demanding roles: three to four weeks. Avoid lifting more than 5 kg for six weeks. Full exercise at six weeks subject to surgeon review.

Showering is permitted 48 hours after surgery once cleared by the nursing team. Keep the wound dry and clean. The compression garment should be removed only briefly for bathing and re-applied immediately.

Surgical drains are removed at the first postoperative appointment, typically two to three days after surgery. Keep the drain sites clean until removal.

Swelling resolves progressively over three to six months. The scar sits at the bikini line, similar in position to a caesarean section scar, and fades over six to twelve months. Scar management guidance begins at the six-week surgeon review.

24/7 clinical support for the first 48 hours. Wound check and drain removal at two to three days — included. Nurse review at seven to ten days — included. Surgeon review at six weeks — included. Three-month assessment — included.

Apronectomy Cost in London

Apronectomy at Centre for Surgery starts from £6,000. The final cost depends on the grade and volume of the pannus, the operative time required, and whether SAFElipo liposuction is combined. A detailed written quotation is provided following your consultation.

The £100 consultation fee is redeemable against the cost of your procedure if you proceed.


Finance is available through . 0% APR payment plans available subject to status.

Please note: compression garments are not included in the procedure cost and must be purchased before your surgery date.

Why Choose Centre for Surgery

Centre for Surgery is a CQC-regulated cosmetic surgery clinic at 95–97 Baker Street, London W1U 6RN.

📞
📍


FAQs

What To Expect

Your consultation takes place at our Baker Street clinic with a GMC Specialist Register consultant plastic surgeon and takes approximately 45–60 minutes.

Your surgeon will take a full medical history, review all medications and conduct a physical assessment of the pannus — grading the degree of tissue descent, assessing the quality of the surrounding skin, and evaluating whether apronectomy alone is appropriate or whether a tummy tuck or extended tummy tuck would better address your anatomy and goals.

Where you have skin laxity beyond the lower abdomen — in the flanks, upper abdomen or waist — your surgeon will discuss whether a more comprehensive procedure is indicated. Where a full abdominoplasty including muscle repair is appropriate, this will be explained clearly.

Your surgeon will explain the planned incision line, the expected scar extent and position, the procedure in full, recovery protocol, and all risks and potential complications. High-resolution photographs are taken.

A mandatory two-week cooling-off period applies from the date you provide consent. The £100 consultation fee is redeemable against the cost of your procedure. You are welcome to return for as many follow-up consultations as needed.







Once the cooling-off period has passed and you decide to proceed, the preoperative assessment team will contact you to complete your medical assessment and provide written preparation instructions.

Stop smoking at least four weeks before surgery and for a minimum of four weeks after. Smoking significantly increases wound breakdown and infection risk along the hip-to-hip incision line. This is mandatory.

Stop aspirin and aspirin-containing medications at least one week before surgery. Stop anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen unless directed otherwise. Avoid herbal supplements for at least one week.

Do not eat or drink for six hours before your procedure. Clear fluids — still water, black tea or black coffee — are permitted up to two hours before.

For patients who have lost more than 25 kg: maintain a high-protein diet and supplement for at least six weeks before surgery to support wound healing.

Purchase a compression garment before your surgery date — not included in procedure costs. Arrange a responsible adult to take you home and remain with you for the first 24 hours.









Please arrive at the confirmed admission time at our Baker Street clinic. A nurse will check your vital signs and prepare you for surgery. Compression stockings are applied. Your consultant anaesthetist will assess you and confirm fitness for TIVA. Pre-medications are administered by your nurse. Your surgeon will confirm the operative plan and perform preoperative markings with you standing — the incision line and planned extent of resection.

Apronectomy is performed under TIVA as a day case. The procedure takes approximately two to three hours. A horizontal elliptical incision is made across the lower abdomen and the pannus is excised. Where SAFElipo liposuction is combined, this is performed at the same session. Dissolvable sutures close the incision in layers. Surgical drains are placed and will be removed two to three days after surgery. A compression garment is applied before you wake from TIVA.

Once you have recovered from TIVA the nursing team monitors you for one to three hours. You will be given a drink and light snack. Written discharge instructions and the 24/7 clinical support number are provided. A responsible adult must take you home — driving is not permitted on the day of surgery.



24/7 clinical support is available for the first 48 hours. The postoperative support team will contact you regularly for the first two weeks.

Pain is managed with paracetamol as required. Local anaesthetic is infiltrated during surgery to support the early recovery period. Most patients are comfortable by the end of the first week.

Compression garment worn continuously for six weeks — remove only briefly for showering. Not included in procedure costs — must be purchased before surgery.

Surgical drains removed at two to three days — included. Showering permitted 48 hours after surgery. Keep the wound dry and clean.

Light walking from day one. Desk-based work: one to two weeks. Physically demanding roles: three to four weeks. Avoid lifting more than 5 kg for six weeks. Full exercise at six weeks subject to surgeon review.

Nurse review at seven to ten days — included. Surgeon review at six weeks — included. Scar management guidance begins at the six-week appointment. Three-month assessment — included.

Swelling resolves over three to six months. The horizontal scar fades over six to twelve months, sitting at the bikini line and concealable under most clothing.











Call or fill in the form below. A patient coordinator will call you within one working day to book your consultation with the consultant best matched to your enquiry.




—Please choose an option— Rhinoplasty (nose surgery) Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) Facelift / Neck lift Otoplasty (ear surgery) Breast augmentation Breast lift Breast reduction Liposuction Tummy tuck Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) Mummy makeover Labiaplasty / Cosmetic gynaecology Gynaecomastia (male breast reduction) FTM / MTF top surgery Skin lesion / mole removal Morpheus8 / Fotona / non-surgical Revision surgery (any previous procedure) Other / not sure yet