While both an abdominoplasty and a panniculectomy are surgical procedures that remove excess skin from the abdomen, the former is a more comprehensive procedure. A panniculectomy is solely concerned with removing the excess skin that hangs over the lower stomach, whereas a tummy tuck also tightens the full abdomen.  Furthermore, a panniculectomy is a procedure performed out of medical necessity, as patients can develop rashes and infections within the excess folds of skin. In contrast, a tummy tuck is a cosmetic surgery that enhances the patient’s aesthetic appearance by restoring a flatter and contoured abdomen.