Plastic consult costs

So I had my consult today in Portland.  I know many of you are curious about the costs so I wanted to post what was given to me today.

1.  Breast Lift w/ extended outer thora****xcision.  This is basically a breast lift, but has added work done on the side of my boobs to remove the "boob tire" that hangs out of the bra

Surgeon cost $4100, anesthesia $1200, surgical facility fee (OR) $2,780=$8080

2.  Tummy Tuck-extended, which goes aroundpartially to the sides
Surgeon cost $4000, anesthesia $1600, surgical facility fee (OR) $3,980=$9580

3.  I had to ask about it--Neck Lift with full lower face lift (this was actually eye opening when he showed me what on my face was actual fat pockets that would never go away.  And how over time the sides of my cheeks would droop (I am thinking sharpay LOL) And the lines around my cheeks which I thought were normal, are actually not-almost pre-aging with the skin sag---it was interesting to see anyways).
Surgeon cost $6000, anesthesia $1200, surgical facility fee (OR) $3,430=$10630

I am glad I found out so I have an idea should insurance not be an option.  I am actually going to have my PCP refer me down here to see about a breast reduction or lift (back issues, bra strap indent, rashes etc).  I know it would be difficult to be covered, but you never know.  Since the boobs you do not need to be 18 months out.  So I will get a head start and see if I can get insurance to cover.  If not, I will contemplate paying myself---but with the babes who knows.  Then in August I can go for my consult for the tummy tuck.  Well the insurance will pay for a pannectomy (anethesia and surgical facility), so my cost to "upgrade" to a tummy tuck would be minimal.

We shall see.

Insurance covers a pannectomy?  I thought we needed to have documented skin issues to get anything covered?

You do need to have "medical necessity", but I know with my insurance it is very easy to get it covered.  My insurance only calls for a 50 pound loss (from highest weight) and to keep that 50 off for 6 months (not even stable, just keep it off). I just call my pcp and say there is an odor under there and she says "yeast infection are very prone in dark moist areas."  She writes it in my file and calls me in a prescription for some powder---which I don't use.  My back issues will also help I think.  And in the summer I am sure I will have rashes, but if not I think it will be covered anyways.  Every insurance is different.

Lucky!  My insurance (Harvard Pilgrim) requires 75 lb loss (no problem with that one) and a stable weight for 12 months.  Get started NOW!! 

My insurance is covering my panniculectomy.  I have some scarring from skin boils etc. The only thing I am waiting for now is Aug.  That is when I will have maintained my weight loss for 12 months. I have Harvard Pilgrim and they require 12 months at a stable weight.  I did call and they said they will give a 15lb leeway. I think that is pretty generous.

Kathi-that is so weird...I have Health Plans by Harvard Pilgrim.  It is through Saint Mary's Hospital---maybe they have different criteria.  I have called 3 separate times and got the same exact answer about the 50 pounds lost, no length of maintaining etc.

I am thinking about having my PCP refer me to a surgeon for a breast reduction/lift to see if I can get it covered.  Would have nothing to do with weightloss, so I could get that ball rolling.  Although after having my consult it is totally the neck/facelift that I would really want the most.  And of course it is the most expensive, and the one I would have to pay for myself.  The other two (breast and tummy) I think I could get insurance to cover most.

Yes, I think that there are many different plans within HP, depends on what your company wants to pay for, I guess. Keep me posted on your progress!

Is this all outpatient? I don't see any hospital costs. I never really thought about plastics being outpatient.

They are all outpatient.  Like with the RNY you have to be within an hour.  They do the surgeries right there at their office (it is within part of the new Mercy by the waterfront).  Each of the surgeries listed were between 3 and 4 hours.  So they can't be combined, only one at a time.

One thing though, is that this Dr. does not use drains at all.  And the way it is closed you can shower the very next day.  This is different from everyting I have read on the surgery board.  The majority have quite a few drains.

Wow.....my RNY I wished could have been op......plastics scare me more, which I know is crazy. I like not having to have drains though.