Questions for those who have been there done that!

Hi Everyone!

I have my PS consult Sept 24th to look at lower body lift vs tummy tuck.  If insurance does not approve any of it the TT will cost 8k and the LBL 13-15k with ALL costs included.  Not bad I don't think.  What is your opinion on those figures?

Not only is my surgeon board certified he is a microvascular surgeon.  Meaning if you cut off your finger, he can put it all back together, tiny vessels everything! He's amazing.  I am a nurse and have seen his work first hand.

Anyway.... I dont have a ton of extra skin on my butt or legs b/c I am a runner.. I look pretty good, however I do have some on my hips, not noticable till I lay on my side etc.  Those of you who went with the TT over the LBL do you regret it?  I am thinking a TT would sufice.  But I am not sure.  Of course I will find out more with the consult but just thought I would throw this out there.

Also, I am a nurse so how long were you off work? When you returned were u on a weight restriction.  Any one else a floor nurse?

Thanks!!!

I had a LBL a year and 3 months ago and paid a little over $11,000 including everything......so I think those prices given to you are right on target,    Good luck to you,   Sorry I can't  help you about the work situation.,,,I am a stay at home wife,


Hugs and blessings~~~~ Vivian

Thanks for the info Vivian!

I was bound and determined I was having a circumferential LBL-- until the surgeon I believe I will be using really took a good look and said, "Why harrass your ass needlessly?" I'll be getting a fleur-de-lis type abdominoplasty--- since I already have a huge scar from my open bowel surgery, they'll go in there and pull in towards the center-- the results are very wasp-waisty and should work well on my petite frame. No way I'd do the just the panniculectomy-- it moves skin but not muscle, and wouldn't address my hips or upper belly at all. Abdominoplasty will.

If the pannus is covered by insurance, I'm looking at $12k for arms, breasts and abdomen-- all done at once, probably in June. Blue Cross and I need time to wrestle.

I hate blue cross! I fought for over a year until i decided to bite it and self pay!

Sounds like you have a good plan in place Shari, I wish you the best of luck with it all.

Hi Melissa!!! Long time no seee :) If you don't have a lot of excess skin on your sides/back i say just go with the front! I had a lot of excess skin all the way around...booo, so i just had a LBL last Monday and it sucks! I'm a baby though :) I'm pretty sure we're friends on here, i posted a few pics so you can see the difference. But it's just of my nasty front! I did the LBL because i didn't want a flat front and a weird back. Hope all is well!

We aren't friends?!?! Ack, egads, what's up with that!?!  I will add you, would love to see your pics!  I am so glad you are doing ok.  I can't wait to be on that side of things.  I agree, I don't want a flat front and wierd back even though I don't have a ton of flab back there.. I want it all smooth if its gonna be done.  Can't wait to see your pics! Add me! Add me! ; )

I know whats up with that! You have been added.  I am very swollen but im sure it will  get better! Besides that i'm going back to work tomorrow, so 15 days later. But, i also just sit at a desk all day. :)

A year ago this week I had an LBL and it was the best plastic surgery I've had to date.  I started out wanting an extended TT (which insurance would cover) but was convinced by about half of the surgeons I consulted with that the LBL was the way to go.  And it was!  I paid $15K for everything (in California, which is expensive).  My drains were out in two weeks and then I went back to work.  I have a desk job so I can't advise you about nursing work but I know that I had abdominal soreness for about a month.  I could not lift for six weeks (exercise restriction).  Good Luck!