Medical Term for Abdominal Skin Fold
The medical term for an excess abdominal skin fold or apron of fatty tissue is "panniculus" or "abdominal pannus." 1
Definition and Clinical Context
Panniculus specifically refers to a large, hanging fold of excess abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue that represents a manifestation of severe abdominal obesity 1
This condition develops when subcutaneous adipose tissue accumulates to such an extent that it creates a pendulous fold that hangs over the lower abdomen, sometimes extending to the thighs 1, 2
The term "pannus" is often used interchangeably with panniculus to describe this abdominal apron 2, 3
Clinical Significance
A large panniculus is typically associated with severe obesity (BMI ≥40 kg/m²) and represents significant excess adiposity that can impair health and increase disease risks 1
The presence of a large abdominal pannus can lead to multiple health concerns including:
Surgical Context
When the panniculus becomes exceptionally large and morbid, surgical removal is termed "panniculectomy" 2, 4, 3
Giant panniculectomy specifically refers to resection of a pannus weighing more than 13.6 kg (30 lb) 4
This is a reconstructive procedure performed to address medical necessity, not a cosmetic abdominoplasty 3
Important Clinical Distinction
Do not confuse panniculus with simple subcutaneous fat bulges—the panniculus represents a massive, pendulous apron that hangs significantly and causes functional impairment 1, 2
The American Heart Association recognizes that the panniculus represents an extreme accumulation of the superficial compartment of subcutaneous adipose tissue 1