The cost of my surgery

So I have to admit I thought it would be a lot more.  I will be having my surgery in Cleveland  with the first procedure (arms and breast) in Nov.  For those of you who are just starting the process of looking in to surgery here is what I will be paying (self pay) for my surgery.  Though I have a small umbilical hernia so we are in the process of seeing if the insurance company will piny up and pay for part of the tummy.

Thigh lift                                                 $4,400.00

face/necklift                                            $8,500.00           

lower body lift                                          $11,000.00 (this includes the full tummy, butt and outer thighs)

Upper boddy lift:
Mastopexyw/ silicone augment               $7,600.00 (includes bra line lift)
arm lift                                                      $4,100.00

I guess my biggest surprise is that it had to be done in 4 different procedures.  As a nurse I appreciate the caution my surgeon uses of not keeping her patients under anesthesia for prolonged period of times.  What I didn't appreciat is her wanting me to lose another 20 pounds.  I have lost 135 pounds and have been stable for almost 8 months. I have been trying to lose this 20 pounds to no avail for the last 8 months.  So I am back on protein shakes. Yummmmm. Not.

Those are fantastic prices for a US surgeon. I was born and raised in Cleveland but live in California now.  My Kaiser quoted me $18,000 for my facelift.  I think the LBL was around the same price.  I just can't afford it and also can't afford the time off work for the 4 surgeries.  He was going to do thighs separately and combine the arms/breasts.  I think the total they quoted was $54,000. 

Now about those 20 pounds.  May I ask what your BMI is?  I'm 2 pounds from a normal BMI but really want to shed 10 pounds before my December surgery date.  I'm adding in more protein but i have to say I'm not a big fan of the shakes.  They just leave me hungry right when I'm done with it.  I've been having a Quest bar daily to get in an additional 20 grams.  It took me forever to get off the last 10 pounds and I'm not looking forward to this but I'm going to keep carbs low/protein high and really track everything I eat.    What's your plan and how long do you have to get the 20 off?  We can do this!!

My BMI is 29.  I am carrying most of the extra weight in my thighs.  I have upped my workouts.  I already eat super clean. Nothing processed.  I'm eating quinoa with chia seeds for breakfast, protein shake at lunch.  Adding unflavored protein powder to my propel zero to up my protein intake.  Snacks are maybe an apple or dry roasted edamame.  Dinner is usually a lean protein with a vegetable or greek yogurt with a little fruit in it.  I weigh the same now as I did when I was 16.  Not bad for 47 and having given birth!  My goal is to look and feel better at 50 than at any time before in my life.

BTW the prices I quoted above are totally inclusive and my procedures are being done at the "BIG" Cleveland hosptial.  Not a stand alone clinic.  The only other cost involved will be an overnight stay for the face lift and lower body lift at $850.00/night.

Kate, you're definitely going to look better at 50!   You have a great plan in place.

Cleveland has much better prices than San Francisco!

Thanks Kate

Now I have somewhat of an idea on the price of thigh lift which I plan to do in a year or so. 

Good luck, you will love the new you.  I am so happy with my new tummy.

Carla

Hi Kate!

Thanks for all of the info.  I'll be having a LBL next Friday at what I think is the same "BIG" Cleveland hospital as you if all goes according to plan.  I had a little glitch with my pre-op appointment that I hope to have cleared up with another appointment this Friday.  (Wish me luck.)  My insurance company (Aetna) approved the panni and the $850 overnight stay, so I only ended up having to pay $5,000 on my own for it.

The rest will be completely self-pay, of course.  I'm planning to do a thigh lift and upper body lift as soon as possible, but wasn't given any quotes for either one yet.  I'm curious if we're using the same surgeon since everything you mentioned seems to fit.  Is your surgeon Dr. R by any chance? 

What kind of financing options did they offer you?  I'm starting to get nervous as I saved up to pay for the LBL in cash, but can only realistically afford to put another $5,000 toward the next 2 procedures and don't want to wait forever to get through the plastics phase!

Yes it is Dr. R. I private messaged you.  As far as financing, everything has to be paid in full 1 month prior to surgery.  I agree about not wanting to wait forever to get throught the plastics phase, but I keep reminding myslef it is a marathon, not a sprint.  It is just frustrating to have the ugly reminder of the saggy skin lingering around.