Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery

2,848 topics in this forum

I was just wondering if anyone has tried any alternative to getting plastic surgery, such as any type of compression clothing, girdles, etc. Do these work at all? Obviously, the summer time would be a problem, but at least in the winter I could look better?

I'd really like to have a tummy tuck- however, i am not rich and I don't know if I could afford the procedure. yesterday I had a consult- my insurance will cover if I can constitute a medical reason. I have been told that if I have rashes I can provide that to my insurance company.Can anyone give me some examples of medical reasons they have been able to document?

How do you know when it is time to get a tummy tuck? How do you know if what you have is a bunch of loose skin, or if you just need to lose more weight? I have lost 80 lbs. and had surgery 7 months ago. I think I may only want to lose another 10 or so, and I wouldn't be able to have surgery for at least another 6 months. Any help would be appreciated!

I've been reading and learning about smart lipo - it's where they make a small incision and very much like your typical lipo, they remove the fat. Here's the difference - it's done in the office (of course you are numbed up and pretty loopy! ) But instead of just sucking out the fat, they use a pulsating laser to burn up the fat and than suck it out. I know that there is all kinds of stuff I could have done on my body, but I look pretty great in clothes, wiht the exception of my saddle bags (doc calls them cones). So, for $2600 I can have them sculpted and shaped! If you know anything about the procedure, I'd like your input. If you don't, google it and look at th…

Hey there! I got the recommendation from this board ten months ago to go to Dr. Aceves and I was *never ever* sorry I did it. It was great, it was completely safe, I had to worry about precisely nothing, they kept me drugged to the gills, and as of today I am aaaaaalmost 90 pounds lighter, I've been exercising and watching the weight fall off month by month. I've got about 40 pounds to go and I'll be at the weight I want to be. So I'm now thinking about plastic surgery. I want a mastopexy and *maybe* a mini-tummytuck ( we'll see in about 4 months) with a little lipo. This seems like it would be about 20K in the states, so I'm looking to re-enact my 100 percent succe…

I am so flooded with emotions right now....nervous, anxious but still very excited! I am a planner by nature so I have cooked tons of band friendly, high Protein foods and froze them, done all my laundry, done grocery shopping, filled my prescriptions, etc. I am now just waiting, waiting, waiting. I just want this behind me now so I can just recover and look forward to a fun summer. I am not sure if I will have the courage to post before pics because I HATE my saggy, floppy stomach right now. Maybe I will get the courage to post some after ones....wish me luck! Katie

I know im a long ways from having a TT/lower body lift. Im looking into good surgeons in this area. It took me two years to do enough research on my doctor and a few others before i had my lapband. I guess i like to be well informed.. i considered mexico as an option but would definately want referals fro people who have actually had surgery from that doctor. With three kids and unmarried i will probably have to save the next twoyears to get this done . Thanks for your input!

Hey everybody. I have my Mom here who has a question about getting plastic surgery. She is 11 years post gastric bypass surgery. Has maintained a 120 pound weight loss. After loosing the weight she ended up with some loose skin on her arms, thighs, butt, and stomach..and really wants to have some plastic surgery done. After the weight was off, she looked into getting it done through her surgeon and he referred her to a plastic surgeon but the cost was outrageous so she couldn't have it done..and insurance would not cover. Shes gone into a deep depression about this because she really wants this excess skin taken off! Its enough to cause her not to wear a bathing…

I am two weeks out from a crazy lot of surgery: Corset Abdominaplasty (a kind of tummy tuck), lower body lift and silicone breast implants. Today is my first day back at work and I'm feeling great, but still a little sore. I was really worried about being able to be back to work in two weeks, but it was no problem (office job) -- I probably could have been back last Wednesday after the drains came out. I'm thrilled with the results in my tummy and breasts, but still waiting to see how the lower body lift works out after the swelling goes down more. I'm happy to answer any questions about the surgery or recovery. I've noticed that most posts are from people getting si…

i am scheduled for surgery for a panni on feb 13th

I am considering a lower body lift and am wondering if you have had it done, would you do it again based on your experience and results?

I've been at goal for a year now and am ready for a breast implant revision (had the same ones for 31 yrs now). I'm going for a consult in June with a local doc, but was wondering if anyone has had plastics done in Mexico. If so, by whom, what did you have done, what was the cost, and were you concerned at all about your safety? Any other information would be appreciated. Thanks for your help!

My lift was done on Wednesday at CIMA hospital in San Jose Costa Rica. I had Fentanyl for pain and felt good the first day and evening, then the swelling started. I kind of look (and feel) like a balloon on a stick. I didn't have my eyes done, but I had a chin implant that I had been considering for ages and in consultation the doc and I decided that it would be a good thing to do to balance out my profile. So far I like it a lot though it's buried beneath a lot of swelling and bruising. I was discharged mid-day the day after surgery to a recovery house. I have large purple bruises on each side of my mouth, down my neck, around my neck, and my neck and chin feel very tigh…

Any recommendations on doctors that specialize on the removing the apron area? Looking for someone in the Sacramento area or even San Fran area. Not sure what that surgery is called? thanks!

I was banded on October 6, 2008--losing 130 pounds over three years. I had a belt lipectomy and breast lift with implants on December 7, 2011. I'm doing great. Very happy with results! Doc took 15 pounds of excess skin! I won't lie the first three days it felt like a Mac truck ran over me. By day 5 I was feeling much much better. Today I'm two weeks out. Yesterday was my first full day of doing stuff. I went to another post op doc visit, shopping, light cleaning of the house and cooked supper. By the end of the day my swelling was pretty bad. This morning it is back down and I'm going to take it a little easier on myself today. My question is--how long before the swellin…

Its entirely reconstructive, but a side effect will be a supermodel tummy. After my ultra low bowel resection i was left with an ugly, twisted scar where my caesar scar used to be and a stoma of course. When the stoma was closed i had a new scar ( about as big as a port incision) and an upper abdominal bulge. Despite this huge op being laparoscopic, my abdominal wall has been severely weakened, and the fullness on my previously flat tummy Id thought was middle aged spread ( early menopause due to rafiation) is not my pear shaped bod beginning to store intraabdominal fat but rather muscle laxity brought on by wearing my intestine as an accessory for nine months. I also…

(2) years post-op and now it's time to fix "the girls". I am so excited. Surgery is Thursday 12/22/11 The thought of seeing perk,y instead of the saggy mess I see now, is hard to imagine. Has anyone had this procedure and can share with me the recovery?

I had my lap band done about 3 years ago, i lost some weight but i have gained it back, even morethan my original weight from when i first got banded. In the past few months i have developed excess hanging fat on both sides of my front private area and on top, it bothers me so much, it feeks as if i have a footbal between my legs. What can i do about this, it hurts and i am desperate, would this be cosmetic surgery or a seroius medical procedure, please give me advise. I do have insurance and it paid my lapband 100%, i had already met my yearly deductible when i got it done. I am hoping my insurance will cover it since i dont have the money to oay fir cosmetic surgery.

This lady was one of 3 recommended by my PCP. I looked at all of them and settled on the one that seemed to have the most experience dealing with WLS patients. I looked at her gallery of photos and for the most part I thought they were ok. It's hard to know when the ones that don't look as good what the reasons were. When I was at my heaviest weight, I was a size DD. After doing some reading, it appears that depending on whether your breasts are made up more of fatty or fiberous tissues depends on how they will turn out. I really don't think I want anything added. They just look like flat tires right now, I mean serious BIG flat tires. They have gone down to pr…

Since my breasts seem like they've volunteered to be the first body part to loose all of it's weight during the first month, I've had to search for additional options to keep "my girls" floating above my navel . Push-up bras aren't cutting it as it seems as though my breasts seem flat across rather than plump and inviting. I don't know if they is an untapped market for bariatric bras that assist in keeping the breast skin from sagging, but if there is no such type of bra, I may have to resort to getting out the good ole cloth bandage and wrap my breasts to my chest. Anyone have a suggestion?

So excited!!! I'm doing a tummy tuck with full muscle repair and a breast lift and augmentation. My PS does the full muscle repair and then goes back in and sutures the muscles corset style. He said it gives a more defined waist line. He also uses the no drain technique and I'm getting a pain pump. I've wanted this for so long now! I must admit though, I had to take a deep breath when I went to pay for it all last week. I know it will be worth it though.

I have lost approx 125 lbs, my stomach looks like alot of flab, seen a liposuction dr. and he says i need tummy tuck and not liposuction....I have read in some places that liposuction works as well and don't have the discomfort and cost of tummy tuck. Has anyone out there experience this>

Hi all thanks for all your encouraging these last few months. Well seems like tomorrow is the day! Also My Birthday! and I am getting a bit anxious looking forward to getting this over with, know it will be hard but guess know one really knows until they go through it themselves, Like getting the band is is part of the Journey, the difference I guess is that getting banded was to help long term health and now that I am so much healthy you have to wonder if it is worth the risk. I have talked to so many professional trying to justify this procedure and to my surprise they all were very positive. Actually the bariatric nurse who does my fills was kind of indiffere…

Has anyone has surgery, lost all of their weight, and have not needed plastic surgery for saggy skin? Also what is roughly the cost tummy tucks?

For those of you that have Tricare. Will they cover a Tummy tuck after WLS? I am 35 lbs from my goal and I have skin sagging around my stomach. I hate it and its very irrating...thats really the only problem area I am seeing, well that and a bit of lipo in my thighs wouldnt hurt anything LOL... But if anyone can offer any insight I would greatly Appreciate it Thank you!

Does anyone have any information on tattoos and sleeve weight loss im pretty covered and was hoping not to lose any.

does anyone know of a plastic surgeon in ocean county new jersey,that takes medicare

I always had a round face and full cheeks until my weight loss. The last 20 lbs or so seemed to drain the fullness right out of my face and my jowls sagged and there are wrinkly hollows under my cheeks. I look so much older than I did. My body is wrinkly too but I can cover that with clothing and fortunately I kept my boobs! I decided about six weeks ago to get a facelift. I had a couple consultations with local surgeons who recommended a face/neck lift and fat transfer to the nasolabial lines. Cost--about 13K as an outpatient procedure and no guarantee that the fat transfer would be permanent. I started looking at overseas as an option and a couple names kept pop…

UPDATE...... I spoke with a Representive from UHC and Yes Breast lift and thigh lift are a covered procedure. (However brachioplasty is not) When accompanied by documentation. So Now to schedule an appointment. Not before I have another visit with my PCP to check in and have more documentation. (More is sometimes better) Then we will see where this goes. I may have to seek several opinions, don't want to be tied to just one. If anyone has UHC and has any addtional info please share. Just wanted to share what I have found out. Thanks, Deb.

Okay my tuck is scheduled for December 13th. My PS has a LOT of experience with ports and he will be moving and repositioning mine. He said I can get it unfilled before surgery or leave it, it's up to me. Now if I leave it filled will anything from the surgery cause it to swell? Also, I've been reading on the net and I found that most PS's recommend arnica tablets and bromelain to help with healing. I can't swallow anything bigger than a birth control pill most days. I can't even swallow a Tylenol unless it's a round shaped easy tab. Did you take the Arnica or Bromelain? Should I get a minor unfill just in case?

Hi, For anyone who has had a abdominoplasty/tummy tuck, are there any compression garments for post op that you would recommend? My surgery is not until January 19th but I figured I could pick some up with all the holiday sales right now. Thanks, Katie

OK so I just had a brachioplasty done not quite 2 weeks ago and let me tell you I am ECSTATIC with the results. Anyhow so my next PS that I want to have is an inner thigh lift. My plastic surgeon suggested doing this is a 2 step process.....he said so lipo and give it time to heal then do the actual lift. Can they not do this together? So here's a few questions I have for ppl that have had it done......I know I could google the info but I like to discuss this kind of stuff with ppl that have actually had it done 1. How happy were you with the results? My thighs for the most part are bumpy from cellulite and sag at the inner thigh. 2. How long were you down for? I work…

Hey All; I am 3 years post lap-band surgery. I've lost 80-85 pounds to date. I am so close to goal I can almost taste it. I have a question in regards to plastic surgery and those who have had success with getting their insurance to cover it. My insurance will cover it if it's medically necessary. I have issues with my knees (already have had 3 knee surgeries) and shoulders, and in my opinion having the extra skin hanging off my arms and thighs isn't helping. Also, I have a large flap of skin overhang on my lower abdomen. I've reached a point where I don't think much more weight is going to come off until I get rid of this skin, and gain some more moveme…

I am so excited to announce that I FINALLY heard from my insurance company today and they approved my panniculectomy. I have been dealing with these rashes and stuff for over a year now and now am going to be able to have the chance to have a flatter tummy. I am going to have the full abdominoplasty and TT (extra cost) but if I am going to do this I only want to do it once! I am filled with a sense of excitement but also REALLY nervous about going under the knife. I have a choice at either the end of December or the end of January. SO many feelings running through me right now! Katie

last monday i had a hernia repair and my tummy muscles tightened. with my history he told me i'd have to have the skin removed later. after waking up i learned i needed a blood transfusion cause i lost to much blood. then drs started going in and out of the room i herd one on the phone saying i think she has kidney damage too. i started to freak and cry not knowing what woukd happen. a nurse grabbed my hand and said will u trust me i wont let anything happen to u i promise. they finally used a mens catheder on me because i was so swollen a female one wouldn't work.\ and did get urine. I had two bags of blood that day. The next day two more bags of blood. Finally on the 5…

EEK! My PS said he does TT's all the time with the fill left in but he said he always leaves that up to the original Lap Band Surgeon. Well mine said it absolutely must come out:( I'm SO SCARED of gaining weight! My TT is 12/13. They wanted me to come in on 12/6 for an unfill and I said no way. I argued with them until they finally said I could come on 12/12. I don't want my band unfilled for too long. So I'm wondering how does refilling it work? I'm assuming I'll be too sore to have it refilled for a while right? How long before I can get it filled again and will they put all the fill back in at one time or do I have to have several fills? I'm getting musc…

These are pictures from the night before my surgery 7/13/2011 and tonight 8/10/2011 (4 weeks) I put the links in case the pictures dont work. Before Front Before Side After Front After Side "> "> "> ">

I was a member of this forum a couple of years ago and have just re-joined (lost my login info). I was banded in February 2007 and have been near my goal weight for a couple of years+ -- started at 265 and am now holding steady at about 160. I am THRILLED with my success, but hate all the excess skin that shakes when I exercise and spreads out over the bed when I lay down. I am planning to have some significant plastic surgery in December and I really have no idea what to expect, other than what my surgeon tells me. I don't know anyone who has done this before, so I'm counting on my fellow banders to give me the straight story. I could really use your help and…

I am 3 years out from having my Realize band surgery and have lost 78 pounds and am at my goal weight. Almost 2 years ago, my job relocated and now I commute 72 miles to work. I sit in a cubicle for 10 hours a day, that's 13 hours a day on my butt!!! I have a terrible roll over the top of my jeans, and just an overall blubbler belly. I can't stand it any more and want to get a tummy tuck. Plus, after the first of the year, seriously look for a new job. I am looking for PS in the Mid-cities area, that YOU have used, and would recommend. Any help would be welcomed.

Curious if anyone out there has Federal Employee insurance (I have BC/BS Basic Option) and if they have had any luck getting them to pay for the plastic surgery to remove skin after WLS? Thanks!

My PS consult is finally here! I'm excited and a bit nervous. I can't get it done until at least January but I currently have around 17 pounds left to lose. Maybe I will lose it before then. I'm wanting a tummy tuck and possibly breast implants and my upper/ inner thighs done.

Hi All well getting a bit closer to my Body Lift on Nov 1st. My PCP is sending my lab work today and EKG to the PS Today. Only a few issues, cholesterol a bit high (237) but at least my Good was in the normal range and one of the liver tests AST was a bit High 66. He wants to recheck in 4 months and do a more complete cholesterol test to see the fat in blood etc. I advised my Gym to put my membership on hold as of Nov 1st, than I told my Trainer about the upcoming surgery. I was presently surprise that she was really thrilled for me! I was kind of expecting her to tell me to do more crunches! But she thinks its a great decision. She said not to rush back to t…

So, I've been VERY fortunate on the excess skin issue, sure I sag a little here and there but my fears that I'd end up looking like a circus freak proved false. I actually have more of an issue when I lie down then stand, I sort of look like I am melting a bit as I sag onto the bed One thing I have noticed is when I give myself an injection every 10 days for Testosterone replacement, it seems that the skin on my thigh is now a lot thicker and I have to push quite hard to "pop" through the outer layer into the muscle. Can this be that my skin has actually gotten THICKER instead of just looser? Anyone from , say a dermatologist office in the know about this?

Hello, I had my lap band Sept 14. Thinking way ahead...did any of you get your tummy tuck approved by insurance? If so, how? Thanks!

I pay 778.00 a month for my insurance and just found out my hernia repair is not covered by my insurance because i'm paying for my muscles to be fixed and skin rmoval. They said i could have have hernia surgery then later have the rest at a different time if i was paying for it. So this would mean two surgieries cut in same areas for know reason. but having it all done at same time is exclusion even if im paying. i sometimes get bloodclots so another surgery is more risky them both at same time. I'm gonna apeal has anyone had this problem with insurance not wating to pay for the hernia?

Hi there, Going for my PS consult next Tuesday. I have some significant skin issues and so am hopeful insurance will pay for a panniculectomy however I am hoping I can see how much extra a TT will be. I figured if I am going to have surgery then I am going to do it right and ONCE! Just wondering, for those who have undergone plastic surgery, how did you finance it? Were there any special credit cards, loans, programs that helped with the financing? I can't pay an "all at once" cash fee but could probably manage to pay over a couple of years. Any advice? Thanks! Katie

To my surprise I just found out I am approved for tummy tuck! I want to lose 20 pounds before I do the surgery, but need to schedule consult soon. I could use advice on what kind of questions I should ask the Dr. and what to expect. Thank you Teri

I just had my tummy tuck in NYC on Tuesday the 10th and I am in pain but doing so well. I am happy I did it and loved my dr and my team.

Has anyone had a minimal incision brachioplasty? I just scheduled my procedure for next month. The surgeon said that for optimal results I will probably have to have a second procedure eventually but that the scar is only under the arm pit. I figured it was worth having some residual sagging to avoid the big ugly scar I've seen in a lot of before and after procedures. I talked to 3 surgeons and they all warned that arms do not heal well and the scar will likely be very visible with regular bracioplasty. Also, I'm not at my goal weight, although I've been stable for abotu 6 months now. I started at 320, went down to 230 and then went back to 250 and have stayed there…

i get sores under my tummy and boobs,will medicare cover the procedure?