Have a Lower Belly Pooch? It’s Called a Panniculus & You Can’t Remove It By Working Out

You might know it by another name—a pooch, a pouch, or even the tasteless FUPA. But this bothersome bulge has a technical name: panniculus. When loose skin is to blame for that particular bulge or area of discomfort, no amount of working out or crash dieting will solve the problem. Instead, the only solution is removal via surgery—usually a panniculectomy and/or a tummy tuck.

What causes a lower belly pooch?

A panniculus is defined as the apron of sagging skin (and sometimes a bit of fat) that hangs below the navel. Although many people, especially women, are prone to fat accumulation in this area, it can become quite significant after pregnancy or a significant weight loss. In these circumstances, the panniculus is mostly empty skin.

In women who have been pregnant, a panniculus typically develops as the result of the natural expansion of the uterus. As the fetus grows, the uterus adjusts to accommodate it. When the uterus stretches, so do the muscles and skin surrounding it, leading to looseness in the lower abdomen. Over time, some excess fat can collect in the loose skin. However, the issue is generally limited to loose skin.

Should you remove a lower belly pouch?

Although the appearance of a panniculus can be discouraging, and its presence can make it difficult to find flattering clothing, it’s often about more than just aesthetics. In severe cases, the panniculus (or more specifically, the area beneath it) can become susceptible to skin irritation and infection.

How do you get rid of a belly pooch?

So what can be done about a panniculus? Like other areas of the body affected by loose skin (such as the breasts or face), the abdomen can be “lifted” using traditional tummy tuck methods. Many people don’t realize that the tummy tuck can do so much more than simply flatten the abdomen.

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Are you a good candidate for a tummy tuck?

If you’re interested in pursuing tummy tuck surgery to help address these issues, it’s important to understand the underlying cause of the problem. If you’re several months or years postnatal and you’ve generally resumed your previous healthy habits but are still bothered by the paunch, you might be a good candidate for a tummy tuck. It’s also important that you’re in generally good shape and at or near your ideal weight before getting a tummy tuck. Remember, this isn’t a weight loss procedure but an option for refining your figure and doing what hours at the gym can’t. Learn more about how to determine if you are ready for a tummy tuck in our related blog post.

If you’re want to do something about that lower belly pooch, request a consultation or call us at (310) 784-0644 to schedule an appointment. Our plastic surgeons perform tummy tuck surgery for men and women from Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach, Long Beach, and other communities near our Torrance practice.