Where do you start?

IVANinNJ · July 30, 2005

How does the whole cosmetic surgery thing work? Do you find a surgeon by word of mouth? Do they do the free seminar routine like the bariatric guys?

Since it's so rare that insurance pays, Do we go to few different surgeons and get price quotes?

I know I have about a year or more until I need to worry about this, but I am really curious, and would like to do some research while I am sitting around melting away

Thanks!

I'llsucceed · July 31, 2005

I have never heard of any plastic surgeon giving a free seminar. You should begin if possible by asking friends that may help you by recommending local Doctors that they have used. It is always important to see thier work in person- not just off of photos. Ask to talk with thier past patients if they don't mind speaking to you. If that isn't an option then call the local hospital in the area & find out who their chief of staff is in the plastic surgery department. Ask them who is the most requested Doctor & why? I researched over 7 Doctors prior to having my eyes & chin(lipo) done. It will usually ALWAYS cost a consult fee of $100 to $200 dollars just to talk to a good surgeon. So have your questions written & ready. Time will be money. Some cases will be covered by insurance most will not. Just remember that it is probably the most important interview you'll go through when you speak with these Doctors- so take your time & be prepared. Most of all Do NOT choose because of price. If you can't afford the Doctor you really want -wait till you can or even better see if there may be a paymant program available, you might get lucky. Good Luck

NJChick · August 1, 2005

Hi,

A friend of mine who was 500+ lbs and is now 225 due to surgery told me that insurance will not cover "cosmetic" surgery unless it is medically necessary. Anotherwords, for her, the loose skin would create sores inbetween the folds and she would get infections if she wasn't careful. If you can get your doctor to document stuff like this, your insurance might pick it up.

Hope this helps.

NJC

GeezerSue · August 7, 2005

It will usually ALWAYS cost a consult fee of $100 to $200 dollars just to talk to a good surgeon.

Not always.

If you have a MEDICAL reason...you need a breast reduction, for example...or the hanging pannus that was the result of your losing weight is causing intertrigo (and you've been going to the doctor and documenting that you are trying more conservative approaches) and backaches (and you have gone to the chiropractor to document that the hanging pannus is the cause of the problem), then you will likely just have to pay what you pay to go to any other specialist. (My daughter and I have different insurances. She had a BR...no WLS was involved...and she paid about $50. I pay a $35 co-pay with anay specialist, including the PS.)

BTW, I had both the panniculectomy/abdominoplasty and the abdominoplasty/breast reduction while MO and insurance paid. If I lose a hundred more pounds and need another surgery, I'll get another surgery and insurance will likely pay again. But I needed it and got it.

I'llsucceed · August 7, 2005

GeezerSue-- Your right IF its medically necessary. I was talking about elective surgeries. Like my Lipo & chin & eyes that I mentioned. After all my intial interviews I spent nearly $500.00 Just to see & talk to the top surgeons.