Need advice please

 Hi! I am 8 years post op from lap gastric bypass.  I need to have this "flap" of abdominal skin removed. It has never left in spite of exercise. I have scheduled an appointment with a surgeon. However, I don't know for sure if I will have to pay for this out-of-pocket or not>
Questions: (1) Is there a new laser-type tummy tuck? (2) What is the total cost for the operation (including everything-Dr./anestheia,hospital etc) (3) Time in the hospital? (4) age restrictions? (5) recovery time (6) expected results--pounds off, abdominal muscles stronger?
Any and all info would be so helpful. I am a bit nervous.
Peace2U & God Bless.

1. Not sure about a laser tummy tuck, but check out www.realself.com.  It’s an online community similar to OH that is devoted to plastic surgery. Great info there!

2. The cost will vary by location and doctor, but here in Cincinnati the surgeon’s fee I was quoted ranged from $4000-$6500, with the total cost being around $8000.

3. Typically 1 night in the hospital.

4.  I am not aware of any hard set age restrictions, and you will find many people in their 50s on this board that have had plastic surgery. Being a good candidate for plastics will be decided on by your doctor, and usually has a lot more to do with your overall general health.

5. The recovery time I was given from 4 doctors ranged from 3-6 weeks, but everyone is a little different in how they heal.

6. You will hear from plastic surgeons that a tummy tuck is a body contouring procedure, not a weight loss procedure. Skin actually weighs very little and only a couple of pounds is usually removed, but the visual results are much more dramatic. Realself also has a lot of before and after photos from many different kinds of procedures, so you can get an idea of what to expect.

Good luck on your consult, let us know how it goes!

 Thanks so much for taking the time to reply.. I will check out that website.  God Bless.