Just started researching and have 2 questions

Hi!

I went to my first consultation with a PS today and have her recommendations for which proceedures to have. 

Questions:
1.  Does $18,000 sound in the ballpark for the cost for abdominalplasty (sp?), a flank lift and breast lift?  We are pretty sure my insurance will not cover any of it.

2.  Did anyone get approved by Aetna for plastics?  What health issues did you have that got you approved?

Thank you,

Lisa O.

Hi Lisa,

I am sure it depends a lot on location, surgeon experience, etc., but my doc charged $12,000 for my LBL/BL and the hospital charged $5,000, all pretty much in line with the national averages on the American Society of Plastic Surgeons' website.  I downloaded this in 2009 and had my surgery in 2009.  They may have published 2009 figures by now.

http://www.plasticsurgery.org/Media/stats/2008-surgeon-physi cian-fees-cosmetic-surgery-minimally-invasive-procedures.pdf

Hope this helps.

Terri

Hi Lisa ~

I'm not sure if you have thought about leaving the country for your plastics.

You can get a lot more done for a lot less. I am having a TT, BA & arms with a lot of lipo for less then 10 K.
 
Just something to think about.

Lisa -
Have you considered using one of the plastic surgery resident training programs?  Several people have used these programs and been very pleased with their outcome and the reduced costs.

Red

As I'm in the beginning process of research for PS too, could you share which residency programs are the ones most people have used?

Thanks Red!

I know someone who has used the program at Baylor (in Tx) and University of Chicago and there are others I just can't think of them right now.

Most medical schools have resident training programs and many of these programs offer a reduced rate if the surgery is done by an advanced resident.  There is always an attending board certified surgeon who supervises the surgery.  Let me know which state you are in and I will send you the information specific to that state.

Red

Sounds kind of pricey to me. I would check around and get other opinions. The first doc I went to told me that my insurance would not approve it and that it would cost 10,000 for a panni & TT. The second doc I went to got me approved by my insurance and I had panni, tt w/ muscle tightening and lipo on my flanks for 3500 (my cost). I am very pleased with my results. He did an excellent job and I am so glad I checked around.

Hi Lisa,

I've worked for a PS for 10 years.  I don't know what you mean by  a "flank lift" unless you mean lipo of the flanks while you are having your Abdominoplasty?

The full price for an abdominoplasty for the Doctor, Facility, and Anesthesia here is $6800 and that includes 1 overnight, which she will not do an abdominoplasty without 1 overnight.  The hospital gives our "cosmetic" patients a special reduced rate because it is a pre-paid procedure.

We have had some patients (including Aetna) be approved for an abdominiplasty or a panniculectomy.  The criteria is only that the patient suffers from bad rashes under the skin due to the severe overhanging of skin.  Some insurance companies criteria is also that the pannus needs to be hanging way down.  They need support letters from a treating physician, (like that they prescribed an anti fungal medication) and photos as well to determine medical necessity.

I had an extended abdominoplasty (so the incision stops around in the back....but doesn't go completely all the way around) with muscle tightening/repair, and a breast lift.  Full cost was approx. $12k (at a surgical center....went home same day), and this is in Louisiana.  Just something to compare to.