Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery

2,848 topics in this forum

Whats the most most amount of skin you would allow yourself to have before you had a tummy tuck or panni? Would you rather use a wrap or would you want to go ahead and get that extra skin gone and be done with it? I have extra skin but friends and family say its fine and not to bother with it. I tried the wraps... i find them very unconfortable. I like to go shirtless in the summer but the same time am not too crazy about all the jiggly. Any men have a breast reduction??

Am I blind? Where did that thread go?

The day I was finally like ok, I am going to get the lower body lift and thigh lift I found out I was pregnant! Go figure! So I think timing will be right anyway. I will have the baby in August and have the surgery next January and fat grafting to the buttox I think I will go see dr. Agha in California, but still not 100% sure.

I'm only two weeks post op from being banded but I'm researching PS and I'm leaning towards a mermaid lift once I hit goal and maintain for 3 months. Has anyone had the mermaid lift?I will also be having a breast reduction and lift and possibly my arms done but not 100% as Ill prob just be able to keep them toned with weights! Any info or advice is greatly appreciated.. Banded August 28 2012<br />Starting weight 293<br />Day of surgery weight 273<br />Current weight 258<br />Goal weight 160 5ft 10

I am currently 5'3 and weigh 245. I would like to lose about 70 lbs. which would put me in about a size 11/13 which is a size that I am comfortable with. I consider myself to have a pretty good figure with the exception of my actual size. I wear a size 18 in bottoms and tops and am pretty proportioned. My problem is that my breasts are a FULL 42F. I found out today that my insurance will cover a reduction. Should I consider it now when I won't have my band in until April 11th? In the past, my weight has always yo-yo'ed. I would then lose a little in my breast and when I regained, I would gain even more back. I am so confused? I could not afford this if insurance …

Merry Christmas to me. I've scheduled the lipo for my flanks and back (1 day shy of 2 yr anniversary of TT wMR), this WILL be my last cosmetic procedure as I plan to leave the girls alone - don't have it in me for breast lift and augmentation. Knowing what has bothered me most since my TT w/MR has been my flanks and back as this area seems disproportionate to my flat front I know that this will be the final step to my journey. As I write this I'm wondering if indeed this will be IT in regards to cosmetic procedures. I know for a fact that I'll never do anything cosmetic above my shoulders and I won't get my arms done - I say this because I scar so badly that it wou…

This has been one of several post I have put on the site and I am sorry if it seems repetitive but I really would like some great or not so great input on any one surgeon specifically or a variety of doctors to choose from. What kind of experience have you had? Any input you can share would be helpful. Thanks folks Michele

Good morning all, I am heading out in less then a month to have my plastics done. Could someone help me with breast size? Everything I have read said that 70% of people that get implants wish they would have gone larger. So if I decide on a size I like..am i supposed to go up a size or two? Also for anyone that had surgery in Mexico - Since we do not go for a consult until the day before, Do they let you "play" with the implants for a while to pick your size? Thanks all!

Does anyone know if bcbs cover reconstructive surgery?

hi, i am going in for brachioplasty tomorrow and am really nervous. i had a tummy tuck and breast lift 2 years ago and was not nervous at all. My doctor told me the last operation was alot more complicated (8 hours vs. tomorrow 2 1/2 hrs). i'm sure i will be fine. i LOVE my plastic surgeon. he is so professional and really good at what he does. my scars from my last surgery are barely noticeable. Altho' he did say these will be more noticeable because they run against the grain vs. the TT runs with the grain of your body. but i really hate my batwings....so batwings be gone! anyway...just wanted to jump on and check in josie

I'm just curious... I have lost 170 lbs and have had the tummy tuck, breast lift, and neck lift. I'm having my arms done in 6 weeks. I have some numbness at the top of my thigh from the tummy tuck and numbness on the lower parts of my breasts from the breast lift. I have numbness near my ears from neck lift. I love all of the work I've had done and can live with the numbness if its there forever (which I understand is a possibility). What I'm worried about is with the thigh lift its possible to have nerves cut and numbness in my vagina, right? Or maybe those are separate nerves from the thigh. Does anyone know anything about this? I've gone I I've Sent from my iPad…

Hi y'all! Well I went to the drs. today and she said she really thinks I should get a panniculectomy...I know it's not a full tummy tuck right? Has anyone here had one? Any information is appreciated

So it's been two years since I got my lapband, now I'm 88lbs lighter. I'm looking into getting a tummy tuck but I'm afraid that my pump site will show too much, because it shows already. What do you think?

I was self pay for my band..I haven't looked at my insurance policy yet..but has anyone had their insurance company cover any surgeries such aa TT's or breast lifts?

In a few weeks it will be 2 years since TT w/muscle repair - I LOVE THE RESULTS. However, I went to see my PS last week to discuss flanks and upper back - seems no matter how much I workout I can't get rid of the fat along my flanks and upper back. He agreed that this would be tough to remedy with excercise (especially at my age - a young 51) and suggested lipo and removing the loose skin. Not sure that I'm up for stitches again and am thinking of taking a more conservative approach with lipo only. He has agreed to significantly reduce the cost of his fee - I Love this man. Now, I find myself rethinking this and wondering if I should get both lipo and the loose sk…

Hi All, Well the time is getting closer for my Body Lift and I am of course freaking out a bit. Weight has been fairly stable but would like to loose a bit more before the Nov 1st date. I am scheduled for a body lift and I know it will be hard, I am concerned about the risk and if it is worth the money $12K etc. My wife is also scared and concerned. I look OK but their are areas that no amount of weight loss will help with that. IE Hanging skin. love handles etc. I have been heavy virtually all of my life and for once would like to be relatively thin but part of me is thinking that an old fart like me (53) should even bother! Am I being selfish? …

I am about half way to goal and hope to be there by summer. I WANT a tummy tuck!!!! After 4 kids (including twins that weighed 14lbs combined) things are a little messy there! I'm ready to go now but I think they will send me away. Also this may seem like an odd question but in thinking about my Hosp weight I'm wondering how much weight the actial tummy tuck takes off? Honestly think I should adjust my goal for that!

In under 3 years I can have this money,but the problem is my husband only wants me to have one surgery which is the tummy tuck. I want to do a "mommy make over" tummy tuck & boob life & arm lift if needed. Of course I'm trying to see if he change his mind. He did mention if the boobs start to disappear or something then maybe I can get it done. Let's see.

Has anyone had a tt with the upside down T? How's the scar and how it healing?

My hospital is hosting a plastic surgery free seminar later tonight. This something I may want to do later, but I am only 2 months post op. Just wondering if if is too early to collect info on something that is over a year away, or would it be helpful now?

Can someone point me where to research to learn more? I have googled it, and read stuff off various doctors webpages but just want to really understand relative risks and odds of success with the procedures out there. I read about contouring, about how painful the arm and thigh work is etc etc but I don't really have a picture of what this is like to have done or what realistic expectations are. When I started this weight loss I swore I would never have plastics because I didn't want more surgery. I am re-evaluating that rather strident position,

Just curious, what would happen if you're not at goal but want to get new breasts?

So, who are the best plastic surgeons that people are seeing in Mexico? Need to start making notes for when my time comes. Thanks!

Hello everyone ! I'm very excited to say I started off at 255 and now weigh 145 !!! Still getting adjust to this very new life style (eating). I have good days and bad days and I'm sure everyone does . I've come a long way and next month I am treating my self to a tummy tuck .. Can't wait .. I really need to work on eating more Protein any ideas !!! Started to work out during my lunch hour since life at home is crazy busy .

I just started the pre-auth process for a panniculectomy w/breast reduction and lift. Anyone out there have this approved through Anthem BC PPO and if so, how long did it take to get approval? Did you have to appeal to get approval?

After close to 23 months, payment is being made for my tummy tuck. Insurance gave pre-approval for abdominoplasty and panniculectomy in December 2010. After the procedure and hospital and surgeon submitted claims, the insurance denied them after giving pre-approval - CRAZY!. I have been battling this for over a year and finally today I received a letter from the insurance (case specialist) that they are making it a priority to have this resolved and payment sent out immediately. I'm relieved to say the least, as I don't have over $12,000 lying around that I could pay for this myself and can't afford to take a hit re: credit w/having them submit this to some debt coll…

I wanted to know if anyone knows when you are given the green light by your Dr. for panni surgery? I've read that it's a year after VSG, and then some say two years. How do you know when you've reached your goal in order to have the panni surgery? Is it a goal your PCP or surgeon sets? I live in Los Angeles, and I have Kaiser, but I'm so confused on what happens once you're approaching a year from your VSG surgery date. I've lost over a 100lbs since I began my Options prep classes, but I still have 19lbs to lose before reaching a 100lbs from my surgery date.

I've reach my goal ... Went from 255 5'3 to 145 .. Now my tummy tuck and breast lift would cost 20k and I only have enough for one ... Which one? Anyone ? What would you do ? Why?

My dr recommended a plastic surgeon he trusts to me... I am very seriously considering having my breasts lifted and filled. If it were not for a padded uplift bra I would be flat as a pancake. That would not be so bad but there is so much skin they resemble shriveled up eggplants... I look great in a bra... But I am married and not dead yet... So would like to feel comfortable naked! Additionally I could use a tummy tuck, a thigh lift or whatever they do to get the wrinkles out... Probably a butt lift as well.... And the skin on my arms is pretty jiggly. That said I doubt I cannot imagine i can afford the time or money do do everything, and I am not sure I am wil…

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hey guys! im 10 months post op from my sleeve. i lost 116lbs. i started at 273lbs & im 157 now. my goal is to be 135lbs so i have 22 more lbs to go. since losing all the weight, my boobs sag a lot & have deflated a lot and my stomach is wrinkly & has a little sag. so i want a breast lift and augmentation. i also want a full tummy tuck & fat transferred into my butt. the fat transfer will come from my back, waist & stomach & put it all in my butt to give myself the booty ive always wanted! ive decided to start looking into plastic surgery. i want to travel to DR to have it done. has anyone looked into plastic surgery in DR? what …

Ve lost 114lbs and desided got the the mommy make over done (breast implants and tummy tuck with ab repair) im doing well but im hating these binders i feel like im being squeezed to death. How long does someone have to wear these? Anyone else had this done?

Anyone have one? My back looks worse than my stomach. Cost? How bad did it hurt? I can't imagine not being able to sleep on my back.

Hi All its 3 1/2 years since I have been banded and 1 year since my body lift. And I am really pleased with the results, I never though I would have abs and kind of that " V " that everyone strives for. But I need some help to see if I am just fooling myself and eating too much or If I really OK and should accept myself where I am. Its really frustrating. My top weight was 330 - 335 in High School. Today I'm 240. i was 245 1 Year ago the morning of my body lift. I am almost 6' 1" I did get to 233 a few months after my body lift when I was recovering. I have been around around this 240 Mark now for a few years! And don't know what I can do to get to my g…

What's up people. I'm a lil over 4 weeks post op. I was sleeved on 10/1 at Mercy Medical center in Roslyn ,NY by Dr. Shawn Garber. I was looking in the mirror today and couldn't help but (not) notice my scar. I am super pleased so far with the results of my surgery, especially my scar. I have several friends that have the traditional scars. I am so glad I decided on the SILS. In case you are wondering i was 278 lbs on day of surgery , 246 yesterday. I'm on my way.

This falls under cosmetic surgery, doesn''t it?

After talking to a plastic surgeons office today, Costa Rica is looking good for me to have my reconstructive surgery. I've been looking at this website http://www.arrivacostarica.com/. I think I might use one of these doctors. Has anyone been to this site and/or used them?

Does anyone know how long we have to wait to get one? I have one that I really regret. I got it when I was 18 and dumb. Now that I can see it I need to get something done to it. I don't want anymore just to get this stupid thing fixed. The only good thing that came from it is that I have girls and non of them want a tattoo because of how stupid I was.

I am 20lbs to goal and I am going to do something with this stomach after the first of the year. Here is my question dilemma, what ever you want to call it. The top part of my stomach is flat but the bottom part hangs a bit and is wide and I know that even with 20 more pounds it is not going to go. I really do not want a full tummy tuck because I really don't think I need it and a paniculectomy is way less money and to just get rid of that part would make me happy. I am tired of wearing long shirts just to cover that part up. Im not really fat anymore anywhere else. I went from a 50 DD to a 44 c so I am happy even if they are sagging lol. My legs are like sticks an…

M having just a neck lift this week (well having a breast lift too, but not a full face lift, just the neck). Does anyone have experience with this? Recovery time? Pain? Effectiveness in getting rid of my turkey neck? Sent from my iPad using LapBandTalk

Anyone whose had plastics covered by Aetna have any advice, billing codes, etc for getting anything & everything covered?? I would LOVE any info at all before I begin this process!! 130# gone & I am soooo ready! TIA <3

I'm a big breast girl has suregy august 6 and they haven't gone down my breasts affect my exercise my lack of trying to run it real heavy now I'm thinking about getting breat reduction should I or wait I'm thinking about getting it in December. Pic of me now help [ATTACH]5411[/ATTACH]

Feeling much better now and am very pleased with the resuls. I even dropped another 10 pounds and am below my goal weight!! I'm super happy I took this final step to finish this 2 year journey. But boy, this surgery takes it out of you. I'm a month out, and am still tired all the time. Not an easy recovery. Worth it though when I look at my perky girls. Ha!

Ive hadthis pain since the day ofsurgery,,it cant be a leak cause i.had the upper gi test done the2nd day after.the surgery,is it gas that is trapped?? Or.should i call my surgeon?? Anyone else can relate???

I cannot wait til all this is done. My PANN area of my lower abdomen is beginning to get on my last nerve. It would be nice to have this removed instead of VSG, but then I may not still be happy, huh. How do some of you feel with your hanging Pann/Apron pre and post op?

O.k. Does anyone know what the rules are on how much you can get done at the same time. I mean, what is a mommy makeover? Can you get a combo? i.e. arms/tuck or boobs/tuck ? Can you get arms/tuck/boobs?

I have had several abdominal surgeries 3 c-sections, partial hysterectomy, full hysterectomy, gall bladder removal and the sleeve. I need to get a tummy tuck badly. I get horrible irritation under my shrinking tummy. I have cream for this does not help any longer. My arms are not any better very bad skin and irritation. Aetna says they will cover if medically necessary. How do I go about making sure I jump through the right hoops.

Hi everyone. I am wondering if anyone has used scar creams and what he or she thinks about them? I have three previous scars from having my gallbladder out plus five more from the sleeve. I look like I was stabbed, lol. Sent from my iPad using VST

I'm just 6# from my final goal and while I don't have the $ for plastics anytime soon, I'm ok with that, may end up borrowing from my 401k next year. But, this will also give my body a chance to adjust and stabilize. If money were no object, I would have a full body lift, but that's not likely. Anyhow, just curious for those that had plastics to remove loose skin, was looking to know how much weight you lost afterwards. When responding, please tell me what procedure(s) you had done, weight before/ after.

I was hoping someone else would bring this up but no luck! I have implants and I'm worried about the effects of loose skin and implants. If they were onset the muscle I think I wouldn't be so worried but these r over the muscle and so it's worrisome to me! Anyone else have them ?