TT/UBL opinions needed **pix**

I've done a little research on PS to address loose skin on my arms and upper abdomen. I consulted the following surgeons, sending them pics and getting quotes via email. Here's what their responses were:

Dr. Bradley Remington, Kirkland: $12500  (reverse abdominoplasty/upper body lift plus arm lift)
Dr. Francisco Sauceda: $9700 (upper body lift plus arm lift)
Dr. LoMonaco: $7000 (upper body lift w/ arm lift)
Dr. Stephen Paige, Seattle: $11,500 (custom back reduction plus arm lift)

Granted, none of these surgeons have seen me in person other than Dr. Paige, and their quotes may vary greatly once we've met, so I'm sitting on the fence on whether I want to try and finance this so next summer I can be beach body ready, or if I want to intensify my workouts to see what I can do to improve areas of concern. My arms have always been big, but now its just weird to have a bunch of loose skin like an 80yr old on my upper arms. The abs I'm also concerned with- it'd be nice to show off a flat, defined tummy when I'm teaching group fitness classes.

Anyhow, here's "the situation" I'm workin' on- the first one is where I'm at, and the 2nd is with me holding the excess skin (see that 6pk under there!?)

  
So part of me is posting this to get a reality check, is the correction I'm wanting worth the cost/potential risks? I know I ultimately have to choose, but I value opinions from the experts (you!) I'd appreciate your feedback.

Thanks!

jcheryld,

Yes I see that sixer!  The reality is that no amount of exercise or diet change is going to address loose skin, and it sure looks like that's all you have.  If you have excess fat, I'm not seeing it.  It's a very personal decision to have surgery, but if I were in your shoes, I'd do it in a heartbeat.  You seem to have worked to achieve one hella good body and getting rid of the skin would let it shine through.

Terri

The question of if it's worth it is a very personal question each person has to answer for themselves. I personally think it is worth it. Just my opinion, you'll probably think it is worth it as well. For all the work you've put in working out to see the results w/o all the skin hanging is amazing. To be able to hang out on the beach in a bikini w/  a flat stomach or wear sleeveless shirts w/ confidence, priceless.

Sonya

Wow!! You already have a beautiful body under that loose skin. You are going to look amazing!!!
                                      Brandi

I can only tell you for me it was absolutely work the risk!  You deserve a body that you can be proud of and since you teach fitness -- one that will inspire your students!

Red

Thank you all for your feedback! Your kind words and compliments help me tremendously. Thanks!

Looks like your body is ready if you ask me! What the other poster posted is true, no amount of exercise will get rid of the hanging skin. I'd say go for it. Your are going to look great!

I agree with all of the above and I'd go for it. I don't think it's bad if you don't but you would love it if you do.

I'm with everyone else.  You've done the hard work, you look amazing...the problem is that you have an size XL skin on a size S body!  And it's true, no matter how much harder you work out...it's not going to shrink your skin.  This is where plastic surgery is so amazing!!   I list it as one of the most amazing experiences of my life.   I cannot image NOT having done it now.  I had an LBL and BL in January and have a thigh lift and arm lift scheduled for September.  It is MORE than worth it in my opinion!!  You already look fabulous...you will be SMOKIN HOT with that skin gone!!

I agree with the previous posts. Wow, with you already looking this great just imagine with the excess skin being gone how you would look. I am thinking it would be wonderful and if it were me I would be going for it but everyone is different for sure.
Jenn