Question:
Does everyone normally have plastic surgery once they have lost their weight?
Is plastic surgery covered by health insurance? If so, what types are, and if not, does anyone know the costs for say: the tummy, the breasts, the arms, the legs, etc. Thanks. — Linda R. (posted on August 1, 2007)
August 1, 2007
It is an individual choice, no one is telling you to have it. Most of the
time it is not covered by insurance companies unless it is medically
necessary. As for the cost, I have no idea, I know I will have the entire
body contour done, but I have no idea what I am going to be paying, but I
think it will be a second mortgage on the house. At least that way it is
tax deductible.
— Diane C.
August 1, 2007
No, I don't think most people have plastic surgery due to the cost.
PS is very, very rarely covered by insurance. I think at the most you may
be able to get a panniculectomy/tummy tuck paid for as long as you can show
medical necessity. Don't know the costs, sorry!
— Kayla B.
August 1, 2007
insurance will cover plastic surgery if it is deemed "medically
necessary" go to your PCP for every little rash and pimple and red
mark no matter what -- have them document it -- documentation is the key
here -- and you can start doing that as soon as you start to lose weight --
the rash under your arm when you shave -- the rash from your belly or your
boobs hanging -- document everything -- make sure you and your doctor prove
beyond a doubt that everything is medically necessary -- start building
your portfolio as soon as possible -- talk to Sarahlicious on the main
board -- she has fought and fought hard for her surgeries -- she is a
wealth of information -- Amy Williams is another good source of information
-- good luck to you -- and make sure you make everything medically
necessary -- you pay your doctor to work for YOU -- Good Luck Roberta
— RCassety
August 1, 2007
Yes I had plastic surgery. My insurance would NOT pay anything! My
husband got approved for WLS and the insurance sent him a letter with his
approval for WLS that said we do not cover any type of
reconstructive/plastic surgery, don't ask (how crazy is that?)...
But my surgeries ended up being a little over $20,000 (which I am still
paying for in a loan). And I went to the "interns" at the
community hospital and got a 50% discount. I had my arms, thighs, breasts
w/ implants, stomach--all the way around my body, back, butt, and other
little tweaks done. So I guess it was worth it! (except I got pregnant 4
months after all this, now I am pregnant again--hoping my body will be ok
after all this). It was very painful and hard on my body. I still fight
anemia from losing too much blood with the second round of procedures--and
I am pregnant on top of that--you my body is really beat down.
Take Care & Good Luck
— GAYLE CARMACK-LYONS
August 1, 2007
There is no absolute yes or no answer to this. Each person makes a
decision based on his/her weight loss, the amount of extra skin and whether
or not that extra skin is bearable.
For me, I lost a little over 110 pounds. I had loose skin on my stomach
and my inner thighs. I waited over four years to consider having any
plastic surgery. When the skin hadn't tightened up by then (even though I
walked daily and did yoga), I decided to have a tummy tuck.
My weight loss surgeon, Dr. Srikanth, did the tummy tuck. It was just
under $9,000.00 and well worth it! The difference in how my clothes fit
and how I look is amazing.
— VickiStevens
August 2, 2007
I have lost 200lbs so lets just say I am scary looking naked lol. I have
been approved for a tummy tuck and am paying an extra $1000 for the area
just under my breasts down to my belly button (which hasn't seen the light
of day without assistance for years LOL). As far as insurance (I have
Priority Health) goes to their site and looking for the preauthorizaton
form. It should be very clear on what qualifies. Just remember to use the
term panniculectomy. Good luck!!-Heather
— tazthewiz23
August 2, 2007
I actually just saw a plastic surgeon yesterday about this, so I can tell
you about cost. For what I think was called a torsoplasty, or belt lift
(where they lift everything up, from the waist, & pull it all up &
remove extra skin), it was about $10,000. If you add a breast lift to that
(they can do them at the same time) it's about $15,000. I don't know for
sure, but I think arms are about $6-$7000. I really want to do it, but I
have to figure out how to finance it...
— Cami H
August 2, 2007
I think the vast majority dont have any plastics because of fear pain cost
etc. Hey I am a guy who cares. Its certinally is nice but not mandatory
— bob-haller
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