Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery

I found out today that my insurance will pay for my lower body lift! I had to call and make sure that what i got was right, but they double checked and yes, it's true! I'm scheduled for May 7th. I'm nervous and excited.

Has anybody used this insurance to pay for their plastic? I have it but I’m not sure where to start. Do I just go see a plastic surgeon to get the documentation to qualify me for surgical procedure or pcp?! Please help

Hey everyone! I'm almost 6 months post-op Gastric By-Pass, very close to my goal weight (7 kg/15 pounds) and I'm already thinking about plastic surgery. My arms and legs are pretty ok, my butt, breasts and tummy not so much. I am 26 years old, single, no children but I do plan to have some in the future. My concern is: should I get these surgeries done right after I turn one year post op? Should I wait more? THinking that I want to have children in the future, should I wait after that happens, specially the Tummy Tuck surgery. Has anyone gone through this? I need opinions before I start thinking about a consultation with a plastic surgeon.

Does anyone know if insurance will cover panni’s? If so, what would be reasons to qualify?

I'm getting a body lift in May. How many sizes did you lost after the body lift? I have a hanging pannus and thicker thighs and am curious if I'm going to go down any sizes. Maybe a few?

I know it's not time yet. 5'3... down to 147 from 234. I think I have more to go, but hubby thinks lot of its skin. And I know I have to maintain for a period of time. But, at what point did you decide to go ahead with plastics? How did you estimate your costs beforehand? Lol, I wish I could just have an estimate now to plan but I know it's too soon. How did you prepare? Sent from my SM-G955U using BariatricPal mobile app

Needless to say I am disappointed as my surgery scheduled for Monday has been postponed. Why? Because I went to the PCP on Friday Jan 26th for pre-op testing, waited over 1 1/2 hours in a waiting room filled with over 20 people. Several of them were coughing, sneezing and spewling germs all over the place. Come Tuesday Jan 31st I am sick, I told the Dr before I left I knew I would be sick and sure enough. Have meds since Feb 1st but can't get rid of this fast enough and now my surgery is postponed. The 1st PS I had was also postponed. Don't understand why I have such bad luck. The Brachiopplasty has been rescheduled for March 19th. Now I need to get over this illness,…

Hi! I have a scar that is 40mm x 5mm that has lowered my self esteem and quality of life very much. I have tried to read about the scar removal treatments that are avaiable, but from my understanding the science hasnt developed any way to fully remove scars yet. I know there are laser treatment, medical tatooing, scar camouflage, surgery, skin transplant available. I guess the only way to completely remove a scar is to put makeup over, but i guess there isnt any magical treatment like that available, that doesnt disapear from water? Is there any company that does medical tatooing or scar camouflage that almost fully removes the scar? Is there any worl…

I finally have a date for my Brachioplasty for Feb 12. Most of the surgery post op pictures I see are the upper arm not below the elbow and the side under armpit skin. My excess skin goes to my wrist and even though I have had breast reduction I still have a lot of side skin under the armpit. Has anyone had excess skin removed on their arms beyond the elbow and under the armpit skin when they had the Brachioplasty surgery? I see the surgeon on Jan 29th for the preop visit and want to be sure he really understands what I want done and can indeed do what I want. Are there special names to what I am wanting beyond a Brachioplasty? Does anyone have before and after…

Nine days until plastics in Mexico! About me: 53 year old female, VSG in August, 2015, highest recorded weight 289.5, weight at time of VSG 256, currrent weight 166 (BMI 27.5). I certainly feel like I've done my research on plastic surgeons! I did a ton of research online (BariatricPal, ObesityHelp, RealSelf among other sites) and consulted with two plastic surgeons in the US and two in Mexico. I have decided to get plastics with Dr. Francisco Sauceda in Monterrey, MX. I met with him in person in November. He spent two hours with me talking about his approach, the process, what he felt was realistic for me and what was not. I stayed in the hotel wh…

Has anyone had the Brazilian butt lift or a butt lift? My butt looks like I shoved two hardback books down my pants! Flat & square!

Hey all, been a while since I’ve been here! To make a long story short, I had lap band done in May 2013 followed by a lower body lift and arm lift in 2015. In August 2016, I had my lap band removed and revised to gastric sleeve. I’ve lost (at most) 200 lbs to date which also gave me the courage to start my gender transition last year. As part of that, I will be getting a breast augmentation soon but am wondering what can be done for the excess skin between my breasts and back (below my arms). My back skin is also quite loose in that area. I know the implants will push the skin a -little- forward but the surgeon I consulted with said it would mostly remain. What …

Got a great Christmas gift. Am so happy! On the second attempt I got approved for the excess arm skin removal surgery. Need to have the surgery sometime between today and March 20th. Now I need to do some more reading on here about how long of a recovery time, recovery tips and find out what compression garments I will need. Feel free to provide me with anything you think will help me get through this at my age 62.

I have an appointment with Dr. Christopher Davidson coming up. Wondering if anyone has had any personal experience with his office or any other plastic surgeons in the Boston area? Looking for positive and negatives and costs. TIA!

I am starting to look at having some plastic surgery done--most notably my arms, the excess breast tissue under my arms and having a panniculectomy. Does anyone have any recommendations for a doctor in the Atlanta or Athens, GA areas?

Has anyone in the state of FL been success getting skin removal paid by TriCare Prime? I had my surgery done in another state. I’ve contactef surgeons here, all of them say they don’t bill insurance or TriCare won’t cover.

Hello everyone! I’m researching plastic surgeons in Mexico! If you’ve had great results and would like to share with me who you went to that would be awesome! Thanks

I am two years out as of 1/11/18. I went through the process to be approved for a panniculectomy here in NY and BCBS denied me saying it is not medically necessary. I have rashes, smell and itching most of the time. It's embarrassing to be intimate with my husband and we've been together 35+ years. I'm depressed over this. Any advice on getting it approved? The surgeon I went to at Harlem Hospital was, in my opinion, very disinterested in doing my surgery. He did not send in photos or description of my issues. Any reference to a bariatric plastic surgeon would also be appreciated.

I got my first quote for a tummy tuck yesterday. It was $15,000 for a full tummy tuck, lipo on upper, lower, mons pubis and flanks. It seemed a little high for the procedure. What are you guys cash paying for procedures like this?

Has anyone been able to get a lower body lift paid for by their insurance. Would you be willing to share how you made the request and the reasons why it was a medical nessity and not cosmetic. Thank you.

So, been awhile since I’ve been on... happy to report everything is good (3 1/2 years out) Can’t believe I actually did it.... but last week had my eyes fixed up (excess skin on eyelids and bags under eyes) and extra skin on my neck removed. Sorry, can’t remmeber official procedure names.... 3 hour surgery, all good.... never took a pain pill How long should I expect to look normal? Well, like I didn’t have surgery. Ha i have little swelling, stictches out Wednesday which is cool. But the incision on my neck is pretty obvious right now Thanks!

Hi Everyone, I have my first plastics consult on Thursday and Im 16 Months postop, down 151lbs. I think ill need a tummy tuck, breast lift with implants, brachioplasty, thigh lift and butt lift and had a couple questions for everyone who has done this already. Were you able to get insurance to cover anything? Do plastics have payment plans?, or a plastics credit card?, How did you get it approved?... I fear I will never be able to afford this stuff but desperately want and need it to finish this Journey. I appreciate any information you can provide. Thank you Sent from my SM-G930P using BariatricPal mobile app

I've lost over 170lbs since 2015 and 125 or so since surgery (sleeve) and have Wellmark of Iowa. I want to have plastic surgery, as I have so much excess skin that causes rashes on my tummy and pannus. Has anyone had any luck with this insurance as far as approval? I believe I can get a panni removal approved, but I want a TT at the least - or a body lift. The lift is most preferred. I want arms and thighs done at some point, but figure it won't be approved. Anyone from Iowa in here with BCBS Wellmark?

I got a consultation done with Dr. Cardenas. I understand that one of their "selling points" is a dedicated recovery house rather than hotel rooms. However, based on the Facebook pictures it looks like there are rooms with at least 2 to 3 beds. Also, the bathrooms look shared as well. Given that the post-op period is one where you are in pain and require privacy, it's not clear to me why such an arrangement would be superior than a private hotel room. For those of you who have gotten procedures done with Dr. Cardenas - what was your experience like when it comes to the sleeping/bathroom arrangements?

Plastic surgery in the Dominican. Tummy tuck with muscle repair, breast lift and augmentation, general liposuction and fat transfer/body sculpting to hips and butt. If you would like more information please contact me [emoji4]

I had Gastric Plication and now I work for a Surgeon and don't want to tell her about my plication surgery. However, I am having one of my breast implants fixed by her. Does she really need to know about my past surgery? I would rather she didn't know, it's embarrassing.

I am beyond excited! This summer I will be returning to the talented and sweet Dr Carmina Cardenas. I returned to her office last week for removal of my stitches and General check up. I brought up my interest in pursuing a breast lift and implant with arm lift procedures. She was very honest and told me I had to wait a certain amount of time before going under the knife again. So I am abiding by her professional recommendation and going through the wait. This summer will be my second of three planned surgeries. My first was a lower body lift. It has been a heck of a recovery but certainly doable. I am feeling better with each day that passes. I have regained a lot of my s…

All plastic surgery patients are required to use compression garments after surgery. Which brand did you use? We're looking at carrying compression garments from Marena in the BariatricPal Store. I was wondering if there were any alternative or better options.

Hello all I'm counting down the days until my Tummy Tuck ( December 21 ) what are some of the must have things i will need for a easier recovery?

I just got a referral to talk to a plastic surgeon to get my saggy stomach skin removed. I have been told by a few people that some surgeons word it so that insurance will cover everything. Anyway Im hoping that i can find one in San Diego that is really good. I kind of need everything fixed as i lost 100 lbs everything is saggy and grows. and other tips would be great. TIA Meg

Hello, I had a lower body lift with fleur de lis tummy tuck and lipo on August 15. They took off 15lbs of tissue. It's been up and down since. I had the staples removed yesterday and as of today I'm only taking Tylenol and Advil. My doctors office is sending me a third compression garment as the first one is so tight I'm in pretty much constant pain from it pressing on the swelling. And, although, second felt good, I guess didn't have enough compression. I cried this morning because I just didn't realize how long I'd feel like **** and having to be relying on other people. I have a 2.5 year old son and I just feel useless right now. Over the last 2-3 days I don't feel l…

I was wondering if anybody in San Antonio, Texas has had skin removal surgery? What surgeon’s do you recommend? Did you have to pay for the skin removal surgery? How much did it cost? What weight were you at when you had the skin removal? How much weight did you lose?

Hi has anyone been through surgery for excess skin removal? Would love to know how you got on. Thanks

Hi just wondering if anyone had had excess skin removal surgery ? I’m considering it but am terrified! Thanks

I'm just curious what weight people had their plastics and if you were at goal how long for before doing it ?

I am located in Southern New Hampshire about 40 minutes north of Boston. We have some really great medical schools and hospitals in the area. I am trying to find out if anybody knows if the teaching hospitals perform plastic surgeries and if they do, is it at a discounted rate? Who would I contact at the schools and/or hospitals to inquire?

Quitting smoking only 12 days before tummy tuck. Reading all kinds of horror stories on line about risks of necrosis and basic off of wound healing. Anyone out there had a similar situation and successful healing? Meeting B enforcement, feeling scared

How frustrating to be stalled for so long?! It's been a year without the scale moving. I have to lose 15 pounds in 10 days. A little back story, I went to see a plastic surgeon to have a panniculectomy done and my insurance denied me. The surgeons office appealed the denial, insurance came back and said I have to send in proof that my BMI is 30 or below. Well I'm still overweight by 15 pounds. I would like to do a pouch reset but has anyone reset their pouch 5 years later and have been successful? Also were you able to workout with no solid food just liquids? Any advice is appreciated. Thank you so much!! Sent from my P00I using BariatricPal mobile app Sent from my P00I u…

Has anyone had plastic/reconstructive surgery through the Mass General resident clinic? I know someone who had it done about 10 years ago, but would like more current information. Would love to hear your experience. I need an upper arm lift and a tummy tuck after vsg. Thanks.

Hello, I know this might sound like a silly question, but I'm such a private person, and I'm wondering how realistic it will be for people to not suspect that I had plastic surgery. I already had a tummy tuck several years ago (I was going through a transition at the time and didn't have to deal with returning to the same close-knit work community after my surgery). Now I'm planning to have several procedures done next month - back half of lower body lift, breast lift, vertical torsoplasty. Seriously my biggest fear is having people find out that I had surgery. I keep telling myself that I can wear baggy clothes to hide the changes since it's wintertime, but I'm…

In less than a week I’m going to have my lower body lift with the Dr Cardenas team. I am beyond excited. Has anyone else been to her lately? I’d love to hear your experiences.

I’m 5 years post sleeve & 120lbs wt loss. I had a TT & BLift about 3 weeks ago. Still concerned with healing & having chronic pain issues. I imagine everything going wrong because I’ve seen it all go wrong. Any tips on how to make things better? I tried to post pics but it said pics were disabled in this forum. I’m worried I’m going to take the steristrips off my many incisions & im going to have non-healing holes & necrosis. My breasts hurt & swell especially after movement & im concerned with ongoing pain. I’m suffering mentally from stress due to problems at work (a rant from my manager about not being emotionally supportive, yelled at for …

Yesterday I received notice that my Coventry Summit Medicare Advantage plan has denied the removal of the excess skin from my arms. I have lost over 280 pounds, have had infections in the fold area of the elbow, have CTS, Ulnar Nerve damage and a left frozen shoulder and must wear shirts larger than my body to accommodate the size of these arms. My Doctors and I are going to fight this and hope for the best. Others whom were approved what did you do that got the insurance company to say yes to this much needed surgery?

Hi all! I finally am taking the plunge and will be calling my plastic surgeon tomorrow to pay my deposit for a surgery date. It'll either be 12/20 or 12/27 and I'm both excited and nervous! I started out at around 225 starting weight and then 203 pre-op on 1/22/15. I reached my goal of 145 on 12/24/15 (easy to remember!) and have been stable within 5 pounds of goal ever since. The main sore points for me have been my stomach and my upper arms with the excess skin. I refer to my stomach as having a deflated tired above my hip bones, though I am very slim around my waist, so that makes it even more disproportionate. My upper arms are not quite the "bat wings" I know so…

I have some questions for my surgeries. I have a lot of loose skin as I went from 285 to 180 pounds (but am 200 pounds right now). The worst area by far is the inner thighs, but I also have a good amount on my stomach and i have moobs. So the surgeries I want are: thigh lift, tummy tuck, chest reconstruction. I got 2 different quotes from Dr. Galvez in Tijuana: Thigh lift only is $4250 with $1200 hospital fees and if I want to get all 3 surgeries done its $8050 with $1400 hospital fees. I want to get the 3 surgeries done since its only an extra 4k. What im asking is are there cheaper doctors out there or is Dr Galvez in Tijuana the cheapest? Is Tijuana the che…

My plastic surgery was today! I had it done by Dr. Kara in Scarborough, Ontario. He did a lower body lift with fleur de lis tummy tuck, muscle repair and lipo!! He is absolutely wonderful. So caring and was literally excited to transform me!! Surgery lasted 7 hours and he removed 10lbs of skin and fat!!! I'm doing well, haven't moved yet, so we'll see how that goes in an hour or two. Otherwise pain is good. I actually feel better then after my RNY! Anxious to get to see something, but certainly not in a rush. Very sleepy, I'll update more later

I'm starting to begin the process of looking into plastic surgery. I started at a high weight of 470 pounds and am down to 248. I really haven't set a goal weight. My surgeon says 210 so I guess that's as good as any. I imagine I got close to 20 pounds in loose skin so with that removed I'm pretty close to goal. I have no idea how to get the process started and when I should? Under my arms is pretty bad. I would also like to do my chest, stomach and thighs/butt. I have a lot of bulges in my thighs from veins. Could those be removed? What is the recovery time and how bad was it? Do they do everything at once? What about insurance coverage? I know it's mostly women in this …

Has anyone tried Ultherapy? Specifically on their neck. Some areas will have to be addressed with surgery. Period. But i am cautiously optimistic my neck area could be improved with Ultherapy. I’m trying to maximize my experience and minimize my cost, so I’m pondering which procedures would be best for me. And when. I’m not quite to goal and I carry most of my weight in my hips, thighs, and butt. I am most sensitive about my arms and thighs. Then my neck, stomach, and breasts.

Most of my weight is in my tummy. I can't wait to get rid of it! I've had 4 kids (including a set of twins whose combined weight was almost 14 lbs). I'm setting my goals in my head but I'm not sure how much weight will come off with a tummy tuck. Can anyone give me an idea? Thanks! Band to sleeve revision surgery 1/16/17 HW: 283 CW: 199 GW: 160

Is there any good site to research about tummy tucks is there anything else besides RealSelf ?