Panniculectomy and belly button questions - Richmond, VA

Dee_S
on 9/3/11 8:34 am
I have been pre-approved for a panniculectomy to remove this extra flesh, I am not at my ideal weight and that does not matter to me, I must remove this excessive flesh.  However I think I need my belly button redone also and the surgeon says he will not do anything in that area.  Because of my shape I wll look horrid if he does not re-do the belly button and just removes that hanging flesh.  I am not after flatness or greatness, but I am petrified I will look like a freak.  So I am now on a quest to find a surgeon that will redo the belly button opening also.  Any feedback support or suggestions will help.  This flesh has to be removed it is causing me physical and mental anquish so waiting is not an option, my pre-approval is good for 6 months (February 2012) so I have time to shop around.  My plan is to send pictures and write letters to the surgeons in the area to see if any include redoing the belly button in any of their panniculectomy patients.
Hislady
on 9/3/11 9:40 am - Vancouver, WA
I'm no expert at this but I remember reading some about it and most docs don't deal weith the belly button because a panni is a medical procedure not a cosmetic procedure. The only way they would deal with the belly button is if you had an actual tummy tuck. You can certainly try to get the doc to do the belly button but don't be surprised if they don't.
Iam_with_the_Band
on 9/3/11 7:59 pm
I am also no expert, but a panniculectomy doesn't usually involve belly button work.  It truly is just removal of the excess flesh and nothing more.  A Tummy Tuck will deal with the BB and the muscle repair.  Some have been approved for the panni removal and they have added their own money to pay for a full TT.  Is that an option for you?

12/09 and 6/11, 9 skin removal procedures with Dr. Sauceda in Monterrey Mexico
Revised to the Sleeve after losing 271 lbs with the LapBand. 

Dee_S
on 9/4/11 1:00 pm
the doctor will not do a full tt until I reach my goal weight so that is not an option and I am about 70 pds from goal weight
Iam_with_the_Band
on 9/4/11 1:17 pm
I was selfpay and my doctor did a TT after I lost the first 200lbs.  He also took care of my bellybutton.  I do know when insurance is covering the procedure, they usually don't do more than just remove the excess skin.
I know you fear how you'll look, but it made a world of difference for me - I was able to be so much more active and it kicked my metabolism into full gear and I lost the rest of my weight rather quickly.  There is another post about how plastic surgery can increase your metabolism for a short time.  It did mine and having the excess skin gone, I really hit the gym hard and got to goal and had my TT/Anchor Cut revision done.  You might want to just consider having what the insurance will cover - so that you can feel better and be more active.

12/09 and 6/11, 9 skin removal procedures with Dr. Sauceda in Monterrey Mexico
Revised to the Sleeve after losing 271 lbs with the LapBand. 

JULIA_D
on 9/4/11 8:52 am
will plastic surgeons consider a panniculectomy before you reach your goal wt?
acbbrown
on 9/4/11 9:24 am - Granada Hills, CA
Yes if there are some significant medical issues involved - usually for people who had 200+ lbs to lose and have 15-20 lbs of hanging skin.

www.sexyskinnybitch.wordpress.com - my journey to sexy skinny bitch status

11/16/12 - Got my Body by Sauceda - arms, Bl/BA, LBL, thigh lift. 


HW 420/ SW 335 /CW 200    85 lbs lost pre-op / 135 post op
  
~~~~Alison~~~~~

 

Dee_S
on 9/4/11 1:02 pm
Yes I have already been approved by insurance and have a surgeon who will do it.   I had the sagging skin before the surgery and its getting worse after loosing 30pds and previous twin pregnancy.  I meet the criteria because I have skin irritation under neath.
Iam_with_the_Band
on 9/4/11 1:13 pm, edited 9/4/11 1:13 am
I was selfpay, but I had a TT after losing my first 200lbs. I knew I'd need a full revision and I was okay with that.

12/09 and 6/11, 9 skin removal procedures with Dr. Sauceda in Monterrey Mexico
Revised to the Sleeve after losing 271 lbs with the LapBand. 

JULIA_D
on 9/4/11 1:11 pm
THANKS FOR THE INFORMATION. I'M GOING TO CHECK INTO THIS.
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