Panniculus
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Panniculus is a medical term describing a dense layer of fatty tissue growth, usually in the abdominal cavity. It can be a result of morbid obesity and can be mistaken for a tumor or hernia. Abdominal panniculus (the "apron" in lay term) can be removed during Abdominal Panniculectomy a type of Abdominoplasty. A panniculus can also be the result of loose tissues after pregnancy or massive weight loss.
[edit] Grading of abdominal panniculus
- Grade 1: Panniculus barely covers the hairline and mons pubis but not the genitalia.
- Grade 2: Extends to cover the genitalia.
- Grade 3: Extends to cover the upper thigh
- Grade 4: Extends to cover the mid thigh.
- Grade 5: Extends to cover the knees or beyond.
