Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery

I'm one year post sleeve surgery and am ready to start looking into having some plastic surgery to clean up the horrible excess skin. Although I'm happy with the Dr who did my sleeve, I'm not really impressed with the plastic surgeon he has teamed up with in his office. Any suggestions on how to find a good plastic surgeon? I would think I want someone who has a lot of experience with bariatric patients, right?

Hey everyone, After losing 286 lbs. I am getting ready for my first skin removal surgery in 43 days. With the busy holiday season I know the time will fly by. I still can’t believe I am at this place in under two years. SW 487. CW 201 I am having arms and thighs done first. Any advice would be welcomed. Has anyone done that? What was recovery like? I am an impatient patient and tend to push and expect allot of myself. But I need to be realistic. Just how incapacitated will I be having all 4 limbs cut on at once? I can handle pain, I just don’t do helplessness very well. So I need realism and tips please.

I am looking into plastics. I noticed how results are so different for each person. Another unknown outcome after weight loss. Trying to decide on procedures and looking into out of pocket cost. https://www.realself.com/procedures https://www.realself.com/body-lift/before-and-after-photos https://www.realself.com/tummy-tuck/before-and-after-photos

@nurse247, and other ps vets Did you have any additional hair loss due to plastic surgery? I was just wondering of being anesthetized for a long surgery had any affect. Thanks

How soon could you shave your pits/use deodorant after an arm lift? How soon could you resume arm exercises?

Hi I live in the Charlotte NC area Can anyone recommend a Doctor to perform a 360 body lift in this area. Thanks

Hello ? I will be having my Weight Loss Surgery in June 2019 and ideally, would like to have plastic surgery 6-7 months after just in time for my birthday. How long did you weight before having plastic surgery?

I've had a lot of weight loss but now have a lot of loose skin, & I understand medicare will pay for skin removal if there are rashes. Does anyone have any information on this?

I am just wondering how many have been able to get PS and have it covered by their insurance. I've heard that it is more likely to be covered if there are complications, such as infections, etc.

I am so excited! I have an appointment Monday with my bank to take out a home equity loan for my future plastics. Interest rates are around 5% now which is so much lower than the medical loans I've seen. How did you finance your plastics? I think my equity is only going to be about 20k, so I may have to supplement with other sources of funding. I have CareCredit up to 13K (I believe), but once the deferment period is over, the interest rate is crazy high. Going to see what my house appraises at and take out the equity loan and sit on it until November when I start the cosmetic journey.

I want to go to the plastic surgeon that did my breast reduction because he did an awesome job and is 30 min away. My bariatric office said I should see someone that focuses on bariatric patients and skin removal, and referred me to someone 2 hours away (longer during rush-hour - DC traffic UGH). I tried calling them twice and no one calls back, which is VERY discouraging. Also, after every surgery I've had (including the two plastics), I've had complications. I don't want to have to drive 2 hours for check-ups and emergencies??? I called several other plastic surgeons a bit closer and none do arm lifts, EXCEPT my plastic surgeon. My bariatric office says they like my guy…

Please look my pics over and tell me what you think or would do. I want to have another breast reduction(2010-I think all I got was a lift. I had no cup size change) and a brachioplasty. I’ve always been top heavy and thought it makes one look bigger all over. And my arms disgust me. But I don’t know if I have body dysmorphia. Do y’all think I would feel better about the way I look if I do this. I feel like I would look somewhat altogether smaller if my breasts weren’t the focal point. I’m a 6 on bottom and a large/12 on top. Has anybody had a brachioplasty that regretted it?

Hello Everyone, I am 2 weeks post op, and looking for suggestions for the next stage of compression garment to wear as I continue my recovery from my tummy tuck. I am overwhelmed by everything out there. I need something COMFORTABLE. This itchy, bulky thing the surgeon gave me is the stuff of nightmares. I need something that works for the summer weather, but is also durable, so I can sleep in it, wash it, etc... I do plan to buy more than one, but I don't want to break the bank, either, you know? Any recommendations are greatly appreciated! Thanks!

Hello all! A few months ago, I posted asking about doing plastic surgery to remove my “apron” of skin. Originally, I intended a panniculectomy. I met with a surgeon, and we went back and forth. He was advocating for an abdominoplasty, and I wasn’t interested in the recovery/pain involved with that procedure. But he didn’t think I’d wind up happy with the simple panniculectomy. We finally reached a compromise of sorts. He did an abdominoplasty, minus the muscle tightening. While he was at it, he gave me a slight butt and thigh lift, removing a chunk of skin/fat - so-called “saddle bags” - from my sides/flanks. I also had my mons lifted (ladies, this was actually the…

Hello! I had RNY May 2, 2018 and plan to get a panniculectomy in November this year (insurance covers it then) and possibly get my breasts evened out. Anyone have before and afters? Hoping to see results from those around 5'1 Thanks!!

Anyone in WA with Regence Uniform (state employee insurance), get a panniculectomy and/or breast reduction after weight loss? I am 1 year post op from RNY and down from highest of 268.8 to 156.8. My insurance appears to cover a panniculectomy after 18 months. Sounds like a breast reduction might be covered as well? Some have suggested doing that and paying for implant etc (i want to even them out as well). Any surgeons in the Olympia area you suggest?

I have a somewhat TMI question. I can’t find anything on Google about it so I figured I’d ask if anyone else has had this problem. I’ve had bladder and urinary tract pain for the last six months and I’m wondering if it’s related to the RNY or the loose skin I have from weight loss. I am a year and a half out from surgery so it’s not related to the catheter. I’m thinking it’s a loose skin issue. The majority of my loose skin is in my stomach, lower pelvis area, and upper inner thighs. Has anyone else had this problem?

Hey everyone! I had my panniculectomy on June 5th and here are my before and afters! Stats: Highest: 540 Size 38 Surgery: 480 Size 32 Panni: 275 Size 24 pant 18 top Current: 248 Size 16 bottom and 14 top 15 pounds of skin removed I am soooo incredibly happy with the results! I don't care about scars. I went from a size 24 before surgery to a size 16. AMAZING! I want to have more surgeries done but I need to wait to get to goal first. My panni was so bad I had to get it removed before getting to goal. My thighs will be first. Ugh I hate them!

I am having surgery next week arm and breast lift with augmentation and I was wondering if any one had any tips for after care. I have help for about 5 days and I was going meal prep for my husband... Is there anything that I should buy to make my life easier during recovery.

Hey all. I've had batwings my whole life, even as a 130lb teenager. When I hit 286, obviously they were much worse. I do not wear short sleeve shirts in public and haven't in years. I only just now started wearing tanktops because I now go to the gym. Now that I've lost 86lbs, they are even droopier. My arms are 17" around each (approximately). I have a very hard time finding sleeves that fit, especially since the rest of my torso is no longer plus-size. I still have 64 more pounds to my "weight goal". I am hoping to get there by the end of the year or so. I am HOPING I can have the brachioplasty in December or January at the latest. Few questions: 1) Did you ha…

I have kaiser permanente they did my sleeve almost 2 years ago, I heard that some patients have gotten their tummy tuck and arms approved by them or they refer them out but pay for it. I have kaiser and live in southern California and are that in Northern California they refer out. Just wondering how hard it is to get it approved and if it’s worth doing it through them. Thank you!

Ladies, I have sagging skin on my inner thigh region and my belly that...eventually I will have removed. But what's really bothering me are my breasts. I would really like to get a lift and probably implants. I haven't been able to get pregnant (which is why I had the surgery in the first place). So I had it in my head I wouldn't do anything drastic like skin removal until I finally get pregnant. Having never been blessed with children, I don't know what to expect if I get my breasts done before we start trying to conceive again. Even if I don't breastfeed, will the fluctuation that happens during pregnancy basically put me in the same position?

Has anyone’s insurance ever covered their plastic surgery?

It’s been 6 months since my DS surgery 87 pounds lost since. I’m not losing anymore weight it’s been 2 weeks with no weight loss should I worry. I’m on high protein diet no sweets I’m very active but no weight loss and I have a lot more to loose should I be concern?

I have searched this subject and can't find much info....Can anyone give me the good, bad, and ugly on a tummy tuck recovery. I am planning to have one the beginning of July and just want to know sort of what to expect. Also, would anyone mind to share what they paid for it? You can private message me if more comfortable. Thank you so much!

On 08/14/18 I underwent my bilateral arm lift and my tummy tuck with muscle repair. I’m three weeks post op, and feeling well. It hasn’t been all easy, but for the most part this was a fairly easy recovery. I’m slowly seeing the swelling going down and the results. I’m very excited for my future. A few things that I struggled with was allowing people to do things for me. While I was in the hospital for two days, the fact I couldn’t walk by myself, feed myself, or wipe myself was a really hard pill to swallow since I’m fairly independent. Once I got home, I had my niece here for the first week to at least help with my puppies, and a home health agency checked in on me a fe…

Having a 360 Lower Body Lift in two days (Apr 4). I am excited and praying all goes well. Excited to get rid of this skin and the related issues before the Summer weather sets in.

Hey all! I'm your fairweather friend who I guess only comes around when I need something; haven't been on the forums for a good year but now I'm finally looking into plastics. In particular, I'm looking into a drainless around-the-world abdominolplasty and a breast lift (not reduction). I've found a great surgeon who I think I'm going to go with, but when I mentioned that I was going on a cruise in early march (and snorkeling on it!) the scheduler suggested that she thought I'd be fully healed by then, so long as I had the surgery mid Dec at the latest. I'm curious if this is a realistic timeframe; if anyone has had these surgeries, how long realistically was it unt…

Can anyone provide some links to some lenders they've used to take out loans for cosmetic surgery? Anyone easy to work with? I have 10K on CareCredit so I am going to use that up first if I can... but the hospital I go to doesn't accept CareCredit (just the surgeon), but I'm sure the procedures will well exceed that. Did anyone use home equity? Can you even use those for anything?

I had gastric sleeve about 8 months ago and I am down around 60 pounds. I am 8 pounds away from my personal goal and 17 from my doctor's goal. Even before my sleeve, I had flappy arms. This was mostly due to weight fluctuations on various diets throughout the year. Obviously, having the sleeve has not helped. This is the only area of my body that I have this issue, and although I was originally against any kind of surgery, I am really thinking about saving the money and getting it done. For those of you that had this done in the United States, what did you pay? I know insurance probably will not cover it, so I will have to pay out of pocket. As a teacher, it will probabl…

Just wondering if anyone had this insurance cover panniculectomy? And what the criteria were.

After 4 years, I hit and maintained my goal weight. And now I'm getting rid of the skin. I will be having fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty, a panniculectomy and a medial thigh lift. Based on the descriptions of these procedures, I think I may have picked the most difficult ones to start. But I've paid the deposit and it's too late to turn back now. So, is there anyone who can tell me how to prepare? I won't have anyone to sit with me after the 5th day; I'll be on my own. So, how do I set up my living space for successful recuperation? I've got a pillow to brace my abdomen for coughing, sneezing, or standing. I'm renting a chair that reclines and lifts the user to a stand…

Hi everyone! I have an AP small lapband, surgery done 2013. Lost around 70 pounds and am scheduled for an abdominoplasty in early May. My surgeon is of course aware that I have a lapband in place, but he hasn't addressed how this affects the surgery he is going to do on me. Are there any Bandsters in this group that have had this done? I read a scientific article (old, dated 2012) about possible complications due to the port and tubing and the muscle stretching involved with the abdominoplasty. Of course I'll bring this up with the surgeon but wanted your input as well. TIA!

Had my third excess skin removal surgery Dec 5th. Have lost over 270 pounds and finally had my hernia repair and 10 pounds of my tummy skin removed. Spent 1 night in the hospital and was up out of bed within 12 hours of my surgeries. Was told my hernia was twisted and encased and the Dr did not want to use mesh because of possible infection. He had to take my belly button for the same reason. I have been taking Tylenol extra strength and tramadol. Have 2 drains and had a followup yesterday. Was told I am healing well but still need to keep the drains in. Was tired yesterday from the trip to and from the followup but overall I am doing better than when I had my Brachioplas…

Anyone ever heard of this? I searched the forums and had 0 results. My surgeon's office offers this procedure called ThermiSmooth Body. Here's their description of it and a link https://www.newyoubariatriccenter.com/your-weight-loss-journey/life-as-the-new-you/post-weight-loss-skin-tightening/ I've never ever heard of this before. Has anyone tried this post-op for skin tightening? There are before/after pics at the link. "Do you have loose skin in your arms, legs or stomach? Are you interested in a non-surgical option for your New You? ThermiSmooth Body uses radiofrequency technology to gently and safely remodel collagen. By targeting the areas under the skin, we are…

So today I was looking at my pictures from last summer. The one picture that got my attention the most was a family photo of me my son and husband at one of our camping trips. I remember during this photo I smiled because I knew it was going to be my last summer feeling so helpless with my weight. I cant wait to see what this summer will look like. I cant wait until summer comes and I can compare photos from last summer to this years summer. Is anyone else looking to compare photos from last summer to this coming summer?

I've scheduled my first consult for plastic surgery for April 1st. My #1 area of concern is my abdominal pannus. I've had one since middle school. I remember how embarrassing it was when my family talked about how I should wear my jeans, with my pooch under my waistband or flopping over it. At the time, I was like 12 maybe, low rise jeans were in. Now, as an adult, I wear my jeans over my pannus, creating an unsightly fat bulge below my belly button. I don't leave the house without making sure I'm presentable...wearing a long shirt/tank to hide it. I'm wondering what it's going to be like not having to hide the area...what it's like to wear jeans nor…

My insurance requires 18 months before they pay for a tummy tuck (which I don't even think I'll need). The only thing I desperately want is an arm lift. I was thinking at 12 months? My surgeon said the weight loss will pretty much cease at 12 months (unless I do more via personal training, etc). How long did you wait before having self-pay cosmetics? How long of a "stable weight period" did you give yourself?

Hello all, If anyone has either had cosmetic surgery after bariatric surgery, or has seriously considered it, what questions did you ask yourself as you weighed your decision? How did you go about finding a surgeon? Are all surgeons capable of any kind of cosmetic surgery, or do they specialize (lower body, breasts, face, etc...?) I have been reading, but it’s hard to get a feel, there is so much information out there. Some former bariatric patients have even gone to another country for surgery! That idea frightens me! But I’d love to know more if anyone wants to share. Please feel free to give me as much information and detail as you’d like. I am very appreciative of …

Has anyone had a neck/facelift? I’m getting that and lower blepharoplasty (sp?)...basically under eye bag removal...on Tuesday, 8/21. It sounds like the recovery, although not too painful, is going to be a nightmare of not moving my neck and head for weeks! I’m not sure how one accomplishes that. I have no real chores. I’m retired and have put my online business on hold until mid Sept. But, geez, how do you keep your head in one position? They also told me not too yawn with my jaw open for at least 4 weeks! Uh, okay...WHAT?!

So, I've lost a lot of weight and am feeling good. I look better... With my clothes on... Clothes off, I look like a burst balloon and my boobs are like golf balls in tube socks. When my weight has stabilized I plan on surgery. Question is, is there a package deal that does tummy, boobs and bingo wings?!

Do arm lifts only focus on tightening and removing skin from the triceps, or does it also include fat on the biceps? I imagine tightening the bottom would also pull the skin taut on the top, but I have an actual fat roll on my biceps. It actually creases and gets red. I know I am a long ways away, but I have some of the largest arms I've ever seen on an obese person and I know they will be my #1 go-to when I have plastics. You can see my pre-op arms in my album on my profile for reference.

Has anyone had a tummy tuck without muscle reconstruction? Due to an incisional hernia repair I had 22 years ago, I'm not a candidate for muscle repair. One surgeon said that in pulling the muscles tight, it would make the mesh covering my hernia repair act like an accordion and cause chronic pain. However, I desperately want to rid myself of my abdominal overhang for a slimmer look in my clothes. I realize I might not have as tight of a stomach without the muscle repair, but I think it will make a world of difference to remove "the blob." I'm going in for a second consultation with a different surgeon next month. Anyone have this same issue?

It could well be that people have individual reasons for doing one surgery before the other. Some people might even do more than one at once. But if you start kind of small to get the process going, and if you are just newly at goal weight, what would you start with? Any suggestions, or personal experiences? Im not at goal weight but will be soon, and considering starting surgeries thst soon. My mentor who has worked with thousands of patients agrees that at my older age there is no need to wait an extra year for anything, since she sees how dedicated I am to my lifestyle, and why waste that time? But still, I might well lose more or get more muscle as I continu…

I had a Breast reduction in 2002, and breast augmentation in 2007, liposuction on stomach, thighs, muffin top section in 2009, another breast reduction in 2017 with smaller implants replacing the ones I had in 2007, and on Oct 31, I’m having the gastric sleeve. I am a BMI of 32 and SW is 180. My goal is 125. I’m 5’3 and gaining weight in all the wrong places gives me major aches and pains along with my tailbone actually hurts when I sit. Does anyone have experience with liposuction before weight loss surgery? I’m curious to know if the areas that once had fat sucked out will be easier to lose? Will they be thinner?

Stupid question, especially since I'm a nurse and soon-to-be Nurse Practitioner...but I don't really know any great plastics people and not sure how to go about finding one? A fellow NP recommended one guy to me but that's ONE recommendation, and I'm not sure that one is enough for me. I thought of tapping into some Doc colleagues but I don't necessarily want to disclose all the details and I'm sure many of them will ask. I no longer see my original bariatric surgeon so can't really go that route either! Anyone know of a good website or way of finding out who the best are in your area or state?

I feel like this has come at the worst possible time in my life. I'm losing my health insurance in the US due to quitting my job to start a new life in Canada. Regardless, getting plastics covered in my case would be a long shot. So, 120 lbs lost now, and it's getting hard to stuff these baggy thighs into my jeans. The sag is strong with me. Looking to Mexico or other countries for low-cost thigh lifts. However, it's proven difficult to find doctors that specialize in this or that show before and afters. Most of their websites are geared towards the more popular post bariatric ops, like tummy tucks and boob jobs. Can anyone give a reference specifically for thigh lift…

So I know I will need to have the excess skin removed from my stomach and a breast reduction. I went from 285 to 165. Surgery date was Aug 29th 2017. I have been lucky bc I am on my Mom’s insurance. Unfortunately she is retiring in a yr and a half so I will need to get it done before then. I haven’t heard of Medicare covering it all like my Mom’s insurance would. I didn’t pay anything to have the sleeve done. I know I won’t be that lucky again. I have stalled the last couple months to the point I canceled my one yr follow up. I haven’t gained but I haven’t lost either. I am going to go back to the beginning to get the sugar out of my system and I need to get back to …

Anyone have this done? Im really nervous and surgery is scheduled sept 4. Thru will cut all the way around. Happening in ft Wayne Indiana

So now that i'm closer to my goal, i'm looking into possibly having some work done so i can feel great about myself. I'm definitely buying a bigger butt. But i'm debating on whether or not i should get a breast reduction too. I'm not having pains or anything that would require me to get one. And i'm conflicted because i'm glad they're still intact post op. The reason why i'm actually considering it is because of buying clothes, my waist is a small, but my chest is definitely a large, so it makes buying anything with a button or a zipper a challenge. I'm also afraid that if i do get a reduction then my stomach will become more noticeable. Below are my before and after pho…