Questions about plastic surgery

Hi everyone.  I am 8-1/2 months' post surgery and was wondering when someone should start considering surgery?

I am currently 153 pounds and a size 10.  I have a pretty big pannus and VERY jiggly inner thighs.  I think I would want an extended tummy tuck first and thigh work at another time.

How much does it cost to get a plastic surgery consult?  I thought I had heard at one time that most of them are free...though that is hard to believe.

Should I wait until I'm a year out and 140 pounds?  What do you recommend?

Also, how do you find out about a residency program?  I was reading that some of you have gone through these types of programs.  Do you know of any in Nebraska?  I'll do a Google search and see what I can find.

Felicia

It wouldn't hurt to get a consult now, but from what I understand you should be stable for 3-6 months before you have plastics.  There are some plastic surgery consults that are free, mine was free with Dr. L.  I did however put a deposit down to hold a date for my actual surgery, and that fee went towards my surgery when I had it.

I don't know much about the residency program, as much weight as I lost I wanted someone very experienced cutting on me :)  Good Luck!!

Thank you Kristi! :)

Consults are usually free, but I will say that a consult for the U of W residency program in Seattle was over $300. Not really worth it, unless you are already pretty sure you want to go there.

Cool...thanks! :)

They charged my consult as a Dr's visit - and I had a $30 copay - they billed the insurance for the rest of it.

When I went for my year visit with my WLS surgeon, he asked if I was considering plastics, and this was the time to start thinking about it - mainly because I had only lost 5 lbs in 3 months.  By the time my plastics comes around in Jan - I'll have been pretty stable for 4-5 months.

From what I've heard they don't like you to lose a lot more weight after plastics, because it will definitely affect your results, and you may need a revisions.

Your Dr will give you his advice, but most want you stable for several months beforehand.

 

Thanks...this is very good to know! :)

It's not too early to start getting consults. A good surgeon will let you know if you need to wait a while or not.

and if you do the extended abdominoplasty.....dont do any other procedure at that time. Not to scare you, but it's hard enough to get over that one procedure. I know from experience. You can always get more done later on down the road

Thank you!  I appreciate the advice.  I think I'll wait until after Christmas to start making appts.

Felicia

Felicia..

feel free to email me questions regarding a residency program.  I have been extremely pleased with the one Ive used.

kim