Panniculectomy vs. TT

Hi All,

New to this forum... Went to a Plastic Surgeon on Monday to discuss options to get rid of extra skin. Surgeon said that Panniculectomy will be covered by my insurance however, TT would be $3500. He explained both options and I am leaning towards the TT but wanted to ask if anyone felt that a panniculectomy was enough? I know everyones situation is different but thought I would ask... 

Im not sure cause I am new to this also but 3500 sounds really cheap for a tt, is that the surgeons fees only?  I have had quotes of 6500 to 8400 but that is all the costs.   Good luck on your decision, I know it is a tough one to make, we dont want to make a mistake cause once its done its done lol.  God bless. 

Hi, this would be my cost after what insurance will cover for the panni. :)

I have struggled with your very question.  After a second opinion by another plastic surgeon I was able to make an informed decision. I have surgery in April. 

  I don't have an answer, but I have questions for you to think about:

1.  WHAT did the PS recommend, or lean toward?
2.  WHAT are your expectations of what you body will be like post surgey...and will that be accomplished with just the panni, or would it take the tt?
3.  WHAT is your goal...flat stomach, less skin,?
4.  If you made the choice for panni only....are you in a financial situation to have a tt later, remembering the costs would be higher?

Both of the Plastic surgeons  I visited cautioned me that many times revisions are necessary.  One was more aggressive in what he wanted to do, one a iittle more conservative in his appoach.  One spoke more about what he would do, the other assured me of my safety and wellbeing.  I add these comments to show that a second opinion is something worth your time if you are struggling to make the right decision for yourself. 

Like you say everyone's situation is different.  The amount of weight lost, the amount of skin, personal expectations, etc.  GOOD LUCK with your decision. 

Thanks so much! I think I will get a second opinion. :)

I had a panni, tt, and lipo on my sides. Insurance paid for panni and my part was 3500.00. If I had not added the lipo my part was 2500.00. He did not charge me to do the lipo but the hospital charges him 1000 to rent the lipo equipment.  I thought that was a good price considering the first surgeon i went to said insurance would not approve it and my cost would be 10,000.00. If you think you may have trouble paying for it all at once you can try Care Credit. You can apply online and they will give you an answer right away.

So far I am very happy with the results.

http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/plasticsurgery/4136784/TT- Panni-amp-Lipo-2-Days-post-op-with-pics/

 Because of the excess skin I had above my belly button (see pics in my profile) I went ahead and opted for the Anchor Cut TT as my PS felt it would give me the best outcome.  I didn't want to do the panniculectomy and be left with a muffin top.  I'm only 2 weeks out from my TT and pretty swollen so it's hard for me to judge how I will loo****il I'm fully healed but losing 7 pounds of that skin was awesome!

My insurance covered the panniculectomy and I upgraded to the TT for $3,200 so the amount he quoted you for the upgrade makes sense if you are getting the panniculectomy paid for by the insurance.

Good Luck!

Tisha

Hi tisha, Wow, you look fantastic! What a difference. We started off around the same weight andI should be down to about your weight in the next few weeks so its nice to have a frame of reference as well! thanks!

You will definitely get a better and more contoured ab results with the muscle tightening. There are a few people who have gone in for a TT and the dr discovered that their muscles were so tight that they didn't need that portion of it. There are also those who have had just the panni and have been pleased. I guess going from a hanging apron to none at all is a big improvement in itself but I say go for it. You don't want to have just the panni and then wish you had done the full TT later. It will cost you more because you will have to pay the hospital fees, OR and anesthesia which you wouldn't have to pay (at least all of it) if you did it while the panni was covered.

Good luck in your decision!

I just had a TT in Nov and my out of pocket was $3500.00 also.  Well worth every penny... My insurance paid for the panni w/ was 17,000 not including the hospital stay.  Very happy w/ my results. I have before and after pics if you want to take a look

Good luck in whatever you decide

Natalie