Self-pay Tummy reduction-is it worth it?

I would like to hear from those who have paid for their own tummy reduction surgery--to get an idea of what it actually costs and is it worth it? How many pounds of fat can be safely removed and is it all done at once or over several sessions?  Have you gained weight back where the fat was removed?  What about fat in the inner thighs? What are the dangers? Thanks!

I had an anchor cut tummy tuck on 9/28/2007. I'm extremely please with the results. The plastic surgeon cut 11 pounds off of my belly. I went from a size 14 to a size 10. Pics on my profile. The cost of my procedure was $9,241. It was worth every penny. There are some minor benefits to the thighs, but my pannus was hiding the worst part of my thighs. So now that the belly is gone I can see my thighs. And I don't like them, but I can live with them for now. There is always risk associated with surgery and general anthesia. There are also risks of wound healing issues and infection. Belinda

I self-paid for my tummy tuck, breast augmentation, and breast lift two years ago.  And yes it was so worth it.  I did all three things in one surgery.  And it cost me 9,256.00.  I would do it again in a heart beat.  Good luck. 

I just had my tummy tuck and arm lift. I'd do it again in a heartbeat. I should've asked how much skin they removed from my stomach. Mine was definitely more on the "cosmetic side" rather than the "medically necessary side" though. You can see my before and after pics in my profile. I think it cost around $11k with the hospital fees to have both procedures done. The tummy tuck was only around $3k for the doctor's fee (he talked me into it during my consult and gave me a good bargain).

There's a great group of people on the Plastic Surgery message boards here on OH that you might want to talk to.

I had a brachioplasty (arms), breast lift with implants and anchor cut abdominoplasty all at one time, cost of $17,260.  I won't say I have no regrets but overall I'm very happy with the results.  I do wish I'd of gone with smaller implants or possibly no implants, I'm a full D and really wanted a full C cup.  I'd like to have my thighs done but not sure if I'll ever have them done due to higher chances of complications and the amount of work time off I'll need for recovery.  Dangers, as with any surgery there are chances of complications, I took the changes and had minor problems......I had to have my tummy aspirated for fluid build up, no biggie but it was gross, lol.  I also had to have my lift revised as the implants fell some. Even with these things happening I'd do all of the surgeries again if needed, removing the excess skin and having breast again has increased my self-esteem tremendously. Good luck in whatever you choose to do.

I just did a self-pay lower body lift and my arms done last month.  I had 10 lbs of skin/residual fat removed from my middle and almost a pound from eat arm.  It was done in one surgery.  I went to Mexico.  Total cost including surgery, airfare, and hotel was around $10.5k.  There are a lot of things that could go wrong if you pick the wrong facility/surgeon.  I've blogged my entire plastics experience and have before/after pictures on my profile.  I even have some naked bumm pictures on a friend's only entry.  If you wanna see them, just ask to be my friend.  I don't mind people looking at them, just don't want them available to non-members of OH.

Terri and everyone *****plied; Thank you all! I live in the Cleveland Ohio area and would especially like to hear of excellent plastic surgeons here. You have all been very generous in sharing your experiences.  I am a bit nervous about going for this surgery.Despite the Roux-En-Y and all the hard work of taking off the weight, the final flab on the abdomen just isn't going to leave by dieting or exercise at my age. I did not have any skin infections or anything that would warrant insurance covering this-just constant back pain. Ladies I appreciate your help! God Bless.

Oh, tummy tucks are really worth it. I had mine 7 years ago. After RNY, I have lost 1/2 of my excess weight. My tummy is flat now. Looks good!!