Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery

Anyone have info on a doctor in Dallas area that does good work & knows how to handle paper work for insurance company to get them to pay as much as possible? It's a bit soon for me but I like to research as much as I can before the time comes. Haven't had any babies so can't use that excuse.

Has anyone had anytype of fascial plastic surgery or breast lift? If so could you give me all the details. I have a consult next week. I am getting nervous.

Ok, I think I'm definitely going to need a TT when I am at my goal, I already have the hangy-loose skin, plus I had a c-section when I had my son 3 years ago. Anyway, I was just wondering who out there has gotten a TT, who (Dr.) performed the surgery, where did you get it done, and how much was it? I'm not concerned with cost as much as I am a good doctor who knows what he's doing so I won't die, be disfigured, etc, etc.! Let me know the 411!!

Someone suggested that I put this in this section, so here it is, I found this info in another forum I visit and I think it is good advice. 1st of all, make sure you are taking good care of your face. Lotion your face with a quality facial lotion 2x daily. I use Mary Kay or the Oil of Ole' products. Make sure you clean your face and defoiliate before you apply lotion. Stroke your face in the right direction to support the facial muscles instead of tearing them down. Also learn how to do facial exercises to help build the muscles back in your face. The lotion helps keep the skin supple and the exercises encourages the skin to stay tight. Next make sure you are doing s…

Hi! I'm looking into getting lipo of several areas, my stomach included. I have a consult next Thursday with the PS, but was wondering if anyone has had lipo of the stomach with the band in place? I'm assuming they can work around it.....?? I'd love to hear any lipo experiences out there! Thanks, Monica

Has anyone considered just this after weight loss surgery? I have a friend who's had it done, she'd lost a fair bit of weight and did have some stretched out overhang on her belly (just a little) and looooong saggy boosies. She's been all fixed up with just lipo and looks great with NO scarring. Ok, so she doesnt look like a Baywatch model, still has a little stretched out skin (but no hang) and her boobs are just a smaller version of their previous shape, but boy, I'd be happy with the results she's had. They've taken 50% of the volume from each breast and in so doing, while the shape is pretty much the same (she says, I'm not on intimate terms with her boobs) sinc…

Has anyone used Dr. Manuel San Miguel in Monterrey, Mexico, or know someone who did?

Here is my photo's I' think im in line for a tummy tuck? I rate my stomach at and ugly 7.5 Show us your's.....:faint:

So I'm booked in to have my tummy tuck and breast reduction on April 3rd. Starting to get a bit nervous lol, but that's normal. Just wondering, from those of you who've had it done ... on a scale of 1 - 10, how bad was the pain?

ive been watching this show on discovery health like plastic surgery something rather.. any how.. there is apparently a doctor in pittsburg i believe they said that does a full body lift in one surgery... ie, tummy tuck, boob lift, butt/thigh lift, inner thigh lift, and if need be the arms. anyone know much about this? the ppl who have the surgery apparently stay in a hospital for a few days Granted, you have to meet very strict criteria to qualify for it (healthy etc) im far from that part of my journey but curious at the same time. Ive thought about it a lot and the fact that i dotn want to have to pay for surgery 2-3 times this totally sounds like a better plan t…

Has any body reseached the cheapest place to have a tummy tuck that is safe? or had it done and is willing to share info? thanks. I' have thirteen pound's to lose then I' wont be over weight any more!... Im thinking of having one down because I have a small stomach roll and can't do crunth's to firm it up because of multiple bulging disk's.

For Lack of a better title! Who's got the skinny on boob jobs? I want some length taken off of my when I get nearer to goal. I'm curious what the cost of a boob lift is and what the likliehood of any insurance company covering any portion of if it's deemed medically necessary. I don't know why they would deem a boob job for me medically necessary unless I keep tripping on them and skinning my knees. Maybe not skinning my knees because my boobs are nearly hanging down as low as my knees. You get the picture.

This is probable a stupid question,but can anyone give me any idea if after a 60 pnd weight loss,tummy tuck would be needed?From what I understand lapband weight loss is relativly slow so I'm hopeing not to need it.I'm 51,so that might be a factor.My goal is 160 or so.I'm 5'2. Thanks,Guys!

WOndering if anyone has had plastic surgery on their arm excess skin?

Hi. I will be habing the lapband in January. I havent' thought much about having plastic surgery. Does everyone need it after they lose weight? I need to lose about 70-80 pounds. I really hope I won't need it. Thanks

Ok, this is a weird question but here goes: I had liposuction on my chin (went from triple to about 1 1/2 chins). It helped at the time, now my question is will I see even more result in that one area (I know I'll see it other places too) after my lap-band is working (surgery 10/27/05)...??? Excited...2 more days!

I am seriously looking for a GREAT plastic surgeon now. Any suggestions? Preferably in the states.

Hi -- I am a physician/health writer working on an article about plastic surgery after weight loss surgery for the NY Daily News. I am looking for someone from the NYC area to share their experience with me over the phone (I am based in Washington DC). I am happy to talk off the record, if you do not want your name in the paper. Please reply via email to ranitmd@yahoo.com thanks for your assistance, Ranit Mishori, MD

HI all, Since this is my first post, I'dd like to thank everyone for thier postings. It sure helps a newbie like me out. I'm almost at goal and after much research I have decided to have my plastic surgery outside the US. I like the idea of Costa Rica because it has alot of recovery retreats. Mexico sounds good because the border cities are so close to the US if there is a problem I know Im never to far from home. Brazil - well Brazil is known for Plastic surgery period. And the Dominican Republic has by far the best prices but by far the worst rep. I have been researching like crazy and so far have found the best info on another board related to plastic s…

If you your scars bother you, I’ll be happy to help. I’m a Certified Micropigmentation Specialist, Certified Corrective Pigment Camouflage Specialist, and a Certified Skin Care Specialist. Scar camouflage works great and it’s permanent. I teach scar camouflage and repair and have been working with plastic surgeons since 1984. I’m in southern California, but I CAN TRAVEL TO YOUR LOCATION. The price I reasonable and the results are great. Now that you’re loosing weight, lets do the finishing touches and fix that scar! Contact info.: deenabarton@yahoo.com or 760-868-3261

Okay, here's a pic of my eyes 3 days after blephemoplasty (or however ya spell it)--upper & lower eyelid surgery. The swelling has actually gone down quite a bit from the first two days. I could barely open my eyes for 12 hours. This was taken by my buddy JUST BEFORE she drove me to get foot surgery. You can imagine the looks I got in the waiting room of the outpatient podiatry center. Oh, the lovely STRINGS stayed on for 5 days. They're to keep the bottom lids from dropping so you don't end up looking like a hounddog. It's a very strange feeling to see the world thru strings attached to your eyes. But once my foot had been cut into I didn't think so much about my e…

How does the whole cosmetic surgery thing work? Do you find a surgeon by word of mouth? Do they do the free seminar routine like the bariatric guys? Since it's so rare that insurance pays, Do we go to few different surgeons and get price quotes? I know I have about a year or more until I need to worry about this, but I am really curious, and would like to do some research while I am sitting around melting away Thanks!

First, thanks to all for your prayers. I was so nervous about having my eyes covered with Patches for four hours after surgery, but the anesthesioligist kept me nice and sleepy and it was not a problem. I had my upper and lower lids done and my ears. I hired a private nurse for 24hours to keep ice on my eyes to help the swelling and it helped tremendously. I had NO pain at all! Today I had the stiches taken out and my lips plumped up a bit, well, acutally, I looked like I had melons for lips, lol. He told me the swelling will go down the next two or three days and it has already gone down considerabaly. My lips looked like Goldie Hawns on "First Wives Club" when she …

My question is I know that for a tummy tuck it’s probably better to wait until I no longer want children, but for a boob job (with implants) should I also wait until I am done having kids or will a pregnancy affect what they look like after wards. I know there is a lot of young people that have lost a large amount of weight and then had plastic surgery, do you regret getting it before children? Did it affect what you looked like afterwards? Should I wait for a boob job also??? I have so many questions, please help!!!

Two days and I head out to get my tt, I'm so excited and only a few of you my band family has any interest in such a life changing event for me. It is really hurting my feelings. Or maybe I have just done overkill on the subject. But please know that I am just so excited and scared and excited all over again. I leave on Thursday and my surgery is scheduled for July 4th, I'm having a redo, my tt, body liposculpture (lipo of upper and lower back, inner & outer thighs and some on my arms) he also want to do some fat grafting on my buttocks since they are so flat, he thinks it would give me an overall better shape. So here I go. Wish me luck and look out supermodels here …

Well I spoke w/ the ps yesterday evening and I am getting my tt and lipo the first week of July. Spoke w/ my boss and she's cool about me taking the time off and all is well. My aunt is headed to Texas on the 30th, so I'll be hitching a ride w/ her and then my mom is bringing me back. I would have flown, but I don't think I can handle my three kids on the flight back on my own, and since my mom is coming back w/ me to help me out after my surgery this worked out well. Well so if you have any spare $$$$ send it my way, cause I'm fixing to spend alot of money. I'm really surprised at how supportive my husband is being with all of this, I thought he would be bitching about m…

Don't know if this works, but here are my before and after photos.

Well, I'd be out from my surgery by now, it was scheduled for today, but unfortunatly I had to cancel. Things are just too hectic in my life right now to try and recover from all that surgery. I am pretty disappointed, but I know that the right time will come. Meanwhile, I have called and scheduled a fill with aka Dr. Cutiepie (Dr. Gomez), cause I am sure over due for one. Maybe I can lose the last 20 lbs I have to lose. And I have got to get motivated and start working out, I feel drained all the time and need to energize myself. So send some encouragement my way. So, I guess maybe I can shoot for another date at the end of summer or in the fall sometime. My girls have b…

Has anyone used any of the doctors in MX for their cosmetic surgeries? Any feedback would be appreciated. It seems MUCH less expensive there.

Hello, I was just wondering what insurance will apy for a tummy tuck? I am having a breast lift and inplant on May 16th I am paying for that myself..... But if I had an insurance co that will pay , I am totally for that.... HELP.....

Hurray- I did it! I went for my ps consult, I was trying to lose 100 lbs first because I've heard that ins will pay, but decided I needed to ck it out and my ps said there is no way I can lose 40 more pounds....so, she siad try for 20 and then come in for pics and predetermination...but I can go and have arms andbreast done since ins will not pay for those anyway. So I am going to schedule for August for breast lift and brachioplasty...then next year I'll put in for the tt and thigh lift...now I must get that 20 lbs off.....here I go.... wish me luck and good restriction... Nancy

No, I'm not talking about exercises. . . and first, let me say that I never imagined I would read, much less post, anything on the plastic surgery forum, but recently my thighs have gotten, well, saggy. Some of it's just plain age, which I can deal with (not planning on launching a career as an underwear model) but some of it is from weight loss. Not to be graphic, but we're talking both inner and outer. Anyone know if there's an easy operation to get rid of saggy leg skin -- kind of like a tummy tuck for thighs?

My stomach as always been big and now with the weight loss It is really flabby. I'm thinking about a TT in about a years time. (when I lose all my weight). Can someone tell me what a TT is like what is your exerience. Is it really painful? Is the recovery time long? Will it be worth it? thanks for your time

Well, I spoke with my doctor and I am planning to head to Mexico to get my tummy tuck and my liposculpture end of July, I am so happy, I have to work extra hard to try to get as close as I can to my goal weight. I have a tough job ahead of me, but the reward will be amazing. He even said that he will reshape my butt with the same fat he removes from other areas to give me a rounder, higher looking butt, I am thrilled. My husband is excited for me, he gave me the money last week and I'm all set to go. One catch, he has challenged me to get to my goal weight and my reward will be my surgery. I think this is the incentive I need. I am so excited. I stand in the mirror …

I'm very pleased with my results!! I had the tummy tuck 3/31/03. Robin

I am flying to Monterey to have my eyes and ears done by a doc I met while getting banded. He is very nice, speaks good english and I have seen his work. I am having my ears pinned back (they protrude and I have always wanted them done) and my upper and lower lids for $3,000. I am soooooo excited. I will keep you all posted. Doctor Alejandro Cardenas is doing the work.

Requesting prayers out there from anyone who believes in the power of prayer. I am nervous about going back down. I did great with the band and I met Dr. Cardenas when I was down there before and really liked him and trust he is a qualified physician. I am having upper and lower eyes done, endoscopic brow lift and ears pinned back. I guess I am nervous about being sedated. Does anyone have any experience or advice for me here at the last minute. My 21 year old daughter keeps telling me that I will not be sorry. I am planning on going back for a tt when I reach goal. Thanks for the prayer!

My insurance approved me for a breast reduction. No problem. First request. I'm still MO. Actually, I'm MO again. This is not about weight loss or goals or anything except bigger than necessary boobs. Hmmm.

When can you start to exercise after surgery not walking but more intense stuff like cardio or strenth training?

I decided for my 50th birthday in April I want to have my arms done. The hanging skin is horrible. Has any one had their arms done. I guess I will be paying out of pocket since I don't believe my insurance will cover it.

Is it just me or have you noticed yourself looking older now that you've lost weight? I'm 50, but I can honestly say that I looked about 30 or 35 pre-surgery. That's not to say I looked good - just young, with smooth skin. All the wrinkles were plumped out with fat, I guess. Now I look better - I guess - but a great deal older. Wrinkles all over my face. Sagging. Crows feet. I saw a new photo of myself and I was shocked, shocked, I say!! It's so disappointing. I wanted to lose weight for my health, that's the main thing. But of course I also wanted to look better, too. I'm not sure if I do. I would love to get a face lift, but I tend to keloid and it doe…

What does tummy, arm, and thights tucks cost?

Surgery date is May 27th. I'm so freaking nervous.

I am nowhere near goal. But, I have needed reconstructive abdominal surgery for over 25 years. Gaining weight made the problems worse. Losing weight made the sagging and intrigo worse. I thought there would be some resistance, but there was none. The doctor said #1--that the pannus hangs low enough and #2--that the intertrigo just reinforces the decision that it is medically necessary. And did I want May or June? He also says that he may do SOME abdominoplasty work to make the upper and lower parts of my abdomen look like they go together. I asked why so many doctors want the patient at goal. He said that they don't want their work messed up. But that in my ca…

My port is at waist-level to the left of my navel. I wonder, does anyone know if the port might get in the way if I eventually get a tummy tuck? Just wondering.

Heard you were looking for info on Dr. Pena. Elma's website tells all about her experiences--including some complications that could happen anywhere. With your expertise, you'll know how to interpret all of the info. http://supergramemr.homestead.com/Photo_Gallery.html Sue

I was just wondering if cosmetic surgery ie: tummy tuck, is EVER covered by insurance?? Would it be if there was a problem of skin rubbing on skin and being very painful?? And if so, is there ever a time when a breast lift, butt tuck, bat-arms, etc. would be covered??? Sheryl

Did anyone else watch "Trashcan of Skin" on the Discovery Health Channel tonight? A woman lost 309 pounds (down from 525 lbs!) through a low-carb eating plan. I don't think she had WLS, (although it's possible the show glossed over it) but she still had a lot of loose skin. A procedure called a circumferential lower body lift was used to get rid of all the skin. Unfortunately it looked like a pretty difficult recovery. However, since she had almost 40 pounds of loose skin and fat removed, it was quite an improvement in the long run. Being so large to start with, I suspect I too will have plenty of loose skin when I reach my goal weight. I already have some major "bat …