Questions to ask Plastic Surgeon
spfldpam
Posts: 738 Member
I have a plastic surgery consult appointment the end of this month. I wondered what questions should I ask? I want to have a list ready. For those that have went throught plastics after WLS what are some good quesitons to ask? I will be self pay if I go through with any plastic surgery so I am not for sure if it will even happen! My upper arms bother me the most so that would be the first surgery I would want to have done. I have and old 401K I never rolled over just sitting there I guess I could use! I didn't think the loose skin would bother me but it does not that I have lost 146 pounds. I have worked out alot but I don't think it is gonna work miracles! Thanks for your input!
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recovery time
, proposed results,
have you worked on post op patients,
how many times,
may i talk with past patients0 -
my first consult with the plastic surgeon is Friday.... I am ready, I think...... Can I afford it? will it really do what I think it will?
Is 62 too old? what will people think? I never expect to wear a bikini, I have not worn sleeveless for years,
Why do I want it, tired of looking pregnant. Even with 122 pounds lost, and trying for 33 months to lose more, the surgeon says I am probably done losing and so recommended the plastic surgeon. The endocrinologist referred me, to help me end the &#$@** reoccurring, almost constant, and no longer responding to treatment, yeast issues.
Thanks for the good questions. It seems everyone will talk about the bariatric surgery, but not much talk or discussion on this.0 -
Bump
I'm four years out from RNY and have lost and maintained a loss of 201 pounds. I am also very interested in what others might have to add!0 -
I had my arms done first (15 months post-RNY) because they were inexpensive to fix and I could hide the rest with shapewear. I had a lower body lift/breast lift when I was about 3 years post-RNY. Ask to see before/after pics. I would check where they place their incisions for their abdominoplasties/lower body lifts. I wanted mine low. Some surgeons place them way up high, which also raises your pubic hair line which is weird looking. Also check belly buttons. I wanted a great looking belly button. Some surgeons do not know how to do them so they end up flat and weird looking. I wanted to feel "normal" again. I went with a surgeon who has extensive experience with bariatric patients. That is important because our skin is just different.0
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I would agree yours are good questions! I had very similar concerns re belly button and incision placement. One thing I never did however was my arms, yours look so good in your pic! I had heard that the recovery is hard for the arms and so never did mine. Would you do it again?0
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Let us know how your first consult when today ok?
Thanks!my first consult with the plastic surgeon is Friday.... I am ready, I think...... Can I afford it? will it really do what I think it will?
Is 62 too old? what will people think? I never expect to wear a bikini, I have not worn sleeveless for years,
Why do I want it, tired of looking pregnant. Even with 122 pounds lost, and trying for 33 months to lose more, the surgeon says I am probably done losing and so recommended the plastic surgeon. The endocrinologist referred me, to help me end the &#$@** reoccurring, almost constant, and no longer responding to treatment, yeast issues.
Thanks for the good questions. It seems everyone will talk about the bariatric surgery, but not much talk or discussion on this.0 -
Very important question is to ask about revisions. Sometimes things don't go as planed and you may need a revision-ask if it's covered by him/her or if you'll have to pay. I had three revisions on my breast reduction and it took two surgeons. The last surgeon had to do thee revisions to fix my boobs after the first one. I don't say this to scare you but it's a possibility. Bodies do what they want to when they heal. I knew a woman who had the same surgeon as I did (the first one) and had wonderful results. I am very happy with my breasts and the tummy tuck. I would go through all of it again in a heart beat. I had another friend that her surgeon gave a one year warranty.0
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My appointment went very well with the plastic surgeon. His practice specializes in post weight loss patients and my referral came from three other physicians and surgeons. Looks like surgery will be early fall. I am excited. His presentation and examination was wonderful,, really listening to my expectation and what he believes he can make reality. He accepts no patients without referral, no patient that has not reached their surgeons goal weight, your weight must be stable for a minimum of 24 months, and your current diet is examined to make sure you are a good candidate for recovery. No smoking, no al hoop, all labs must be normal, and current exercise documented Wow! But I am good to go::blushing: Now to up my exercise and protein even more for the next 6 weeks0
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So what are you having done???0
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I assume this is for me. Thanks. I would do my arms again in a heartbeat. The recovery was not bad. First 3 days were tough, but I felt good by day 10. My lower body lift was 10 times as bad.One thing I never did however was my arms, yours look so good in your pic! I had heard that the recovery is hard for the arms and so never did mine. Would you do it again?0 -
I will be having a tummy tuck and paniculectomy. My arms will be the reminder of where I never want to return too, and as the surgeon said, you have a very flat posterior. He thinks I will be well satisfied and that clothing will fit better.0
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Glad your appointment went good and you are going to have this done this fall.
My appointment is a week from today. I am still working on questions to ask and have added all the information you have all mentioned here too. The surgeon is experience with WLS paitents since I was referred through my WLS program through the Bari Plastics appointment. You have to get a referral from the WLS to get into the bari plastics. You have to be smoke/alcohol/caffine free, all labs done were good, kept all post op appointments and lab work appointments, maintained weight loss and been at goal for at least 3 months and followed all their WLS program rules. Team approved to be referred to the bari plastics program meaning the WLS program surgeon, pysch, nut and Physical therapist all agree you are a good candidate and have followed the rules post op to be referred.
I am looking forward to the appointment. I think if I do have anything done my upper arms will be first. I would like to have boobs done also along with tummy and butt and upper thighs but that will cost alot of money. I have a price list of what the procedures cost and I will have to be self pay since my health insurance will not cover it at all. My car will be paid off by Nov of this year so I might be making plastic surgeon payments then I guess or cashing in a 401K I haven't rolled over! I know I won't win the lottery cause I don't even play! LOL!My appointment went very well with the plastic surgeon. His practice specializes in post weight loss patients and my referral came from three other physicians and surgeons. Looks like surgery will be early fall. I am excited. His presentation and examination was wonderful,, really listening to my expectation and what he believes he can make reality. He accepts no patients without referral, no patient that has not reached their surgeons goal weight, your weight must be stable for a minimum of 24 months, and your current diet is examined to make sure you are a good candidate for recovery. No smoking, no al hoop, all labs must be normal, and current exercise documented Wow! But I am good to go::blushing: Now to up my exercise and protein even more for the next 6 weeks0 -
I want my arms done. The tummy I can cover. How much does it cost for the arms?0
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Plastic surgery prices: This is the list of prices for the procedures at the Bari Plastics program in my town if you are a WLS patient and have been referred to that program
Bilateral Mastopexy (2 breast lifts) $6692
Bilateral Agumentation Mammoplasty/Mastopexy with implants $12,098
Bilateral Augmentation Mamoplasty with implants $6566
Barchioplasty (Bilateral Arms) $6232
Body Contouring:
Abdomnioplasty: $8052
Thigh lift: $6892
Hip/buttock lift: $6292
Mini face lift $6327
Full face lift $9389
The above prices are estimates and could change. The price includes the surgery fees for the surgeon, anesthesia and hospital charges (including 23 hour observation stay if needed). If a hospital stay is longer than 23 hours there is an additional $450 charge per night for this. What do you think of these prices? I know you can get it done cheaper in Mexcio doing medical tourism but that stuff kinda scares me. This program is familar with WLS people and their skin and are experienced at working with them on plastic surgery.
I added up if had my upper arms, boobs, tummy, upper thighs and hip/butt done and it would cost me $34,034! UGH! They will combine procedures up to 2 as long as you arent' knocked out for longer than 7 hours also. I would be self pay as my insurance wouldn't pay for any plastics. I have to get a hernia repaired that they found along with the hital hernia they did repair when they did my sleeve so I would have the hernia repaired too if I did have any plastics done. This might save me some $, maybe!0 -
Here are my notes I took from my Plastic surgery consult appointment yesterday. Sorry it's long but I had alot of quesitons!
Plastic Surgeon Consultation 7/29/13 3-4:15pm
Plastic surgery prices: This is the list of prices for the procedures at the Bari Plastics program in my town if you are a WLS patient and have been referred to that program
Bilateral Mastopexy (2 breast lifts) $6692
Bilateral Augmentation Mammoplasty/Mastopexy with implants $12,098
Bilateral Augmentation Mamoplasty with implants $6566
Barchioplasty (Bilateral Arms) $6232
Body Contouring:
Abdomnioplasty: $8052
Thigh lift: $6892
Hip/buttock lift: $6292
Mini face lift $6327
Full face lift $9389
The price includes the surgery fees for the surgeon, anesthesia and hospital charges (including 23 hour observation stay if needed). If a hospital stay is longer than 23 hours there is an additional $450 charge per night for this.
How many times have you done plastic surgery on former WLS patients?-10-15 people a year
How many years?-11 plus years
Ask to see before/after pics of patients of my size/frame that lost the amount of weight I have to see results?
Go to Springfield Clinic of Plastic Surgery to see pics.
How long should I wait till I have first procedure? 12-18 months after reaching my personal weight loss goal since weight/fat move around still that long after reaching my goal?
As long as I am at my weight I am happy with and have maintained that weight for 3 months plastic surgery can be done now.
Does abdominoplasty include paniculumectomy?-Yes
Panniculectomy vs tummy tuck vs. fleur de lis Tummy Tuck what is the difference and do they offer all these here?-Yes all offered here but tummy tuck or fleur de lis Tummy Tuck would be best for me. Dr. thinks the fleur de lis might be done for better results. Might do a circumferential tummy lift.
What is the difference between a Bilateral Mastopexy (2 breast lifts) $6692 Just a lift
Bilateral Agumentation Mammoplasty/Mastopexy with implants $12,098 Lift with Implants
Bilateral Augmentation Mamoplasty with implants $6566 Implants only, no lift
He thinks I need both, would do lift first and later do the implants.
Complications and rate of complications?-Not a smooth incision line when healed, Unfavorable scaring, fluid collection, wound opening up, dog ears-These don’t happen a lot but can happen. It won’t be perfect, they try to make it look perfect but there will still be unsmooth lines with the scaring.
Proposed results? Where would incisions be on these procedures?-upper arm-This could be done in combo first surgery since it bothers me the most. Incision would be in inner arm. Would be able to take all loose skin off from under armpit to right at elbow area.
Boobs-This could be done with upper arm surgery in combo surgery. Would just do a breast lift now and do implants later. Incision might be above breast or at nipple and down the center of breast.
Tummy- fleur de lis Tummy Tuck might be best for me or he could do just tummy tuck but would make sure to tighten up ab muscles under tummy or he might do a circumferential tummy lift. Part of surgery combo 2 with hip butt lift. If does a circumferential tummy lift would also lift upper back area too. Incision would be on bikini line and possible an incision up and down too if fleur de lis was done.
hip/butt-Butt would still be flat but wouldn’t be wrinkled would be done with surgery combo with tummy surgery. This would also help with loose skin around lower back area by waist line also. Incision would be along waist line.
upper thighs-Incision would be at leg line would be part of surgery combo 3 with breast implant surgery.
Implants-Would be done separately from breast lift and part of surgery combo 3 with upper thigh surgery. Incision would be along nipple and down center of breast
Will you need liposuction in addition to the skin tightening? Surgeon didn’t think it would help me any so no lipo would be done. It usually doesn’t last that long is why he doesn’t see at as doing it on me.
Drains how many/how long in?
upper arms-2 in each arm/1-2 weeks left in
boobs-no drains for lift or implant surgeries
tummy-2 drains/1-2 weeks left in
upper thighs-2 drains in each leg/1-2 weeks left in
hip/butt-Forgot to ask but probably 2 drains and left in 1-2 weeks
Recovery time? I have a desk job how much time would I have to take off for diff procedures?
Boobs, tummy, upper thighs, hip/butt-Since I have a desk job probably 2 ½ weeks. Have surgery on a Wed and then go back to work in 2 ½ weeks.
Is a pain ball an option for post-op pain? No not usually with his practice or at Memorial Hospital
How many lbs of skin does he think he can remove?-Not as much as you would think, maybe a total of 5 pounds if all procedures were done. Tummy 3 lbs, Back 1 lb, arms 2 lbs, just estimation.
Does he recommend compression garments? If so, do they provide them to you in cost work up or do you have to pay for them? Special wraps/binders/Vest/sleeves are given to the person after surgery is done and you were those home and keep wearing them and are part of the cost work out. Eventually he would send me to Macy to buy Spanx or that type of compression garments to wear for 6-8 weeks after different areas of surgery that I would have to purchase on my own.
Very important question is to ask about revisions. Sometimes things don't go as planned and you may need a revision-ask if it's covered by him/her or if you'll have to pay. What if I lose weight after Plastics will revision need to be done? How often do revisions occur with your patients? If revision is done he usually will do it when he is doing another combo surgery of mine. Sometimes an additional cost but it depends. Revisions sometimes happen. Depends on the person and their skin and how it heals up.
Lifting restrictions/working out restrictions, how long?-6-8 weeks for most surgeries. Walking can begin right away but weight lifting and stuff like that has to wait till 8 weeks. Water exercise could start in 3 weeks depending on the activity level.
I have a hernia that needs repaired could this be done at same time and save money if my insurance would pay for that part of it?-Yes it could either Hammer/Icazza could do it or even he could do it when the tummy area is worked on.
How do they go about that with the bill? -My insurance would be billed surgeons time on the bill that would go to my insurance co.
Does your office take care credit?-No
financing options?-At this time, none but they are working on some. He doesn’t know what Memorial Bari Plastics programs offers for financing options so I would need to call them to see if they have any.
Is excess skin donated to Memorial Burn Unit? Discounted cost for this?-No, they use cadaver skin. No most hospitals don’t do this anymore. No discounts either.
23 hour observation stay also included in cost so do you usually go in and stay overnight or come in early in the morning have surgery and leave that night?-The observation stay time doesn’t start till after the surgery has occurred and you are admitted to the hospital
Can your office check to see if my insurance would cover any plastic procedures? I have tried to look it up but gotten no luck since it’s a new insurance is why I ask. -In his experience, most if not all insurance companies will not cover these procedures I am thinking about because it is cosmetic type surgery with no medical advantage to having them done.
Lab work, EKG, Chest xray are all include in Memorial Bari Plastics Quotes also so price is all inclusive unless have to stay longer in hospital.
Complications and costs-many times they have been able to get the person health insurance to pay for the cost of bills if complications. He said to not quote him on this but usually they can get insurance to pay for this.
Surgery 1:
Bilateral Mastopexy (2 breast lifts) $6692
Barchioplasty (Bilateral Arms) $6232
Estimated cost total $12,924
Surgery 2:
Abdomnioplasty $8052
Hip/buttock lift $6292
Estimated cost total $14,344
Surgery 3:
Thigh lift $6892
Bilateral Augmentation Mamoplasty with implants $6566
Estimated cost total $13,458
Total cost of all surgeries $40,726
Right now I am waiting to hear from the Bari Plastics group to get the "firm" prices since these are just estimates. Last night I got to thinking and was thinking of having my upper arms done and tummy done first. Those two areas bother me the most so if I only had one combo surgery that would be it, if they would combo those two areas.
Has anyone had upper arms and tummy done at same time?0
