Tummy Tuck Question

I have my second PS consult next week. I know I'm getting an arm lift and am debating whether or not I can afford a tummy tuck. Well, no I can't, but I'm debating whether I'll do it anyway. My question is this: Did you have the anchor or horizontal incision? Are you happy with it? Do you wish you had done something differently? Anything else I should know? OK, that was 4 questions, not one, but I love you guys because I know you'll put up with my peskiness. Hugs, Connie

Hi Connie; I have no experience in this matter.......therefore, no wisdom to impart. I just wanted to wish you luck in whatever surgery you decide on! If and when I decide go the TT route, I too will need to pay for it myself, because there is absolutely no way that I can con anyone into the "Medical Necessity" angle. I just don't have enough "flap" to justify it. I suppose that I shouldn't complain, but I'm in the "no man's land" of too much flap for style and comfort, but not enough to work the insurance angle. Oh well.......it's only money.....with my second daughter about to enter college, and the first one still in college, I'm getting pretty acclimated to that dreaded disease "MAFUNZALOW"!!! CHEERS!! Mike

I'm in the same boat you're in, Mike. I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to get the tummy tuck, but no one would ever approve me. I also have the boy child in college and the girl child about to enter. My flap looks like jello on crack. It's just terrible. Perhaps I shall begin to play the lottery.....ya never know! Joanie

Mike, you never know unless you try. I have a unique situation. I have two different BC/BS companies. One through my wife and one through my work. For WLS one denied me, the other paid. For my PS, the one that denied me for WLS said yes, the other said no. I just received my appeal back from the other company and it says after review while it may improve my ego, it is not a medical necessity. Go figure. My suggestion to you is document any rashes, get treatment for any rases and take photos. Document how it affects your job, and go see a PS that will fight for you. Connie, I didn't get any options, I know I'll have a scar at my "bikini line". And just the thought of me in a speedo or banana hammock makes me throw up in my mouth a little bit.

Hi Connie, and all. I have been so absent on the board - and am at work right now on a gorgeous Saturday, which tells you I'm drowning...anyway, had to post to this as best I can in supersonic thinking mode. I had to be cut both vertically and horizontally because I had that major hernia repair done at the same time as the abdominoplasty/TT. I'm not bothered at all by the scars. I have to say, though, that everything has softened - I didn't retain that firm, tight abdomen that was mine for the first 4 months after surgery. When I sit, I have a slight roll, and my left side rolls more than my right side, so my "job" seems to have been slightly lopsided. But I am not bothered by the scars -- don't know if you will be. I consider ever scar on my body to be a badge of courage for being in this war -- and surviving it, at least for today. Keep us posted. Love you, M.

Connie,Ii had a bikini cut with 117 staples. My cut goes from side to side, he describes it as cutting from the table up and around to the other side of the table when you are laying on it in the operating room. The plastic surgeon I had is very cautious and careful to do the best he can. He also did muscle plication on me (shortened and tightened all the abdominal muscles from below the rib cage all the way down to the pubic bone. I must admit by stomach is flat flat flat and he did an excellent job. I am most proud to be seen in a two piece bathing suit, now if my back end could only look that good. if you would like to see picures of my abdomen before and after let me know and I will send them to you. I had only a total of 2 pounds of skin removed but what a major difference in how things look all tightened up. I had to pay 1,000.00 to have the muscle work done out of my pocket, the insurance paid for the rest 100%. my Dr told me I would be pleased to have the skin removed but would love the results with the plication and he was definatley right. he showed me abdominalplasty with and without plication and the 1000.00 was money well spent and worth it. i hae no excess skin on my arms, and actually people usually ask when i had my arms done and I say I didnt and they cant beleive it, but I am hoping to have my butt and thighs lifted. I doubt insurance will ever cover it so I am saving all I can for it in hopes to do it debt free, but if not, it will be a well worth it debt. I think anyone who can afford to have it done will not be disappointed. I refused to not finish what I have started and honestly I find it easier to keep myslef on track from day to day whenI look at my body and see what has changed and how much I want to work at taking care of this beautiful woman who was given a 2nd chance at truly living and loving herself. I am so worth it!!! And so are all of you! Janelle

Janelle, Thanks so much for answering. My insurance isn't paying... no way, no how so it's up to me. I had my second consult yesterday and really liked the surgeon I saw. He and his staff spent two hours answering every question you can imagine for a 50.00 consult fee. The problem is he's pretty pricey at 15,000 for arms and abs. His work looks wonderful, though. The other surgeon I saw charges 11,000 for the same procedures, but that doesn't include a night in the hospital and I really hated his attitude. I'd love to see your pics if you want to send them and thanks for the encouragement. I really, really appreciate it. Connie