Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery

2,848 topics in this forum

Hi guys, its been quite a while but i am back. well it will be a year june 9th since having surgery. i am very satisfied with my slow weight loss. i've had people say that girl you look so healthy, your face doesn't look sulken in. So i went in for a consult for a tummy tuck. the surgeon is a cutie:tt1:. well he told me 2 ways he could do it. i think i will go for the scar to go up and down, that way, my sides will be pulled in. he said unless you want to wear a 2 piece bikini. i was like no:thumbdown: and the cost $7,500 and it will cost lesser if my insurance company pays for the panne.

Help, does anyone know what is the best bet for cottage cheese thighs? Is there a natural way (exercise or lotions) that can help with the appearance? I've lost enough weight that I want to wear shorts, but hellllooooo *cottage cheese thighs* are attention grabbing and they are gross. They are bumpy ALL the way around the top of the thigh and I am very self conscious of them. Tanning helps with the appearance a little, but I worry about the long term affects....I've also tried self tanning sprays, lotions etc and end up with orange spots in obvious places and it's scary.

I posted on line yesterday before I left for my doctor's appointment. Now it's just a wait and see game with my insurance company. I wish I had talked with someone about their first trip to see a plastic surgeon so I would have known what would happen when I got there. I was completely shocked when they said I'd have to have some pictures taken. I should have known they would do that but I guess it was just something that I didn't think about. After the initial interview and answering a lot of questions, I was told that as soon as the photo room was available, they'd take me there. That's when the nerves hit! I didn't know what to expect at all. Then the moment o…

I was wondering if anyone had experienced having your insurance pay for plastic surgery---particularly breast lift and tummy tuck. If insurance did pay, what was used as justification?

I haven't even got my band yet, and I'm already thinking about future PS. I have a huge incisional hernia from three prior abdominal surgeries. The scar is all stretched out since it's hard to heal properly after three cuts in the exact same spot. The hernia starts right under my belly button, and is about 6 inches long, and several inches wide. When I lie down on my back, the "innards" settle back into place, and it's like a gully down my tummy. Heck, if I could just get the hernia repaired, I'd lose several inches off my waist. The hernia repair will be more successful if it's done when I'm close to goal weight. Has anyone had a large hernia repaired along wit…

I'm physically ready for PS but not financially. My boyfriend is changing jobs this summer and while he's 110% confident about the career change, I'm a little nervous about incurring a huge debt at the same time. Plus, if I jump thru the insurance company hoops, I should be able to get the pani portion of my TT covered. (I have to be 18 months out from WLS surgery) I'm going to start some consultations this summer. Anyway ... A breast lift and TT are my priorities right now. Possibly a LBL but my butt is only a little saggy and my outer thighs are fine. One of my questions is about my inner thighs. They really aren't too bad on the inside where the thighs tou…

I'm so excited!! My consult is May 19th and I can't wait (though I'm not looking forward to a stranger having to look at my wobbly areas!!). I can't wait to find out what improvements he thinks are possible and how much it's going to cost.

Hi all! Well I am excited beyond measure. I got filled two months ago after being stuck at 205 - 209 lbs for about 2 years, and BOOM I dropped 13 pounds. I've decided to move ahead and plan plastic surgery for December, no matter what I weigh, and stop putting it off. It's been motivating to say the least. I've met with 3 plastic surgeons in Philly who seemed qualified and am not certain I've found "the one." I was banded at NYU and am willing to go back to NY for my PS, but would like to know if there are experienced bariatric PSs here first. I love reading everyone's stories and can't wait to have my own "post op" thread :thumbup: This has been a long time in comi…

Hi, I am a newbie to this board. I am having a tt on 5/14 and I am excited, but nervous. I have my sons b-day party 3 days after surgery. My mom & sister will take care of everything, but I am hoping I will feel good enough to "hang out" for the day! Any questions I should ask my PS? Any information that anyone can provide me that you think may be helpful would be fantastic. I am also having my lap doctor move my port & change it to a low-profile. Can anyone tell me their experience with pain and going back to work?? Thanks in advance. :coolgleamA:

ok, there are quite a few of us going for plastics in February / March. so far: Feb 11 - Nina (TT w/ mega lipo) & OUSooner (abdominoplasty) Feb 14 - washinginwa (TT) & Eugenia (brachioplasty) Feb 19 - mommi-hammi (TT) Feb 21 - esmeralda (TT, BL/BA, lipo) Feb 22 - nurseamy (TT, lipo of waist/thighs/back/side boobies & a Breast Lift) Feb 29 - losingjusme (TT, lipo of flanks/'trunk', mons 'lift') March 5 - Karey (TT) March 7 - Marypetunia (panni/mons 'lift') unknown - Buffie (breast augmentation/brachioplasty)

I have what is probably a silly question...what kind of doctor does a panniculectomy? Is it only a plastic surgeon? I am going to attempt to see if I can get it covered by my insurance due to really bad yeast infections, and need to find a doctor on my plan. Thanks!

I know it's different at different parts of the country as well as Dr's. But on average how much does a tummy tuck cost??

Hello all, I've been reading all the posts and following your journeys with the PS for the past few months. I've been banded since Jan 07 and am close to goal. Desperately needing several PS procedures but am limiting myself to a tummy tuck and neck lift due to finances. I was self-pay for my band and will definitly have to pay for the PS. Looking for info on a good surgeon in the Dallas area and some idea of the costs involved. I just got my band paid off and have about $5000 saved so far for plastic surgery. I've read about tummy tucks costing anywhere from $6000 to $10,000. Dont' have any idea about the cost of the neck lift. any advice -suggestions? Thanks for any…

Sorry Ive been away for so long...been busy plus it's fishing season n galveston! The event I will be attending is this weekend in Dallas at Crowne Plaza: Ryd Obesity Project - to help others conquer obesity Hope to see you there... Dr L.

Hello, I was wondering if anyone has ever had plastics with Dr. Newall? I was looking at his webpage and he seems to do an excellent job, but I would like to hear from any of you, if you actually had procedures done with him. I'm interesting in getting a tummy tuck, BL/BA and would like to see what his results are (how the TT scar looks in particular...is it low enough, symmetrical, etc). Pics please, Thanks! Cynthia

I am sharing what I looked like post Lap Band, pre tummy tuck. I need to get my post tt pics, which I had nine months ago. I have never uploaded pics before so forgive me if this does not work.......will keep trying. It seems that it is not uploading.........oh well, if nothing else I will scan my before and afters...........

today's the day!! my DH will post updates thank you all for your thoughts and prayers

My doctor took me from 3.2 to 2.7 a few days ago. I think I have started to gain a little weight. Just wondering how you dealt with your unfill?

My tummy tuck and thigh lift is scheduled for 4/21. Anyone else in April and/or May time frame?

Lani here, would like to know from people who underwent breast lift with augmentation and tummy tuck what is the best compression garment. I googled it. I've been researching the net however I am not satisfied with what I saw. I saw those half suits without bras- so I guess they are not good for post breast lifts and augmentation. Another question, my size is 34-31-36 not proportion to the size charts of these compression garments, do I go for small, since there will be swelling after the surgery or do I go for xtra small so it tightens all the areas. Help, I need sound advice. Thank you.:blushing::scared2:

Please, I usually do not rant and rave but I am besides myself with worry. The surgeons office had called and told me I was approved for a TT and I had it done March 26th. Now I get a letter from my insurance carrier (GHI) which says they do NOT pay for plastice surgery. I am besides myself with worry over this, and hope at least the hospitalization is covered but how can it be if the surgery is being denied. HELP!! Be well. Frantic Fran

This one is for all of you who have been there before us who are looking toward the flatlands. Did you take your measurements? I've been taking mine throughout the whole Lap Band process and today I got to thinking about the inches lost with the tummy tuck. Just curious if you did and how many inches lost?

I am very excited. I am about 50 pounds from goal but thought I would go in to get info and what he expects me to do before I can have my intertube (as I call it) removed. I am excited because he is hoping insurance will pay for it...we submitted it and he says I can do it now. I am very small up on top and really my legs are carring most of my weight. I am actually almost flat from under my breast to right below my belly button. He says I am mostly just skin hanging and there is no reason I cant have it now. He said even if I lost another 80 pounds it would not make a huge difference...might not be skin tight like it would be now but it wouldnt be saggy either. I have a …

On March 8th I went for my consultation, 2 weeks later ,I received a letter as well as a phone call that insurance will cover the procedure. It is set for 5/21( I had to finish this semester first.) I will try to keep everyone posted and if at all possible post some pics. To date I have lost 112lbs with the assistance of my best friend ,Mr.Band. My plastic surgeon informed me that everything from the belly button down will be gone --- oh my that's alot. PS I have GHI HMO

So, I've lost a little over 100 lbs, and have about 45 lbs to go before I am ready for plastic surgery (my goal is November). If nothing drastic changes, I am looking at: Arm Lift Breast lift (maybe reduction) Tummy tuck Thigh lift (inner and outer) Is this all part of a total body lift? IF not, any insight from the veterans here on how many surgeries this will require? I appreciate your thoughts, Lori

Are all of these terms the same procedure? The way the surgeon explained it is that he would do the incision all the way around (belt), which would enable him of course to do the TT and to also lift the outer thighs and lift the butt. It will also help eliminate some of the lower back fat. He called this a belt lipectomy. I haven't heard it used in those terms before, but is this the same as a lower body lift that I read about on here sometimes? Thanks for any replies.

From losing 100 lbs my PS wants to suck the fat out of my chin. I guess you need to wear a chin strap for at least a week afterwards as well. Has anyone seen good results with this? How long did the strap need to be worn?

Hi everyone, I hope this encourage everyone and give people that extra push to make their goals. I've lost about 85 pounds since Sept. 2007, 7 months! I started at 269 and am down to 184!!! Almost into a size 12!! I feel great and just went back to work about 7 weeks ago to help keep me active and moving to lose a bit more weight. I know I will need a tummy tuck, 5 kids and few c-sections plus the weight have taken a toll, ya know. But now my dilema: how far from my goal weight should I begin looking into a tummy tuck AND what should my goal weight be?? I'm 5 feet 5 inches tall...at my thinnest size 6 or 7 I weighed 135....but I don't know if the old body will ever be …

Hey all, does anyone have any luck with getting approval for a tummy tuck, and breast lift/reduction from Aetna. If so, what hoops did you jump through to get the approval, and what was the time frame from start to surgery date? Thanks so much for your advice, and input.......:thumbup: Debbie:tt2:

I FINALLY MADE AN APPT. WITH PLASTIC SURGEON FOR MY 1ST CONSULT. I WOULD LIKE SURGERY THE FIRST WEEK OF JUNE. I AM EXCITED AND SCARED AND NERVOUS. I THINK EVERY EMOTION HAS COME OUT. HAVEN'T EVEN HAD APPT. YET AND I AM ALREADY STRESSING AND LOSING SLEEP. MY APPT. IS MAY 5. THERE ARE SOOO MANY QUESTIONS AND CONCERNS. I AM PLANNING ON A BREAST LIFT AND TUMMY TUCK, AND WOULD LOVE LIPO OF THE ARMS. CAN'T WAIT TO SEE THE DOCTOR AND FIGURE OUT WHAT MY OPTIONS ARE. I DO KNOW THAT THE PRICE FOR TT AND BREAST LIFT IS JUST BELOW $12,000 WHICH IS AWESOME. FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO HAVE HAD A TUMMY TUCK, HOW BAD IS THE FIRST WEEK? ALSO DID THE SCAR FREAK ANYBODY OUT. I THINK TH…

Hi All, I had my TT on March 26th. and feel great. It was not bad at all. My question to you is this: I keep going on the scale and it goes up and down daily. The surgeon said the lab weighed 5 pounds of skin taken off-how come I did not loose that much at least? I am really, really careful about what I eat. Be well. Fran

I am getting a tummy tuck Monday April 14th and my doctor is just now having some concern about doing liposuction around my port area. Has anyone had lipo around their port and a tummy tuck, or either or? Now he has me a little nervous. I am trying to get my lapband doctor to give him a call but I don't know if he will have time before Monday to call him. Any advice is helpful. Thanks, :sad_smile: Wendy

I had my tummy done (forgot the medical name) on Wed. March 26th in Goshen New York after loosing 115 pounds since August 206. I feel fine, but the drains are disgusting. Not such a bad surgery.

I have a very very bad case of turkey neck. For years I always wondered how some that were heavier could have such beautiful necks. Then I noticed my father....I got his turkey neck...and his legs....and his hands....figures. Has anyone gotten plastic surgery for turkey neck covered by insurance?

I haven't been banded yet, but I'm just wondering how many of you need PS? Do most bandsters need it? Does working out help with this? Or is it just the way your body is that matters? Thanks!

I have been told that some insurance companies will pay for ps after weight loss. I called mine and they said that the docotor would have to send in request for coverage. The lady said that while it may be medically necessary for some, it may not be for others. Has anyone ever had insurance pay for their ps and what "symptoms" would make it medically necessary. I would love to get this part of my journey covered by insurance if that is a possibility. Thanks, Amy

Wow. Talk about mortifying. I had to stand there in the buck with nothing but these tiny bikini underwear they provide you, and get photographed! Sagging boobies, hanging belly, arms flapping in the wind - that took ALOT! And what did i learn at the end of the day?? I shouldve stayed Fat because i cant afford all this surgery LOLOL Just kidding of course. I got a consultation on a little extra neck fat, sagging deflated boobies, massive arm flab hanging and a WILD unruly stomach that is all sorts of wrinkled. THe great news was...he said there is NO fat in my stomache or arms...that im hollowed out!! Yay. I was hoping it was just skin and not more I needed to lose…

I went shopping this weekend and bought the cutest tankini that was a size 16. When I have my TT an thigh lift I may be the size of a 14 but not sure. My surgeon is really supportive with 75% of my excess body weight being loss. Its okay to be a size 14/16 and 5'8" Here are my before and after pictures. I down another 15 lbs from this pics and 1 size.

Any good ones in the NYC Metro area?

At your preop does the doctor measure you or something for the compession garmets with a tummy tuck? I don't want the hassle of trying to find one. Thanks.

Hello everyone I am about a year and a half out of surgery and after losing weight and working out I have decided a tummy tuck and possible breast lift may be in my future. I am just beginning the process to research Doctors but I have no clue where to look. So if anyone knows any good plastic surgeons in the Mass, Nh or RI area it would be much appreciated. Also, what is the going price for these type of surgeries? Are the tax deductable because its from weight loss surgery or no? Any help, advice, or thoughts would be much appreciated! Thanks

Does anyone else have a large female area that sags and needs lifted prior to weight loss?

Hello all...I am about a year and a half with the lap band and after weight loss, dieting, and exercising I think it may be time to look into a tummy tuck and a breast lift. I am curious to know if anyone knows any good plastic surgeons in the mass/nh/ri area. Also, what is the typical price range for these procedures? Is this tax deductable at all? Reall I would appreciate any advice or help in this area, thanks

Does anyone have the name of a Good/Excellent PS in the Dallas TX and suroundingg area?

I wanted to see if I qualify for one of the credit lines that they offer. I do, and the one I qualify for has a limit that is within a few hundred dollars of the quote my PS gave me, with an interest rate as low as 10%. I think I'm still going to apply for the Care Credit financing program, just to see if I could get a better deal with the interest rate. I'm tempted to just go with the credit line at the bank, though, because if I pay in full with no financing, my PS gives a 10% break on her fees. And the limit is close enough (within $400) of the quote she gave me that I know without a doubt I can get the extra money by the time I'm wanting to have surgery. It's somethin…

I need your guys' help. I have some questions. Did all of your surgeons specialize in dealing with massive amounts of weight loss? Did anyone have a Belt Lipectomy? In a hospital? How long did you stay in the hospital? Recovery time? I went on a consult with a surgeon that doesn't require his patients to be at a certain weight. He says that our bodies with only get to a certain weight and this excess tissue will affect our BMR and we won't drop any lower. That our bodies are in "shock" like we have been in an accident and we won't lose. I just was wondering if anyone else had been told the same thing? And what was the cost of your belt lipectomy and medial thigh? …

Hello All, I have been watching you all go through your tummy tuck adventures. Now it's time for me to start on my own. I will be having a tt with tumescent liposuction to the abdomen, waist, and hips this Thursday morning at 11:30. I can't believe it! Only 2 more days. I have to admit to being a little nervous, but very excited at the same time. I will be having the surgery in a surgical center and going home the same day. That's a little scarey to me! My husband will be with me for the first 5-6 days. He's wonderful and will be a big help. I would appreciate any advice, info, or aftercare tips any of you oldies could give me. Thanks in advance. Cheryl

Hey LBT buddies I need some advice on what questions to ask Plastic Surgeon on my 1st consult???I haven't made an offical appointment yet! Any advice ,ideas,.....anyone like to share their experience on pros and cons~ pain~time off work???? I'm wanting to look into a Tummy Tuck,Breast lift(or possible implants too)Thinking of getting my arms done also! Any help would be great! I'm just at a loss for knowing what to be concerned about.HELP!!!! :omg: Also wondering what a good weight or how far from idea weight do I need to be before having PS done.

LMP was 2/17 after miscarriage, lasted about a week. i had my TT on 2/29, still havent had TOM. just tested for HCG and it was negative (thank god - PS would not be pleased). how jacked up were your TOM's after plastics? were you back to 'normal' or were they really weird?? i KNOW if i dont start soon, i will have to see my OB, but i just wanted to get a general idea ...

I have an issue and thought I could use some advice. I have lost 90 pounds and would like to lose atleast 40 more. The problem is with the recovery time of a pannectolmy I would have to do it during summer. I have a home daycare for teachers and its impossible for me to close down ....but I do have summers off. I have worked out with a trainer for over a year and originally lost 14" around my hips. I have not lost an inch since I have had the lap band and lost all my weight. I went for a ps appt and he said we could do it now because he was pretty sure that I would not lose another inch around my middle section without surgery but if I did it now and lost more weight …