Question:
Hanging excess flesh

For you post-surgery large weight loss people, how has the problem of hanging skin been resolved? Or if only thru plastic surgery, did insurance cover?    — karikat (posted on April 15, 2010)

April 15, 2010
I, for one, have alot of loose skin on my arms,tummy and thighs. With all my readings, I found out that "some" reduces in the second year post op as long as I contine with my exercise program. If I want what does not shrink in that year I will need to consider plastic surgery. Remember that these type of procedures health insurances usually do not cover this "unless" you suffer from compromised skin intengrity due to it....ie: rashes, fisures, infections, or yeast. Hope this helps.....
   — karensaporito

April 15, 2010
I lost 120 lbs and yes I have some hanging skin..Not a lot, but my belly is a big area. The arms yes a lil bit, the upper inner thighs a lil, nothing on the neck, Lines on my face is my biggest concern cuz you can't cover up wrinkles! lol I am almost 46 and I feel I look older cuz of them. My husband seems to not mind the skin issue. He saw and loved me fat and now he sees and loves me like this. Good luck! and God Bless! hugs,kim
   — gpcmist

April 15, 2010
I have LOTS of hanging skin....huge batwings, belly, a lot on my thighs and then the skin hanging from my lower back & buttocks area. I have worked with a personal trainer on toning for some time and though I definitely have muscle tone and strength I didn't have before (it's really cool! even though the skin on my arms hangs down far enough for me to take flight, the top part of my arms are now rippled from muscle! I've NEVER had that before) there's no way for me to reduce that amount of skin with exercise. I will, eventually, have to have surgery if I want that skin to go away. but, it's do different for each person. It really depends on where exactly you lose it and how much you lose. I've lost almost 140lbs in 2 years and I still need to lose 30 more pounds to be at goal. No amount of muscle building is going to make for the excess skin in my case. That doesn't mean I won't continue to work out and strength build..yes, I certainly will. But, it won't eradicate my skin or lift my "Girls" back up where they belong. As Ruby said it, "you trade fat for loose skin & loose skin for scars"...scars being the consequence of plastic surgery. I can't WAIT to get my plastic surgery scars!! :D
   — INQE

April 16, 2010
Barb ... greetings from Cheryl, the Human Shar-Pei. I have reams of loose skin -- upper arms, thighs, hips, everywhere, and my girls are headed so far south I'm beginning to think they're migratory birds. I do, however, have a flat stomach from an panniculectomy I had in 2001, so there is a bright side, I suppose. I'm in Canada, so we don't have as many of the same issues around insurance as you do in the U.S., and my panni was paid for as it was considered to be "reconstructive" versus "cosmetic". To be honest, I haven't had the guts to ask if a full body lift would be considered "reconstructive" as well, but it might be worth investigating.
   — Cheryl Denomy

April 16, 2010
Barb, everyone talked of having the loose skin and the need of Plastic Surgery. And I like the term of "Re-constructive" rather than "Cosmetic". The Insurance companies may look differently at the "Skin Removal Request Issues". But you need to Document ALL of your issues with any areas of loose/excess skin. Problems with activities no matter how small. All rashes, skin abrasions/openings. Keep a personal log such as on your OH Profile but definitely in your Medical Records with your Primary Doctor. Which will need to write a Request to the Insurance Company to get the Insurance to pay for any surgeries. Most Plastic Surgeon's DO NOT take Insurance Payments. Thus you need to do research to find one that does plus that you would be comfortable in using plus their after-care. In all of Tampa Bay Florida, I know of only one who will fight on the behalf of the patient to get the Insurance to pay.
   — Michael Eak

April 17, 2010
hi barb, yes, you need to have the proper documentation in order to get the attention of the insurance company. when you first file, expect to get a denial. this is how they weed out people. find a professional reading appeal letter (don't be mean!) and supply the documentation to back up why you need to have this 'reconstructive' surgery. i was able to get my arms, tummy, butt and thighs approved. i also cc'd the health state commissioner with all of the documentations i sent to the ins. company to appeal. i read on this website the ins. company doesn't like that attention from the commissioner. thus far, i've had the arms and butt lift done. i am very happy with them though i'm still recovering after 5.5 weeks. just can tire easily and the scars are still sensitive. i am getting my tt in august then the bear of a surgery for a leg lift in november. things to remember when submitting; be professional, have an abundance of documentation, cc your state health commissioner and hopefully that does the trick. i wish you the best of luck.
   — cinlu