[skyyboo]

I recently lost 65 lbs and I wanted to know if anybody out there knows what to do with all this excess skin I have left. I seems to me that my insurance would find it medically necessary to have a tummy tuck and breast lift. I don't know which is worst being fat or having this problem. Please let me know if anybody has an idea.

[ladyelaine]

First of all, congratulations on the weight loss!! I think that's always a great feat... and the excess skin can definitely be taken care of. Depending on the doctor and the amount of skin in question, this might be done via tucks or liposuction. And yes, I imagine a breast procedure of some kind might be in order now. Sometimes the removal of excess after considerable weight loss IS covered by insurance, but that really depends on teh specific situation. I would make a phone call to your insurance company and see what their policies are for elective procedures, and for procedures such as large volume liposuction. You might then have to see a doctor in their network, or find a doctor who will work with your insurance plan.

[linda]

My insurance paid a portion of my tummy tuck. I had twins, so the muscles down my midsection were separated. Based on the amount of separation, they may pay for some of the work. But, you are safest to assume the entire procedure will be on your nickel. If you happen to need some kind of other surgery (hysterectomy comes to mind) that is covered, you can add on the tummy tuck. You'll just have to pay the additional cost of the OR and the doc fee. It's a little cheaper if you can piggyback plastic surgery on to a medically necessary procedure.

[ladygargoyle]

WoW Linda, thats great advise, I sure wish i had thought of that. Very interesting 'piggy back' surgery. I sure will try to remember it, if there are any surgerys in my future, however, very doubtful, too expensive. I have 2 children and a ton of stretch marks and loose skin to show for it.
My mom had 4 of us, my oldest sister has 4 children, my youngest sister has 1 child and none of them have a single stretch mark. Lucky me :?
That was very nice of you to share that information, thanks.

[AnneJ]

Wow. That too is the best advice I've heard yet. Problem is I have no plans of getting a hysterectomy any time soon. So i guess I'll have to choose between shelling out money to get rid of my stretch marks or waiting for several years so i can take Linda's advice.... :?

[bikinisurfer]

I would stick to top of the line surgeons only because of the horror stories that we hear from time to time. Find someone reputable and with a portfolio with before and after shots so you can see their previous work.

[Cosmetic Surgeon Houston]

Congrats on your weight loss! Insurance coverage is often a question when it comes to cosmetic procedures. Most cosmetic procedures are not covered by insurance. You should definitely double check with your insurance company, though. Every plan is different. I list my starting prices for cosmetic procedures on my website. I would definitely look for a qualified cosmetic surgeon in your area by doing extensive research and maybe doing a few consultations. Then go with the doctor you feel most comfortable with. Beware of surgeons that make you want to change more than you came in wanting to change. This is a bad sign. Patients should be treated with utmost respect.

[jamessmith2099]

Dear. I am not as worried as I was before reading all your post. My 23 year old Girlfriend has the same problem. She also has a thyroid disorder which may have a lot to do with it. I also think that it may be due to the hormones that are given to cows and there milk ends up on our table.