Question:
Should I start looking for a plastic surgery now?

Hi, I have lost about 113 pounds so far and would like to lose another 20-30 pounds. Should I start the Plastic Surgery process now? I really only need a breast reduction/lift. Everthing else isn't bad enough for insurance to pay for. Any tips on how to start the ball rolling would be appreciated. Thanks!    — SJP (posted on July 12, 2004)

July 12, 2004
No, wait until you are at goal for a minimum of 6 mos. Best is 2 years, because it takes that long for skin to snap back (as much as it can).
   — mrsmyranow

July 12, 2004
I started my consult for PS when I was 1 year post op, at goal. I knew I wanted to get it done over this summer which would be the 18 month post op mark. It took almost 5 months to go through the denials, appeals and external reviews. When I go for my abdominoplasty on 8/17 I will be 18 months post op and 6 months at/below goal. If you are going to consider self-pay you might want to wait, but if you think you might have a struggle with your insurance company, you might just want to go for an initial consult and get some ideas and info. As far as skin bouncing back, I think that depends on your age. Mine hasn't in 18 months, and I am just turning 47---gravity seems to have gotten a stronger hold on the excess skin LOL!!! I am at the gym 3x a week for a decent workout, and nothing short of a miracle other than surgery could do anything about my skin. I am not hopeful that insurance would cover anything other than the TT, although I'd love to do the inner thighs and the area above the sides of my bra---yuk!
   — Fixnmyself

July 13, 2004
I would try and get your consult appts now. Most of the PS in Maryland are booking first time appts 8 weeks out. If you book now and get an appt 8 weeks from now you will be closer to ready. You can get prices and you have time to find a surgeon you like. You don't have to have the surgery right away, but it is just like getting an RNY surgeon - Plastics surgeons are backed up right now in some areas of the country. Best regards, Maggie B. 283/175 4/03
   — M B.