Question:
What type of plastic surgery and how much?

Hi: I am post op about 10 months, and have lost about 140 lbs!! I already am in need of plastic surgery.(and am still loosing, and hope to loose another 40 lbs) I highly doubt that insurance will pay (but who knows) SO, I am trying to prepare and find out if I will be able to pay myself. Can others tell me who had the tummy tuck or panni, and those who have had the arm reduction, and also a breast lift. How much did it cost?? Is the tummy thing ever a day surgery? Or how long did you need to stay in the hospital. (I feel the hosptial prices will be what I won't be able to afford) What about the breast/arm one? Those who have had the arm reduction...was the scare really bad, and do people comment on it if they see it? Any and ALL information on any of the plastic surgeries, will greatly help me. Thanks so much!!    — Karen A. (posted on November 11, 2001)

November 14, 2001
Insurance <i>might</i> pay, but the surgery needs to be deemed "medically necessary." Check with your individual policy to see what procedures, if any, are covered. I had almost a full-belt abdominoplasty and was in the hospital 24 hours. Check out my profile for more information on that. My plastic surgeon told me that batwing removal and thigh lifts are actually harder recoveries because of how much you use your arms and legs. A good plastic surgeon can make the scar look at least halfway decent, but then again, you <i>will</i> have a scar. You need to weigh how badly your skin is sagging versus having a noticeable scar. Hope this helps some.
   — Suzanne B.

February 24, 2004
I had my breast lift (not reduction, but lift) done Jan 29,2004. I had skin removed and a lift. I had been a 42D prior to my gastric bypass surgery (april 2003) and the loss of 140 pounds. The lift/skin removal set me back $4000 for my surgeons fee and $1000 to the hospital. This thursday (2/25/04) will be 4 weeks since my lift/skin removal and I am barely swollen at all now. I am still wearing my "sleeping bra" but I did try on a 34B and it fit pretty good. Good luck to you!
   — Mary H.