An “apron belly,” commonly known as a pannus, is a fold of stretched skin and fatty tissue that may hang over the lower abdomen following significant weight changes. The most effective method for removing it is through surgical excision. For individuals seeking a flatter and more sculpted abdominal contour, procedures such as a tummy tuck, panniculectomy, or a lower body lift may be considered, especially if there is laxity around the waistline.
Dr. Michael R. Burgdorf, MD, MPH—a board-certified plastic surgeon—approaches post-weight-loss body contouring with precision, compassion, and our signature Nashville Natural™ philosophy: results that look like you, just more comfortable and confident in your skin. In this blog, we’ll cover what causes apron belly, your removal options, and how Music City Plastic Surgery can help you choose which will best address your concerns.
What Causes an Apron Belly
Massive weight loss can outpace your skin’s ability to retract. Even when you’ve done everything right—nutrition, movement, consistency—the skin may stay stretched and hang in a lower-abdominal fold. That fold can create real-life friction, including chafing, hygiene challenges, irritation, rashes, and limitations on clothing.
While exercise can strengthen the muscles underneath, it can’t “tighten” loose skin back into place once elasticity has been significantly compromised. When the primary issue is excess hanging skin, the solution is usually removal, not more crunches.
Apron Belly Removal Options After Weight Loss
1) Lifestyle + supportive care (best for mild cases)
If the apron is mild, some patients do well with:
- Weight stabilization (so the tissue isn’t constantly changing)
- Targeted core strength to improve posture and support
- Skin-care strategies to reduce irritation (especially in skin folds)
This approach won’t remove an established overhang, but it can improve comfort and set you up for better surgical outcomes if you choose that route.
2) Panniculectomy
A panniculectomy is designed to remove the hanging skin and fatty tissue of the lower abdomen (the pannus). It’s commonly performed after substantial weight loss and may be medically helpful when the fold causes chronic irritation or hygiene issues.
What it does well:
- Removes the “apron” itself
- Improves comfort, mobility, and hygiene for many patients
However, it’s not primarily focused on muscle tightening or aesthetic sculpting, as a tummy tuck is (though every plan is individualized).
3) Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty)
A tummy tuck can remove excess skin and fat and may address abdominal wall laxity for a smoother, firmer contour—often a priority for patients who want both function and shape.
4) Lower body lift (belt lipectomy)
If looseness extends around the waistline (front, sides, and back), a lower body lift/belt lipectomy may be the better “whole-picture” option—removing excess skin and tissue along the beltline after major weight loss.
Which Procedure Is Best For You?
Apron belly removal isn’t one-size-fits-all. Which is right for you depends on:
- How far the pannus extends
- Whether your main priority is comfort, contour, or both
- Skin quality and remaining fat distribution
- Whether muscle laxity or separation is present
- Your overall health and weight stability
Consider the following:
- Mostly overhang and discomfort? Panniculectomy may be the most direct fix.
- Overhang + desire for a flatter, more sculpted abdomen? Tummy tuck (sometimes combined with liposuction) may be a better aesthetic match.
- Loose skin around the entire midsection? Consider a lower body lift/belt lipectomy.
Can Your Apron Belly Be Removed After Weight Loss? Let’s Talk.
If excess abdominal skin is the final piece standing between you and feeling fully at home in your body, rest assured, there are safe, effective surgical options for contouring after weight loss.
At Music City Plastic Surgery, Dr. Michael R. Burgdorf, MD, MPH, brings board-certified expertise, decades of surgical training, and a relationship-driven approach to every body contouring plan. Inside our 12,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility, your privacy, safety, and dignity come first.
You’ve done the hard part; now let’s help you Build Your Beautiful. Schedule your consultation today.
