Need advice: Is it really worth it?

 You can be persuasive. I would try with a teaching hospital or maybe that plastic doctor needs a tax write off. I don't think it would hurt to go.

I saw a plastic surgeon.  I wanted to know what I was up against.  I am glad I did.  I found out the cost wasn't as bad as I thought, especially if I used the residency program at the university hospital.  It is possible if I can manage to save up some money.  Which won't happen until I am in a good job but it's something to think about.  It actually would cost less then a used car.  I had a consult for a breast lift.

Ladytazz raises a good point. Are there any teaching hospitals near you with good reputations that you would trust?

If not, I say put it on the back burner and let it simmer. I've noticed that when I want something, if I keep it at the back of my mind but don't obsess about it, I start to find ways to make it happen.

You are incredibly determined and persuasive. You never know what is possible if you make your wishes known to the universe.

Only you can know how it will affect you. If you think it will motivate you to start saving for it or at least help you to be more able to afford a loan then go for it.

For me I just couldn't do it. I knew it would depress me knowing I could never afford it.

Then I did go to a consult about my panni, and found that my insurance would cover it since I met all their requirements. While there he did tell me about all the other things I need done, which was kinda depressing too. Not fun to have someone point out all your flaws...lol.

I did end up getting my panni removed and feel so much better. The difference is night and day. I can't afford to get the rest done, since I need everything done...lol. So I will keep just plugging along as best I can.

Good luck with whatever you decide!!!

I have huge amounts of skin myself Nik and I am a single mom to five young kids on my own now without a job. 

Having said that, I have an appointment in several weeks (after my daughter has gone back to school after recovering from her brain tumor surgery which is this Monday the 12th) for a follow up with my gastric bypass surgeon and the nutritionist.  At that appointment, I'm going to ask for a referral to see the PS that's affiliated with them.  After having twins then triplets, and then losing 165 lbs, my body has been through hell (and I'd gladly do it all over again the exact same way!)  I need a breast lift and possibly a lower body lift might help with my legs because I really REALLY don't want to have to do the legs but that's where the most skin is on the upper thighs.  Its really bad and while I look good in clothes, the skin just hangs off of me. 

While I cannot afford to pay for it on my own, I've been told by other's who have gone through my surgeon that MAYBE if worded correctly to state that it is reconstructive surgery, the insurance just might pay for it.  For me, its worth a shot.  And if it doesn't work out, there is always next years' income taxes that could at least finance some of it.

Just my two cents worth.  Hope you come to a decision about it that you are happy with. 

((((Hugs))))

Mallisa

I feel you!  I am so dissatisfied with my body the way it is but there's no way I could afford plastics right now.  I've decided to just put it out of my mind for the time being.  I toyed with the idea of going for a consult, but ultimately decided it would only end up making me feel worse.  If the day ever comes that I have an extra $20,000 laying around, then I will go.  (And even then I'd be scared to death about the surgery and may not go through with it!)

It's a tough call, Nikki... but you know, someway, somehow the results may surprise you.

I seriously thought I had NO CHANCE of getting my reduction/lift covered... but since I knew that the referral appointment would be covered by insurance and I'd only have to pay $12, I figured it was worth a shot.  As expected, the doc wasn't optomistic for my chances but said they'd send in to insurance to see what they can get covered. I provided all th prior medical records I had, and VOILA, it was magically approved even though one side is only a cosmetic lift.

You just never know... the doc may look at your arms and think he's able to justify to insurance that it's definitely a reconstructive thing and that your quality of life is affected with them being as they are.  Stranger things have happened.

The worst that comes of it is knowing what you'd be up against if you ever had to self-pay.  A little knowledge is never really a bad thing in and of itself, is it?

The choice is yours, my friend...


tori

I also say look into a residency program. I'm a single mom by choice. I basically live paycheck to paycheck, but in the past 8 years I have managed to scrimp and save for 2 international adoptions and a bunch of plastic surgery. It can be done.

Laura

Nik, I don't know if this will apply to you or not, but because my saggy breasts had caused chest wall muscle tears, insurance covered my breast lift/reduction and arms as well as around the back and up the shoulder blades (the surgeon and my gyny's office reported that if this was not ALL done, I would have a chronic muscle tear). It might be worth a try if you need the breasts done as well.

The other suggestion someone made about calling it reconstruction is also valuable - insurance companies have a knee-jerk reaction to the term "plastic surgery" and typically consider it elective cosmetic. The term "reconstruction" used EVERY time tends to get a better response.

Other than those two things, I got nothin' for suggestions for you - just a lot of hope that you find a way to work things out.

I with LadyTazz on this one. I like to know what I am up against.

University of MD does have a discount plastic surgery program

http://www.umm.edu/plasticsurgery/discount_cosmetic_surgery. htm

I haven't researched it but could be worth a look.