A panniculectomy is a surgical procedure, which is necessary for many patients who have had various weight reduction surgeries, or recently lost large amounts of weight. The procedure involves the removal of excess fat and/or hanging skin that makes daily living difficult. It is sometimes performed along with or following a tummy tuck or a liposuction. Insurance companies are generally hesitant to cover a panniculectomy, unless it can be medically documented that this procedure is necessary. For instance, is the potential candidate for a panniculectomy suffering from skin problems, back problems, ulcers, or hernias.