A panniculectomy is a surgical procedure whereby hanging skin and/or excess fat is removed, typically from a patient who recently had major weight-loss surgery. It is usually performed by a certified plastic surgeon. Depending upon the size of the pannus, the surgery itself takes at least two hours, but is usually longer. Recovery from a panniculectomy might take up to several weeks, depending upon the patient's response and the severity of the surgery. In fact, plastic surgeons say it is comparable to recovery from an abdominoplasty, since patients of both usually have similar side effects and potential complications. Patients who are recovering from this procedure are generally told to avoid driving, and to have others help them with normal household activities. In best-case scenarios, patients must wait two weeks before returning to work, but in worst-case scenarios, it could be several months.