My Plastic Surgery Consult

I had my first plastic surgery consult today.  I wanted to go in for a breast reduction (which insurance will cover) and an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck-which insurance will not cover.)  Well, it turns out my case is more complicated since I've had breast cancer in my left breast and underwent 7 weeks of daily radiation.  The breast will likely not survive being cut on.  So, now my surgeon is talking about possibly removing it altogether and building me a new one from my abdominal muscle and fat.  Which insurance would probably cover the whole thing.  But, it would be multiple surgeries.  It is all so scary.  Of course, I want to look better, but, the true driver for me to look into plastic surgery is the back problems I've been having from having lost 150 lbs.  My back and backside have no fat left, but, I have a large amount of skin on my abdomen and breasts which pulls on my back muscles. Anyway, this saga is to be continued as the surgeon has a lot of research to do and opinions to get with other doctors before we decide anything for sure.  I really like her though! Lori

Oh Lori,  I wish you nothing but the best!  I hope everything works out just how you want it too.  I can only imagine what a scary time this is, I'm still doing the back and forth about plastics. I know I will need it, and would love a breast reduction and tummy tuck, but I'm a chicken too! Best wishes being sent! Glad you found a DR you like, that makes it easier.

Hey Lori- I know what you mean by all the weight pulling on your back that hangs from the stomach. I went today for my consult and "pictures" they needed for the insurance.  The insurance will pay for the tummy tuck...and maybe the breast lift.  At this point I will be happy with all the panni cut away. Your in my prayers and I hope that all goes well. I should know in bout 3-6 weeks what is going on. Susan

Lori, I know what you mean about back problems.  I think part of the reason my knees hurt is that I walk a bit funny because my belly fat hangs and pulls me forward.  As for the breast reduction, well, WLS took care of that!    I practically need a training bra, although I don't think they come in a 48A.  I need mine superglued back to where they belong. After having Blobby removed, I see that PS is a bigger deal than WLS in terms of recouperating.  I wish there was some sort of lap PS where they could make a couple of incisions and just yank everything back to where it should be.  My PS, Dr. Gloomy, says that stretched skin is often compromised, and that I may have a harder time healing when it's time to lop all this skin off.  Of course, I don't know whether to believe Dr. Gloomy, but my thigh has taken some time to heal. My personal thought is if the insurance would cover your tummy tuck and breast overhaul due to the surgical issues as a breast cancer survivor, let them!  Multiple surgeries are annoying, but if you can get everything covered, that's the way I'd go.  My little outpaitent blobbectomy (1 hr surgery, I was in the outpatient surgical center about four hours total) cost almost $9k.  Hooray for HMOs! Good luck with your research, and I know you'll make the best choice for you.  Keep us posted! Kix

I'm so glad to see you have a surgeon who is doing his homework before just cutting into you.  That is a good sign.  I'm sorry that it will be such an ordeal though.  I am so pleased to have the breast reduction--the back/shoulder/neck pain is gone!  I'm still stunned that I can wear the cute tops and dresses for which you need to be braless.  I wasn't this small when I was a teen. It is a big decision to make, but it sounds like you have a good doctor to work with. Sally

Good luck and prayers for your plastics.  I wish you the best.  hugs...

Good luck, Lori!  Keep us posted.