Question:
I would like to know if there is any facility in the United States that accepts Skin.

I was told that this occurs in Galveston Texas and also California but I have no numbers or contact persons. If anyone know could you please share that information with me. I am currently 2 years post-op and without Insurance coverage and would love to have my excess skin removed. I've written everyone for help. (Extreme Makeovers and even Oprah) to no avail no one will help or offer assistance. I need to get rid of these last 50 pounds and excercise as I may it doesn't come off. I'm very disappointed that I cannot reach my goal weight because of this EXCESS SKIN (aka FLAB). So if anyone I mean anyone out there has been successful at this or knows anyone that has had this done Please email me the information. [email protected]    — Missypj (posted on July 14, 2003)

July 14, 2003
Sorry no. The reason is living donors can only cobntribuite realtively small amounts of skin. Cadvers can contribuite it all. Theres LOTs of tests to clear skin for reuse, HIV AIDS hepatitis etc. Too costly for the amount harvested from the living. This all from a plastic surgeon at our latest support group meeting.
   — bob-haller

July 14, 2003
This question has been on here a few times, so it's probably in the library if you want more answers, but apparently, the skin thing is a total urban legand. Too bad for all of us excess-skinners out there, but our skin is in pretty poor shape anyway, at least mine is with all the stretch marks and such.
   — thekatinthehat

July 14, 2003
Have you thought about investing in yourself and taking out a loan for the plastic surgery? If the 50 lbs and excess skin really bother you -- if you are able to get a loan -- go for it! We'll always owe someone so why not be totally happy with yourself. Maybe you can research to see if any teaching universities offer lower fees in the Plastic Surgery or General Surgery Departments. Good luck!
   — Starrlina

July 15, 2003
I'm only two weeks post op, but I'm already thinking about the plastic surgery issue. I want it done if I have lots of excess skin. I don't know if my insurance will cover it or not. I told my husband my concerns and he said he's earmarking next year's tax refund completely for plastic surgery for me. I know accountants advise against paying the IRS any more than necessary, but we have a higher rate taken out of our payroll so that we do get a large refund. We tried paying in the minimum and saving the difference, but somehow that money always seems to get spent. I agree with investing in yourself by getting a loan or saving up the money. Good luck!
   — Liz R.

July 15, 2003
Huge URBAN LEGEND! I hear this so often and it's usually followed by "I even know someone who did it!" However, the person who supposedly had it done never seems to materialize. This rumor circulated to widely at one point that I called the burn unit at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) which is one of the most widely respected teaching hospitals in the U.S. I spoke with the director of the burn unit. He stated unequivocably that skin recovered from a panniculectomy or tummy tuck is never accepted as donor skin. This is because the skin has lost it's integrity after being stretched for so long. Of all the myths surrounding weight loss surgery this one aggravates me the most. It causes people to get their hopes up and it's only an urban legend. Don't give up - the previous posters have given you lots of good options to pay for plastic surgery. You'll find a way! Best wishes to you.
   — ronascott