To tummy tuck or not to tummy tuck... - ThinnerTimes

rebelg66 · 07-20-2006, 05:31 PM

Well I got clarification on what my ins. will cover and I was totally mistaken in what I thought. What I have found out now is that my ins will cover the cost of a panectomy (sp*). That is basically the removal of the excess skin that over hangs down and is loose. It does not include the tightening of the muscles or skin or the liposuction which is called an abdominoplasty (which if I get it done will cost approx. $5,000). When discussing this all with the authorization person in the plastic surgeons office she said that from all of her experience with anyone that has had the panectomy done they are very unhappy with it. I asked her if the surgeon there would do the panectomy and she said no because he felt it was only doing half the job and he is too much of a perfectionist. She said the scar could be horribly big and may go all the way across my body. The incision closure may not be lined up properly or could still have loose skin. I asked her if she knew of any other plastic surgeons that did the panectomy and she said that she did not and that I should consult with a general surgeon. I am concerned with going to a gen. surgeon because they aren't specially trained in closing the incision to make it look good.
My question I am throwing out there for any and all to reply is... Has anyone out there had a simple panectomy and are they happy with it? Have you seen any pictures of anyone that has had one and did it look ok. It doesn't have to be perfect, just workable. Can anyone direct me to a site that has pictures of panectomy patients?
Help PLEASE! I am at a loss now because my ins will cover this but if it is horribly scaring and will make me look like a freak it may be worth it to see if I can make payments to the surgeon until it is all paid up and then get the full tummy tuck/abdominoplasty done. It would take me a couple of years to pay him, but I might be willing to go that way rather than look horribly disfigured.
Any thoughts or suggestions would be GREATLY appreciated!
Thanks all!

rainrain · 07-20-2006, 06:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rebelg66

Well I got clarification on what my ins. will cover and I was totally mistaken in what I thought. What I have found out now is that my ins will cover the cost of a panectomy (sp*). That is basically the removal of the excess skin that over hangs down and is loose. It does not include the tightening of the muscles or skin or the liposuction which is called an abdominoplasty (which if I get it done will cost approx. $5,000). When discussing this all with the authorization person in the plastic surgeons office she said that from all of her experience with anyone that has had the panectomy done they are very unhappy with it. I asked her if the surgeon there would do the panectomy and she said no because he felt it was only doing half the job and he is too much of a perfectionist. She said the scar could be horribly big and may go all the way across my body. The incision closure may not be lined up properly or could still have loose skin. I asked her if she knew of any other plastic surgeons that did the panectomy and she said that she did not and that I should consult with a general surgeon. I am concerned with going to a gen. surgeon because they aren't specially trained in closing the incision to make it look good.
My question I am throwing out there for any and all to reply is... Has anyone out there had a simple panectomy and are they happy with it? Have you seen any pictures of anyone that has had one and did it look ok. It doesn't have to be perfect, just workable. Can anyone direct me to a site that has pictures of panectomy patients?
Help PLEASE! I am at a loss now because my ins will cover this but if it is horribly scaring and will make me look like a freak it may be worth it to see if I can make payments to the surgeon until it is all paid up and then get the full tummy tuck/abdominoplasty done. It would take me a couple of years to pay him, but I might be willing to go that way rather than look horribly disfigured.
Any thoughts or suggestions would be GREATLY appreciated!
Thanks all!

The information you recieved is very acurate. I also had to make that same choice as my insurance covered the panuectomy.
I chose to go all the way and get the abdominalplasty and I am thrilled to say the least!! Yes, it was expensive, I also had him go around to get the love handles. My price tag was 10k. But, to me, it was worth it. I would love to see the results of the questions you present and see who has had panectumy and are happy. Maybe I will regret forking out so much money. On the other hand I can bounce a quarter of it.
Also keep in mind the part of the belly under the breast, by the under the ribs. I have seen that remain saggy after tummy tucks. You may want to confirm what he will do for that. Mine is very tight and I really like not having that fold over when I sit down.

Good luck, I'll be watching for replies.
Rain

veroniquetalk · 07-20-2006, 08:16 PM

Is it possible that you could have your insurance pay for the panniculectomy and then you pay for the difference in the cost of having the surgeon do the full tummy tuck?
I had a tummy tuck and LOVE LOVE LOVE it!

rebelg66 · 07-20-2006, 08:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by veroniquetalk

Is it possible that you could have your insurance pay for the panniculectomy and then you pay for the difference in the cost of having the surgeon do the full tummy tuck?
I had a tummy tuck and LOVE LOVE LOVE it!

The $5,000 I mentioned in my orig. post is the difference in the cost of what my ins. covers and what I would owe out of pocket. Thanks for the thought though!

audean · 07-20-2006, 09:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by veroniquetalk

Is it possible that you could have your insurance pay for the panniculectomy and then you pay for the difference in the cost of having the surgeon do the full tummy tuck?
I had a tummy tuck and LOVE LOVE LOVE it!

Hi Veronica,

Are you still losing weight ?? I started out at the same weight as you and am losing pretty slowly. How long did it take you to reach goal ?? Next year this time I hope to be looking into a tummy tuck and a breast lift.

sdgrrl · 07-21-2006, 12:53 AM

I self paid for mine, no insurance coverage, but I got a good deal--I got an abdominoplasty and a mastopexy (boob lift) for $9500 for both. He was an EXCELLENT surgeon with a wonderful personality--compassionate--he came into his office on Thanksgiving morning and drained 120cc's of seroma because it would have grown too much if I had gone the whole weekend. His name is William Umansky and he has a surgery center in LaJolla. I thought he was really great and wouldn't hesitate to use him if I ever had ps again. His staff is very skilled, also.

veroniquetalk · 07-21-2006, 08:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rebelg66

The $5,000 I mentioned in my orig. post is the difference in the cost of what my ins. covers and what I would owe out of pocket. Thanks for the thought though!

Wow- that's a lot for the difference in the two surgeries.

veroniquetalk · 07-21-2006, 08:22 AM

I am still losing - although very slowly. I am averaging about a pound a month now. It took me about 5 months to get to my goal which was 155, however, my body decided it wanted to weigh less than that and I am now at 127-129 most days. I am happy with that although my breasts and butt were a lot more firm at 155. I am hoping that with exercise I can firm them up a bit.
You are well on your way to making your goal and will love it if you have a tummy tuck!

rebelg66 · 07-21-2006, 01:04 PM

Well I did some research on the panniculectomy and looked at a couple of pictures of before and after. Those people had not lost a lot of weight though and it was listed that they did it for back pain and other reasons like infections. So it didn't look great, but I think if I can get a plastic surgeon to do it they might be able to get at least the over hang of skin off and make it somewhat flat and not too horrible looking.
I am also thinking about calling and seeing if I can talk to the plastic surgeon I have already seen, that wanted the additional $5,000 and maybe if I talk to him and explain my circumstances and concerns about it he might be able to go ahead and do the panniculectomy. It is worth a try... And all he can say is no~or more hopefully yes.
I am just not in a position right now to be able to pay that much money for the extra. I am thinking maybe I can get the rest done down the road some if my financial circumstances change any.
I am still interested if anyone out there has had a simple panniculectomy and how it worked out for them.

Cinerbelle · 07-21-2006, 01:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sdgrrl

I self paid for mine, no insurance coverage, but I got a good deal--I got an abdominoplasty and a mastopexy (boob lift) for $9500 for both. He was an EXCELLENT surgeon with a wonderful personality--compassionate--he came into his office on Thanksgiving morning and drained 120cc's of seroma because it would have grown too much if I had gone the whole weekend. His name is William Umansky and he has a surgery center in LaJolla. I thought he was really great and wouldn't hesitate to use him if I ever had ps again. His staff is very skilled, also.

Sounds like you got a great deal from your surgeon. I am going to copy his info down for future reference. BTW - Your new avatar is beautiful.