Question:
How many have multiple procedures of Plastic Surgery?
I'm very fortunate that my insurance is covering everything that the Plastic Surgeon recommends, which includes a full tummy tuck, not just the panniculectomy, but the whole shebang abdominalplasty...also a bilateral medial thigh lift, an arm lift and breast implants. The arm lift and breast implants are to be done in one procedure, but the tummy tuck and thigh lift are two separate procedures. I was told I'd have a 1-3 night stay for each procedure and there needs to be 4 months between procedures. I've seen others that are having multiple procedures done, such as butt lifts with an arm lift...or tummy tuck and thigh lift. I was hoping to have a tummy tuck (abdominalplasty) and thigh lift together...because you're reclined for some time with this procedure but got the impression from the scheduling nurse that they never do more than one procedure at this clinic at a time (which happens to be a University hospital). I'm scheduled for the tummy tuck for June 11th. I'm 2.5 years post-op and have lost 130 pounds now. I just was curious how difficult it is to handle multiple procedures...and if there's a lot of blood loss with these...and perhaps that's why they only do one at a time. I'd just like to get it done. I work at a school and my time is limited as to when I can take off work. I can't leave every 4 months...therefore I wanted to do the thigh lift and abdominalplasty together..then do the arms breast implants...the following December..while we're off for Christmas break. Any input is much appreciated. Thanks! — Cheryl K. (posted on March 2, 2010)
March 2, 2010
Sorry I don't have an answer to your questions. But I do wish you the very
best success. What kind of insurance do you have -- which company?
Thanks.
— Janell C.
March 2, 2010
I'm sorry too.... I don't have the answer either, but like the first poster
-- I'd LOVE to know which insurance company you're with. For them
(insurance companies) to cover plastic surgery is very rare, and it would
be nice to give your company a little exposure for their wonderful
"total patient" type of policy!!
— Erica Alikchihoo
March 2, 2010
I had the lower body lift (circumferential body lift) that included the
panniculectomy, abdominoplasty, butt lift and some liposuction (which most
procedures do include). Because of the amount of loose skin and work, they
did not do the thigh lift with this - my procedure took 8 hours as it was!
They have said they would do the thigh lift along with the arms and breast
lift at the same time as they are shorter procedures. I also work for the
schools, and had mine done over Christmas break - had to take an additional
week off (so a total of 4 weeks off), and then the 5th week was only able
to work half days. It takes a lot out of you, and at 3 months post op I am
just now starting to get some of my stamina back and able to exercise more.
I had 4 drains with the LBL - don't know how many I would have had to have
if I had the thighs done at the same time! Can't imagine. I was down a
total of 145 lbs when I had my surgery done. They removed 24 lbs of skin,
etc., during the surgery. Best of luck with your surgeries! What
insurance do you have that is covering everything? (As a side note, I was
not hospitalized for my procedure - went home first day - actually went to
a nurse's home overnight who cares for bariatric post-surgical patients
when they go home.)
— Wendy M.
March 2, 2010
I, also do not have an answer for you but am verey curious as to what ins
co you have? It is very rare to find one that does cover all plastic
surgery. Let us all know who your insurance company is, thanks and best of
luck to you.
— Tina B.
March 2, 2010
After having lost 125 lbs, I have not yet had my plastics but have done my
first consult. They would only do 1-2 procedures at a time for me because
of #1 the time spent under anesthesia, #2 the amount of skin, and #3 the
blood loss. My plan is to have arm lift and implants/breast lift in 1,
then lower body left following that. I also wanted a thigh lift w the LBL,
but they told me that depending on how the LBL goes, I might not need it.
I'd DEFINITELY like to know what insurance you have - I have the option of
switching shortly and that would certainly help since my surgeries will be
well over 10K, even @ the University Hospital & my Bariatris discount.
Good luck to you!
— stellarsan
March 3, 2010
Thanks for all that responded so far. When I tell you my insurance I would
be most of you will not believe they are covering it all, but they are.
It's BCBS of Minnesota. It's through my husband's company the company is
self insured, however BCBS handles the claims. This is how it was told to
me...if some of you know different, then please advise. I was very
concerned that they wouldn't cover anything but the panniculectomy as
that's what the plastic surgeon said. He stated that they ask for the
world and usually only get this covered. If I wanted to go for the full
abdominalplasty then I would pay an additional $4000. When I got my
approval letter, I was shocked. I didn't really think it was right. But
then the surgeon's office called me to set up a surgery date and confirmed
each approval for each surgery and the exact coverage. I'll only be
responsible for my out of pocket max of $1500. We have a flex account for
that so it's nice to have at least ONE great thing such as this come our
way. After dealing with many health issues, my son being born prematurely
nearly 6 years ago and his issues, then my husband having two hip
replacements...etc...etc...etc. It's such a blessing. Believe me...I'm
incredibly grateful that we have this insurance. In saying that...it's
also made me very comitted to NEVER regaining this weight and a promise I
made to myself that I'll live the most healthy life possible...not only for
me...but for my young son...as his example. The WLS was the first step
...and it took me many years to consider it....I will never regret that
decision. I do wonder though....(now you're all going to laugh) how
terrible do I REALLY look naked that my insurance is covering all these
procedures? Especially the breast implants? That one alone shocked me. I
do have skin fold rashes with my tummy and in between my thighs. So I can
understand the need for those surgeries...but the arms and breast implants
being covered were a shocker. I will tell you though...if I could get one
surgery that I'd have to pay for out of pocket...it would have been the arm
lift. Working at a school...kids will always point out the
differences...and I stopped wearing short sleeves because I had many a
kinder or 1st grader ask what's wrong with my arms. My son even kneads it
like it's bread dough. I'll take the scars over the hanging skin any day!
Hope this helps any out there....and hope I continue to get some responses
regarding multiple procedures. I'm a pretty tough cookie...so I really
wanted the abdominalplasty with the thigh lift done at once...because I
have more time off from work. But I'm fearing that it won't happen.
Thanks again.
Cheryl
— Cheryl K.
March 3, 2010
Hi Cheryl. Do you know how fortunate you are to have your insurance pay???
My answer...I had a total lower body lift, with some lipo, and my breasts
done at the same time. It was a 7 hour surgery and I spent 2 nights in the
hospital. The recovery was ROUGH to say the least. It took over 2 weeks
before I could stand up straight. I can understand why they want to wait 4
weeks between. I think that might even be pushing it. I am over 3 months
out and have just begun to feel almost normal. Would I do it again?
Absolutely. Better 1 long operation and recovery than 2! Good luck!!!
— corky1057
March 3, 2010
Lucky you to have the cooperation of your insurance provider. Mine paid
for absolutely none of it...including the gastric bypass. I had my arm
lift and breast augmentation on an out patient procedure. Two hours for
surgery and a little over an hour for recovery. Had a follow up the next
morning. Followed all the instructions, never had a problem. I waited a
full year and then had a lower body lift without the thighs, my surgeon
wouldn't do them the same day. Once again, surgery was about 2-2.5 hours,
1-2 hours in recovery and then the surgical center put me and my Mom and
sister up for the night in a hotel near the hospital. Had a follow-up with
the doctor the next day and went back to work in 14. I would have gone
back sooner, but the drainage bags are a pain! I would definitely wait the
4 months between each set of surgeries. You don't realize what muscle
groups you use to get out of a chair or bed until you have had surgery in
that area, and then the realization hits you! Best of luck and enjoy your
new body. I love the second looks and buying all the cool clothes!!!
— ptacres
March 5, 2010
Hi Cheryl. I am 9 yrs out, size 24 to 8 and have had full tummy, then
breast and arm lift. I was young and fourtunate to not be really bad off
with the skin as some after 130 loss. I have Federal BCBS which paid for
bypass and tummy. On my own for the rest. lol. I don't see why you can't
have the tuck and thigh at the same time. You will be out of service for 6
weeks, walking and standing, so why not go ahead. The pain can't be any
worse, but def worth it. Do not stand up straight AT ALL for the first 6
weeks after tummy. My surgeon was adamant about that. You can stretch the
scar and once you see a horror story about that you will want to stoop for
ever. I had to gradually increase my standing straight again within a 1 or
so. So worth it, my scar is not even visible. So on with the arm. This was
similar with the tummy as in take the time to heal properly. I only have
underarm scars, wonderful surgeon, as again my skin wasn't as bad as most.
You should have breast with the arm only a slight $$$ difference for me and
soooo worth it. Just FYI, I will be coming up on my 3rd breast revision. My
dr had me pulled so tight, I though my stiches would burst, but low and
behold, they fell due to the elasticity of my skin. My breast being the
worst area, go figure, but still didn't look to bad. 2nd surgury. Looks
good and was extremely tight, but are not dropping exactly the same. My dr
is not charging me his fee, only the $182 for IV sedation. Nice man, says
he has never had to due the breasts again, but has had to do the tummy for
a few. I did go from a 42F to a 38D, before surg and am now a perky 38C.
Would like to have thight, but should have done it like you and didn't know
to. So def go for it. Nothing in the butt to lift.lol, but would like
implants, would be scared I would sit and one would burst. lol. Good luck
— woodiesgirl
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