Question:
Any free reconstructive or nonsurgical for loose skin?

I'm 2+ post-op and although I'm extremely happy with my weight loss (210 lbs) and have lose pretty much all I want to lose, I'm having a really hard time reconciling myself to all the extra skin baggage. It's the middle of summer and the only clothes I don't feel embarrassed going out in are at least 3/4 length sleeve shirts and pants below the knees. Just forget about bathing suit. However, I don't feel I can afford plastic surgery. Nothing has been posted about plastic surgery in awhile and I was wondering if anyone knows of any way to get free or greatly reduced plastic surgery by a reputable physician, or does anyone know of any alternative way to reduce the sags and bags? Any info would be greatly appreciated.    — skileysc (posted on June 8, 2008)


June 8, 2008
I was told by a nurse that you can offer to donate your loose skin to a burn center and in exchange for it, the burn center will give you the plastic surgery.
   — bfd-234most

June 8, 2008
I don't have any suggestions about free or reduced plastic surgery, however, have you tried to have it approved by your health insurance as being medically necessary? If your surgeon takes pictures, if you have any yeast infections under the loose skin and submit to your insurance (if it is not a plan exclusion), you might have a chance as your weight loss has been TREMENDOUS!!! It might be worth a try. You can also get medical capital one credit cards for plastic surgery. Your plastic surgeon may (slim chance) have a payment plan. Check out all aspects and/or avenues to get you want and need. Congratulations on your amazing weight loss success and good luck on your plastics. Dawn Vickers, RN, BLC
   — DawnVic

June 8, 2008
I had a panniculectomy and my insurance paid for it and along with a breast reduction and lift. I have alot of yeast infections and have all the documention with pictures. That was the best thing I ever did. I would also tru to get a job at a good plastic surgeon and see if they give a good discount. It would not hurt.
   — [Deactivated Member]

June 8, 2008
as far a free, I am sure even if u donate your skin they wont do it for free....i had a tummy tuck 12 weeks ago and my arms(bat wings) and under eyes done 2 1/2 weeks ago...I went to a teaching hospital (Yale, New Haven, CT) and the price is basically 1/2...they did a fabulous job and I am thrilled at the outcome...good luck to you
   — Rosemarie D.

June 9, 2008
I don't know about free and I have heard about donating skin to burn units, not so sure about free though. There is also a network of doctors called Doctors Say Yes and a website under the same name doctorssayyes.com who will do plastic surgery and turn no one away and you can make low monthly payments. Hope this helps.
   — PAWLLA L.

June 9, 2008
I don't know about free and I have heard about donating skin to burn units, not so sure about free though. There is also a network of doctors called Doctors Say Yes and a website under the same name doctorssayyes.com who will do plastic surgery and turn no one away and you can make low monthly payments. Hope this helps.
   — PAWLLA L.

June 9, 2008
The burn center is a real option, but you are going to have to hunt them up on the interenet and call and find out the director's name. The write a personal letter offering your skin for a burn victum. They may not harvest it all at the same time is the problem. However, I understand they will take waht you want to give first. You will need to let them know your blood type in the letter and have a close freind take some digital pictures that you can send. I would streach the skin out for the photo's and print them out so you can enclosed them for the director to see if he can use what you have to offer.
   — William (Bill) wmil

June 9, 2008
I'm only 8 months out, but have losed over 130 pounds.......I am in the process of looking for CS, even though I have a bout a year before I can even startgetting serious. Has anyone though about an organization lobby the Insurances companies to make CS part of WLS? I'm sure there are DRs. and Associations and websites such as OH that could be of a GREAT help? Just a thought
   — CMFitzpatrick

June 10, 2008
Although someone quite some time ago wrote that she had found a program that would take skin donations, according to transweb.org (which is a website organized to help facilitate organ donations), skin donations are just not feasible. Basically, the skin loses much of its ability to regrow, and the cost of sanitizing and preserving far outweighs its value as a bandage.
   — SteveColarossi

June 11, 2008
I just want to thank you all of you who gave answers to my post. They have all been very helpful. :)
   — skileysc




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