Question:
I keep reading about post-op plastic surgeries,but it seems so expensive.
How are people affording it? — Elizabeth N. (posted on July 30, 2002)
July 30, 2002
Not everyone is having plastic surgery. Some people don't need it, and
others (like myself) can't afford it and their insurance doesn't cover it.
Most insurances are very strict about what they will cover, if anything.
Also, there are all kinds of income level folks on this site. Some people
CAN afford to pay out of pocket. Some people take out loans or sell things
like cars, or cash in 401ks. But far more people are having the surgery
than having reconstructive afterwards.
— [Deactivated Member]
July 30, 2002
Sometimes if you can get a one procedure covered (like a panni), then a
surgeon will add another procedure that is not covered at a minimal charge
to you (since insurance is already covering the majority of the cost).
— mom2jtx3
July 30, 2002
Hi,
If you are considering "reconstructive" - note not plastic or
cosmetic -surgery it is best to start working on insurance approval right
from the beginning. Start by telling your PCP and surgeon any complaints
you may have and tell them at every follow up appointment so it is
documented in your chart...what are the complaints? back pain from large
sagging breasts, difficulty shaving arm pits because of excess skin, can't
find clothes that fit because arms are too large for the smaller size
torso, rashes, boils, yeast infections or a disgusting odor under folds of
skin in breast and panni areas, difficulty cleaning pubic area because of
folds of skin, sore skin from flabby thighs rubbing together. Find a
plastic surgeon who does alot of post bariatric surgery patients...they
will know what strings to pull with the insurance companies to get more
things covered. I am in the process of waiting for the insurance company
right now...I have a small hernia so I know the tummy tuck will be covered
where any extra liposuction will not but that will be a small out of pocket
expense compared to everything else and since the insurance company will
pay for everything else ( hospital room, operating fees, anethesia etc.) I
will only have to pay the added costs of lipo. Lastly start saving
now...clip coupons, stretch that food budget...what you spent on junk food
before should go for healthy food now and the left overs into the plastic
surgery cookie jar - and if you decide you don;t need additional surgery
then you have a great vacatioln fund started! Good luck! Diane
— Diane Z.
July 30, 2002
I agree with the other posters about either saving or finding an insurance
company that will pay. Most will pay if medically necessary--be careful
how you word things, never ever say plastic or cosmetic! We have a huge
glass jar that stands about 2 feet tall--we put all of our change in this
jar everyday--you'd be surprised how much money will fit in that jar! We
have over $200 saved for either a vacation or my child's college (in about
16-17 years!)!!!
— jenn2002
July 30, 2002
Elizabeth, people tend to find a way to make things happen that are
important to them. Scrimping, saving, loans, credit card debt, anything.
Not just for plastic surgery but also for the WLS itself. There are lots
of people out here like myself who have no insurance and definitely are NOT
wealthy. Not everyone thinks highly of the idea, but traveling outside the
US for the RNY, Band, or plastic surgeries can save you a lot of money and
may make it more attainable.
— Shelly S.
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