Article · Wikipedia archive · Last revised May 27, 2026

Panniculus

The panniculus is a dense layer of fatty tissue consisting of excess subcutaneous fat within the lower abdominal region. Panniculi can form after rapid weight loss, as seen with strict exercise plans, in which case the abdominal fat is successfully reduced, but the then excess skin hangs loosely over the area. (It can be a result of obesity. Abdominal panniculus 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.

Last revised
May 27, 2026
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Illustration of a male with discoloured panniculus. source ↗

The panniculus (often incorrectly referred to as pannus)1 is a dense layer of fatty tissue consisting of excess subcutaneous fat within the lower abdominal region.2 Panniculi can form after rapid weight loss, as seen with strict exercise plans, in which case the abdominal fat is successfully reduced, but the then excess skin hangs loosely over the area. (It can be a result of obesity. Abdominal panniculus 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.1

See also

See also

References

References

  1. Cunningham, Steven C.; Klein, Rosemary V. (April 2007). "Nomenclature Question: Panniculus or Pannus? Answer: Pannona". Journal of the American College of Surgeons. 204 (4): 726–727. doi:10.1016/j.jamcollsurg.2007.01.027. PMID 17382240.
  2. "panniculus". TheFreeDictionary.com. Retrieved 12 June 2015.